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The COVID-19 pandemic has created a crucial scarcity of supplies across the nation, leaving those who are helping battle the coronavirus without the protection and materials they need to keep themselves, their families and the people they serve safe. In these unprecedented times, many Team Penske partners have joined the relief efforts to aid those in need during this global crisis.

General Motors (GM) was one of the first automakers to commit idle assembly lines to the fight against COVID-19. On April 8, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded GM a $489 million contract to deliver 30,000 ventilators by the end of August. The first shipment was delivered to Chicagoland area hospitals with an additional 600 being shipped to additional locations. GM CEO Mary Barra was recognized on Fortune’s “World’s 25 Greatest Leaders: Heroes of the Pandemic” as a result of the company’s efforts.

GM also transitioned its ISO Class-8 equivalent Cleanroom in Warren, Mich. to producing personal protective equipment (PPE) masks. GM has already delivered over 20,000 masks and is now producing 50,000 masks per day. To accelerate the availability of masks, GM shared its production plans with the Michigan Manufacturers Association, an organization with nearly 1,700 companies across all industries, to accelerate efforts and get more masks to those on the frontline.

Hitachi company, JR Automation, has been working with GM and other manufacturers to provide automated systems that are engineered and built to manufacture essential protective equipment and medical devices such as N95 masks, gowns, gloves, hospital beds, diagnostic testing kits and devices. Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc. has also partnered with several companies in central Kentucky to produce up to 500 face shields per day.

In March, Ford announced “Project Apollo,” inspired by the creative quick-thinking of the Apollo 13 space mission. In collaboration with other manufacturers, Ford has been using car parts and factory tools to help produce equipment such as face masks, face shields, respirators and ventilators that have been in such short supply for medical workers during the pandemic.

To further help protect healthcare workers, Ford is leading efforts to produce reusable gowns from airbag resources and lending its manufacturing support to help the Thermo Fisher Scientific company quickly expand its production of COVID-19 collection kits for patient testing.

Since “Project Apollo” was launched in March, Ford has helped generate over one million gowns and will ramp up production to deliver 300,000 gowns per week starting in mid-May.  With protocols in place making in mandatory for people returning to wear masks, Ford is producing nearly four million face masks per week and the company plans to continue this rapid production pace for the immediate future. Ford has also been contracted to manufacture 50,000 ventilators in 100 days with FEMA. In addition, Ford has produced 10,000 Positive-Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR) that will be delivered in the next few weeks. These PAPR devices feature a protective hood that has fresh, filtered air pumped into it using a blower similar to the one found in the F-150 pickup’s climate-controlled seats.

Acura/Honda have also been using their facilities and 3D printers to help manufacture and produce parts for face shields. The companies also continue to investigate their ability to meet critical manufacturing needs related to medical equipment.

Penske partner XPEL has created face shields and the company is providing the product at cost using materials already on-hand or in its supply chain.  Stratasys has also started to rapidly produce disposable face shields.

EnerSys successfully tasked their Energy Systems team in Europe to provide remote hybrid generator/battery systems for power across cell towers in remote parts of Africa where power is not readily available. This was essential to the delivery of critical wireless data and communications during this ongoing crisis. The EnerSys plant in Warrensburg, Mo., recently produced 90,000 CYCLON® battery cells for ventilators that will play a key role in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

In March, Safety-Kleen workers and products decontaminated Sebring Raceway, the NASCAR transporters in Conover, N.C. and are scheduled to perform work at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Car Series offices. In addition, Clean Harbors and Safety-Kleen will be helping decontaminate the NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racetracks as race dates approach for each series when competition resumes.

In addition to manufacturing supplies, Team Penske partners have also introduced new programs to connect and support communities dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April, Verizon announced a $2.5 million grant shared across international countries and charities providing healthcare support and food relief. Verizon also donated $3 million to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO), as part of a partnership with Global Citizen’s “One World: Together At Home” global broadcast to help aid healthcare workers. Verizon’s total COVID-19 crisis commitment stands at over $50 million to nonprofit organizations around the globe.

PPG announced is would commit more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 crisis support in mid April. The funding recipients include a wide range of organizations supporting immediate community relief efforts and emerging recovery needs amid the impact of the crisis.

Acura/Honda have pledged $1 million to address the immediate needs of people across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, focused on areas that have the most critical needs for food during the pandemic. The companies have also introduced a COVID-19 Special Matching Gift Program that enables associates to make financial donations to food programs in their local communities, matching up to $1,000 for each individual associate.

Hitachi High-Tech America has adapted its STEM Education Outreach Program to accommodate virtual learning environments. The program has responded to the needs of new and existing entities to establish virtual education initiatives. GM has donated $1 million to the DonorsChoose “Keep Kids Learning” program to help children get access to vital resources needed for their continued education. GM has also pledged an additional $1.65 million to GM facility communities across the United States.

Menards has kept 100% of its stores, plants and distribution centers open and the company is committed to keeping store shelves fully stocked with essential supplies for local neighborhoods, while practicing social distancing and taking the necessary precautions to keep its customers safe and healthy. 

On Saturday March 28, Ford unveiled an eight-week One Ford Series on social media –  #BuiltFordProud – to share how Ford Motor Company, its drivers and ambassadors are rallying together during this time and to share positive stories and messages.

Acura/Honda launched its #ThankaHealthCareHero social media campaign to inspire people to offer gratitude to those working on the frontlines. Acura is also encouraging people to practice social distancing when possible through its #LessDriveMorePark campaign – advocating to park vehicles except for essential travel, while offering useful information pertaining to driving during this unprecedented time.

Verizon’s #PayItForwardLIVE weekly livestream made its debut, starring the biggest names in entertainment supporting small businesses. Viewers can tune in Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8PM ET/5PM PT to watch some of their favorite performers live from their living rooms. As people support their favorite small businesses with #PayItForwardLIVE, Verizon will commit an additional $10 per use of the hashtag, up to $2.5 million, for a total amount of up to $5 million in support.

As the world continues to withstand the global pandemic, Team Penske is proud that its partners have rallied together as a positive force in the battle against COVID-19.