Automakers are chipping in wherever possible to help fight the Covid-19 outbreak in the United States. Some automakers like Ford have begun to produce respirators and protective medical equipment while those without those capabilities have jumped in to offer payment forgiveness for those who have lost their jobs. Today, Mazda has announced a new Essential Car Care program to honor the healthcare heroes who are risking their lives in the fight against the coronavirus.
Mazda North American Operations will begin offering free standard oil changes and enhanced cleaning services for US healthcare workers across its entire dealer network. The program begins on April 16, 2020, and if you are a healthcare worker, you don't even have to have a Mazda vehicle to take advantage.
UPDATE: Mazda has extended this program through June 1, 2020.
Mazda says most make and model passenger cars, crossovers, and SUVs are eligible from other manufacturers, with the small exclusion of exotic vehicles, classic cars, offroad vehicles, vehicles with greater than an eight-quart engine oil capacity, or any other vehicles with special manufacturer requirements. To make sure Mazda can help as many people as possible, each healthcare worker can receive the service on one vehicle.
"Supporting the communities where we live and work is rooted deeply in Mazda's 100-year history. We are honored to give back to those dedicated to saving lives during this pandemic," MNAO President Jeff Guyton said. "We understand the important role vehicles play in people's lives, and by partnering with our dealer network, we hope to make a meaningful impact in communities around the country."
In addition to the oil changes, Mazda will perform enhanced vehicle cleaning on high-touch interior and exterior surfaces using EPA-approved cleansers. These healthcare workers deserve to have their Mazda MX-5 Miata be perfectly clean and disinfected. While performing these services, dealers will maintain CDC and local public health and government official guidelines. The Essential Car Care program will be open until May 4, 2020, and Mazda has invested a minimum of $5 million as part of the initiative.