Auto Manufacturers Mobilize Attack Relief Efforts
From all-terrain vehicles for use by rescue crews negotiating mountains of rubble at the collapsed World Trade Center towers to cash provided to help victims' families, the automobile industry has provided significant
support to relief efforts spawned by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and the Pentagon.
The National Automobile Dealers Association's
Charitable Foundation has received almost $400,000 in donations for its Survivors Relief Fund, and is aiming to collect $1 million.
Among the efforts by domestic manufacturers and import brands alike:
* BMW Group has donated $1 million in cash to the American Red Cross, given the New York Police Department 100 new BMW police motorcycles and provided rescue teams with 10 new X5 sport-utility vehicles.
* DaimlerChrysler has committed $10 million to support the children of victims of the attacks and is conducting additional employee fund-raising programs at its operations worldwide.
* Ford Motor Co. has donated $1 million to the Red Cross, and the United Auto Workers Union's Ford National Programs unit is donating $1 million to the Salvation Army. Additionally, Ford facilities and dealer groups have donated $550,000 to relief efforts, Ford has pledged to match all employee contributions, and the company -- through its various operating
units and subsidiaries -- has donated or lent 76 cars, SUVs, vans and pickup trucks for use in rescue and relief programs.
* General Motors Corp. has donated $1 million to the Red Cross, provided 60 GM vehicles to rescue and relief agencies and pledged to match all employee donations.
* Honda Motor Co. has provided eight all-terrain vehicles to the New York Fire Department, donated 20 12,000-watt commercial power generators to the Red Cross for use in relief programs and launched a companywide
employee donation program with additional funding to come from the company.
* Isuzu Motors America has donated $16,800 in corporate and employee contributions and is conducting further fund-raising efforts at its American Isuzu sales unit and at parent Isuzu Motors Ltd. in Japan.
* Mazda North American Operations is matching employee contributions to raise a total of $40,000 to be donated to the United Way.
* Mitsubishi Motors in the U.S. and Japan has raised more than $150,000 in corporate and employee donations in a continuing campaign.
* Nissan Motor Co. has donated $500,000 to the Red Cross and $500,000 to the Twin Towers Fund for the families of police officers, firefighters and emergency rescue crew members killed in New York and is matching
employee donations to the two organizations as well.
* Porsche Cars of North America has dedicated 20 percent of the proceeds of an
upcoming national fund-raising program to disaster relief and will sponsor a benefit concert starring comedian Jerry Seinfeld.
* American Suzuki Motor Corp. has donated 25 all-terrain vehicles and five four-wheel-drive SUVs, in addition to matching employee and dealer donations.
* Toyota Motor Corp. has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross and has established a matching-fund program for employee and Toyota dealer contributions.
* Volkswagen Group has established a relief foundation with initial funding from the German company of $2 million, and Volkswagen of America has donated 25 Eurovans to the New York Fire Department.
NADCF Survivors Relief Fund Information
To date, the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation (NADCF) has received about $400,000 in donations to its Survivors Relief Fund, established for the families and victims of September 11's attacks.
NADA's goal is to raise $1 million for the recovery effort. If you would like to help, please make your check payable to the NADCF, and
earmark it to the Survivors Relief Fund.
Contributions are tax-deductible, and should be sent to NADCF, 8400 Westpark Dr., McLean,
More F&I

Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →