Netizens have largely rejected India’s second largest-selling car maker Hyundai India’s statement intended to distance itself from its Pakistani counterpart. The Korean automaker landed in hot water in India after the company's dealer in Pakistan shared solidarity messages on social media over Kashmir.
After #BoycottHyundai started trending on Twitter on top on January 6, the company's India unit shared a statement, highlighting its "zero tolerance policy towards insensitive communication".
Official Statement from Hyundai Motor India Ltd.#Hyundai #HyundaiIndia pic.twitter.com/dDsdFXbaOd
— Hyundai India (@HyundaiIndia) February 6, 2022
However, top journalists and netizens appeared to have rejected the company’s statement. Editorji’s founder Vikram Chandra said the statement from Hyundai India was “ not” making things any better.
Hyundai India probably feeling as if it’s been hit by a cross border terror attack - but I don’t think its reaction is making matters any better. https://t.co/0vBdeosh8y
— Vikram Chandra (@vikramchandra) February 6, 2022
Columnist Sunanda Vashisht too did not think of the company’s statement as an apology.
Apology sounds like this? https://t.co/ssS8F061jD
— Sunanda Vashisht (@sunandavashisht) February 7, 2022
IPS officer Arun Bothra, through his verified Twitter handle, said he was supporting a boycott call for the first time after he found “no remorse” in the statement.
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
Filmmaker and political commentator Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri asked Hyundai Corporation to issue a statement that Kashmir is an integral part of India.
Dear Indians,
This diplomatic and non-committal statement by @HyundaiIndia IS NOT ACCEPTABLE at all to me.Till the time Hyundai Corporation issues a statement that ‘#Kashmir is an INTEGRAL part of India, they must be stopped from doing business.
Friends, do you agree? https://t.co/yAqAvtKzn4
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) February 7, 2022
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi asked Hyundai to say they are unequivocally sorry.
Hi Hyundai. So many wishy-washy words not needed. All you need to say is - we are unequivocally sorry. Rest is all unnecessary https://t.co/wjqNh7YsXv
— Priyanka Chaturvedi???????? (@priyankac19) February 6, 2022
On February 5, Hyundai Pakistan's social media handles shared posts in solidarity with the "Kashmiri brothers" in their "struggle for freedom". Pakistan observes February 5 as 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' to show its support for the separatist movement in Kashmir.
The social media posts were later removed.
However, #BoycottHyundai started trending on Twitter in India, with many calling out the company for its social media posts on 'Kashmir Solidarity Day'.