Japanese Auto Industry Vows to Protect Jobs During Virus Crisis

Toyota Chief Executive Akio Toyoda promised on Friday that the Japanese auto industry will seek to protect jobs worldwide while enduring the coronavirus pandemic. Bringing together Japanese automakers, including Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co., as well as parts manufacturers, the group will create a special fund to help licensees find work. Toyoda said the biggest threat to the industry was the potential loss of skilled workers with their excellent manufacturing and engineering skills. Toyoda said, underscoring the determination of automakers to do almost everything to protect jobs and survive.