The destruction inflicted in south Texas by Hurricane Harvey is so severe that the final toll has yet to be completely counted, but Kawasak Motors Corp., U.S.A. isn’t waiting around to jump in and help with the relief efforts.
To that end, Kawasaki has donated five of its Mule UTV models to aid officials in this emergency. The company issued the following press release today, regarding its decision to act:
Foothill Ranch, California–As the state of Texas slowly rebuilds in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. is donating five new Kawasaki Mule utility vehicles toward relief efforts in the region.
“The destruction caused from Hurricane Harvey was devastating and the team at Kawasaki is anxious to lend our support to all those impacted,” said Yoshi Tamura, Kawasaki President and CEO. “We know our Kawasaki Mule vehicles will aid in assisting support teams, families, and our dealers in repairing their homes and businesses. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to everyone affected.”
The Kawasaki regional office in Dallas, Texas, immediately took action with individuals heading down to Houston to volunteer their time as many Kawasaki dealers also began loaning Mule utility vehicles to local relief organizations. In addition, Kawasaki has initiated a donation-matching program for employees at all of its U.S. locations. The company will match all individual donations from $30 to $500 made to non-profit organizations.
As the Kawasaki Mule reached its 30th anniversary of production, it has also been the choice for infrastructure projects and emergency response for those three decades, since first being introduced in 1988 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Used by police, fire and EMT departments across the country as well as by ranchers, farmers, and oil crews across Texas, the versatility of these lightweight, four-wheeled vehicles is coupled to their capacity to hold six passengers and unique ability to traverse rugged terrain, such as the debris from this natural disaster. They are able to reach hard-hit areas that traditional vehicles cannot. Combined with a tilting cargo bed capable of holding a large payload, the Mule is well suited for removing storm wreckage or hauling new construction materials or emergency supplies into hard-hit areas.
ABOUT KAWASAKI
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.