Coronavirus impact: BMW India pledges Rs 3 crore to donate critical care equipment
BMW India announced that it is undertaking a number of measures to help authorities in their fight to control the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The company has pledged Rs 3 crore to this cause, via voluntary contributions from employees of BMW Group India, BMW Group Plant Chennai and BMW India Financial services.
The carmaker will help create an isolation ward at Government General Hospital, Chengalpattu near the firm's manufacturing facility. Critical care equipment and services will be provided to medical facilities, as well as Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for front-line medical personnel and law enforcement agencies. Measures will also be taken to provide nutrition for economically marginalised families. These initiatives will take place around Chennai and Delhi NCR.
BMW India employees have been working from home, in keeping with the lockdown, since March 23. Local
production at the plant has been stopped till May 3 although essential services such as security, facility management and the health centre continue to operate. Across BMW, Mini and BMW Motorrad dealerships, staff are working from home to provide services to customers, says BMW. Limited aftersales and breakdown services are being offered in keeping with government mandates while showrooms remain closed until the lockdown has been lifted.
Speaking of these measures, Rudratej Singh, president and CEO of BMW Group India said, "The Coronavirus pandemic presents a mammoth challenge to public health, industry, economy and business. Responsible action and sincere efforts are immensely crucial for minimising impact on human life, providing immediate relief to the underprivileged and reinforcing those engaged on the front line of this crisis. The most important need of the hour is to flatten the curve and ensure social distancing. It is a top priority and responsibility that we are taking very seriously. At the BMW Group, we have a strong culture and value system which has always stood the test of time. The resolve and commitment of our employees and dealer partners across India to fight this unprecedented threat to mankind is strong and undeterred. We will remain resilient and responsive."