Daily Archives: February 12, 2007

Hyundai Motor America Names New Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Hyundai Motor America Names New Vice Presidents of Sales and Marketing

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 12 -- Hyundai Motor America (HMA) Chief Operating Officer Steve Wilhite today announced that David L. Zuchowski had been named Vice President of Sales and Joel Ewanick had been named Vice President of Marketing for the company.

Zuchowski will be responsible for all sales, sales operations, market representation, field operations and overall dealer relations. He will report directly to the COO.

Ewanick will be responsible for all Hyundai marketing communications and brand development in the United States. He will report directly to the COO. Both men began work at Hyundai Motor America today.

"Nothing could please me more than to have these two outstanding individuals join Hyundai," said Wilhite. Each will bring added depth, resourcefulness, and creative energy to our executive team. Dave has a remarkable record of terrific support for dealers and improving dealership operations while consistently increasing sales. He will be a key part of our efforts to drive Hyundai sales forward and set new records this year," said Wilhite.

"Joel has demonstrated innovative and creative marketing approaches during the time he has worked with us while at The Richards Group. Hyundai has a big job this year to further improve its brand image, increase consideration and bring even more shoppers to the brand. I’m confident Joel can lead the Hyundai Marketing team to achieve these tough objectives and tell our stories in a compelling way," Wilhite said.

Zuchowski joins Hyundai From Mazda North American Operations, where he was vice president of sales and field operations. Previously he had served in a number of positions at Ford Motor Company, which he joined in 1980.

Ewanick had previously served as director of brand planning at The Richards Group. Prior to that position he had a number of sales and marketing positions at companies including Porsche Cars North America, Saatchi & Saatchi Team One Advertising and Yamaha Motor Corporation.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed in the U.S. by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 750 dealers throughout the nation.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor to launch luxury SUV in U.S. market in March

Hyundai Motor to launch luxury SUV in U.S. market in March

SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Co. said Sunday that it plans to launch its new luxury sports-utility vehicle in the U.S. market in March.

South Korea's No. 1 carmaker said the Veracruz has received good reviews at its unveiling at the Detroit Motor Show in January. It said the GLS, SE and Limited models of the vehicle will be sold.

Hyundai said it plans an aggressive advertisement blitz to promote the Veracruz and will invite reporters to test drive the vehicle. It said ads will be placed on TV, radio, and in major newspapers and magazines.

The SUV has a 3800cc V6 engine with a price of about $30,000 and will compete with such SUVs as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner and Nissan’s Murano.

"Hyundai believes that the quality and design of the Veracruz is on par with the competition," said a company spokesman. He added that despite the high price, domestic sales of the SUV have remained relatively steady at 1,000-2,000 units per month since late last year. The vehicle sells for 31.8-42.7 million won depending on options.

Taken from Yonhap News.