ATLANTA -

As relief efforts for victim’s of the tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma earlier this week ramp up, companies in the auto space continue to lend a hand.

Among those joining the fight and helping out were Cox Enterprises (parent company to Manheim), Ford, Mazda and Toyota.

For example, Cox, in partnership with The James M. Cox Foundation, announced $1 million in support for Oklahoma’s tornado victims, a contribution which includes a $500,000 cash donation and $500,000 of in-kind support.

"Cox Enterprises is committed to supporting the victims of this terrible storm," said Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises. "As a company that operates multiple businesses in Oklahoma, we are committed to helping our employees and the communities we serve recover from this disaster. In providing this assistance, we also encourage others to support the local relief and recovery efforts."

On top of the cash donations and in-kind public service announcements, Cox's local media properties in Tulsa are hosting a series of community fundraisers, the company shared.

Cox is also making sure its impacted employees have the opportunity to receive support through the Cox Employee Relief Fund (CERF).

Ford Motor Co. & Dealers Make Cash and Van Donation

Ford Motor Co. and its dealers also rallying behind tornado victims with a $400,000 to assist with relief efforts.

Ford is also donating a Ford Transit Connect van to the American Red Cross for relief services and emergency preparedness education, the company shared.

Also, the company said it will match donations up to $250,000 from its employees, dealers and the public in support of relief efforts by the American Red Cross.

And the Oklahoma Ford Dealers group is contributing $150,000 to the United Way.

Also, in recognition of tornado victims who may have lost their vehicles in the storm. Ford is providing $500 in new-vehicle purchase assistance to residents in affected areas whose vehicles were damaged by the tornadoes.

"The impact of these tornadoes is devastating on thousands of families," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. "We know there is great need for assistance, and Ford, its dealers and employees are coming together to provide needed resources. Please join us by donating through the link below."

Donations made through this link will be matched by Ford up to $250,000: 
http://american.redcross.org/ford-pub.

Toyota Donates $250,000 to Oklahoma Tornado Relief Efforts

Meanwhile, Toyota announced Thursday a $250,000 donation to support relief and rebuilding efforts for victims of the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.

Funds will be allocated to immediate response and for mid-to-long term needs in the areas of food, small business revitalization and home rebuilding, the company shared.

Toyota will also match employee contributions.
 
"On behalf of Toyota, we express our sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this devastating tornado. Our thoughts are with the affected families as they work to rebuild their lives," said Latondra Newton, group vice president of philanthropy and chief diversity officer.

Mazda Gives Back

Elsewhere, Mazda North American Operations said Thursday it was giving $25,000 to the American Red Cross for the relief efforts. What’s more, the board of trustees at The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc. gave the green light for a matching donation of $25,000 to the Red Cross.

"The tornado that touched-down in Moore has had an unprecedented impact on those located far outside the actual impact area, including our own employees, dealers and customers," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and chief executive officer, MNAO.  "Because of the heroic work the American Red Cross does on behalf of those in need, we are  honored to work with them to provide help to those who have been affected by the disaster."

MNAO is also offering consumers who live in high-impact areas and have an insurance claim of damage or loss to their current vehicle $500 cash to put toward the purchase of a new Mazda.

"In addition, qualified customers have the option to defer their first payment for 90 days from the contract date on the purchase of any new Mazda financed under special financing offered by participating lenders,” the company noted.

Mazda Capital Services is waiving late fees and insufficient funds fees for customers across Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma and Pottawatomie counties, thus allowing these customers until the end of business on June 4, to make a payment to bring their accounts current and avoid late fees and insufficient funds fees.

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