We’re going through a national emergency now that rivals the massive mobilization during World War II. Most of us know how the domestic auto industry executed a rapid, total shift toward building tanks, trucks, jeeps, planes and everything else during the all-encompassing war effort. It’s less widely known that because its dealers had no new cars to sell, except under airtight federal oversight, Detroit encouraged them to instead focus on repairing the nation’s fleet of existing cars, some of which dated back to pre-Depression vintage, for the duration. In that spirit, we provide some recognition to Hyundai, which is giving its vehicle owners a break in case they have trouble scheduling repairs to a vehicle due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. One such vehicle is illustrated in the Hyundai photo of the Tiburon sports coupe, which it produced from 1996 through 2008.
Hyundai Motor Company has just extended its factory warranties for more than 1.2 million vehicles worldwide in recognition of restrictions on travel, business operations and social distancing imposed in response to the virus. In the United States, Hyundai owners with a five-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty or a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty expiring between March and June 2020 will have the warranty coverage extended to June 30, 2020. All eligible customers will be contacted in the coming days, with more details about the warranty extension program. In most locations across the country, vehicle maintenance has been classified as an essential business under current COVID-19 restrictions, so most Hyundai service departments have remained open. They can provide vehicle pickup and dropoff, and allow for e-signatures and digital communication so customers can remotely grant approval for needed repairs. Globally, Hyundai vehicles in 175 countries will be eligible for warranty extensions of up to three months, depending on the locality.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 