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General Motors Relief Efforts in Response to Fires in Southern California


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THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - General Motors and the GM Foundation are putting in place several efforts to help those persons impacted by the devastating fires that have raged across Southern California.

The GM Foundation has contributed $100,000 to the American Red Cross (ARC), which also has a fleet of GM-donated HUMMER vehicles available to provide relief in natural disasters. In addition, 12 Southern California HUMMER dealerships are standing by to assist with relief efforts.

"Responding to natural disasters is a priority of GM's corporate outreach, and we welcome the opportunity to work with the American Red Cross again to aid those Californians who must overcome hardships caused by the recent fires," said Rod Gillum, GM Vice President, Chairman of the GM Foundation. "GM employees will be able to make contributions to the relief efforts and those contributions will be matched by the GM Foundation through Nov. 30, 2007."

GM OnStar has activated its Crisis Assist program for OnStar subscribers. Crisis Assist allows subscribers in the designated crisis area to take advantage of all OnStar services, at no additional charge, regardless of their service plans. OnStar offers routing assistance, help with hotel reservations and will even download personal calling minutes into vehicles so that the subscribers can connect with family/friends to tell them they are OK. OnStar's recent partnership with the American Red Cross also allows subscribers access to ARC's shelter information.

Given the impact that the devastating fires may have on air quality, GM Goodwrench is extending an offer to replace air filters, free of charge. GM vehicle owners who live in the affected area can stop by their local GM Dealership and ask to have their engine air filters replaced. Go to goodwrench.com for more details.

"GM, its dealers and its employees have a long tradition of responding to emergencies where we work and live," said Susan Docherty, General Manager of GM's Western Region. "We are quickly mobilizing our human, technological and financial resources to bring as much relief and support as possible to our families, friends and neighbors, who have all been affected in some way by these tragic wildfires."

GMAC Financial Services will work closely with all its impacted customers in auto finance, insurance and mortgage units. GMAC Auto Financing has established a specialized call center for its automotive and dealer wholesale customers to assist with case-by-case needs including possible payment extensions. GMAC Insurance has already deployed a team of claims adjusters to Southern California to assist insurance customers with property claims. GMAC ResCap will offer mortgage relief counseling and dispatch its "Mobile HOPE" operation, a group of specially trained face-to-face customer service specialists.

GMAC customers are encouraged to contact these customer service locations: GMAC Insurance 800-468-3466; GMAC Mortgage 866-262-5363; GMAC Auto Financing 800-200-4622 or their branch offices where possible.