Ford Donates 150 Vehicles to Aid in Hurricane Relief Efforts

By: Kay Lowry | Ford Communications Network

DEARBORN, Sept. 7, 2005 - Ford Motor Company has dispatched approximately $2 million worth of used trucks, vans and SUVs into the hurricane-ravaged areas of Louisiana and Mississippi.

About 150 Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles from regional auctions were donated by Ford to the relief operations.

"The vehicle deployment is one of several efforts Ford is mounting in response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina," said Dan Brouilette, vice president, Washington Affairs, who's been sent to Louisiana as the company's emissary. "The challenges ahead are great, but we plan to be involved with as much as it takes for as long as it takes," he said.

The company also sent 10 F-250 Powerstroke Diesels to the area, bearing "Ford Team USA" on the doors, for use by the Ford Volunteer Corps and federal and non-profit disaster relief agencies.

Ford Land has secured housing and will pay temporary living expenses for up to 22 employees, and their immediate family members, whose homes were damaged or destroyed.

"The company's and employees' response to the disaster is heartwarming and encouraging," said Jim Bright, executive director, Ford Volunteer Corps. "We're hearing from many people who want to go down and help out, but there is no housing available, so we're asking them to do what they can in their home communities."

UAW-Ford employees at U.S. plants are collecting money, clothing and food to support the relief efforts.

Ford Division's Southwest Region has contributed $100,000 toward providing food and other basic needs for evacuees being housed in Ford-branded facilities near Houston. The region cancelled a scheduled ride-and-drive in the wake of the hurricane and donated the money to help people temporarily living in Ford Arena and Ford Park in Beaumont, Texas.