DETROIT and NEW YORK -

In the latest aftermath of tornadoes wielding a destructive path through the Southeastern and Midwestern U.S., the auto industry is yet again chipping in for the relief effort.

Late last week — mere days before the one-year anniversary of Japanese tsunami, which had an overwhelming and historic impact on the global car business — Toyota and Ford both announced hefty donations to aid tornado victims and devastated communities in the South and Midwest.

Toyota is giving $100,000 to the American Red Cross and other non-profits helping in the recovery and rebuilding. The automaker is matching employee donations to these causes, as well. The donations will be divided among the groups later.

“When a disaster such as this occurs, we have to come together and do our part to help our neighbors. We express our sincere condolences to the families and communities affected,” stated Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America.

“Thanks to the generosity of our team members who are volunteering their personal time and donations, Toyota’s giving will go even further to help families and neighborhoods in need,” he added.

Likewise, Ford is making a $75,000 donation to the Red Cross and its chapters, as well as Louisville, Ky.’s Dare to Care Food Bank to lend a hand mostly to southern Indiana, as well as the northern and eastern parts of Kentucky.

Ford is also turning to matching employee contributions, which it projects will put its total donations to $100,000.

In addition to helping people in Indiana and Kentucky, portions of the donations will go to other areas suffering in the aftermath, like southern Ohio. There,
Ford’s Sharonville Plant employees are giving their time to assist in the rebuilding.

“Our hearts go out to our neighbors in the wake of these destructive tornadoes,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Co. Fund and Community Services. “We are ready to help those impacted by this tragedy.”

Chrysler Forms Partnership to Help Disaster Relief

In separate but similar news, Chrysler Group’s Ram Truck brand and The Weather Channel Cos. have teamed up with the First Response Team of America, which is a non-profit disaster relief organization.

Basically, Ram has sponsored The Weather Channel’s “Responding by Storm” field reports that detail how the First Response Team takes action in the event of weather disasters.

As part of the deal, Ram is giving the First Response Team three heavy-duty trucks to use in their efforts, which consist of aiding in the rescue work with local first responders and in the clean-up of affected areas.

The Weather Channel’s will offer field reports on live TV, online episodes on weather.com and mobile/tablet coverage.

“We have a great deal of respect for the work that the First Response Team does and welcome the opportunity to provide Ram trucks to help their efforts,” said Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer of the  Ram Truck brand.

“Our trucks are all about capability, hard work and determination. Ram truck owners are ‘providers’ by nature, often using their trucks to help their neighbors and communities, which makes this partnership with The Weather Channel and the First Response Team a natural fit,” he added.