Has anyone else heard this? My sister sent it to me.
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This is very interesting. Its no wonder why Michigan is so loyal
to the big 3.
After seeing a short news listing on "CNN Headline News" regarding Ford
and GM's contributions to the relief and recovery efforts in New York
City and Washington D.C., I was prompted to see what the other
automotive companies were contributing. I have never worked for an
automotive company -- nor has anyone in my family. It is, however, the
prominent industry here in Michigan. I also feel it is important to know
which companies are there for us in a crisis.
I went to (the news, press release and philanthropic areas of) each of
the companies web sites. If the company had several sites, I tried to
visit them all. Additionally, I visited the leading news and automotive
sites. As of today, one week since the attacks, this is what I have
found:
Aston Martin - Nothing.
Audi - Nothing. Audi's web site states "Audi News: Always up to the
minute."
BMW - Nothing despite other press releases/postings since 09/11/01.
BMW's web site states "The news service from the BMW Group: fast,
informative and comprehensive." Last updated 09/13/01.
Daewoo International - Nothing.
Daimler Chrysler (includes Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz and Plymouth) -
$10 million to support the children and victims in addition to other
donations from their employees, dealers and suppliers.
Fiat - Nothing.
Ford Motor Company (includes Jaguar, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo)
- $1 million to the American Red Cross, matching employee contributions
to the American Red Cross and 10 Excursions to the New York Fire
Department. The company has also offered emergency response team
services and office space to displaced government employees.
General Motors (includes Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile,
Pontiac, Saab and Saturn) - $1 million to the American Red Cross,
matching employee contributions and a fleet of vans, trucks and SUVs.
Honda (includes Acura) - Nothing. Honda's site states "If you're looking
for the latest developments taking place at Honda, you've come to the
right place" and "Informative. Timely. Credible. The latest news on
Honda can always be found right here?" No press releases/postings since
09/04/01 when the release boasted "American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
recorded its second best sales month ever in August ?" My search
included: hondamotorcycle.com (other press releases posted on this site
since 09/11/01), honda.com, honda2001.com, world.honda.com, acura.com
and honda.co.jp.
Hyundai Motors Group (includes Kia) - $300,000 to the American Red
Cross.
Isuzu - Nothing.
Mitsubishi Motors - Nothing. Mitsubishi-motors.co.jp site states "The
latest news about Mitsubishi Motors." I also searched
mitsubishimotors.com.
Nissan - Nothing despite other press releases/postings since 09/11/01.
Porsche - Press release with condolences posted on the Porsche web
siteon 09/12/01, but no contribution.
Subaru - Nothing despite other press releases/postings since 09/11/01.
Suzuki - Nothing.
Toyota (includes Lexus) - Press release with condolences posted on the
Toyota web site on 09/14/01, but no contribution despite earlier press
releases boasting that Toyota had high sales in July and August.
Volkswagen - The employees and management created a Foundation, funded
initially with $2 million, to assist the children and victims with
humanitarian help including medical and psychological assistance,
rehabilitation and scholarships.
I can only hope that it is an oversight by the companies that have not made a contribution and that they will join the relief efforts. We have the freedom to choose which companies we make purchases from and I, for one, will make my purchases from and give my money the companies that are giving their money to America at this time of need. I hope that you will, too.Please forward this e-mail -- especially to anyone you know who is thinking of purchasing a vehicle.