South Korean auto major Hyundai has landed in trouble. #BoycottHyundai is trending on Twitter in India and the reason behind this negative campaign against the brand was due to its Pakistani Twitter handle.
On February 6, the Hyundai Pakistan Twitter handle tweeted “Let us remember the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers and stand in support as they continue to struggle for freedom,”.
Deleted copy of the post:
Soon after the post, it attracted a lot of criticism and several netizens demanded an apology from the company.
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
I booked #Hyundai Verna a month ago & it was due to be deliver this month but after seeing #HyundaiPakistan post, supporting separatism in #Kashmir,India, cancelled the Verna & called the Honda outlet and taken the delivery of Honda City today itself.
#BoycottHyundai, thats it! pic.twitter.com/Jmqw73NvlN
— CA Ashutosh Soni (@CA_AshutoshSoni) February 6, 2022
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
Reacting to the developments, Hyundai Motors India put out a message on social media reiterating its commitment to the Indian market. In its statement, Hyundai Motor India said it stands strong on its ethos of respecting nationalism following a backlash in social media after a dealer of Hyundai in Pakistan posted a message supporting separatists in Kashmir.
Official Statement from Hyundai Motor India Ltd.#Hyundai #HyundaiIndia pic.twitter.com/dDsdFXbaOd
— Hyundai India (@HyundaiIndia) February 6, 2022
“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,” it said.
The company further said, “The unsolicited social media post linking Hyundai Motor India is offending our unparalleled commitment and service to this great country.”
Reiterating that India is second home to the Hyundai brand, the company said, “We have a zero-tolerance policy towards insensitive communication and we strongly condemn any such view.”
Hyundai Motor India further said, “As part of our commitment to India, we will continue our efforts towards the betterment of the country as well as its citizens.”
The statement again is getting backlash on Twitter:
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
Is there an apology hidden somewhere in this statement? #BoycottHyundai https://t.co/GXwxvfkx0a
— Ashwin Sanghi (@ashwinsanghi) February 6, 2022
What a lame tweet from #Hyundai PR team. Still not calling out Pakistan and their misadventures. They don’t wanna lose selling 5 cars in a bankrupt nation but happy to risk selling a million in India.
Well, your turn Indian car buyers ! Time to reply. #BoycottHyundai https://t.co/DRUSUUnRq3— Maj Manik M Jolly,SM (@Manik_M_Jolly) February 6, 2022