Thursday, December 12, 2013
HyundaiChat sets Precedent
Twitter hashtags are a useful tool to bring together like minded people under a common banner to discuss topics important to them. Unfortunately when these events are held they are typically run by individuals on the outside of a company or institution and filled with rampant speculation.
Earlier today I took part in a Twitter event held by @Hyundai under the hashtag #hyundaichat. The centerpiece of this event was current Hyundai North American CEO John Krafcik. John is a CEO who understand the important of social media and the power of an authentic prescence by a person, "in the know".
This event was a great opportunity for concerned owners and enthusiasts like me to ask the hard hitting questions about future products and technology that are on the horizon. One of my biggest concerns was how would Hyundai stay on top of the fuel economy game. Krafcik was kind enough to give me a glimpse into their plans.
Krafcik also mentioned that Hyundai wants to bring a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to market in or around 2015.
What made this Twitter chat stand out was the fact that participants could get answers straight from the source. This event laid to rest a lot of speculation that has been circulating the automotive journalism community.
As a public relations student I always try to look at these events with a discerning eye. An event like this is a perfect example of using two way communication to pick the brains of opinion leaders and use them to trasmit the companys data to concerned customers.
Companies especially in the automotive industry are still trying to figure out what to do with social media. I think that Hyundai has really found their niche in the social media world. Instead of just a tool for customer service or complaints Hyundai has instead embraced a sense of community. #Hyundaichat sets a new precedent for the Twitter chat. I hope to see more auto makers join in with the enthusiast community to set the record straight and give honest and factual information to consumers that crave more and more information.
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