BYD France has shown its support for public transport authorities and operators across the Île-de-France region with a donation of 150,000 BYD-manufactured face-masks. The masks were delivered using a zero-emission 8.7-metre BYD eBus from the BYD production facility in Beauvais on Wednesday 22 April to the principal Île-de-France transport coordinator, IDF Mobilités.
BYD France says it has has pledged to make further donations of masks to several other public transport authorities and transport operators in the country. The initial handover of 150,000 masks was attended by Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément, Vice President of the Île-de-France region and in charge of ecology, sustainable development and planning at IdF Mobilités, and Leevon Tian – Managing Director of BYD France.
BYD has re-purposed production at locations in China to become fabricate face masks and other personal protection equipment, with more than 20 million masks now produced daily. Leevon Tian said: “In the face of this unprecedented crisis, a committed company like BYD has a duty not only to mobilise itself in response to the shortage of masks, but also to support those who work every day for the well-being of the community. For drivers, passengers and everyday road users, safety is our priority.”
Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément, added: “This is a precious help for Ile-de-France Mobilités which reinforces the means deployed to secure transport.”
The following week, on 30 April, BYD made a donation of masks to the national government of Hungary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade received 70,000 masks, while another 30,000 were handed to the Municipality of Komárom.
Speaking in Budapest, Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade, said: “We very much appreciate the donation from BYD. This is a significant contribution to our efforts in controlling the coronavirus outbreak in Hungary, and it will go a long way to helping local communities. Moreover, BYD’s support underlines the solidarity that exists between our respective countries.”
Receiving the donation of 30,000 masks, Mayor of Komárom, Attila Molnár said: “At a time of great need in our city, it is hugely gratifying to know that our key industrial partner, BYD, is ready and willing to provide assistance. BYD’s donation will go immediately to the frontline effort as we tackle the coronavirus outbreak.”
