Nissan Provides Assistance for Mississippi Hurricane Relief

CANTON, Miss.--Aug. 30, 2005--Nissan North America, Inc., today said it would donate $500,000 in cash to the American Red Cross and provide 50 full-size trucks to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to assist with relief and recovery efforts associated with Hurricane Katrina.

The storm forced Nissan to halt production at the Canton assembly operation at 11:30 a.m. on Monday in advance of the storm. Production will resume on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005.

"Nissan is a part of Mississippi, and we're very concerned about what's happening throughout the state as people cope with the effects of this hurricane," said Dan Gaudette, senior vice president, North American Manufacturing and Quality Assurance.

"We asked the state how we could help during this time of crisis, and this is something we can do," he added. "Our vehicles will make a difference by supporting the emergency crews at a time when the help is desperately needed."

The Nissan fleet includes new Nissan Titan full-size pickups and Nissan Armada full-size SUVs, both built in the Canton plant. The Canton plant also produces Nissan Quest minivans, Altima mid-size sedans and the Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury SUV. The plant has a capacity to build 400,000 vehicles annually.

The fleet of vehicles was leased by MEMA for $1 and was delivered Monday afternoon and Tuesday, within hours of the Hurricane Katrina coming ashore on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The term of the lease is 30 days, but may be extended if necessary.

The cash donation will be made to the Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Fund, which funnels money directly to hurricane relief efforts, particularly those linked to Hurricane Katrina.

"We are grateful that Nissan and its employees have chosen the Red Cross to reach out to those whose lives were disrupted by Hurricane Katrina," said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. "Because of Nissan's help, the Red Cross can supply the shelter, food, emotional support and longer-term recovery assistance that thousands so badly need."

In addition, Nissan will match dollar-for-dollar employee donations to the Red Cross's Hurricane 2005 Fund up to a total of $250,000 in employee contributions.

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 and www.infiniti.com.