Hyundai Motor Group to donate buses to Korea's fire agency

Hyundai Motor Group will donate eight buses to the National Fire Agency to help firefighters rest during and after fighting fires.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, second from left, and heads of Hyosung Group, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the National Fire Agency take a photo after promising joint support for the well-being of firefighters Tuesday. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor Group will donate eight buses to the National Fire Agency to help firefighters rest during and after fighting fires.

The donation came as a part of a project run by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), which enables enterprises to select a field in which they wish to make a social contribution.

The theme of the first round of the project was set on raising people's safety and firefighters' well-being, with Hyundai Motor Group, Hyosung Group and KCCI participating.

Hyundai decided to donate eight buses to the National Fire Agency, including one hydrogen-powered bus. The donation is worth 5.2 billion won ($4 million).

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung talks with firefighters at the Ulsan Fire Department Tuesday. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai's hydrogen-powered buses do not emit harmful gasses and do not contribute to producing more fine dust.

The automaker said it will apply various medical and convenient features to the buses such as premium seats, medical equipment and oxygen suppliers, to help firefighters refresh their mind and body.

The idea was credited to Euisun Chung, executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group, noticing that there are only 10 such buses in the country so far.

"We all are living a safe life due to the dedication and efforts of firefighters who always try their best at tough sites, making citizens' safety a priority," Chung said during a meeting with firefighters at Ulsan Fire Department on Tuesday.

"We hope the customized buses can be at least a little help to all firefighters."

Hyosung Group promised to donate 300 million won to the National Fire Agency to improve firefighters' working environment and offer their children scholarships in the event of a work-related fatality.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]