Originally published at pressroom.toyota.com. Toyota Motor North America ranked No. 7 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2021.
Toyota will collaborate with the city of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to support mobile COVID-19 vaccine efforts across the city by providing 20 vehicles to help transport vaccines to underserved communities and increase vaccine access for Angelenos with limited transportation or immobility.
“Toyota is committed to increasing mobility and accessibility for everyone, not only through the vehicles we manufacture but through the partners we support in our communities,” said Shawn Domeracki, general manager of the Toyota Los Angeles Region. “The fire department’s ongoing effort to mobilize vaccine clinics throughout the community is critical in the fight against COVID-19, and Toyota is proud to know we can help by offering reliable and fuel-efficient transportation to frontline workers.”
Toyota will provide LAFD with 20 new 2021 hybrid vehicles, including 15 Sienna minivans, and four crossover utility vehicles, including two Venzas, one RAV4 Hybrid and one Highlander Hybrid. The city and fire department will use the vehicles to transport and administer vaccines to mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics, recreational centers and homebound visits across the city as part of an ongoing effort to vaccinate residents.
One of the Siennas will be a permanent donation to the LAFD for multi-functional use beyond pandemic operations, such as transporting personnel, equipment and resources during the upcoming wildfire season. Convenient vehicle features, such as 60/40 split-folding rear seats and the available power rear liftgate, will help make loading/unloading vaccines and equipment more accessible, while Toyota’s Hybrid system will offer an efficient mode of transportation resulting in fewer stops at the gas station.
“Toyota is a valued partner of the LAFD and their vehicles have been instrumental in our work to serve residents in communities across Los Angeles, especially throughout this global health crisis,” said Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas. “These vehicles will significantly help us reach more residents in under-served neighborhoods so that we can continue to vaccinate those who are most vulnerable.”
There have been more than 1.2 million vaccinations administered within Los Angeles, and the city is working tirelessly to continue making COVID-19 testing and vaccinations available to all. For more information about scheduling and receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in Los Angeles, visit carbonhealth.com/covid-19-vaccines/los-angeles.
Toyota has continued to support communities that fight the pandemic, providing millions of dollars in grants and in-kind donations at the local, regional, and national level since 2020. COVID-19 response efforts in Southern California alone include:
- Supporting COVID-19 Rapid Response testing pop-ups through the Toyota Research Institute
- Allocating 29,000 face shields produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky for frontline responders in California
- Providing mobility assistance and vehicle loans to the American Red Cross
- Providing technology access and basic needs support to the United Way
- Contributing to food assistance programs through the Salvation Army on behalf of the Toyota/Lexus Minority Owners Dealer Association
- Supporting locally owned restaurants throughout the Los Angeles Region
To learn more about Toyota’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, visit pressroom.toyota.com/corporate/covid19.
