Hyundai India Unveils 'Samarth' Project For Persons With Disabilities

Hyundai Motor India has taken a pioneering step in the automotive industry by launching the 'Samarth' initiative, making it the first automobile company in India to introduce a comprehensive mobility project for people with disabilities. The initiative is in line with Hyundai Motor Corporation's global vision of 'Progress for Humanity,' to create awareness and build a mass movement to support individuals with disabilities in India.

The 'Samarth' initiative encompasses various aspects, including making Hyundai's digital platforms, such as its website, more user-friendly for people with disabilities, ensuring equal online access for all. Additionally, all Hyundai dealerships and service centres will undergo modifications to become differently-abled friendly, ensuring ease of access for everyone.

A significant aspect of the initiative involves Hyundai's partnership with ‘GoSports Foundation’ and ‘Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled’. The collaboration with GoSports Foundation aims to provide holistic support to para-athletes in India, promoting inclusivity, fostering innovation, and positively impacting the para-sports ecosystem. Furthermore, Hyundai's association with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled involves providing assistive devices to differently-abled individuals and utilising blind cricket as a platform for the physical and social development of the visually impaired in India.

Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO, HMIL said, “We don’t just make cars but also believe in empowering India, and to empower India, we undertake social initiatives under the pillars of- Earth, Mobility and Hope. These are aligned with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Continue’ and propagate ‘Progress for Humanity’.”

Renowned actor Shah Rukh Khan, who attended the launch event, highlighted the Hyundai Motor India Foundation's partnership with GoSports Foundation, outlining a program to support both emerging and elite para-athletes in their pursuit of excellence, with a focus on team and individual sports.

Hyundai's internalisation efforts are aimed at ensuring inclusivity within the company itself, aligning with the global vision of 'Progress for Humanity.' This includes making digital and physical business locations accessible to people with disabilities. The company has pledged to revamp dealerships to make them wheelchair accessible by February 2024.

In a bid to enhance the differently-abled friendliness of its cars, Hyundai is developing Swivel Seats and accessories in collaboration with MOBIS. This move underscores the company's dedication to crafting automobiles that prioritize the safety, comfort, and convenience of differently-abled passengers.