Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automotive News Europe
  • Automotive News China
  • Automobilwoche
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • login
  • HOME
  • News
    • News by Brand
    • Auto Shows
    • Photo Galleries
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • Retail
    • Dealer Best Practices
    • Government Relations
    • Trade and Tariffs
    • Technology
    • Labour
    • carnival_2.jpg
      view gallery
      5 photos
      2022 Kia Carnival
      mercedes_c-class_2021_9.jpg
      view gallery
      13 photos
      Mercedes-Benz C-Class
      ioniq_5_ext_1.jpg
      view gallery
      8 photos
      Hyundai Ioniq 5
      is500_4.jpg
      view gallery
      8 photos
      2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance
    • 1PLANT-MAIN_i.jpg
      How suppliers and automakers saved the industry amid a pandemic
      Automakers, suppliers tackle new crises together
      HONDA_20190508_FINAL.jpg
      Honda, Toyota most preferred by suppliers
      Lawsuit challenges Trump's authority on steel, auto tariffs
    • Martinrea Executives
      'It's time to move on': Martinrea executives call for end to travel restrictions
      Project Arrow Design Rendering
      Meet the student design team behind Project Arrow
      Martinrea headquarters
      Martinrea caps tough year with Q4 profit-drop of 12%, but sees potential in EVs
      chrysler-pacifica-interir-pinnicale-passenger-seating-10.jpg
      Foam shortage looms over seating suppliers, auto production
    • Why Canadian dealers have the Lone Star State in their eyes
      Challenged Infiniti is looking for a rebound
      Digital greeter named Janus pre-screens showroom customers for COVID-19
      B.C.'s OpenRoad group looks to become 'a national brand' with Ontario expansion
    • Luxury dealers break new ground with online purchasing, servicing tools
      Digital greeter named Janus pre-screens showroom customers for COVID-19
      How a small-town GM store casts a wide net to land customers and stay successful
      How dealers turn tires into a revenue stream and new-car sales
    • 6NAFTA-5.jpg
      Some Mexican automakers want more time to meet USMCA rules, official says
      Japan Prius prod 20 web.jpg
      Japan may ban sales of new ICE vehicles in mid-2030s, report says
      Ford Explorer 2016-MAIN_i.jpg
      Ford recalls 25,200 Explorers in Canada for suspension problem
      Biden? Trump? Either way, Canada faces big choices
    • Canadians should remain on guard when it comes to trade under Biden
      Biden? Trump? Either way, Canada faces big choices
      TrumpReuters.jpg
      U.S. abruptly lifts tariffs on Canadian aluminum
      trump.png
      Aluminum tariff adds wrinkle just as USMCA gets going
    • Porsche, Apple Music partner on infotainment
      Vietnam-tied hackers said to target auto industry
      Vehicle screens go super-sized at CES as tech catches up
      All in a day's work
    • Wuhan honda prod web.jpg
      Automakers push to reopen plants with testing and lots of masks
      Ford, UAW reach tentative pact in U.S. with billions worth of investment
      GM Canada says it will find 2,400 jobs for Oshawa workers
      FCA to idle Ontario minivan plant for 8 days, union says
    • Aston Martin
    • BMW
      • Mini
      • Rolls Royce
    • Daimler
      • Mercedes Benz
      • Smart
    • Fiat Chrysler
      • Alfa Romeo
      • Chrysler
      • Dodge
      • Ferrari
      • Fiat
      • Jeep
      • Lancia
      • Maserati
      • Ram
    • Ford
      • Lincoln
    • General Motors
      • Buick
      • Cadillac
      • Chevrolet
      • GMC
    • Honda
      • Acura
    • Hyundai
      • Kia
    • Mazda
    • Mitsubishi
    • Nissan
      • Infiniti
    • Subaru
    • Tata
      • Jaguar
      • Land Rover
    • Tesla
    • Toyota
      • Lexus
    • Volkswagen
      • Audi
      • Bentley
      • Bugatti
      • Lamborghini
      • Porsche
    • Volvo
    • Toronto Auto Show
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Do automakers prioritize U.S. inventory over Canadian stock?
      BrightDrop.jpg
      Big questions remain when it comes to GM's $1-billion CAMI plant
      Bosch_information_domain_computer web.jpg
      Bosch, Continental battle to supply the brain of the connected car
      Unifor exceeded its goals during Detroit 3 talks
  • Canada Conversations
  • EVENTS & AWARDS
    • 2019 Canadians To Watch
    • 2019 Auto News Canada All Stars
    • Best Dealership To Work For
    • Canada Congress
    • Retail Forum: Dealer Discussions
    • Leading Women Roundtables
    • Dealerships reboot for millennials
      Communication is key to keeping dealership family together
      How giving back to their communities helps dealerships succeed
      Green dealerships good for business and for hiring
    • Embrace millennials and technology or be left behind, dealers warned
      walker.jpg
      Magna CEO says USMCA will mean 'more jobs, more investment' in Canada
      Top auto execs to address industry upheaval at 2020 Canada Congress
      VIDEO: Why Ford's Hinrichs is bullish on USMCA
  • Jobs & Classifieds
  • +MORE
    • NEWSLETTERS
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • CLASSIFIEDS
    • PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
    • COMPANIES ON THE MOVE
    • WEBINARS
    • ADVERTISE WITH US
    • CONTACT US
    • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Coronavirus
March 16, 2020 01:23 PM

Parts association boss challenges members to make medical equipment during pandemic

Greg Layson
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Joe Willsen

    Flavio Volpe says Canadian parts makers might not ultimately be the source for the medical items.

    Canada’s parts suppliers are being challenged to source or even manufacturer medical equipment that could be in short supply due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus virus.

    Flavio Volpe, head of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), on Monday publicly called on members to “do our part and step up,” citing the industry’s ability to solve problems through innovation.

    Volpe is attempting to head off potential shortages of necessities to fight and treat COVID-19, such as ventilators and face masks. He is also concerned that other countries will soon implement export control over high-demand items needed to deal with the virus.

    For example, the European Union on Sunday imposed strict limits on exports of face masks, visors and other protective items.

    “The industry is in discussion with all levels of government about what are the things the public sector will need to manage this public-health crisis,” Volpe told Automotive News Canada. “If we can be part of the war effort, so to speak, we’re definitely going to do our part and step up.”

    Volpe tweeted his call to arms — followed by a link to a Bloomberg News story on export controls — early Monday. He considered that some people might view the tweet as alarmist, but Volpe said the intention is to rally the industry.

    “I purposely put this out early as a challenge to everyone to step up, if they can. We don’t mess around. We get involved with a sincere effort with a high level of due diligence.”

    Volpe said Canadian parts makers might not ultimately be the source for the medical items.

    “But we’re going to make damn well sure we’re going to answer that question practically and not hypothetically.”

    Immediately following Volpe’s tweet, Automotive News Canada was in contact with a spokeswoman at Tier 1 supplier Magna International who was unaware of the initiative or any company involvement.

    “You’ll get that answer early if you ask around.” Volpe said. “We’re in the very early stages and the solution will have to come from member companies.”

    Volpe said that if Canada’s suppliers can answer the call, they have “scale that far outstrips the need of any other market place.”

    The APMA was a significant influence during the renegotiation of NAFTA, advising Canadian politicians on trade en route to the recently ratified United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. 

    “I’m in constant contact with senior officials and I have been for some time,” Volpe said. 

    Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Monday said there are some "rough waters ahead," but the government is prepared to do whatever it takes to slow the spread of COVID-19 and provide financial assistance to residents.

    The province over the weekend announced it was drafting legislation to ban employers from requiring doctor notes for those in self-isolation or quarantine. It will also ensure protected leave for workers who have to take unpaid time to isolate themselves or care for others, such as children who are not in school.

    Many employees at Tier II and Tier III suppliers in Ontario are not unionized and do not have benefits beyond provincial minimums.

    Ontario reported 32 new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total in the province to 177.

    With files from the Canadian Press and Bloomberg.

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Parts association asks U.S. president to help Canada secure vaccines
    Recommended for You
    Parts association asks U.S. president to help Canada secure vaccines
    Parts association asks U.S. president to help Canada secure vaccines
    Auto industry steps up testing in bid to keep plants open
    Auto industry steps up testing in bid to keep plants open
    Magna and its former CEO part of consortium piloting rapid COVID-19 testing
    Magna and its former CEO part of consortium piloting rapid COVID-19 testing
    Sponsored Content: The Road Ahead: Consumer Trends in Automotive
    Digital Edition
    View latest issue
    See our archive
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up today for our Weekly Newsletter, Daily Newsletter and Breaking News Alerts. We'll deliver the news you need to know straight to your inbox.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Subscribe Now

    An Automotive News Canada subscription includes 12 monthly issues – delivered in print to your doorstep, and digitally to your inbox – plus unlimited, 24/7 access to our website.

    Subscribe Now
    Connect With Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram

    Our Mission

    The Automotive News Canada mission is to be the primary source of industry news, data and understanding for the industry's decision-makers interested in Canada.

    Contact Us

    PO Box 243
    Station A
    Windsor, ON
    N9A 6K7

    1-877-812-1257

    Email Us

    ISSN 2475-5001 (print)
    ISSN 2475-501X (online)

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Digital Edition Archive
    • Advertise with Us
    • Reprints
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Canada
    Copyright © 1996-2021. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
    • News
      • News by Brand
        • Aston Martin
        • BMW
          • Mini
          • Rolls Royce
        • Daimler
          • Mercedes Benz
          • Smart
        • Fiat Chrysler
          • Alfa Romeo
          • Chrysler
          • Dodge
          • Ferrari
          • Fiat
          • Jeep
          • Lancia
          • Maserati
          • Ram
        • Ford
          • Lincoln
        • General Motors
          • Buick
          • Cadillac
          • Chevrolet
          • GMC
        • Honda
          • Acura
        • Hyundai
          • Kia
        • Mazda
        • Mitsubishi
        • Nissan
          • Infiniti
        • Subaru
        • Tata
          • Jaguar
          • Land Rover
        • Tesla
        • Toyota
          • Lexus
        • Volkswagen
          • Audi
          • Bentley
          • Bugatti
          • Lamborghini
          • Porsche
        • Volvo
      • Auto Shows
        • Toronto Auto Show
      • Photo Galleries
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • Retail
      • Dealer Best Practices
      • Government Relations
      • Trade and Tariffs
      • Technology
      • Labour
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
    • Canada Conversations
    • EVENTS & AWARDS
      • 2019 Canadians To Watch
      • 2019 Auto News Canada All Stars
      • Best Dealership To Work For
      • Canada Congress
      • Retail Forum: Dealer Discussions
      • Leading Women Roundtables
    • Jobs & Classifieds
    • +MORE
      • NEWSLETTERS
      • SUBSCRIBE
      • CLASSIFIEDS
      • PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
      • COMPANIES ON THE MOVE
      • WEBINARS
      • ADVERTISE WITH US
      • CONTACT US
      • DIGITAL EDITION