Owners give two hyundai vehicles top ratings in national survey on satisfaction

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 05/19/2009 Hyundai owners placed the Genesis and Sonata at the top of their classes in AutoPacific’s 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) research. Both models won in highly competitive segments. Genesis topped the Aspirational Luxury Car category for its affordable operating costs, value and extraordinary warranty. The Sonata was the highest ranked Premium Mid-Size Car, beating out the segment-defining Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. In addition, Hyundai’s overall brand satisfaction rating among Hyundai purchasers jumped 11 positions earning Hyundai 2009 Rising Star honors. This positive move was more than any other manufacturer in the survey. Hyundai scored higher in 40 of 48 rating categories in 2009 compared with 2008.

“Having conducted this industry research since 1997, we see vehicles that score highest in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards have hit the mark delivering value and satisfaction with their buyers,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “This year’s results made it clear that Hyundai owners are extremely pleased with their new cars.”

AutoPacific’s annual VSA is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide. The awards summarize results from AutoPacific’s 2009 model year vehicle satisfaction research. More than 25,000 consumers around the country participated in the survey.

“It’s an honor to not only be recognized by a trusted automotive resource like AutoPacific for vehicles satisfaction, but by our Hyundai owners as well,” said Michael Deitz, product manager for Genesis sedan and Sonata. “Also coming out of the survey as the most improved brand year-over-year only solidifies our dedication to continually providing consumers with safe, well-designed, quality vehicles.”

In addition to identifying category winners, AutoPacific’s VSA establish numerical satisfaction ratings for virtually every passenger car and light truck in the North American market. Owner satisfaction is measured across specific areas related to a vehicle’s operation, comfort, safety and the overall purchase/lease experience. The 2009 ratings reflect input from buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December 2008.

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 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.

AUTOPACIFIC

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive market research and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.