Leading up to the kick-off of the 2010 World Cup, many critics have questioned whether South Africa will be able to handle the challenge of transporting millions of tourists during the months of June and July, given the lack of adequate transport infrastructure that remains as a legacy of apartheid. As a result, government has spent billions of rands on upgrading national roads, and has expedited work on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems and the Gautrain.
Fifa’s associated partner for the past 11-years, the Hyandai Motor Company has also provided transporting solutions. Last week, the company delivered hundreds of vehicles for ground transportation at an official handover ceremony held at Soccer City, including the 32 official team buses that will transport the 32 qualified national teams.
Hyundai Motor Company has also committed over 609 passenger cars/vans and 32 Hyundai Universe Express Noble luxury coaches for the disposal of FIFA officials, national teams, members of the organizing committee, referees and media representatives throughout the tournament.
“We are proud to partner with FIFA during this historic football event. The opportunity to provide VIP transport at this momentous tournament gives us the high visibility we need in Africa and the world to raise awareness of our brand and products,” Said Mr. Sean S.H. Kim, Senior Vice President of Hyundai Motor’s Marketing Division, during the official handover ceremony at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Mr. Kim presented an oversized car key to FIFA General Secretary Jerôme Vàlcke in front of the full fleet display, that included the Hyundai Universe Express Noble luxury coaches that were specially manufactured for the games. The national team buses on display were vibrantly decorated with national team colours, flags and the winning slogans of the ‘Be There with Hyundai’ competition, a unique global initiative run by Hyundai that called for the public to submit slogans for their own team buses.
“The important vehicle handover sees the final logistical plans for 2010 being put into place,” said Alan Ross, CEO of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, Hyundai’s local distributor.
“We highly value our sponsorship of football and are looking forward to showcasing our brand new buses as well as being responsible for the transport of all teams for the duration of the FIFA World Cup, including South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana,” Mr. Ross said.
Hyundai is currently one of FIFA’s top partners and has extended its strategic sponsorship agreement with FIFA to cover the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
In addition to the delivery of cars, Hyundai will operate a 24-hour emergency office and deploy about 80 Hyundai mechanical staff to be on stand-by throughout the games at 10 stadiums in nine locations in case emergency support for the fleet is needed. The staff will also provide “Before Service,” a service that allows Hyundai owners to have their cars checked by qualified mechanics and to learn how to conduct simple inspections to prevent problems in advance.
source: SA Good news
