CAR COMPANY EFFORTS IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE VICTIMS
The devastation from the recent California wildfires was sudden, engulfing much of the Los Angeles basin. To date, it destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 structures, forced the evacuation of 200,000 and killing more than 25 people. Many automotive companies have responded to aid the victims.
The devastation from the recent California wildfires was sudden, engulfing much of the Los Angeles basin. Many automotive companies have responded to aid the victims.
By The Editors
Wed, Jan 15, 2025 07:00 AM PST
Featured image: The Eaton Fire on January 7, 2025, as seen from Roy Nakano's front yard in Monrovia, CA (photo by R. Nakano).
General Motors, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Tesla and Toyota are among the companies that are providing a range of assistance to those impacted by the fires, including donating to relief efforts as well as assisting individuals with vehicle loan and lease payments.
General Motors
General Motors is providing complimentary OnStar Assist Services for Chevrolet, Buick, GMC & Cadillac customers in California impacted by the wildfires. GM customers can push the blue OnStar button for information about the fires, receive routing assistance away from danger, and be connected with a loved one, even when phone lines are down. The red button connects to immediate help from a live OnStar advisor for emergency assistance.
Ford Philanthropy
Ford Philanthropy announced two new grants to support the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the California Community Foundation’s Wildlife Recovery Fund. Ford is also in close touch with two longtime partners the Red Cross, Feeding America, and Team Rubicon who are providing food, shelter, and other forms of on-the-ground support.
American Honda Motor Company
American Honda Motor Company has donated $1,000,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts in California. Both Honda Financial Services and Acura Financial Services are also offering payment extensions and lease deferrals to customers impacted by the disaster.
Hyundai and Genesis
Hyundai and Genesis Motor America donated $100,000 to the Red Cross and another $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, one of the many organizations aiding evacuees.
Hyundai Capital America
Hyundai Capital America is providing payment relief options for eligible customers and also is offering those impacted $1,000 toward the purchase of a 2025 Hyundai or $2,000 toward the purchase of a 2025 Genesis through March 31.
Kia America
Kia America announced a donation of $250,000 will be made to American Red Cross to support relief efforts for those affected by 2025 California wildfires. In addition to the primary donation, Kia will be providing financial hardship support to impacted customers who are eligible for payment relief solutions.
Mazda Financial Services
Mazda Financial Services is providing payment relief options to Mazda customers in the designated disaster areas, including deferred payments or payment extensions.
Nissan Group of the Americas
Nissan Group of the Americas is extending employee pricing to individuals and businesses whose vehicles sustained damage in the disaster.
Tesla Motors
Tesla Motors donated Cybertrucks to be utilized as battery banks at designated stations until power is restored. be using a number of Cybertrucks equipped with Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi systems to create a network around the affected areas. Some customer Cybertruck deliveries would be delayed as the trucks were redirected for this emergency use instead. The company hopes this will help in powering radios, computers and lights.
Toyota Motor North America and Financial Services
Toyota contributes annually to The American Red Cross and SBP, and these funds are utilized to support recovery efforts when disasters strike around the nation. To further assist affected communities, Toyota is matching contributions for donations made by U.S.-based employees to support The American Red Cross, SBP and other eligible nonprofits. Additionally, Toyota Financial Services announced it is offering payment relief options to affected customers. This broad outreach includes any Toyota Financial Services (TFS) or Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customer in the designated disaster areas. Impacted lease and finance customers residing in the affected area may be eligible to take advantage of several payment relief options.
The above information was retrieved and compiled from a number of public information releases. To see updates to the number of car companies providing aid to the California wildfire victims, click here.
