DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Credit is offering more than 150,000 customers in Central Florida the chance to defer vehicle payments while they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley.

Under Ford Credit's Disaster Relief Program, customers can defer up to two monthly payments without paying extension fees. More than 150,000 customers living in 25 Central Florida counties may be eligible because of extensive damage in those areas.

"We understand that customers living in the areas affected by Hurricane Charley may experience temporary financial problems due to the storms," said AJ Wagner, president of Ford Credit North America. "Our goal is to give them one less thing to worry about while they rebuild their lives."

Ford Credit customers who are eligible for disaster relief should receive letters within the next few weeks with instructions on how to register. They must contact Ford Credit by Oct. 23, 2004, to qualify. The deferred payments will be due at the end of the contract term. Customers who haven't received a letter but believe they qualify may inquire about the program by calling Ford Credit at (800) 723-4016.

In addition to Ford Credit's payment deferrals for victims of Hurricane Charley, the Ford Motor Company Fund donated $50,000 to the Red Cross to help residents of the 25 most-affected Florida counties. On top of all applicable incentives, Ford Motor Company is offering $750 off the purchase price of any 2004 and select 2005 Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles for residents of the same counties.