Hyundai Motor group has gone into damage-control mode, vowing its "unparalleled commitment and service" to India, after a massive backlash over a social media post from its dealership in Pakistan supporting the separatist movement in Kashmir took the internet by storm.
#BoycottHyundai and #apology has been the top trend across India after the social media handles of Hyundai Pakistan shared posts in solidarity with the "Kashmiri brothers" in their "struggle for freedom" on February 5, a day observed as 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' by fanatics across the border.
The posts, which were deleted later, invited huge ire online from Indians all over the world who are calling for a complete boycott of Hyundai vehicles.
Social media users have been tagging both Hyundai India and the Korean company’s global social media handles, along with the car maker’s Pakistan dealerships demanding an official apology from the company.
Half hearted statement by @HyundaiIndia is totally unacceptable. We demand unconditional apology from @Hyundai_Global on anti-India statements of their Paki agents.
— Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale (@vijai63) February 6, 2022
The netizens are also furious after a similar message was also posted by a Kia dealership in Pakistan. Kia Corporation is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group and has recently entered the Indian market after setting up a manufacturing facility in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh.
As tempers continue to get frayed, Hyundai MotorIndia has issued a statement in a bid to distance itself from the raging controversy.
"Hyundai MotorIndia has been committed to the Indian market for more than 25 years now and we stand firmly for our strong ethos of respecting nationalism," the statement read.
We have sacrificed Brave Soldiers and innocent unarmed Civilians … Their sacrifice is more precious to us Indians 🙏💐
Say NO to खटारा
Be Indian Buy Indian #BoycottHyundai
Jai Hind 🇮🇳
— KJS DHILLON🇮🇳 (@Tiny_Dhillon) February 7, 2022
"The unsolicited social media post linking Hyundai Motor India is offending our unparalleled commitment and service to this great country. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards insensitive communication and we strongly condemn any such view," it said.
Official Statement from Hyundai Motor India Ltd.#Hyundai #HyundaiIndia pic.twitter.com/dDsdFXbaOd
— Hyundai India (@HyundaiIndia) February 6, 2022
However, crores of Indians are still fuming and continue to express their anger, saying that companies which run anti-India agenda should be banned immediately.
"In my personal capacity and with limited reach, I request everyone not to buy a #Hyundai vehicle. First time supporting a boycott call. Lets #BoycottHyundai. They have no respect for our national sentiments. The half-hearted statement below tells that they have no remorse also," tweeted senior IPS officer Arun Bothra.
Hello @Hyundai_Global
How about a #FreeTibet post from your social media handles?#BoycottHyundai
— Arun Bothra 🇮🇳 (@arunbothra) February 7, 2022
"Hello @Hyundai_Global, How come your official handle in Pak is supporting terror state Pakistan’s propaganda on Kashmir? @HyundaiIndia If you can't respect sovereignty of my nation, Pack your bags and leave my country! Friends,Keep retweeting till @Hyundai_Global apologise!" tweeted Major Surendra Poonia.
"Crush their sales numbers, trend their India auto market share to zero," wrote another Twitter user urging Indians to boycott Hyundai vehicles.
. @HyundaiIndia This is neither apology nor regret but a joke.@Hyundai_Global MUST apologise & clarify It’s stand on Kashmir otherwise be ready to face the music of 140 Cr Patriot Indians.
You have 24 Hrs ..Period !
Remember,Kashmir is in our blood#BoycottHyundai https://t.co/yiZE7LtMaw— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) February 6, 2022
Hyundai Motor India Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company and has been the number one car exporter since inception in India.
The company registered domestic sales of 44,022 units and exports of 9,405 units with cumulative sales of 53,427 units for the month of January 2022.
Proud Tata Owner. नमक भी देश का और गाड़ी भी pic.twitter.com/SehlLm7CPf
— Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga (@TajinderBagga) February 7, 2022
Hyundai Motor India claims to continue its market leadership position as India's most preferred SUV brand in 2021 by selling 2,52,586 SUV units, last year.
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