Hyundai! What the hell you came here!

[worldtrade]

CC-15. Hyundai! What the hell you came here?

"What the hell you came to India? The cows are walking around with cars on the road. Not to mention highways, there is no motorway here. For what so many car companies are flocking here? You, Hyundai! Why you came here?"

Rather than a question, it was a yell. Suddenly it became dead silent every side. Thick black framed glasses and blue tie with an old gentleman all dressed up a black suit     seemed to have a decent 60s. It was a strong rebuke.

‘India is 32 times bigger than our country. 16 times bigger than the Korean peninsular,'

"What does it matter?", the old gentleman became a bit angry.

One day a Dealer in Calcutta called us. They were the biggest Dealer in Calcutta,         though they were not Maruti. Succeeding to old Father, his son of mid 40's was         running this business very well. It was said his father was once a member of the        National Assembly. Whenever we went to Calcutta, he was so kind and tried   his best to give us good information.

According to him, they have an organization called Northern India Car Dealer              Association. The members are composed of car dealers as well as transportation      company, banks, financing company and insurance companies. Twice a year they     have regular convention. In Spring, they invited Mr. Parker, President of Ford Motor      India. This time they wanted to invite Hyundai. They wanted to hear about Hyundai     Motor India's plan. They also wanted to know Hyundai Motor Company as well as      Hyundai Business Group. About 400 people attend at regular meeting.

One day before they have dinner party and next morning they have convention. After our speech, they have free question time. When I reported this to our Chairman, he     told me to go there on behalf of him. What do I talk for hours? Speech for hours         seemed very long to me. It was a heavy homework.

As a good speaker, it reminded me the founder of Hyundai Business Group. The late   honorary Chairman, Chung Joo Yung made speeches without notes all the time. But   his speech gave us poignant moves. Many of his experience, his thoughts and his    words that pour from his own philosophy had always been highly impressed.

As a Leader who made speech for a long time, it reminded me the previous Cuban     President, Fidel Castro. When I attended Havana exhibition, Castro made a speech      after making a tour of exhibition. On the podium, Ministers were standing up on his      right and left. About 8 meters away from the podium, a group of diplomatic mission    were standing in front, then show officials were lining up. His speech was about world economy and world market. He started from Japan's economy, then Korea's industry, then other country etc. Like this he covered the whole world. However, we couldn't    see when it would be finished. President was still made impassioned speech.       The atmosphere was free. Some sat on the ground, some smoked cigar or cigarettes.      Four solid hours passed away before a period. Our agency staff mentioned, "Today's speech was a short one. Usually he likes to make more than 5 hours." 'Oops'

Hearing Fidel Castro's Speech, Havana, Cuba

Dividing our speech into 2 parts, I asked my colleague, Mr. Kim to prepare first part. First one was about Hyundai Business Group and group companies. Regarding Hyundai    Motor Company and Hyundai Motor India, I prepared myself. The dinner party was held at the garden of the Dealer's private mansion. Most of Indians are poor, but Indian rich people won't be great enough to compete with European rich. His mansion was a kind of castle. Seven family members. Five servants. Seven cars including a Benz. More    than 400 people were crowded in the garden. The party was a great success until late in the evening.

Next day after our presentation, time of question and answer was followed. What kind of cars will be produced in India? When will it be produced? Any plan to produce diesel car? Are you going to export? How many dealers will be organized? What kind of auto parts makers will come from Korea? How we can approach for dealership? Any plan  about financing company? A lot of questions were poured. Meticulous in every single question, I tried to give them answers in good faith.

When all concerned questions were finished as if a heavy shower passed away, an   old gentleman stood up and asked the question showing his seriousness on his face.

'Yes! India has a vast land, 32 times bigger than South Korea. Unlike Korea, India is    very rich in mineral resources and minerals. Also many world religions such as          Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism were born in this country. India has very long history and old tradition. Cultural heritage and various religious sites are scattered everywhere in the country.

"Is there any relationship with you?" The old man added this showing unpleasant face as before.

'India has opened the doors to the world market in 1991. It is said that India was not   very much developed as major national policies were decided in the political way for a long time.'

A few gentlemen sitting in front nodded their heads.

'However, Once the market is opened, it will be different. India should have direct        competition with foreign countries. Major national policies will not be determined in the political way. Instead, they will be decided in more rational and more economical way.'

Everybody was listening.

'Big changes will not come out in a day, but the necessary infrastructures needed in    this country will be prepared one by one by more reasonable national policies, Now,   you have cows, cattles and cars run together on the road, but very soon you will     have motorways. Also between big cities long highways will be constructed.'

'Soon, you will have department store in the central part of the city. Also, you will have large shopping malls you can go shopping with car. Here your people love movies     very much. In near future, at the open-air theater you will watch movies in your car.'

'The road network will be expanded. When you have necessary accommodation        facilities including 5-star hotels. a lot of tourists in the world will visit India to see the    historical sites and cultural traditions of religious relics.'

'In particular, India has highly educated human resources. Besides, you speak the     world language, English.'

'On the other hand, wages here are very low. When you have necessary infra           structures, world businessmen will come to India to build factories. They will utilize low wages and excellent human resources. If you have manufacturing infra structures, any country in the world will not compete with Indian product.'

'Like this, opening your market will be a great opportunity to your country. India will be developed every year. Your country, India has a great potential like this. This is why   we came to India.'

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

The roaring applause came out here and there.

Everybody stood up and sent us a standing ovation. In their eyes, I saw their serious hope of India for a while. I also felt the changed positioning of Hyundai Motor India.

What are you doing in the afternoon? Play golf together? A moment I was a little         confused by seeing people who became suddenly very kind. It was very pleasant and good use of a nice day.

'현대차와 함께 25년' 책 속에서 발췌, 번역.