Crain News Service report
DETROIT (Oct. 3, 2013) — Hyundai Motor America is giving furloughed federal workers a break on their loan and lease payments during the U.S. government shutdown.
As part of its Hyundai Assurance program, the auto maker said it will allow federal workers who leased or purchased through Hyundai Finance America to defer their payments as long as they are out of work. Furloughed workers who want to buy a vehicle in October will be offered a 90-day payment deferral.
"We recognize the impact on family budgets that the furlough will drive," John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said in a statement on Oct. 1. "Like we did almost four years ago when we launched Hyundai Assurance, this is our way of saying 'We've got your back' during this uncertain time."
In 2009, to help consumers cope with the U.S. recession, Hyundai launched the Assurance program to let buyers and lessees return their new vehicles if they lost their jobs within the first year of ownership. That program ended in 2011. Today, the Assurance program covers several services, including warranties and vehicle care.
This report appeared on the website of Automotive News, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.