| -

TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda joined the long list of automakers Tuesday that have pledged a significant donation toward earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

The manufacturer has earmarked a donation to the American Red Cross of more than $300,000. Furthermore, the company has given portable generators, water pumps and other Honda products for use during humanitarian relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.

Honda indicated that the donation is meant to represent the collective contribution of its family of companies in North America, which consists of sales, manufacturing, finance, and research and development operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. All told, those entities represent more than 31,000 associates.

The manufacturer also relayed requests from the Red Cross, which has emphasized that the greatest current need is funding to support on-site emergency response teams. The company mentioned that it's been in close communication with the Red Cross regarding its need for material and equipment such as generators and water pumps in Haiti.

"We want to help address the dire human need that Haiti is experiencing as a result of this disaster," stated Tetsuo Iwamura, president and chief executive officer of American Honda Motor Co. and chief operating officer of Honda's North American region.

"Honda has a longstanding relationship with the Red Cross, and we will work continuously with them to assist with the effort to provide much-needed relief," Iwamura added.

Manufacturers such as General Motors, Toyota, Nissan and Chrysler already have made arrangements to contribute a total sum of more than $1 million toward the earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti.