Auto Manufacturers Aid America
In an overwhelming show of support to victims and families of victims of the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and airline tragedies, major players of the automotive industry have stepped up to the plate to offer their condolences, equipment, and money. Less than a week after the horrific attack on America, DaimlerChrysler AG donated $10 million to support children who lost their parents; Mercedes-Benz offered tents to be used as emergency shelters in New York; and DaimlerChrysler AG and the UAW donated $1 million to the American Red Cross. General Motors put up $1 million for the Red Cross in addition to matching employee contributions and donating the use of its entire northeast fleet of sport utility vehicles to be used in the cleanup effort in New York City and Washington D.C. Ford Motor Company donated $1 million to the American Red Cross and is matching employee contributions to the same. It also gave 10 Excursions to the New York Fire Department and offered its assistance in helping with emergency and long-term needs of New York City officials, such as providing much-needed office space. And the list goes on.
BMW AG's U.S. group donated $1 million and 10 of its X5 sport utilities to the Red Cross as well as 100 police motorcycles to replace equipment lost by the New York City Police Department. The Hyundai/Kia Motors Group donated $300,000 to the American Red Cross. Volkswagen AG's U.S. group put up $2 million to create a foundation to assist victims. The Michelin Tire Group donated $1 million to the Red Cross and $250,000 in tires for emergency vehicles involved in the New York City rescue efforts. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company divided $1 million between The New York Times 9/11 Neediest Fund and the American Red Cross. Johnson Controls, a supplier of automotive systems and interiors, donated $1 million to the American Red Cross. And, last but not least, Ford and the UAW gave $1 million to the Salvation Army, a donation supported by UAW-represented employees at Visteon Corp., ZF Bastavia, and Rogue Steel.
Many thanks to all of those who have continued to support the American rescue and recovery efforts in the weeks following the tragic events, as well as to those continually supporting America. As we're sure to see much more in the months to follow, we'll keep you informed about all of those companies and individuals donating dollars and efforts to the cause. In the meantime, God bless America.
ARCA Rocks in 2002
Having just closed out a successful season in Farmington, New Mexico, this past September, the American Rock Crawlers Association, along with Goodyear and other sponsors, have announced that yet another exciting season is in the works. One of the coolest additions to the 2002 season is that the event purses are increasing from $15,000 per event to $25,000 per event. According to Ranch Pratt, ARCA president, this increased purse goal was made obtainable thanks to increased support from several sponsors. Another change to the 2002 series is a new official rulebook with details about the long-awaited addition of split classes. Competitors will be able to participate in the Modified Class or the Super Modified Class, allowing for a greater field of competition on both levels.