Hyundai in High Gear Part 5: 20 years of giving back to the community
As Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama celebrates its 20th anniversary, the automaker is being recognized not just for its economic contributions, but for its deep commitment to the River Region community.
In the final installment of Action 8 News Extra: Hyundai in High Gear, we’re taking a closer look at Hyundai’s philanthropic impact—an often overlooked but vital part of the company’s legacy.
Since the first car rolled off the assembly line at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in 2005, Hyundai has become more than just a major employer in Montgomery. The company has been a consistent force for good, offering generous donations and support to organizations across the region.
“Nearly three-quarters of a million dollars every year,” Scott Posey the manager of public relations for HMMA said, highlighting the scale of Hyundai’s charitable giving.
From school uniforms and STEM programs to food banks and Christmas drives, Hyundai’s contributions touch nearly every aspect of the community. The company has formed partnerships with local universities and multiple school systems to support robotics and science education. They also routinely welcome student field trips to inspire the next generation of Alabama’s workforce.
“We recognize that we have an obligation,” Posey said. “We want to improve the quality of life in all the communities where our team members live. When those communities thrive, we thrive.”
The company’s influence can be seen at local cultural institutions like the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the Montgomery County Fair, and beyond. Hyundai’s leaders are also involved in numerous civic boards and are active members of the Chamber of Commerce.
One nonprofit that benefits greatly from Hyundai’s generosity is United Way, an organization with which the company has long-standing ties, both locally and in South Korea.
“HMMA has held a United Way campaign since the beginning,” Posey said. “Today, our team includes 4,200 employees. Many of them or their families directly benefit from the services United Way supports. That’s why our people dig deep—and last year was a record for us.”
In recent years, Hyundai has donated close to $500,000 annually to United Way and related charitable efforts.
“It elevated our entire campaign,” Jannah Bailey the CEO and President of River Region United Way said. “They came in already understanding the importance of this work, and their commitment has made a huge impact.”
Despite being a global corporation, Hyundai credits its employees for driving its culture of giving.
“HMMA really just reflects the generosity of our team members,” one executive said. “They feel blessed to work here, and they want to pay it forward. It’s hard to say whether they inspire Hyundai, or Hyundai inspires them—but together, it’s a powerful force.”
As the company marks two decades in Montgomery, it continues to support the community—currently holding a food drive for the Heart of Alabama Food Bank.
With every donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of kindness, Hyundai shows that its legacy in Alabama is built not just on steel and engines—but on heart.
