More HUMMER H3 SUVs put into service for the Red Cross

Red Cross chapters in Phoenix, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada; Detroit, Michigan; Cincinnati, Ohio; Rochester, New York; Boise, Idaho; Concord, New Hampshire; Greensboro and Raleigh, North Carolina; Columbia, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Vancouver, Washington; and Bristol, Virginia will each receive a HUMMER H3 SUV to assist their disaster-response capabilities and emergency readiness. The chapters will receive their H3s in September in conjunction with it being National Preparedness Month. There are currently 31 HUMMER models in service with the Red Cross, with these vehicles being used during crises such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, flooding in Orange County, New York, and wildfires in California. The 13 to be added in September will bring the total number of HUMMER vehicles in Red Cross service to 44.

HUMMER general manager Martin Walsh relayed the importance of providing the emergency-response vehicles: "Our vehicles have supported Red Cross relief efforts during several major disasters, and we are pleased to provide the nation's frontline emergency response volunteers with addition HUMMER H3 disaster response vehicles. The H3's combination of unparalleled capability and midsize truck fuel economy make it an ideal disaster-response vehicle."

HUMMER first began committing its vehicles to the Red Cross in 2004, when it pledged 72 vehicles along with $100,000 each year from the GM Foundation. In addition to emergency responses, the HUMMER vehicles are used in daily duties and for local events and showcases. Each of the donated HUMMER H3s will have OnStar, including hands-free calling minutes and the "Directions and Connections" plan to help drivers find hotels, gas, and other destinations. Other OnStar services include airbag-deployment notification, remote vehicle diagnostics, remote door unlock, and more emergency help. GM's Major Guard Protection extended service coverage will come with each donated vehicle.

Jeff Towers, chief development officer at the American Red Cross, lauded HUMMER and GM for their contributions: "HUMMER and the GM Foundation's donations to the Red Cross have helped support our core mission of providing urgent relief to those affected by disaster. Their ongoing generosity will continue to help Red Cross chapters respond to emergencies across the nation."

Click here to learn more about National Preparedness Month from the American Red Cross.

Source: GM Press Release