Automotive manufacturers raise over $7 million for Ukrainian aid

A slew of automotive manufacturers are raising funds to send to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict in eastern Europe.

On top of the obvious, direct impacts on the people of Ukraine, the Russian-instigated conflict has forced a majority of the world’s automotive manufacturers out of the country due to international sanctions against the Putin-led regime.

However, rather than just running away from the region, a handful of brands have raised funds to support the Ukrainian people, with Nissan setting up the largest fund so far – set to be worth €2.5 million (AU$3.73m), €1 million (AU$1.49m) of which will be directed to the Red Cross for humanitarian aid.

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Porsche has halted customer deliveries to Russia

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida said the manufacturer couldn’t sit by while the conflict raged on, with production to pause soon at its plant in St. Petersburg, Russia.

“We have all been moved by the suffering of so many people and families – including members of our own Nissan family,” said Uchida.

“We have created the Nissan Cares fund to stand by our employees, and to support to the international efforts working around the clock to respond to this immeasurable human tragedy.”

Porsche’s donation of €1m will come in two parts, with €750,000 (AU$1.12m) set to go to the United Nations Refugee Aid, while the remaining €250,000 ($373,000) will be sent to the Ferry Porsche Foundation, focusing on supporting children and young people.

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Dutch-based conglomerate Stellantis is also making its own €1m donation, working with Ukrainian non-government organisations to support the local community.

“Stellantis condemns violence and aggression and, in this time of unprecedented pain, our priority is the health and safety of our Ukrainian employees and families,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares.

“An aggression that shook a world order, already unsettled by uncertainty, has been launched. The Stellantis community, made of 170 nationalities, looks with dismay as civilians flee the country. Even if the scale of casualties is not yet apparent, the human toll will be unbearable.”

North American manufacturers General Motors and Ford are each making smaller donations, with GM committing US$250,000 (AU$343,500) to the International Rescue Committee, while the Blue Oval’s Ford Fund has made a US$100,000 (AU$137,400) donation to the GlobalGiving Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.