(January 8, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations today announced that it is donating $4,937,850 to select charities as a result of its Mazda Drive for Good event, a 79.4 percent increase over 2014.

In addition to the monetary donation, Mazda employees and dealers across the nation also will donate more than 66,000 charitable service hours in 2015 through various local charitable service opportunities, an increase of 17.5 percent over 2014.

"We could not have asked for better results from this year's Mazda Drive for Good event," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO. "The growth seen in monetary donations and volunteer service hours are a welcomed increase. It allows Mazda's employees, dealers and business partners to lend a helping hand and participate in constructive and engaging ways, helping their community throughout the year."

Mazda's Drive for Good event ran from Nov. 21, 2014 through Jan. 2, 2015. For every new Mazda vehicle purchased during this time period, Mazda donated $150 to one of four national, or 44 local, charities, with the choice of the charity being left up to the customer. Customers who bought a vehicle during the program period still have until Jan. 31, 2015 to make their donation decision. In addition to the monetary donation, Mazda also pledged an hour of charitable service for every test drive of a new Mazda vehicle taken during the Mazda Drive for Good event.

Nationally, Mazda worked with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, American Red Cross, American Heart Association and Mazda Foundation. Additionally, Mazda offered a local charity option to its customers by partnering with an additional 44 charities based on dealer input in the local markets.