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Hyundai donation supports drive-thru coronavirus testing

The automaker was one of the first to respond to the pandemic.

Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
Drive-thru COVID-19 test in Washington, DC

Testing is a sure-fire way to help isolate patients and help stop the spread.

Hyundai

continues to funnel resources into the fight against the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, and announced Tuesday it donated 65,000 tests to detect the disease.

The donation comes as the automaker ramps up support for 22 drive-thru test centers across the US, a streamlined system to test people for COVID-19 that results in less direct contact with patients for those on the front lines. Hyundai said the support and tests come from an in-house grant program that's raised $4 million to support increased testing in the US.

The tests come from South Korea-based Seegene and detect three genes to determine if a patient's been exposed to the virus. These tests will roll out in hard-hit areas such as New Orleans, Detroit and Chicago.

Hyundai was one of the first automakers to respond to the pandemic last month within the industry. The brand revived its Job Loss Assurance program, which will make up to six car payments for those who buy a new Hyundai. The company later expanded benefits to existing owners. Most recently, Hyundai extended new car warranties to ensure buyers will still have coverage as the US works its way through what is hopefully the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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First published April 14.