While the skies over New York City have cleared and the harbors have calmed following Hurricane Sandy, the homes and lives of many families have been devastated by the event.
Addressing the challenges that millions of Americans now face, automakers are stepping up to do what they can to help the families rebuild.
Toyota, the world's largest automaker, has pledged a $1 million donation to the Red Cross for the benefit of Hurricane Sandy victims. What's more, the company will also match the charity donations made by employees. Toyota North America CEO Shigeki Terashi said, "On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to the families affected by Hurricane Sandy. Since we have operations and many dealerships in the affected regions, we felt a special responsibility to lend a hand."
Truly looking out for their customers, Toyota will also handle lease payment extensions, billing statement redirecting, and other services to help Hurricane victims unable to pay their lease or car payments on time. New buyers will also receive a payment program that defers the first 90-days.
Ford is following suit as well. Qualified customers can apply for deferred payments until situations improve. The offer extends to Lincoln, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mazda, and Volvo credit customers. Customers in Hurricane Sandy stricken zones should expect a postcard or, should the post card not arrive, contact Ford Credit directly at the (800) 723-4016. Ford Motor Company fund will be donating $50,000 to charity as well.
Another domestic automaker reaching out during difficult times is GM. Chevrolet will be donating 50 full-sized Silverado pick-up trucks and Express cargo vans equipped with OnStar Hands-Free calling in each vehicle. $250,000 were donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program as well.
Corporations from across the pond are also committed to restoration efforts. Volkswagen donated $500,000 to the cause while Mercedes-Benz also gave $1 million to the American Red Cross.
From Japan, Nissan is offering North American employee pricing as well as discounts on financing for both Nissan and Infiniti vehicles to individuals in FEMA-designated disaster areas.
Beyond financial support and discounts on their products, some automakers are providing with their homes as well. Electric hybrid car company Fisker will be using its Wilmington assembly base as a temporary home base for 300 utility crew workers and rescue responders that are cleaning roads and restoring power.
Fisker Automotive founder and exec Henrik Fisker said, "As part of the Delaware community we will always do whatever we can to help our neighbors. Our thoughts go out to the people affected by the hurricane."
[Source: AutoGuide]
