Nissan Donates $20,000 to the American Red Cross; Nissan's Southwest Region Steps in to Assist Those Affected by Fires in Southern California

GARDENA, Calif.--Oct. 2, 20037, 2003--Nissan's Southwest Region, located in an area hit hard by wildfires, announced today that they would donate $10,000 to the American Red Cross to help in the relief efforts for those affected by the rapidly spreading flames. In addition, Nissan North America, Inc., the corporate headquarters of Nissan's operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, has joined the region's efforts by donating an additional $10,000.

"It is devastating to see the level of destruction and human suffering these fires have caused in Southern California," said Kent Brawner, vice president of Nissan's Southwest Region, which includes the area impacted by the fires. "When we saw the thousands of families and businesses that have been displaced by the fires -- including some of our own dealerships -- we wanted to help out any way we could. These people are our customers, and they need our support."

In Southern California, Nissan North America employs approximately 2,000 at its corporate headquarters and its Infiniti West Region located in Gardena; Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation in Torrance; the Nissan Southwest Region located in Costa Mesa; parts distribution centers in Costa Mesa and Compton, and its design studio in San Diego. In addition, there are approximately 48 Nissan and Infiniti dealerships in Southern California, many of which have been forced to close due to the fires.

The American Red Cross responds to disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and fires, or other situations that cause human suffering or create human needs that those affected cannot alleviate without assistance. It is an independent, humanitarian, voluntary organization, not a government agency.

Nissan has a long history of commitment to the local communities in which it resides. In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com or contact the corporate media line at 310-771-5631.