GM Supports the Nature Conservancy

Spring Hill, TN— General Motors donated a 2003 Saturn VUE to The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee, bringing GM's total number of vehicles donated to the organization nationwide to 161.

"We're proud to support an organization with a tradition of conserving the national treasures of Tennessee," said Saturn Vice President of Manufacturing Dennis Dougherty. Mike Herron, UAW Manufacturing advisor, added, "We're excited to be able to provide a VUE to an organization that does such important work, especially with our Duck River, right here in Middle Tennessee. Saturn is committed to conservation of our vital resources and our environment."

The vehicle will be used for The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee's work across the state, including the Hatchie River in West Tennessee, the Duck River and cedar glades in Middle Tennessee as well as the Cumberland Plateau and Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

"Up until now we have been using our personal vehicles to cover the state, so we're delighted to have this four-wheel-drive vehicle," said State Director Scott Davis, who is based in Nashville.

According to Davis, GM's donation of vehicles has been instrumental in the accomplishment of The Nature Conservancy's mission and goals. Staff will use the Saturn VUE to transport monitoring equipment to hard to reach nature preserves owned throughout the state by The Nature Conservancy and to help transport donors as well.

"We typically work in remote wilderness locations, requiring vehicles that can take the punishment of rough terrain and go the distance," Davis said. "GM's donated vehicles make an important difference to The Nature Conservancy in achieving conservation success."

GM and The Nature Conservancy have an on-going relationship that is unprecedented in size and scope. In 1994, GM made a 10-year commitment to provide $10 million in cash and vehicles. Since then, GM has donated more than $8.3 million in cash and now 161 trucks to aid the work of The Nature Conservancy across the U.S. and many other countries of the world. GM also provided $10 million to The Nature Conservancy to restore and protect about 30,000 acres of endangered land in the Atlantic Rainforest Restoration Project in Brazil. GM's ten-year commitment to The Nature Conservancy will reach nearly $23 million.

"This partnership is a key example of our continuing commitment to the environment," said Elizabeth A. Lowery, GM vice president, Environment and Energy. "We're pleased to support The Nature Conservancy and its important conservation work."