The earthquake-tsunami-nuclear crisis that has befallen Japan is one of the major disasters in recent history, wiping out entire towns and communities in a stroke. They who survived desperately need help, and some have heeded the call. German automaker Daimler donated €2 million in cash shortly after the disaster and will now send 50 vehicles to support the rebuilding process.
The 50, worth about €4 million, include eight Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, four Mercedes-Benz Unimogs, and eight Merc G-Class off roaders. Thirty Fuso Canter trucks from Japan are also included. They will be given to Nippon Foundation, a Japanese aid organisation headquartered in Tokyo, and will be used primarily to support assistance and clean-up operations in the affected areas. The Mercs are currently being freight forwarded and all 50 will begin operating in two weeks at the latest.
In addition, the management, General Works Council and the executives’ committee of Daimler are together organising a fundraising campaign for the Japanese. So far more than 10,000 Daimler employees in Germany have participated and donated over 500,000 euros to the cause. The cash goes to the German Red Cross, which will forward the donations to the Japanese Red Cross.
A likely saviour is Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov (pic), who last month said he was ready to invest 50 million euros in Saab in exchange for a 30% stake. At the time of Saab’s sale, GM didn’t let Antonov take a stake over concerns that its intellectual property rights will fall into the wrong hands.
