A tweet posted by the automobile company Hyundai on Kashmir Solidarity Day 2022 attracted a lot of backlash from Indian netizens. ‘Boycott Hyundai’ started trending on the internet after the company took to its Pakistani handle and posted, “Let us remember the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they continue to struggle for freedom.” Soon, the post sparked outrage among Indians who began to urge others not to purchase anything from the South Korean car company. After the post, Hyundai’s subsidiary company Kia Motors also started receiving mass boycotts.
Hyundai in Pakistan is asking for freedom of Kashmir.
Hyundai Pakistan also posted them same on its Facebook page. Link: https://t.co/ZOBDggsdW0 pic.twitter.com/Kmmk2Rc1wu
— Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) February 6, 2022
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Hyundai Issued A Statement After Taking Down The Post
Hyundai took down the unwarranted tweet after the controversies and posted an apology stating that the company stands firmly for ‘strong ethos of respecting nationalism.’ It added, “India is second home to the Hyundai brand and we have zero-tolerance policy towards insensitive communication and we strongly condemn any such view. As part of our commitment to India, we will continue our efforts towards the betterment of the country as well as its citizens.”
Official Statement from Hyundai Motor India Ltd.#Hyundai #HyundaiIndia pic.twitter.com/dDsdFXbaOd
— Hyundai India (@HyundaiIndia) February 6, 2022
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Many Indians Not Happy With The Apology
Auto giant Hyundai has been in India for over 25 years and has reaped huge benefits from the sales of its cars. At a time when auto markets are becoming more competitive, keeping an unbiased social image is a huge responsibility of the companies to stay in the good books of the customers. After the controversy, Hyundai did come up with an explanation to distance itself from the conflict, but was it strong enough to appease its customer base in India? Many Indians felt that the apology was not sufficient.
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. https://t.co/RziyiBeJo7
— Arun Bothra 🇮🇳 (@arunbothra) February 7, 2022
. @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
What are your thoughts on the above?