Daimler Contributes EUR2 Million to Japan Relief

After on Thursday German auto maker BMW was the first European company from the automotive industry to announce a contribution to the worldwide efforts made to help Japan, the week ends with more global players joining and responding to the cries for help from the tsunami devastated country.

Daimler, one of the largest auto manufacturing groups in the world, announced today a donation of EUR2 million, double that made by BMW. The German group is not saying where it will direct the money, limiting itself at stating that they are to be used to help the victims of the quake and the tsunami.

“The consequences of the earthquake in Japan are still hard to comprehend. This is all the more reason for us to demonstrate our active solidarity with the people affected by making this donation,” Dieter Zetsche, Daimler chairman of the board said in a statement.

As does BMW, Daimler too has a sizeable operation in Japan. 13,000 employees work at its local Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation joint venture, at Mercedes-Benz Japan, as well as at Daimler Financial Services.

Daimler is not saying, so far, if it has decided to call back any of its German employees in Japan, due to fear of radiations. However, it did state that the financial aid would be backed, if needed, with material supplies and logistics.

The quake that damaged Japan last week has affected Daimler at an emotional level as well, as one of its most recent partners, Nissan, took a severe hit on March 11.