While the world has been filled with mostly bad news as of late, every cloud has its silver lining. Lamborghini may have suspended production of their spectacular dream-worthy supercars, but they aren't idly sitting by. With Italy being at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lamborghini has taken it upon themselves to make supplies for local hospitals in the Bologna region. But this is not as simple a task as it seems, as Lamborghini's factory is designed around hand made production. Just like their cars can perform under pressure, so can Lamborghini themselves, making the supplies hospitals need, even if it is difficult for them to produce.
Production Shut Down
As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the world, settings like a crowded factory or packed restaurant are prime grounds for the spread of such viruses. Taking action against this with lockdowns and quarantine has brought many businesses to a grinding halt.
Italy, in particular, has been one of the most affected countries in the face of this pandemic, forcing much of the country into lockdown. As an Italian company, and with their headquarters and factory in the heart of Italy, Lamborghini has taken measures to shut down production in their Sant'Agata Bolognese factory in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Lamborghini's CEO Stefano Domenicali stated that "This measure is an act of social responsibility and high sensibility toward our people, in the extraordinary situation in which we find ourselves right now in Italy."
While their initial announcement claimed the shutdown would begin on March 13th and last until March 25th, Stefano Domenicali went on to add that Lamborghini's factory re-opening will be based on continuous assessment of the situation in Italy, and the word of local officials. With no current update from Lamborghini, and March 25th having come and gone, now may not be the right time for the supercar manufacturer to resume production of cars.
Doing Their Part
But a lack of car production hasn't completely brought Lamborghini to a halt. Unlike mass production-based car companies like Ford, Lamborghini's vehicles are mostly hand made. This means they lack the machinery to mass-produce medical equipment, but that hasn't stopped them from taking up the challenge.
CEO Stefan Domenicali went on to say that "during this emergency, we feel the need to make a concrete contribution... Supporting those who are at the forefront fighting this pandemic every day." And he stuck to his word, converting Lamborghini's interior upholstery division to make surgical masks. While that may sound straightforward for any other car manufacturer, it's important to keep in mind the handmade nature of Lamborghinis. Each craftsman who would have been hand sewing interior pieces for masterpieces like the Aventador SVJ is now making surgical masks, all by hand. Their carbon fiber production center as well has been converted to make plexiglass face shields, using advanced 3D printers in collaboration with Lamborghini's R&D department.
What's truly impressive about this effort is that while hand sewing surgical masks may sound extremely inefficient, Lamborghini has shown they can make 1000 per day using this technique, and 200 of their face shields per day as well. Every bit counts, and Lamborghini's contribution is both typical of the brand's proudly hand-crafted attitude and genuinely helpful to those who are in need such supplies.
Working With The Front Lines
Just like how the cars they produce must meet strict guidelines and regulations, so do the surgical masks and face shields they are now producing instead. So to maximize the impact of their efforts, Lamborghini is working with both the University of Bologna, as well as government and health officials of the Bologna Province, in order to make absolutely sure their production meets the official standards and is going to the right people.
Once the masks and shields Lamborghini made have been deemed to meet proper specifications and gain approval for medical use, they are donated. In particular, Lamborghini is donating their masks and shields to the Sant'Orsola-Malpighi hospital in Bologna, where they will be used to protect the medical workers fighting on the front lines of this pandemic. As a gesture of morale as well, Lamborghini has begun lighting their headquarters with the colors of the Italian flag every night to promote unity and Italian pride.
As an Italian icon themselves, Lamborghini is setting a great example, showing that integrity and a willingness to help others even if it is difficult is just as important as selling a product. Even if they can't make as many supplies as higher volume car manufacturers can, their suspension of production, and willingness to hand-craft surgical masks when they are not legally obligated to make them, shows that the company truly cares about the country they represent.
Sources: Car And Driver, CNET