Chung Euisun Leads 'Global All-Out Effort' to Overcome COVID-19

Hyundai Motor Continues Support Abroad Following Domestic Efforts
Focus on 'Korean-style' Measures Like Masks and Drive-Thru

Chung Eui-sun, Executive Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kiho Sung and Jihui Kim] Chung Eui-sun, Executive Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, is taking the lead in global support efforts to prevent and recover from the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) worldwide. Hyundai Motor Group has already carried out various activities domestically, including emergency support of 1 trillion won to partner companies, providing training centers for quarantined individuals, donating 5 billion won, and purchasing 10 billion won worth of local currency. Overseas, the group is focusing on "Korean-style overcoming measures" such as supporting drive-thru screening clinics and producing and donating masks. Hyundai Motor Group's customized support is expected to further improve overseas perceptions of Korea and Korean-made cars.

On the 26th, according to the automotive industry and Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai Motor America decided on the 24th (local time) to support the strengthening of the drive-thru screening clinic system with a total of 2 million dollars through its social contribution program "Hyundai Hope On Wheels."

"Hyundai Hope On Wheels" is a social contribution program that Hyundai Motor and local dealers have been operating since 1998 to eradicate childhood cancer. As of the end of last year, the cumulative donations reached a total of 160 million dollars, making it the second largest childhood cancer fund in the United States and the largest in the private sector.

Hyundai Motor North America plans to operate drive-thru screening clinics and designate 10 children's hospitals for support through "Hyundai Hope On Wheels." It is known that they have already donated 200,000 dollars each to three hospitals located in Orange County, California; Cleveland, Ohio; and Washington DC. Hyundai Motor North America plans to select and support an additional seven hospitals to strengthen support.

Kia Motors will soon begin mask production through its local factory in China. This move follows the Chinese government's encouragement for local companies to produce masks, and mask production is expected to take place at the Yancheng plant.

Currently, Kia Motors' China factory is operating normally, but the operating rate is reported to be below normal. In particular, there are ongoing difficulties in securing masks for factory operation. To run the factory, masks must be provided not only to Kia employees but also to partner companies, but due to the unstable supply of masks, Kia has decided to produce masks directly. Earlier, Hyundai Motor donated 15 million yuan (approximately 2.5 billion won) as a COVID-19 relief fund in China.

Support is also being provided in Europe, where the COVID-19 situation is severe. On the 25th (local time), Yang Dong-hwan, head of Hyundai Motor Czech Republic, met with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babi? along with Korean Ambassador Kim Tae-jin and agreed to donate 500 million won and 20,000 masks.

At the meeting, the Korean Embassy in the Czech Republic reported that Mr. Yang expressed willingness to additionally support 50 vehicles besides the donation and masks, and Prime Minister Babi? expressed hope that Hyundai Motor would support hospitals in the Ostrava region.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.