VW Responds to Japan's Cry for Help

Almost two weeks have passed since the Japanese devastating quake and tsunami, but it appears there is no end to the drama which continues to unfold in the leveled cities on the northeastern coast of the country. Despite the billions of dollars, countless man hours of work and the multitude of international teams participating in the rescue efforts, Japan seems overwhelmed.

From all over the world, auto makers have announced in the past 10 days considerable financial support for various humanitarian organizations that have deployed teams in the area, showing, once again, that despite the competition on the market, borders disappear in times of need. From Germany, both Daimler and BMW have already announced donations for the Japanese relief effort.

Volkswagen, on the other hand, has kept pretty much quiet until this week, when it too decided to join the worldwide response and announced it would be giving EUR2 million to cause (EUR1 million for each of the Volkswagen and Audi brands).

Aside for the corporate support, this week Volkswagen will begin what it calls donation campaign organized for its workers. More details on the campaign (how it will be organized and what the employees will be able to raise for the cause) will be announced throughout the weeks.

“There is tremendous willingness within the Volkswagen Group to help the population of Japan, which has been affected so dramatically, especially in the North-East of the country. Every day, we receive emails from employees expressing great sympathy and a determination to assist people in Japan,” said Horst Neumann, Volkswagen member of the board for Human Resources.