Toyota to secure nearly 20,000 ventilators for Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: Medical ventilators are an essential piece of equipment in the fight against coronavirus. And the supply is not meeting the current global demand. Therefore, governments around the world are eyeing for help, and the auto industry with its industrial capabilities is one of them.

The same goes for Japan as well, where the PM Abe has turned to Toyota for help. A state of emergency has been declared in the country that affects prefectures of Osaka and Hyogo in Kansai, the four prefectures of Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, and the prefecture of Fukuoka in Kyushu.

As of April 8, the total number of confirmed cases in Japan soared to over 4,700. With the figures rising, the Japanese government is scrambling to secure more ventilators to expand its current stock of 8000 units. The PM said that 15,000 more units would be sourced from domestic and foreign suppliers. As for Toyota, Abe confirmed that the auto brand would work to secure around 20,000 ventilators.

In a TV Tokyo broadcast, Abe said, "Toyota and other firms have agreed to cooperate in regard to the manufacturing."

Further, Toyota also released an official statement that read -

"In response to a request from the Japanese government made to Japanese automakers through the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) calling for an increase in production of medical equipment including ventilators, Toyota is working with medical equipment manufacturers to determine if its know-how of the Toyota Production System (TPS) can be utilized to help improve productivity. To do so, the company is creating a TPS support team, centering around Toyota Motor Corporation, and will immediately dispatch them to companies struggling to rapidly increase production of medical equipment. Currently, the company is coordinating with relevant parties including manufacturers on specific measures."

The world health care system at the moment is adversely affected by the shortage of personal protective equipment and medical supplies.

The Japanese automaker will manufacture injection mold and 3D-printed face shiels in its Teiho factory. According to Toyota, it is preparing to make 500 to 600 units per week of both the supplies.

Last week, Toyota announced the production of face masks and face shield in its US-based factories that will be donated to hospitals around the country.

Also Read: GM to deliver 1.5 million face masks per month