Griffin Speaks

MY HYUNDAI CONFESSION

When I first heard that Hyundai was possibly opening a plant in the city of Montgomery I was not a happy camper. In fact I couldn’t believe it. I had complained to so many people about the quality of the company’s product, how could the company possibly want to locate in my backyard? Today I am thrilled because I am convinced that the company has improved its product. My earlier experience with owning a Hyundai was a nightmare. It made me want to holler! 

Hyundai’s 1.1 billion-dollar investment in this city more than makes up for the piece of junk that I purchased several years ago. I use to call my Hyundai a beer can on wheels. When I would see other Hyundai owners we would swap complaints. One Hyundai owner said that he had so many problems with his new Hyundai that he had suicidal thoughts. That was back then. Today’s Hyundai owners that I have talked to are very pleased with the quality of the car. It is amazing how this company listened to customer dissatisfaction and reinvented itself. Some Hyundai owners are claiming that their Hyundai has the same quality as a Mercedes Benz. I am even considering purchasing a Hyundai for Greg Jr. when he turns 16.  

Hyundai’s grand opening was beyond spectacular. It was a who’s who of Montgomery, Alabama. In addition to Montgomery’s movers and shakers among the guests at the ceremony was former President George H.W. Bush and Hee-beom Lee, South Korean minister of commerce, industry and energy. In total 4,000 people were in attendance. 

It was quite nice to see Montgomery, Alabama in the national spotlight for something so positive. I applaud the city, county, and state leaders, business leaders and community leaders that helped to make this happen. This is a great demonstration of what can be accomplished when people come together for the common good of the community. 

Many years ago Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta Georgia were the same size. While Atlanta’s leaders came together for the common good and landed a major airport. Birmingham, Alabama leaders were turning dogs loose on black folks and spraying us with water hoses.  What other wonderful opportunities await the city of Montgomery when our political leaders and business investors begin to realize that more investments should be made on the West Side of town. My advice to an aspiring investor would be to find a need on the West Side of town and fill it. You will make a fortune. My advice to the Hyundai plant is to purchase advertisement in the Montgomery-Tuskegee Times. The Times is a highly read African-American paper located on the West Side of town. You could sell a lot of cars.

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com