The Car Pro Show is based in Dallas-Fort Worth, so the recent catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country hits really close to home. Our hearts continue to go out to the victims and their families of this historic and devastating event that occurred on July 4th. As of July 17th, the number of lives lost stands at more than 130 across the Texas Hill Country and 97 people remain missing.
In the wake of the tragedy, a number of automakers are offering flood relief assistance:
Toyota Motor North America and its Dealers Commit $600,000+
Toyota Motor North America and its network of dealers and affiliates have mobilized in force to support relief efforts. The catastrophe flooding along the Guadalupe River has hit communities just miles from Toyota’s San Antonio truck plant, which builds the Tundra and Sequoia and employs over 3,700 people. The plant sits about 65 miles from Kerr County, the hardest-hit area, where entire towns including Hunt, Ingram, Center Point, and Comfort are grappling with widespread destruction.
In response, Toyota and its partners have committed more than $600,000 to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, coordinated through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Those donations have come from Toyota Motor North America, Gulf States Toyota, Southeast Toyota, Vic Vaughan Toyota of Boerne, and Toyota Financial Services
A dear friend of mine, Vic Vaughan, whose family foundation was already active in the region, told Automotive News that the rapid coordination among Toyota entities is “a really, really powerful giving effort.” That network-wide response includes not just monetary aid but logistical coordination and hands-on support.
Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services are offering payment relief for affected customers in federally designated disaster zones, including payment extensions and deferred lease options. A proactive outreach campaign is underway to ensure customers receive help even if they haven’t yet contacted Toyota. Matching donations from Toyota and Friedkin Group affiliates will also increase total giving.
Vic Vaughan told me he’s been overwhelmed by the response not only from Gulf States Toyota and its dealer base but from companies and dealerships across the country. “It’s so sad, but I’ve never been more proud to be a Texan. God Bless Texas” he said. For Texans affected by the flooding, the automotive industry’s coordinated response offers more than financial help—it delivers a critical message: you’re not alone.
In a Facebook posting, Vaughan said: “Please help if you can. Anything is appreciated, $10, $20, anything. Our neighbor’s need help. Let’s try to make this recovery a little easier for them. God Bless Texas” and he offered this link to donate, which I promptly did and you can as well if you feel the need:
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country →
Ford & Ford Dealers Are Stepping Up, Too
- Texas Ford Dealers and Ford Philanthropy are donating a combined $1.25 million to support local organizations in Central Texas. They say the donation will support the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and local affiliates of its Building Together partners.
- Ford Dealers are providing loaner vehicles to the American Red Cross to power their recovery efforts. The loaner vehicle program is enabling its partners to expand and scale their response efforts to reach impacted areas.
- Ford employees are packing food boxes to support families in Texas. On Thursday, July 17, Ford employees and dealers will come together at the North Texas Food Bank, a partner in the Feeding America network, to pack food boxes to support local Texas families, including those who may have been impacted by the recent floods.
- Ford Volunteer Corps members are preparing to deploy to Texas with Team Rubicon. Through our Extended Volunteer Paid Time Off Policy, “Greyshirt” trained Ford volunteers are preparing to join Team Rubicon’s mission on the ground as their recovery efforts begin in Texas.
- Ford Credit is offering deferred payment to customers in FEMA-designated areas. Ford Credit and Lincoln Automotive Financial Services are helping customers affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tragic flooding in Texas by offering payment extensions of up to 60 days. Customers can request an extension by visiting www.ford.com/finance or through the Ford Credit app.
Ram Trucks Donates $500,000
Ram is also supporting efforts. On Facebook, it announced a $500,000 donation to the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County to support flooding recovery efforts for Texans in need.
Kia & Kia Dealers give $100,000
Kia America, in partnership with Central Texas Kia Dealers, this week announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross as it provides ongoing relief in communities impacted by the recent floods across the state of Texas.
"Kia America and our Central Texas Dealer Network stand united in the face of hardship, committed to supporting the communities we serve," said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. "This $100,000 donation reflects our continued dedication to aiding neighbors and families impacted by natural disasters. We are grateful to the American Red Cross for its rapid and sustained response in Texas, and we hope these funds help bring relief and stability to those who need it most."
Kia says the donation underscores its philanthropic focus, bolstered by collaboration with local Kia dealers who are equally devoted to assisting flood-affected areas. Beyond financial support, Kia says it is exploring additional measures—such as customer assistance programs and local volunteer efforts—to further aid recovery across the state.
Hyundai & Genesis donate $150,000
In response to the devastating floods impacting Kerrville and surrounding communities in Texas, Hyundai and Genesis Motor America have launched a comprehensive disaster relief initiative to support residents, first responders, and affected vehicle owners. The program includes a $150,000 donation, direct customer relief, and coordinated assistance with community partners and government agencies.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating floods in Texas,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “On behalf of our teams and partners, Hyundai and Genesis support the community and relief organizations to assist with the recovery. We are grateful for the first responders and those on the ground assisting. We will continue to look for meaningful ways to support the recovery.”
Additionally, Hyundai Capital America, including Hyundai Motor Finance and Genesis Finance, is offering payment relief options for eligible customers affected by the floods. Customers in impacted regions can contact their respective finance providers for hardship support and individualized assistance.
Texas Flood Relief Buyer and Owner Assistance includes:
- Hyundai Capital America support available for affected customers in FEMA-declared counties*
- $1,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new 2025 Hyundai
- $2,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new 2025 Genesis
- Extended roadside assistance for eligible impacted owners
Mazda offers payment relief
Mazda Financial Services (MFS) announced it is offering payment relief options to its customers affected by the recent floods in Texas. This broad outreach includes any MFS customers in designated disaster areas.
Mazda Financial Services says it cares about the safety and well-being of its customers and wants to help those suffering from this disaster. Impacted lease and finance customers residing in the affected areas may be eligible to take advantage of several payment relief options, some of which include:
- extensions and lease deferred payments;
- redirecting billing statements; and
- arranging phone or online payments.
Customers who would like to discuss their account options are encouraged to contact MFS directly by calling 866-693-2332.
Honda continues to support Red Cross
In response to the catastrophic flooding in Texas, the Honda U.S. family of companies says it's reaffirming its commitment to disaster relief by supporting the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program. Honda’s $1 million contribution to the program enables the Red Cross to respond to disasters big and small across the country, whenever and wherever they occur. The flooding in Texas is one of more than 65,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to each year. Honda also says it continues to provide its associates with opportunities to support disaster relief through the company's matching fund and volunteer grant programs.
Honda Financial Services (HFS) and Acura Financial Services (AFS) are offering payment extensions and lease deferrals to customers in Texas, as well as North Carolina, impacted by recent flood events. Customers can get more information by calling HFS at (800) 445-1358 or AFS at (866) 950-2439.
Group 1 Kicks In Support
Group 1 Automotive has launched a significant relief effort in response to the Central Texas flooding, beginning with a $250,000 donation to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, directed specifically to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. This fund supports vetted rescue and recovery efforts in hard-hit communities including Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. In addition, the company committed up to $50,000 in employee matching funds to encourage its workforce to contribute and amplify the impact locally. With 53 dealerships and roughly 6,000 employees across Texas—Group 1 has a deep-rooted presence in the affected area. CEO Daryl Kenningham emphasized the company’s connection to the region, stating, “As a Texas-based company, we know Texans respond when adversity strikes. All of us at Group 1 hurt for those who lost loved ones, homes, and other property.”
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