Car makers donate to bushfire appeals

High profile car companies are contributing in various ways to getting those affected by Victoria's deadly bushfires back on their feet.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific, representing the eponymous car importer and truck brands Freightliner, Sterling and Mitsubishi Fuso kicked things off, with a donation of $107,000 to the Victorian Bushfire Fund on Monday. That sum comprised $100,000 out of the company coffers and $1000 from each of the seven directors. The company is also encouraging staff to donate to the appeal.

"We strongly encourage all Australian companies, automotive and otherwise, to join all Australians in supporting those in need during this important time," said Wolfgang Schrempp, President and CEO of the company.

Honda is committing $200,000 to the fund.

"Honda Australia and our dealer network around Australia are shocked and saddened at the destruction and loss of life and hope this donation will go some way to assist those in immediate need," said Honda Foundation Chairman, Lindsay Smalley.

Nissan Australia and its head office in Japan will each chip in $50,000 for the fund and Nissan Australia will match any cash donation from its employees to bushfire relief funds operated by either the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. The company has also offered to supply as many as 100 vehicles on loan to victims for up to six months.

"We are all shocked by the severity and impact of these fires and we are keen to do whatever we can in response to these tragic events," said Dan Thompson, company MD.

Audi, already a supporter of the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation, has donated an unspecified amount to a new appeal established by Melbourne's Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, in support of the bushfire victims.

"Today as Victorians we are all grieving because of the tragedy that has engulfed our state. Now is the time for us to rally together to support people who are really suffering by providing as much care and support as we can," Doyle said.

Ford Australia held an auction for a Mondeo XR5 Turbo during a cricket broadcast on Channel Nine, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross's bushfire appeal. In addition, Ford is supporting the CFA (Country Fire Authority) by donating four Ranger light commercial vehicles and supplying 20 other vehicles to the authority for use in the recovery program.

"Everyone at Ford is horrified by the unprecedented disaster that has befallen our community over these past few days," said Marin Burela, Ford Australia's President.

BMW Group Australia (including MINI and BMW Motorrad) has donated $100,000 and will match funds raised by staff. The company says it will also offer support to staff members with family or friends affected by the fires.

"We're moved by the severity of the disaster and the extent of the tragic human suffering," said Guenther Seemann, Managing Director of BMW Group Australia.

"On behalf of our employees and customers, we hope this donation will assist those affected by the Victorian bushfires," he said.

Hyundai-Kia Australia donated $300,000 to the Red Cross Appeal while Mitsubishi Australia has donated $100,000 which includes $50,000 from the management and staff of MMAL (Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited) and $50,000 from the company's dealer network.

Mitsubishi says it is also preparing a program to support members of staff who wish to further assist relief agencies during the rebuilding phase in the coming months.

Holden will contribute roughly $150,000 from the GM Foundation to the Red Cross bushfire relief fund and the company's dealer network has raised a further $193,000 so far.

In addition, Holden will provide Commodore, Captiva, Ute and Colorado models to those who lost their cars and other possessions in the fire. The vehicles, up to 300 of them, will be supplied on a loan basis for a period of between three and 12 months.

Appearing on Channel Nine for Thursday night's Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, CEO Greg Roebuck donated $25,000 on behalf of the Carsales Network.

The Carsales Network is also pledging a portion of the revenue received via private advertising. Mr Roebuck says he expects the contribution will grow to $50,000.

Donations for the Lord Mayor's Charitable Fund can be made via the website here, by phone (9633 0000) or in person at the Melbourne Town Hall.
Donations to the Red Cross can be left at the website here and the Salvation Army's web page for donations can be found here.

Picture courtesy: NASA