You’ll never guess? Actually you probably already have as the title to this blog is a bit of a spoiler. I got a call from Hyundai and long story short they surrendered. I will be picking up a cheque for $4153.02, the exact amount I paid them to repair the sunroof that flew off my car because of their admitted manufacturer’s defect.  

I’m grateful of course, and again I think it only fair to mention that the General Manager at Fredericton Hyundai did try to get Hyundai Canada to reimburse me. But let’s be honest – he was ignored until he wasn’t, and the only reason they have agreed to give me my money back is because we made it very uncomfortable for them, not to mention the potential business this negative publicity may have cost them. They needed to make it stop. I’m appreciative they saw the light because it saves me a lot of time and energy writing more blogs and taking other actions to further ramp up the pressure, something I was quite prepared to do for as long as it took. As I said from the get-go, I never wanted to make this a public fight. I am glad to now be able to put this whole thing ibehind me and move on.  

But I think of all those other people, many of whom have weighed in with their stories of shabby treatment, including some truly head-shaking examples, but who didn’t feel they had any recourse so didn’t fight. It shouldn’t take a social media campaign that causes a public relations nightmare to persuade a company to do the right thing. Hell, there shouldn’t even be any persuasion needed, just a sense of fairness.  

That said, this has been an excellent example of the power of social media. If not for the hundreds of you who read my blogs and agreed I wasn’t treated fairly and made your voice heard by sharing either or both of them, my efforts would have been for naught. 

So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. If I could I’d have you all over for a celebratory beer, but since that’s not possible, you know, because of Covid, I will instead raise a glass of single malt in your honour. I trust that will suffice.

Seriously, I owe you all. I fully get it that if it wasn’t for you guys sharing my blogs in the numbers you did; I’ll be out over $4000 today. 

As a tangible way to show our appreciation, beyond that drink in your honour, my wife Janet and I will be paying it forward by donating $1000 of my reimbursement to charity. We have chosen the Association for Community Living. Because they are a former client I saw first hand the wonderful work they do with people who have a learning disability and their families, promoting inclusion polices that help their clients become full participants in their communities, giving their lives purpose, fulfillment and joy. It is an honour to help them in this work.  

Now, just before I close the book on this whole business, a final message for Fredericton Hyundai and Hyundai Canada because we know they are reading these blogs. Why don’t you each, or collectively at least, match my contribution? Could be to Community Living or any charity of your choice. It could be the first step to rehabilitating your reputation from the public relations hit you brought upon yourselves. At least consider it. 

That’s it. Thank you for reading. Shares are always appreciated.