Toyota companies pledge $5 million to Hurricane Katrina relief

Toyota companies today announced a $5,000,000 contribution directed to disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

$2 million of the $3 million directed to the American Red Cross was pledged by Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan, California-based Toyota Motor Sales USA, and Toyota Financial Services; New York-based Toyota Motor North America; and Kentucky-based Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America.

Texas-based Friedkin Companies, the owner of Gulf States Toyota, a privately owned Toyota distributorship, contributed another $2 million to establish the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will aid Toyota and dealership employees and their families in the Gulf States region with both immediate and long-term needs resulting from Hurricane Katrina.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, a privately owned Toyota distributorship, its parent company JM Family Enterprises, and its associates pledged another $1,000,000 to the American Red Cross.

In addition to Toyota's contribution, Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services will assist finance and lease customers affected by Hurricane Katrina by offering a 90-day extension on payments, suspending credit bureau reporting on accounts impacted by the storm, and temporarily suspending collection efforts on these accounts. Customers wishing to request assistance or discuss their accounts should call 1-800-874-8822.

Similarly, Lexus Pursuits Visa® Card customers will also receive an extension on payments and may call 1-866-877-4966 to seek a credit line increase or further assistance.

To stimulate further giving, employee contributions to the American Red Cross will be fully matched by Toyota Motor Sales USA, Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America and Toyota Technical Center. Additionally, employee contributions to the Salvation Army will be fully matched by Toyota Technical Center, while employee contributions to the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund will be fully matched by Toyota Motor Sales and Toyota Financial Services.