Monthly Archives: August 2009

Hyundai Genesis is Class of the 2009 Model Year With Most Top-Car Honors

Headlined by the 2009 North American Car of the Year award, Hyundai’s new flagship earns more top recognition than any other 2009 introduction

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 08/27/2009 Hyundai’s all-new flagship, the Genesis sedan, launched to significant anticipation culminating with its coronation as the 2009 North American Car of the Year – the first time a Korean brand has ever achieved the honor. But Genesis didn’t stop there, accumulating honor after prestigious honor to become the most decorated new car launch of the 2009 model year. At last count, Genesis tallied more than 20 top honors from the most prominent media outlets and automotive organizations in North America.

Genesis’ trophy case includes awards and accolades from the likes of J.D. Power and Associates, Motor Trend, AutoPacific, Cars.com and leading consumer publications. Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers two powertrains, the Lambda 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 290 hp, and Hyundai’s all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 375 hp. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, convenience features like push-button start and navigation system, and five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s clear that Genesis is among the best new cars of 2009. But at a starting MSRP of just $32,250 and max price of just $42,000 for a fully loaded Genesis, it’s no surprise the competition was left in Hyundai’s rear-view mirror.

“Genesis was developed to rival the world’s best luxury sedans so we knew it would be a great car, but we didn’t know how it would be received by the automotive community,” said Scott Margason, director of Product & Strategic Planning for Hyundai. “As the awards accumulated, we realized not only how well designed the Genesis was, but how far the Hyundai brand had come. Consumers and automotive industry influencers really embraced the idea of Hyundai producing a luxury product.”

Genesis Sedan Awards

1. 2009 North America Car of the Year
2. Motor Trend – America’s Top 40 New Cars
3. J.D. Power and Associates – Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) – Most appealing midsize premium car
4. J.D. Power and Associates – Vehicle Launch Index (VLI) – Highest ranked 2009 all-new or redesigned vehicle
5. The Car Book 2009 – Best Bet (intermediate category)
6. About.com – Best New Car
7. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance – Best New Model (sedans $30,000-$45,000)
8. NADAguides.com – Car of the Month (April)
9. NADAguides.com – Top 5 Luxury Cars
10. NADAguides.com – Best Car Buy – Top luxury cars under $35,000
11. Autotropolis.com – Car of the Year
12. Cars.com – Car of the Year
13. On Wheels – Car of the Year
14. AutoPacific – Ideal Vehicle Awards – Aspirational Luxury Category
15. AutoPacific –Vehicle Satisfaction Awards – Aspirational Luxury Category
16. Consumer Reports – Top-Rated Vehicle (upscale sedan category)
17. Consumer Digest – Best Buy (luxury segment)
18. MyRide/Autobytel – Car of the Year
19. Ward’s Auto World – 10 Best Engines (4.6 liter Tau V8)
20. Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Canadian Car of the Year
21. Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – Best New Luxury Vehicle Under $50,000

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, 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 Tucson Wins 2009 Motorist Choice Award

Intellichoice and AutoPacific automotive experts recognize Tucson for owner satisfaction and overall value

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 08/19/2009 Intellichoice and AutoPacific honored Hyundai Tucson with a 2009 Motorist Choice Award in the Compact Crossover SUV category for its top scores in ownership satisfaction and overall value. The Motorist Choice Awards recognize new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction, helping new car buyers find vehicles that best satisfy all of their personal transportation needs.

“Automakers have long known that car buyers are looking for outstanding value, and want to be proud of the car they drive,” said James Bell, publisher and editor of IntelliChoice.com. “With the Hyundai Tucson being awarded a Motorist Choice Award, it proves to be a purchase that owners will be pleased with both financially and behind the wheel.”

The fourth annual Motorist Choice Awards were co-developed by AutoPacific, known for its owner satisfaction rankings, and IntelliChoice.com, the online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, to recognize the vehicles that delivered both the highest customer satisfaction and the lowest cost of ownership. One-hundred and ninety six cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs were scored this year to determine the winners.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by both Intellichoice.com and AutoPacific in the 2009 Motorist Choice Awards,” said Brandon Ramirez, product manager, Hyundai Motor America. “With safety and technology features rivaling more expensive vehicles in the small SUV segment, Tucson is a smart option for car buyers seeking value, quality and reliability in their next car purchase.”

For 2009, sound engineering refinements have been made to improve Tucson’s EPA fuel economy values. Additional exterior and interior changes include all-new 16-inch alloy wheels, a more distinctive chrome grille, new tailgate trim and new GLS seat fabric. The Tucson SE 4WD received standard heated front seats and a windshield wiper de-icer. Tucson also has standard XM Satellite Radio™ and iPod®/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks.

INTELLICHOICE.COM AND SOURCE INTERLINK COMPANIES, INC.

IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC., is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide. Source Interlink Media LLC is a subsidiary of Source Interlink Companies, Inc., a recognized provider of targeted media and marketing services, a leading U.S. distributor of home entertainment products and services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences.

AUTOPACIFIC

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm, founded in 1986, 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. Additional information can be found on AutoPacific’s websites: AutoPacific.com and news.vehiclevoice.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 780 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 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.