Category Archives: Awards

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Recognized as a ‘Most Fun’ Clunker Replacement by Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com

KBB.com’s 10 most fun clunker replacements list helps new car shoppers turn clunker credit into pure driving excitement

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 08/18/2009 The editors of Kelley Blue Book’s www.kbb.com recognized the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe on its list of “10 Most Fun Clunker Replacements.” The list was designed to help car shoppers looking to get more excitement out of their government credit under the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program. The Genesis Coupe was named “Most Fun” among such elite European competitors as Audi TT, BMW 128i and BMW 335d.

Kbb.com editors said, “Have you driven a Hyundai lately? Quality, performance and overall appeal are way up, while purchase value remains strong (and resale values are improving). The rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe is by far the most fun Hyundai we’ve ever driven.”

Genesis Coupe raises the performance ante from its sibling Genesis sedan, and shares its rear-wheel drive architecture and 5-link independent rear suspension to appeal to true driving enthusiasts. The Genesis Coupe offers a 30-mpg, 2.0-liter model with an intercooled four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 210 horsepower, and a 3.8-liter V6 Track model with 306 horsepower and massive Brembo brakes.

“To have the Genesis Coupe designated a fun clunker replacement by kbb.com is great evidence of Genesis Coupe’s dynamic performance appeal,” said Derek Joyce, product development manager, Hyundai Motor America. “This is exactly why the Coupe was created – Hyundai’s answer for enthusiasts wanting an affordable, thrilling and fuel efficient ride. We’ve seen great success with the Cash for Clunkers program across the Hyundai line-up and are excited to celebrate this recognition for the brand.”

For more information about the Top 10 Most Fun Clunker Replacements from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, please visit www.kbb.com/funclunkerreplacements.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

KELLEY BLUE BOOK (www.kbb.com)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource® has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company’s top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book® Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book® (Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. – 2008 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, car reviews and news, used car blue book values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.

North American Car of the Year Hyundai Genesis Earns Highest Ranking Among New or Redesigned 2008 and 2009 Vehicles

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 07/22/2009 J.D. Power and Associates announced today that the Hyundai Genesis is the highest ranked 2009 all-new or redesigned vehicle in the inaugural Vehicle Launch Index(SM) (VLI). This result comes after the Hyundai Genesis significantly contributed to Hyundai’s high marks in the J.D. Power and Associates’ 2009 Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) announced in June in which Hyundai was the highest ranked non-premium nameplate. On July 16, 2009, Genesis was also designated J.D. Power’s most appealing midsize premium car in the 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study(SM).

The Vehicle Launch Index quantifies how well 2009 new vehicles–including new entries to the market, all-new and redesigned models–perform during the first eight months after launch. Genesis’ performance in the IQS and APEAL studies is significant because VLI includes the key factors of vehicle quality and design, included in both studies. The VLI also examines various factors that are critical to the financial success of a launch, including turn rate, vehicle revenue, dealer gross profit, incentive spend, credit quality and residual value.

“Genesis represents everything Hyundai knows about engineering, building, and launching great automobiles,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and chief executive officer. “Awards like VLI help reaffirm what we’re hearing from the marketplace – that Genesis has been a tremendous success in generating incremental sales, building the Hyundai brand, and satisfying our most demanding consumers.”.”

The J.D. Power and Associates VLI recognition will join the growing number of Genesis honors and accolades including North American Car of the Year, Kiplinger’s Best New Model for 2009, AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award, and more. Hyundai’s Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the premium car category. With a starting price of just $33,000, Genesis includes performance and luxury features typically found on vehicles costing thousands of dollars more.

The VLI looks at 2008 and 2009 model-year vehicles first sold between January and October 2008. Vehicles must be all-new or major redesigns and must sell at least 5,000 units during the first eight months to be included.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Hyundai Sonata Named Best Budget Family Car by ConsumerSearch.com

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 7, 2009Hyundai Sonata beat out competitors Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima for the top spot of “Best Budget Family Car” by ConsumerSearch.com, a Web site that analyzes expert and user-generated consumer product reviews and recommends the best products to purchase based on their findings. Sonata received positive remarks from expert reviewers and users including:

* Reliable and well-made
* Roomy, high-quality interior
* Lots of standard features
* Good fuel economy (with base engine)
* Long warranty

The ConsumerSearch.com report sorts through various expert and user reviews, scientific testing by nonprofit and government agencies to identify the Top Four Best Reviewed cars. This year there were four categories: “Best Family Car Overall,” “Best Budget Family Car,” “Fun to Drive Family Sedan” and “Large Family Car.” A family car is defined as a midsize or large four-door sedan with a starting price of around $18,000 up to $30,000.

“If money matters most, experts like the budget-priced Hyundai Sonata better than more expensive big-name sedans, including the Toyota Camry,” said ConsumerSearch.com editors. “Critics have a hard time finding anything at all to dislike about the Sonata, especially considering the low price. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient, spacious and reliable midsize sedans you can buy, and Hyundai backs it with a longer warranty than its pricey competitors offer.”

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition as it really demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to providing consumers with high-quality, dependable vehicles that won’t break the bank,” said Michael Deitz, product manager for Sonata. “The Sonata offers consumers industry leading safety features, superior fuel-efficiency and an award-winning interior packaged in a ‘class above’ its midsize sedan competitors.”

The fuel-efficient Sonata combines refined design, proven dependability, spirited performance and an extensive list of standard features that increase its appeal to a broader range of customers.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

Hyundai Genesis and Elantra Named AutoPacific 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award Winners

Hyundai models top Audi and Ford competitors in respective categories

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 06/29/2009 Automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific named the Hyundai Genesis and Hyundai Elantra 2009 Ideal Vehicles in their respective categories. In the Aspirational Luxury Car category, the Hyundai Genesis beat out top rivals including the Audi A5 and A4, Volvo XC70 and Cadillac CTS, while the Hyundai Elantra topped the Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Kia Spectra in the Compact Car segment. Additionally, the Hyundai Sonata finished second in the Premium Mid-Size Car segment.

AutoPacific’s fourth annual Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) rank auto manufacturers for how closely their 2009 model-year cars or trucks came to matching owners’ expectations and criteria. To determine the winners, AutoPacific asked owners to rate their new car or truck on how close it came to “ideal” in 15 different categories ranging from power and acceleration to safety features and storage. The vehicles that customers said they would change the least were considered the most “ideal.”

Hyundai has created two vehicles that owners say are nearly perfect just the way they are: their ideal vehicle,” said George Peterson, president, AutoPacific. “Owners of the Genesis and Elantra indicated through AutoPacific’s survey that they are driving a vehicle that meets their expectations, meaning they desire little to no change to their vehicle.”

“Having our models recognized for AutoPacific’s 2009 Ideal Vehicle Awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into all the vehicles in the Hyundai lineup,” said Scott Margason, director of Product and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “At Hyundai, we strive to exceed customer expectations in safety, quality and performance and look forward to continuing to develop more award winning vehicles.”

Hyundai’s Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the premium car category. With a starting price of just $33,000, Genesis includes performance and luxury features typically found on vehicles costing thousands of dollars more.

The Hyundai Elantra has unsurpassed standard safety in the compact segment and is equipped with six standard airbags. Elantra includes many extras like standard audio auxiliary input jack – all at an affordable price point any customer will appreciate.

AUTOPACIFIC

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year it publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies for the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Additional information can be found at AutoPacific.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

Year Of The Hyundai

The auto industry may be in shambles, but not everyone who makes cars is suffering.

When the latest J.D. Power and Associates quality survey came out Monday, the big news was Hyundai’s trouncing of quality stalwarts Honda and Toyota.

The Korea-based automaker was the highest-ranked non-premium nameplate in the study, beating such notables as Mercedes-Benz, Ford Motor, Honda and Toyota. It received the fourth-highest rank overall behind Lexus, Porsche and Cadillac.

Surprised? John Krafcik isn’t. The president and chief executive of the South Korea-based automaker’s U.S. unit, he says Hyundai’s top rank simply reflects what he’s known for the past few years. “Our cars research really well … and when you finally get in the car and drive it, it stands up to that research.”

With the American auto industry in shambles, Hyundai has stood out as one of the few automakers (Audi and Subaru would join it) to remain stable as of late. Arch-rivals Toyota and Honda report faltering sales for the year so far (down 39% and 34%, respectively), but Hyundai sales are down just 7.9% year-to-date. Its market share has increased too, reaching 4.2% in the first five months of this year, up from 2.9% during the same period in 2008, according to Autodata, a New Jersey-based market research firm.

Hyundai executives have said they aim to boost U.S. market share to 5% by the end of the year. Japan’s Big Three–Toyota, Honda and Nissan–stand to lose the most if they make good on that goal. Lexus, down 47% for the year to date, is another big target. “They’ve extended their portfolio, done clever marketing, added fillers, gone up-market, gone down-market, gone left-market and gone right-market,” says Lincoln Merrihew, senior vice president at research firm TNS.

And they’ve made better cars. Hyundai was one of the big movers on the survey, up from its 13th-place rank last year. Its score of 95 PP100 means Hyundai owners reported 95 problems per 100 vehicles, down from 114 last year. The survey covers problems reported in the first 90 days of ownership for more than 80,000 new-vehicle purchases nationwide.

Hyundai–the fifth-largest selling automaker in the world–is still pushing to offer affordable and reliable vehicles to Americans concerned about potential job loss and volatile gas prices. Lately it has also emerged as a contender that offers an alternative to drivers opposed to paying a premium for a luxury nameplate.

The success of the new upscale Hyundai Genesis mid-size sedan is key. It helped engage an entirely new kind of driver–one who wants all the trappings of a Lexus, say, but feels slightly guilty about its insignia.

“We started noticing a reluctance to buy a badge,” Krafcik says. “Consumers are questioning the brand premium.”

Hyundai executives took a risk in launching the $33,000 sedan on the cusp of a bona fide recession, but sales numbers have been strong. Last month, it sold 2,079 units nationwide (several hundred more than competitors like the Lexus GS and Lincoln MKS), spurred on, no doubt, by its distinction as North American Car of the Year and by Hyundai’s novel “Assurance” program, which allows customers to return their new Hyundai vehicles if they lose their job after the purchase.

“If you say Hyundai, people used to say crappy cheap car, but now they go, ‘Oh these are the guys that are willing to buy back the car if I’m out of work. These are my buddies. They understand my life,'” says Robert Passikoff, the president of Brand Keys, a market research firm in New York.

The majority of the Genesis sedans Hyundai sells are loaded with upgrades that push the price well above $40,000 according to the company. And the coupe version of the Genesis, a $22,750 306-horsepower rear-wheel drive sports car meant to compete with the likes of the Ford Mustang and Infiniti G37, has achieved critical praise.

It all bodes well for the Equus, the larger, plush sedan Hyundai showed at the New York International Auto Show and plans to bring to the U.S. market in the next two years.

The next step, Krafcik says, is to create a second brand under the Hyundai banner in which to sell luxury vehicles, much like Toyota did with Lexus and Honda did with Acura. With the way things are going, it may not be much of a reach.

Hannah Elliott

Hyundai is the Highest Ranked Non-Premium Nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

Hyundai Elantra earns highest initial quality ranking in its segment

J.D. Power and Associates announced today that Hyundai is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate in the 2009 Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) and is ranked fourth among all nameplates. Hyundai owners had fewer problems with their vehicles than any other non-premium car or truck brand.

In addition to Hyundai’s strong overall showing, the Hyundai Elantra earned the award for the highest initial quality in the compact car segment. The all-new Hyundai Genesis significantly outperforms the average midsize premium car.

This year’s ranking marks the second time Hyundai has been the highest-ranked non-premium nameplate in the last four years, and the second time it finished among the top four overall nameplates, having also achieved these levels in 2006. Highlights this year include a top ranking for the Hyundai Elantra in the compact segment, and a top three segment performance for the Hyundai Accent, which ranked second in the highly competitive sub-compact car segment.

The IQS study measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners.

“Outperforming all of our competitors once again is a reflection of the dedication of all Hyundai team members,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai’s President and CEO. “We’re particularly delighted with the strong launch of Genesis, the North American Car of the Year, which surpassed several luxury competitors. We are also thrilled with how well the fuel-efficient Elantra and Accent scored.”

Hyundai Santa Fe Named Least Expensive 2009 Vehicle to Insure

Insure.com’s “20 Least Expensive 2009 Vehicles to Insure” list also ranks the Hyundai Entourage in third place

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 06/04/2009 The Hyundai Santa Fe topped the “20 least expensive 2009 vehicles to insure” list by Insure.com, an online consumer insurance information service that caters to the needs of self-directed insurance shoppers. According to Insure.com research, the Santa Fe is the least expensive vehicle to insure at an estimated average annual premium of $832. Following closely behind on the list, the Hyundai Entourage minivan ranked third with an estimated average annual premium of $848.

“Low rates tend to reflect a vehicle’s safety, which is why larger cars and minivans dominate the least-expensive list,” said Amy Danise, editor of Insure.com. “If you are a car buyer not looking to spend an inflated premium on car insurance, both the Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Entourage are great options.”

Insure.com compiled average car insurance rates for almost 300 model year 2009 vehicles. To compare rates, Insure.com used a driver profile of a 40-year-old single male who drives 12 miles to work. Rates across multiple ZIP codes and insurance companies were averaged. Individual rates will depend on driving history, age, location and other factors.

Hyundai has always been a strong proponent of providing consumers with the best all-around value, without sacrificing quality and safety,” said Dave Zuchowski, vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. “With this recognition from Insure.com for both the Santa Fe and Entourage, Hyundai continues to hit the mark with today’s value-minded shoppers even after leaving the car lot.”

The 2009 Santa Fe continues to raise the bar with a the convenience of Hyundai’s USB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, a roomy interior, and leading safety technologies earning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) top five-star crash test rating for front and side impacts and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest honor — Top Safety Pick.

Hyundai’s minivan, the Entourage, combines top safety ratings and new technologies to redefine value in 2009. Entourage now sports standard XM Satellite Radio and iPod® integration with its top five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — the best rating ever for a minivan.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

INSURE.COM

Originally founded in 1984 as Quotesmith Corporation, Insure.com owns and operates Insure.com, an online consumer insurance information service that caters to the needs of self-directed insurance shoppers. Insure.com provides a comprehensive array of comparative auto, life and health quotes, including a vast library of originally authored insurance articles and decision-making tools that are not available from any other single source.

Hyundai Entourage Named a Best Family Car for 2009 by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 05/19/2009 The 2009 Hyundai Entourage minivan was recognized as a Best Family Car for 2009 by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com in their annual list of family vehicles. The Best Family Cars of 2009 will appear in the June 2009 issue of Parents magazine and is on newsstands nationwide today.

“The Hyundai Entourage emerged as one of the top three minivans in our test,” said Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents. “Our survey takes into special consideration the priorities of families, and the Entourage has many features to accommodate their real-world needs.”

The Parents/Edmunds.com Best Family Cars for 2009 are based on six months of analyzing and test-driving dozens of vehicles. The list includes 15 top models — three each in Sedan, Budget, Crossover, SUV and Minivan categories. Each car was judged on safety, performance, interior, exterior and family-friendly features. In addition to professional reviews, editors took into account feedback from parents who own and drive the vehicles everyday.

Hyundai offers standard, family-friendly equipment in the Entourage making it an ideal minivan for parents,” said Brandon Ramirez, product planning manager, Hyundai Motor America. “Additionally, safety is the most important aspect of a vehicle for families and the Entourage’s six standard airbags, including side air curtains for all three rows of seats, electronic stability control, and active front head restraints make it one of the safest minivans on the road.”

The Hyundai Entourage combines top safety ratings and new technologies to redefine value. The Entourage uses a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission — all backed by Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. It includes standard safety features like electronic stability control (ESC), six air bags and active front-seat head restraints, which have earned the Entourage a top five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — the best rating ever for a minivan.

Inside, Entourage is one of the most comfortable and convenient minivans on the market, thanks to a number of highly desired standard features including multi-adjustable captain’s chairs for the front and second rows, 60/40 split fold-into-floor third row seats, front wiper de-icer, cruise control, front conversation mirror to view children in the rear seats, rear sliding doors with power windows, front and rear air conditioning, roof-mounted rear-seat vents for both the second- and third-row passengers, and a foldaway tray table with four cupholders mounted between the front seats.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

Hyundai’s Certified Pre-Owned Program Leapfrogging the Competition

Hyundai’s CPO program moves from last to third in just two years

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 05/15/2009 Hyundai ranked third in the industry in Intellichoice’s Best Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs for 2009 in the non-luxury category — moving up 24 slots since its debut just two years ago and now trails only Mini and Volkswagen.

Hyundai’s CPO sales were up 58.5 percent in the first four months in an industry down 7.3 percent, evidence that our CPO program is attracting consumers to our brand,” said Tracy Bowes, manager of assurance products, Hyundai Motor America. “Having America’s Best Warranty™ on our pre-owned vehicles is just another example of how Hyundai stands behind our quality, allowing us to grow in an extremely competitive market.”

The pre-owned program and pre-owned warranty provides buyers with an added level of comfort and satisfaction with their vehicle purchase. The enhanced pre-owned program launched to Hyundai dealers in May 2007 with the warranty being effective from date of original sale.

Hyundai’s enhanced Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program provides buyers with:
– Vehicles up to five model years old with less than 60,000 miles are eligible
– 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (from original purchase date)
– 150 point inspection
– $50 deductible
– Roadside assistance
– Rental car coverage (up to $35/day for up to 10 days per occurrence)
– Towing coverage (up to $75 per occurrence)
– Travel breakdown coverage (up to $375 per occurrence) – Diagnostics
– Related damage for specific parts
– Fluids
– New car financing rates through Hyundai Motor Financing Company

Additional options available to the Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty include service contracts such as the Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned Wrap Contract which raises the comprehensive coverage on non-powertrain components, Hyundai Vehicle Care Maintenance Program, and Hyundai Road Hazard Tire and Wheel option.

Hyundai’s growth in our analysis coupled with their success in the marketplace is a true testament to their focus on the customer,” said James Bell, editor and publisher of IntelliChoice.com. “The key value of purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle is the overwhelming sense of ‘peace’ that comes from buying a vehicle at the right price coupled with assurance that the dealer and manufacturer will stand up for you should there be a problem down the road. We applaud Hyundai for keeping this focus, especially in these economically difficult times.”

IntelliChoice has conducted the CPO analysis for the last ten years. IntelliChoice analyzes eight elements:

Warranty Inspection List
Vehicle History Report
Special Financing
Roadside Assistance
Return/Exchange Provisions
Compliance System
Brand Value

The overall rankings were determined by adding the scores of each of the certified areas. Each area was weighted based on consumer preference and overall consumer benefits.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.

Hyundai Genesis Recognized as a Best New Model for 2009 by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Hyundai’s luxury flagship Genesis sedan recently was named a “Best New Model” in the “Sedans $30,000 – $45,000” category by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. The magazine named the top new models in 11 categories and Genesis sedan topped competitors such as the Acura TL, Audi A4 and Nissan Maxima to earn the distinction.

“Picking this car as a standout was easy,” said Mark Solheim, automotive editor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. “As the first true luxury car from Hyundai, the Genesis earns its name. The exterior may remind you of other luxemobiles, but its simple lines, sleek interior and Euro driving dynamics will impress all but the most hard-core snobs. Remaining skeptics need only check out its price – at around $33,000, it offers extraordinary value.”

The top models in each category represent the best values based on Kiplinger’s ranking system. Kiplinger’s editors sort the new 2009 models by price and category then pit them against their peers, looking at performance, value, safety, roominess and driving impressions.

“The Hyundai Genesis sedan is the perfect blend of luxury, technology, and advanced safety features with an affordable price,” said Michael Deitz, Genesis product manager, Hyundai Motor America. “Being named a Best New Model by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance is a testament to its combination of exhilarating performance, sophisticated design and tremendous overall value, and we continue to be honored by the awards the vehicle has earned.”

Hyundai’s new Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the premium car category. With a starting price of just $33,000, Genesis includes performance and luxury features typically found on vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. In addition to great features, Hyundai’s generous 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, numerous standard features, good reliability and affordable price made the Genesis a clear winner for Kiplinger’s editors. Other notable features include a quiet and luxurious cabin, V-6 and V-8 engines that are more powerful and efficient than many in competing models, and a smooth, responsive six-speed automatic transmission.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.