The deadly wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles since last week have left a path of destruction, scorching tens of thousands of acres and leveling hundreds of structures across the metropolitan region, which forced thousands to evacuate.
But in the wake of the disaster, aid has poured in from around the country, the Los Angeles Times reported. The aid also comes from some of the world’s leading automakers.
General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota are among the companies that have provided a range of assistance to those impacted by the fires, including donating to relief efforts and assisting individuals with vehicle loan and lease payments.
GM Spokesman Kevin Kelly said in an email to Automotive Dive that the automaker 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,” he said. “The red button connects to immediate help from a live OnStar advisor for emergency assistance.
Honda donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts in California. Honda Financial Services and Acura Financial Services are also offering payment extensions and lease deferrals to customers impacted by the disaster.
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, according to a Jan. 10 press release.
Hyundai Capital America, which includes Hyundai Motor Finance and Genesis Finance, is providing payment relief options for eligible customers, the company said in the release. The automaker 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.
Mazda Financial Services announced Jan. 9 it’s providing payment relief options to Mazda customers in the designated disaster areas, including deferred payments or payment extensions.
Kyle Bazemore, spokesman for Nissan Group of the Americas, said in an email to Automotive Dive that Nissan is extending employee pricing to individuals and businesses whose vehicles sustained damage in the disaster.
Toyota Motor North America contributes annually to disaster recovery nonprofits, the Red Cross and SBP, the automaker said in a Jan. 9 press release. Toyota and Lexus customers affected by the wildfires are eligible for financial relief options, including extensions and deferred lease payments, the company said in the release.
Toyota also is matching contributions made by its U.S.-based employees to the Red Cross, SBP and other eligible nonprofits aiding in the relief efforts
