British premium vehicle producer Jaguar Land Rover China became the first company in the automotive industry to respond to the post-disaster relief effort to assist residents of earthquake-hit Zhaotong county, in Yunnan province, with the announcement on Tuesday of a donation of 5 million yuan ($809,592).

"We extend our deepest sympathies to all of those affected by this terrible event," said Bob Grace, the company's regional president for greater China. "Jaguar Land Rover in China stands shoulder to shoulder with the affected people of Yunnan and supports the work of all those working to restore the area back to normal."

In keeping with the guiding principles of the newly established Jaguar Land Rover Dream Fund, the donated money will focus on school reconstruction and financial support for students.