The Japanese automakers are both providing payment relief options for eligible customers.
When disaster strikes, it’s always good to see the country’s automotive giants go beyond what’s expected to make a difference. Volkswagen did that much two years ago by making masks and providing financial relief during the worst of the pandemic, and Hyundai donated $150,000 to relief funds after tornados devastated Kentucky late last year. Unfortunately, Kentucky is once more in the news for the wrong reasons after flash flooding hit the region late last month. The death toll in the Bluegrass State has now reached 37, but many more are impacted by the disaster. Now, Mazda and Toyota are stepping up to help customers and communities affected.
Toyota
Mazda Financial Services (MFS) said this week that various payment relief options will be made available to customers affected by the floods. Those who are eligible can take advantage of extensions and lease deferred payments, redirecting billing statements, and arranging phone or online payments. At a time when lives are at risk and homes swept away, keeping up with vehicle finances seems a secondary concern, but Mazda has done what it can to lessen the burden.
Toyota has gone a step further by donating $750,000 to immediately assist with recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky. Most of this will help families access shelter and food, and a smaller portion will be set aside for helping survivors work through the federal funding applications and appeals processes.
Like Mazda, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is providing the same payment relief options for impacted customers. This includes Lexus Financial Services (LFS) customers, too, so whether you bought a base Toyota Corolla or Lexus LC via TFS or LFS, these relief options will apply.
For US-based employees who donate to The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, SBP, and The American Red Cross, Toyota will double-match these donations.
Although nobody wants to think about being stuck inside a car during the type of flooding that hit Kentucky, these weather events are common enough that some safety agencies have begun testing how safe cars are when submerged in water. Recently, several exotics were badly damaged following flooding in Florida. For now, we hope other automakers come to the party and join Mazda and Toyota in assisting communities in any way possible.
