Hyundai Drives Change in Coastal Georgia Through Community, Conservation, and Compassion

In a bold and heartfelt commitment to sustainability, health, and community enrichment, Hyundai Motor America continues to leave a meaningful imprint in Coastal Georgia—not just through innovation, but through impactful philanthropy. Through its Hyundai Hope initiative, the automaker has deepened its partnerships with Ducks Unlimited, Make-A-Wish Georgia, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, reinforcing its mission of Progress for Humanity.

Investing in Georgia: From Manufacturing to Meaningful Giving

Home to Hyundai’s first dedicated electric vehicle mass-production plant—Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Bryan County—Coastal Georgia is more than just a manufacturing hub. It's a community Hyundai is actively nurturing through strategic and compassionate corporate social responsibility.

Hyundai is proud of our long-term commitment to Georgia,” said Drew Ferguson, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Hyundai Motor Group and a Georgia native. “This includes investing billions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs, but it also means giving back to the communities where our team members live and work.


photo  (left to right) Ciara Calub, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America, Russ Webb, wildlife refuge manager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nathan Hawkaluk, deputy project leader, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Jake Merendino, biologist, Ducks Unlimited, Chad Ledford, director of development, Ducks Unlimited, Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America, Jason York, regional parts and service, southern region, Hyundai Motor America, Jason Blankenship, district parts and service, southern region, Hyundai Motor America, Doug Bush, dealer network development, southern region, Hyundai Motor America, Vanessa Perez, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in Hardeeville, S.C. on May 14, 2025 (Photo/Hyundai)
 


$90,000 in Charitable Support: Hyundai Hope in Action

On May 14–16, 2025, Hyundai representatives visited local nonprofits to present donations and witness firsthand the extraordinary work being done. The company donated a total of $90,000 across three pivotal organizations:

Ducks Unlimited received $25,000 to support its Southeast Wetlands Initiative, enhancing efforts to conserve, restore, and manage critical wetland habitats for North America's waterfowl.

Make-A-Wish Georgia was granted $30,000 in support of granting life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses, uplifting families when they need it most.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire received $35,000 to continue providing a comforting, supportive home for families with hospitalized children.

Each of these donations underscores Hyundai’s dedication not only to environmental sustainability but also to the human element at the heart of every community.


We are so grateful for Hyundai’s generous and unwavering support,” said Tim Earley, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Georgia. “Together, we are bringing hope and joy to critically ill children and their families when they need it most.


Faces of Philanthropy: Partnerships with Purpose

Hyundai’s mission came alive as representatives gathered at AutoNation Hyundai Savannah, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, and the Ronald McDonald House. Leaders like Brandon Ramirez, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Vanessa Perez and Ciara Calub, key members of the Hyundai Hope team, joined forces with nonprofit leaders to celebrate these growing partnerships.

Their presence is more than symbolic—it signals a sustained promise to the people and places Hyundai impacts.

photo  (left to right) Doug Bush, dealer network development, southern region, Hyundai Motor America, Jason York, regional parts and service, southern region, Hyundai Motor America, Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America, Janet Kolbush, development and events director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, Bill Sorochak, CEO and executive director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire, Ciara Calub, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America, Vanessa Perez, corporate social responsibility, Hyundai Motor North America at Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire in Savannah, Ga. on May 16, 2025 (Photo/Hyundai)



Hyundai Hope: Progress for Humanity in Motion

The Hyundai Hope initiative exemplifies Hyundai Motor North America’s broader vision of building a better future. By focusing on health, safety, and community empowerment, Hyundai Hope is a driving force for progress beyond the road.

“From clean mobility to clean wetlands, and from electric vehicles to electrifying children’s wishes—Hyundai is powering a brighter future in every sense,” said Ramirez. “We’re proud to support these incredible organizations and deepen our roots in Georgia’s vibrant communities.”

About Hyundai Motor America

With a robust lineup of tech-forward vehicles and a nationwide network of 850 dealerships, Hyundai Motor America is a powerhouse in the U.S. economy—contributing $20.1 billion annually and supporting 190,000 jobs. Its presence includes major manufacturing operations in Alabama and Georgia, and state-of-the-art R&D centers.

Learn more about Hyundai’s commitment to people, planet, and progress at www.HyundaiHope.com and www.HyundaiNews.com.

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