Volkswagen and Ford donate money to help Ukraine, while Honda and Toyota have stopped business in Russia

Volkswagen, Ford, Stellantis, Mercedes-Benz and other manufacturers have donated to humanitarian aid. In addition, most brands have already stopped manufacturing and exporting cars and motorcycles to these countries.

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict continues, and this continues to affect the economy of many industries. Many automakers have even announced cessation of production, withdrawal from the region, and even financial assistance to Ukraine, or both.

On March 1, Ford CEO Jim Farley announced the suspension of the company's operations in Russia and also donated $100,000 to the Global Giving Ukraine Relief Fund. Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz also donated a million euros to help Ukraine. Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover also announced the suspension of their activities in Russia.

In addition, Stellantis has joined several other automotive brands in making significant humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Stellantis issued a press release announcing a donation of 1 million euros in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This amounts to approximately $1.1 million in US currency and will be administered through an unidentified NGO in the area. 

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 Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis. “Aggression has begun, shaking the world order already disturbed by uncertainty. The Stellantis community, made up of 170 nationalities, is watching with dismay as civilians flee the country. Even if the scale of the losses is not yet clear, the number of human casualties will be unbearable.”

Separately, Toyota and Honda are the latest automakers to suspend all business in both countries.

Toyota said in a press release that all sales and after-sales services at 37 retail stores in Ukraine ended on February 24. Toyota also lists 168 retail stores in Russia, as well as a plant in St. Petersburg where the Camry and RAV4 are located. The plant will close on March 4 and car imports will also be halted indefinitely due to “supply chain disruptions.” Nothing is said about changes in Toyota's retail operations in Russia.

Honda does not have manufacturing facilities in Russia or Ukraine, but according to an Automotive News article, the automaker will stop exporting cars and motorcycles to Russia. 

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