Car-makers rally to bushfire appeal

AUSTRALIA’S recession-hit car industry and some of their overseas parent companies have dug deep for Victorian bushfires victims.

Using a mixture of highly publicised activities aimed at sparking a general public response and some low-key efforts designed to avoid publicity, car-makers have so far contributed more than $1 million in cash and vehicles.

Local manufacturers Ford and GM Holden have adopted contrasting styles in their wish to offer a helping hand.

Holden adopted the low-profile approach and kept its efforts in-house.

Through the US-based GM Foundation, General Motors donated $US100,000 ($A153,000) to the bushfire appeal.

GMH chairman and managing director Mark Reuss said Holden had made no secret of the fact that the company was facing significant financial challenges.

“But those challenges pale when compared to the tragedy underway in Victoria right now,” said.

Importantly, Holden is also encouraging blood donations which Mr Reuss said would be required continuously over the next month and beyond.

Employees have been given the Red Cross number of 13 14 95 so they can make an appointment. The next Red Cross blood collection at Holden’s Port Melbourne headquarters on February 17 and 18.

The company has also organised a suite of supporting programs designed to help employees take part in the relief efforts, including a casual clothes day next Friday for a gold coin donation.

Ford’s effort has perhaps been the most public as it involved a national auction of a Mondeo XR5 sedan during Tuesday night’s one-day cricket match between Australia and New Zealand. Ford has been a long-term sponsor of the cricket.

The auction was accompanied by regular appeals to the public by the television commentators, who also highlighted the in-ground collection efforts at the Adelaide Oval by members of the national cricket squad and cricket officials.

In addition, Ford has donated four Ranger 4X4 utes to the Country Fire Authority and also lent a further 20 vehicles to the CFA to help with the recovery efforts.

Geelong-born Ford president Marin Burela said: “Everyone at Ford is horrified by the unprecedented disaster that has befallen our community over these past few days.” Toyota donated $100,000 to the Red Cross through the Channel 9/Commonwealth Bank Bushfire appeal.

Toyota Australia president Max Yasuda said all at Toyota had been shocked at the tragic impact of the fires on many Victorians.

He said Toyota would stay in touch with the Red Cross to determine how best it could help in coming months.

Nissan Australia and its Japanese parent have pooled resources to contribute a total of $100,000 to the appeal.

On top of that, Nissan Australia will match, dollar for dollar, donations made by its employees, either to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army appeals.

In addition, Nissan’s financial services arm will make available 100 vehicles through a special bushfire assistance program at no cost for up to six months.

Nissan Australia managing director Dan Thompson said all at Nissan had been shocked by the severity and impact of the fires, and “we are keen to do whatever we can in response to these tragic events.” The Honda Foundation, which pools contributions from both Honda Australia and Honda dealers – who contribute to the foundation each time they sell a car – has donated $200,000 to the bushfire appeal.

Honda Foundation chairman Mr. Lindsay Smalley said he hoped the donation would go some way to assist those in immediate need.

The prestige brands have also been quick to lend a hand.

BMW Group Australia has given $100,000 to the appeal, while also promising to match staff donations dollar for dollar.

BMW managing director Guenther Seemann said: “We are moved by the severity of the disaster and the extent of the tragic human suffering.” Mercedes-Benz has also contributed $100,000 to the cause, with the company’s seven directors adding a further $1000 each.

On top of that, 1000 Mercedes-Benz Australia employees are organising a collective team donation to supplement the company’s initial contribution.

The company’s president and CEO, Wolfgang Schrempp, said: “We strongly encourage all Australian companies, automotive and otherwise, to join all Australians in supporting those in need during this important time.”