• Hyundai is committed to closing the racial gap in automotive, with seven per cent of current team members self-identifying as Black
• Hyundai continues to take proactive steps towards achieving the BlackNorth Initiative pledge, signed in 2020.

Markham, Ont. (Feb. 20, 2024) – Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. (HACC) is honoured to be recognized with an Employer Partner Appreciation Award by Onyx Initiative for the OEM’s active involvement with the organization over the past three years. Founded in 2020, Onyx Initiative is a non-profit organization working to close corporate Canada’s systemic gap in the recruitment, selection and retention of Black university and college students and recent graduates.

“Through our collaboration with Onyx Initiative, our organization has seen tremendous positive impact, enabling us to take measurable steps that underscore our corporate ethos of Progress for Humanity,” says Kirk Merrett, director of human resources at Hyundai Canada. “Driving positive change in the automotive industry requires meaningful partnerships and we are grateful for the guidance of Onyx in helping us to create a more inclusive environment where diversity thrives.”

Advancing diversity and inclusion within the workplace is one of the core organizational priorities at Hyundai Canada. As the first automaker to sign the BlackNorth pledge, Hyundai Canada is committed to uplifting Black communities both within the workplace and in the broader community, through CSR and volunteer initiatives, mentorship opportunities and professional development. The collaboration with Onyx has provided Hyundai Canada with guidance to evolve its recruitment strategy, and the OEM continues to actively engage with the organization through networking events, hosting Employer Discovery Sessions and participating in Onyx’s Annual Black Professionals Career Fair.

Since partnering with Onyx, Hyundai Canada has recruited six Onyx scholars, and self-identifying Black team members now represent the largest cohort within the organization’s new hires at 20 per cent (up from 15 per cent in 2021). Hyundai Canada remains committed to bridging the employment gap for high potential Black talent and looks forward to deepening its partnership with Onyx, with the goal of making even greater strides towards eliminating racial disparities within the automotive industry.

For more information on the Onyx Initiative, visit onyxinitiative.org