Automotive industry pledges support for bushfire relief

The world is pledging its much-needed support for the victims of Australia's disastrous bushfire season, with the automotive world doing its bit to help.

A number of big (and small) players have donated to the cause, including Holden, which has pledged a significant $1 million donation. Up to $200,000 of that will go to the Australian Red Cross, while the rest will be split among a number of charities and areas directed by its wider dealer network.

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Here's a list of everyone else in the auto industry who's getting involved.

Volkswagen Australia

VW announced that it'll donate $2.5 million to the relief effort with managing director Michael Bartsch saying "Volkswagen has been part of Australian life since the 1950s. Therefore, we step up both to assist those at forefront of this crisis and to aid in what will be a protracted recovery."

Of that $2.5 million, $500,000 will go to the fire services and to the aid of those affected by the fires, $1 million will be donated to organisations involved in wildlife preservation and the last million will be distributed with reforestation in mind.

Lewis Hamilton

The Fomula 1 champion, whose love of animals is no secret, has donated $500,000 to a number of wildlife rescue organisations and rural fire services.

Toyota Australia

Australia's biggest motoring brand pledged a $3000 donation for every 'four' and a $6000 for every 'six' hit during day four of the Sydney test and a Big Bash match which raised $223,000 for The Salvation Army Australia. It also donated an extra $250,000 to recovering communities.

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Ford Australia

The Blue Oval has set aside $100,000 to the Australian Red Cross, and is also matching employee donations up to $50,000. Additionally, it is also providing vehicles to emergency services organisations and charities on the ground.

Isuzu Ute

Isuzu Ute has generously pledged $50,000 to the Salvation Army and the World Wildlife Fund in order to bring some reprieve to the lives affected during the bushfire catastrophe.

Motorsport

Local racers have jumped on board to donate, with Scott McLaughlin and DJR Team Penske auctioning off his 2017 race suit and helmet, the proceeds of which will go to the Red Cross and WIRES (wildlife rescue). He will match the final auction price with a donation of his own.

Toby Price (Dakar rally champion), Jack Miller (Moto GP), Thomas Randle (Supercars series), Kelly Racing (Supercars) and Molly Taylor (Australian Rally Champion) are all donating in a similar fashion. Hats off!

While it won’t be exhaustive, we would like to recognise as many major donations as possible. If we’ve missed anyone please let us know at whichcar@bauer-media.com.au.

We hope to continue adding donations to this list in the future.

On behalf of WhichCar - a sincere thank you.

MORE TO COME