WAH happens at a Hyundai dealer training event!

Of course we said yes when Greg Drost invited us to an event at the Hyundai Atlantic Zone offices in Bedford, N.S. earlier this month. It was the launch of a new vehicle, he explained. Not just any vehicle, though, and not just any launch.

Greg, Manager of Hyundai’s Atlantic Zone, wanted us to get an inside look at how the 2023 IONIQ 6 was being introduced to the network of Hyundai dealerships across Atlantic Canada. There would be dealer training filled with all sorts of juicy information about the industry-leading IONIQ 6.

We could feel the buzz from the dealer representatives and the staff of the Hyundai Atlantic Zone office. These days, excitement for Hyundai products is not surprising.

After all, the IONIQ 6 rocketed to superstar status upon its release, winning the top three prestigious automotive awards on the planet, 2023 World Car of the Year, 2023 World Car Design of the Year, and 2023 World Electric Vehicle.

Representatives from 22 dealerships came to Bedford from as far away as St. John’s, N.L. and Grand Falls, N.B. to receive training on the IONIQ 6.

But, like I said, this was not just any vehicle launch or training event. After the training was over, attendees would be driving the IONIQ 6 units, most of them already sold, home to their dealerships!

Would there be range anxiety? Not likely.

With a range of 581 kilometres plus a recent nod from Natural Resources Canada as the most efficient vehicle in its class – thanks in part to the IONIQ 6 being one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world – the drivers wouldn’t have to worry about getting back to their hometowns.

Maybe the folks from Capital Hyundai would have to be extra vigilant about their route planning, given a 1,500-kilometre drive from Halifax to St. John’s across the vast island of Newfoundland. There would be sparse charging infrastructure, to say the least.

Greg told us the event was three months in the making. The hard work and enthusiasm that had gone into the planning by the people that work at all levels of Hyundai Auto Canada Corporation were evident.

After the rousing training session, everyone went outside for a group photo.

Then, they were off to their home cities and towns around the Maritimes.

Participants were invited to submit a video log of their drive home. Prizes would be awarded for the most compelling videos.

Congratulations to the top three winners! Here are their videos:

1. Capital Hyundai of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fLmMGZDpLI
2. Thomas Hyundai of Woodstock, New Brunswick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cvZaoeR7XE
3. Century Hyundai of Saint John, New Brunswick: https://fb.watch/kTgeRXmbao/

Hyundai has been building cars for almost 60 years. The Korean company has worked its way to the top of the automotive ladder in terms of quality, reliability and resale value. Now, they are taking the electric vehicle segment by storm and giving Tesla a run for its money.

It’s no wonder the East Coast dealers express pride in working with Hyundai and eagerness to watch the evolution of the company that makes, not just vehicles, but WAH.