Kia America announced immediate assistance programs to help in recovery efforts following the destruction caused last week by Hurricane Helene in the Southeastern U.S.  The first is a customer assistance program for Kia customers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina who need to replace a vehicle damaged beyond repair because of Hurricane Helene. Customers with an insurance claim for loss of a vehicle because of the storm will be eligible to receive $500 in support for the purchase or lease of select new Kia vehicles between October 4, 2024, and January 2, 2025.¹  Customers should consult with their dealer for full program details.

In addition to the payment assistance program, Kia America has partnered with Kia Georgia, Inc., to donate $250,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with disaster relief efforts throughout the region.

"Kia is committed to supporting our customers as well as the local communities, our friends and neighbors throughout the Southeast affected by Hurricane Helene, and we are grateful to have tremendous partners like the American Red Cross who are ready to quickly assist communities and provide a comforting hand in times of need," said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. "We also recognize how difficult these situations can be on individuals and families, and we want to support our customers however we can. We hope the $500 payment assistance program will ease the burden our customers face as they move forward."

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26, caused catastrophic damage throughout Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. The funds donated by Kia will aid those impacted by the hurricane, providing vital resources such as food, water, shelter and medicine. Additionally, Kia team members are raising funds internally through the American Red Cross to further support relief efforts.

"Our team is so appreciative for Kia's generous contribution, which allows the Red Cross and its partners to provide support to those with the greatest need following Hurricane Helene," said Alicia Doherty, Regional Executive, the Red Cross of Georgia. "Kia has always been a caring friend to the Red Cross and these funds will have a positive impact in the wake of such a devastating situation for so many people across the Southeast."

This latest donation to the American Red Cross is a further extension of Kia's "Accelerate the Good" charitable program, which includes both national and local initiatives and has provided more than $30 million to those in need since 2019. Donations made by Kia's "Accelerate the Good" charitable initiative include ones to organizations that help treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases; help end childhood hunger; provide shelter to youth facing homelessness; provide natural disaster relief for recovering communities; offer support for military families; help shelter animals find forever homes; and assist with environmental cleanup projects nationwide.