What started in 1998 as a grass-roots effort to raise money for a local New England pediatric cancer institute has grown into a powerful nation-wide charity called Hope on Wheels.
Every time a new Hyundai is sold, a donation is made to help kids fight cancer. With over 800 dealerships those numbers add up quickly. In fact, we're so committed to helping kids fight cancer that we won't stop until we find a cure.
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2012 – Hyundai, the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Academy Awards for the fourth consecutive year, joins Hollywood in honoring the biggest stars of the silver screen on Oscar® Sunday, broadcast on February 26 on ABC. Nine Hyundai ads will air throughout the coverage – two pre-show and seven during the actual awards ceremony. Film-maker Wes Anderson directed two original commercials featuring the all-new 2012 Hyundai Azera.
The spots, “Modern Life” and “Talk to My Car”, highlight Azera’s premium luxury features and Blue Link connectivity. “Modern Life” recreates an ill-prepared / ill-equipped dad preparing dinner for the family amidst the chaos of a small army of kids playing while receiving cooking instructions from his wife over the phone as she’s “stuck in traffic”. The story resolves with mom relaxed in the Azera parked in the driveway, taking a few extra moments of solitude before joining the frenzy. All the insanity of the day is packed into one 30-second take, then juxtaposed against the serenity of the new Azera.
“Talk to My Car” plays on the long history of moviemakers that creatively integrate voice-activated vehicles into their productions. The team authentically recreated different eras of film to represent the timeline and evolution of talking cars in movies. From a flying car to an underwater car to a spy car – the vignettes look as if they are plucked from vintage footage, but virtually all were recreated for this spot. The scene closes on a family driving in the all-new Azera, using the voice-activated Blue Link system as they go about their daily routine.
Special behind-the-scenes footage gives viewers the chance to sit in the director’s chair, providing them with a closer look at the making of these intricate spots. These spots will be available for viewing on Hyundai’s YouTube Channel following the Academy Awards on Monday, February 27.
The rest of Hyundai’s 30-second spots focus on Sonata Hybrid, Elantra, Equus, Genesis Coupe and Genesis R-Spec, in addition to Azera. The two Oscar Red Carpet Live ads include “One Less Battery” featuring Sonata Hybrid and Hyundai’s new Lifetime Hybrid Battery Warranty and “Victory Lap” featuring Hyundai’s 2012 North American Car of the Year winner, Elantra. In-show spots include “So Fast” featuring Equus; “Think Fast” featuring Genesis Coupe; and “Faster Acting” featuring Genesis R-Spec sedan.
In addition to the Wes Anderson-directed ads, two more brand new spots featuring Azera, “Action” and “Thanks,” were custom made for the Academy Awards and will run only during the awards show. Hyundai’s campaign also includes several animated billboards throughout the show, also showcasing Azera.
“Hyundai is proud to share the spotlight with Hollywood’s biggest names on Oscar Sunday and is excited to introduce the award show’s huge national audience to the all-new Azera,” said Steve Shannon, vice president of marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “The glamour of the event and its star attendees provides the perfect venue to show off our newest luxury sedan.”
Azera will make its debut at Hyundai dealerships shortly after this year’s Academy Awards. Introduced to the world at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December, Azera is the fifth vehicle to adopt the company’s signature Fluidic Sculpture design language, showcasing a modern, sleek, sophisticated style, creating the illusion of constant motion. This Fluidic Sculpture sedan also features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter GDI engine, six-speed transmission, best-in-class combined fuel economy of 23 miles per gallon and a wide range of advanced safety equipment.
Hyundai’s exclusive automotive sponsorship of the Academy Awards extends its “Big Voices in Big Places” philosophy which positions the Hyundai brand in the highest-profile advertising venues, including sporting events and entertainment awards shows. Innocean Worldwide Americas, Hyundai’s agency of record, is responsible for all creative. To view Hyundai’s Academy Awards ads, please visit, www.youtube.com/Hyundai on Oscar Night.
Courtesy of Hyundai Media
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 21, 2012 – Hyundai continues to collect awards for its model lineup adding The Car Book’s 2012 “BEST BETS” to the list. Three Hyundai models, Accent, Sonata and Tucson, earned the distinction of “BEST BETS” from author Jack Gillis and the Center for Auto Safety, the nation’s leading auto safety advocacy group.
“We appreciate the fact that Hyundai has made a significant contribution to improving the market choices for the American car buyer,” said Jack Gillis, author, The Car Book. “During these most challenging times for the auto industry, the fact that Hyundai vehicles have the quality and features most important to today’s car buyer is a testament to their desire to meet customer needs.”
For 32 years, The Car Book has been the consumer’s best guide to smart and sensible car buying. The Car Book analyzes new vehicles each year to identify those making a significant contribution to improving the market. Vehicles are rated in nine key Car Book categories: crash tests, safety features, rollover, preventative maintenance, repair costs, warranty, fuel economy, complaints and insurance, with the heaviest emphasis on safety.
“Having three Hyundai models named as ‘Best Bets’ by The Car Book highlights our continued effort to deliver quality vehicles across the entire Hyundai lineup,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Accent, Sonata and Tucson all deliver advanced technology, design and fuel economy while continuing to exceed customer expectations in value, performance and safety.”
Hyundai’s all-new 2012 Accent redefines expectations in the subcompact category by offering the company’s distinctive and upscale “Fluidic Sculpture” design, best-in-class standard fuel economy, exceptional roominess and a full complement of standard safety features. Despite surprising technology and a significant increase in safety features, Accent’s pricing remains the same as that of the prior generation.
The award-winning Hyundai Sonata continues to be a huge hit thanks to Fluidic Sculpture design, impressive fuel efficiency, advanced technology and overall value. The 2012 model includes Blue Link, HD Radio Technology and a new seven-inch touch-screen navigation.
The 2012 Tucson is one of the smartest compact crossover choices available, delivering better fuel economy and range for consumers needing the utility of a CUV without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The Tucson improved fuel efficiency of up to an estimated 32 miles per gallon on the highway can be attributed to a new Active ECO System, low rolling resistance silica tires, high efficiency air conditioning and a larger capacity fuel tank.
Courtesy of Hyundai Media
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 15, 2012 – The Hyundai Genesis sedan is the highest-ranked model in the midsize premium car category in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Released today, the study also shows that Hyundai finished ninth overall, demonstrating that the company’s commitment to quality translates into long-term dependability for owners.
The Genesis sedan launched in the 2009 model year and earned Hyundai’s first-ever North American Car of the Year honor. J.D. Power and Associates surveys original owners three years after their vehicle purchase, so 2012 was the first year Genesis was included in the VDS, and it was the only category award recipient in its first year of eligibility.
“Our goal is to design and build cars that meet and exceed consumers’ expectations not only off the showroom floor, but through the duration of their ownership experience. Earning Hyundai’s first-ever top 10 finish in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrates that our efforts are paying dividends,” said Erwin Raphael, director of engineering and quality, Hyundai Motor America. “It’s equally gratifying to see Genesis sedan, a content-rich model with all the features you expect of a premium car, outperform powerful competitors in its category. Long-term dependability translates to a positive ownership experience and brings customers back to the Hyundai brand in the future.”
Genesis sedan tallied more than 20 top honors from the most prominent media outlets and automotive organizations in North America upon its launch as a 2009 model year. The trophy case includes awards from J.D. Power and Associates, Motor Trend, AutoPacific, Cars.com and leading consumer publications in addition to its North American Car of the Year honor.
Genesis is built on Hyundai’s performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. Updated for 2012, the current model offers three powertrains: the Lambda 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine producing 333 horsepower; Hyundai’s Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 385 horsepower; and the new Tau 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine producing 429 horsepower, available on the Genesis 5.0 and Genesis R-Spec models. 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 cars in the premium category. But at a starting MSRP of just $34,200, it’s no surprise the competition was left in Hyundai’s rear-view mirror.
The J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model year) vehicles includes 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
Hyundai has shown consistent improvement in VDS, reducing problems per 100 vehicles by 75 points over the past five years.
Courtesy of Hyundai Media
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 13, 2012 – For the seventh consecutive year the Hyundai Sonata was recognized by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) on its annual “Greener Choices” list. The Sonata will be featured in the ACEEE’s Green Book® Online, an annual consumers’ guide to environmentally-friendly cars and trucks.
“Sonata’s acknowledgment as a leader in fuel efficiency for the seventh year in a row only strengthens our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions for consumers,” said John Shon, Sonata Product Manager, Hyundai Motor America. “The Sonata offers class-above interior volume compared to its key competitors and provides the best fuel economy in the EPA Large Car segment with an exceptional 28 mpg combined fuel economy rating.”
The “Greener Choices” list is restricted to widely available gasoline-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions, thus highlighting the widespread availability of environmentally friendly vehicle choices in many segments of the market.
The 2012, Sonata achieves improved fuel economy estimates, incorporates more thoughtful and convenient technology, and adds features to improve the overall vehicle experience. Blue Link®, a full-service telematics offering provides customers with information and access never before found in a Hyundai. New available features such as a larger seven-inch touchscreen navigation with HD Radio Technology® and full panoramic sunroof offer additional amenities within an already well-equipped vehicle.
Courtesy of Hyundai Media
COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 8, 2012 – Today at the Chicago Auto Show, MotorWeek recognized the Hyundai Sonata and Accent as the “Best Family Sedan” and “Best Subcompact Car” respectively, in its 2012 Drivers’ Choice Awards. As winners, Sonata and Accent will also be featured on a special MotorWeek episode on PBS, February 11.
“For the second year in a row, the Hyundai Sonata has captured MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award for Best Family Sedan,” said John Davis, MotorWeek host. “The Sonata’s sleek styling, top-notch interior and extremely efficient powertrains, including a new available hybrid model, have redefined the mid-size family sedan.”
“Speaking the language of the value-conscious consumer, the 2012 Hyundai Accent is a very stylish, well-made, fun-to-drive, roomy, and very affordable small car, that also happens to have the best powertrain warranty in the business,” adds Davis. “The Accent was also the first car in its class to deliver 40 mpg fuel economy right off the mark, with no options or special packages required. Now that’s value.”
Each year, MotorWeek takes stock of the state of the automotive business and judges the best new cars and trucks of the year. Its annual Drivers’ Choice Awards look at vehicles from a buyer’s point of view, analyzing trends and innovations as well as the value and reliability of the vehicles. This year, a team of 15 judges, comprised of MotorWeek’s editorial staff, evaluated more than 150 cars, trucks and utilities. Decisions are based on performance, technology, practicality, fuel efficiency and dollar value.
“Since its introduction, Sonata continues to be the perfect mid-size sedan for families looking for quality and value with advanced standard safety features, three versatile powertrain choices and unrivaled interior convenience technologies,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “And like Sonata has done in the mid-size category, the all-new Accent reinvigorates the subcompact segment with class-leading standard fuel economy and power.”
Courtesy of Hyundai Media
WE convinced Hyundai to liberate one of its new i40 Tourers for an extended loan and straight away, we like what we see.
This is the top of the tree Premium diesel i40 selling for $46,490 which puts this medium size wagon in some exalted and bigger company.
You can get a Holden Sportswagon SV6 for similar money or a diesel Skoda Superb Ambiente wagon.
But we reckon you get more for your dosh with the i40 as the Premium model is crammed with practical, luxury and safety goodies to say nothing of the exceptionally frugal 1.7-litre turbodiesel mated to a six-speed auto.
We saw the fuel number dip into the fives on the freeway - something you won’t see in the Sportwagon, might see in the Skoda.
And it has a 70 litre tank which gives a theoretical range of nearly 1500km.
That’s a mighty sore bum - or not - because the seats inside the Premium i40 are comfy, well shaped and multi-adjustable.
The vehicle itself offers plenty of room for five and a large load space expandable with folded rear seats.
SAFETY
With nine airbags, stability control and a host of other safety kit it’s hardly surprising that the i40 Tourer gets a five star crash rating. But there’s other handy safety stuff like the reverse camera built into the rear view mirror, front and rear park sensors, see around corner lights and bixenon headlights to name just a few.
DESIGN
Though following the current Hyundai design language, the i40 has a distinct European flavour thanks in part to being designed in Germany. It is a handsome looking car from all angles and definitely stands out in a crowd - inside and out.
UNDER THE BONNET.
The 1.7-litre turbodiesel is a willing worker kicking out some 100kW/320Nm in an unobtrusive manner. Some noise is audible under full acceleration but it’s nearly silent in cruise mode.
Fuel economy is an excellent 6.0-litres/100km which is good for a car this size and weight -1659kg. Performance is strong, particularly around the 2-3000rpm mark.
The paddle shift is easy to use and effective.
Hyundai’s six speed auto is smooth and well suited to the 1.7 turbodiesel engine.
ON THE ROAD
Handing and ride are comfortable and controlled, good brakes, slightly remote feel to the steering.
It has minimal noise intrusion and offers strong mid-range acceleration.
GOODIES
This model scores the whole kit and caboodle.
Premium diesel, most expensive model in range and sells from $46,490.
You’re money buys you premium audio, dual zone aircon, and a speed limiter.
There’s also leather, full size alloy spare.
Multi-media connectivity, Bluetooth phone and audio, panoramic sunroof, electric park brake and comprehensive trip computer.
VERDICT
There’s little room for criticism that we can see with this car. It’s the best Hyundai yet.
Courtesy of News Community Media
"Very straight-forward Experience. Called David Davila and within 10 minutes had located vehicle I was seeking at another dealership (2012 Veloster) and invited me over to talk numbers, trade-in, and possible transaction. Never felt he was trying to get over on me. It's a business and you have to know how to play the game. I paid retail for the car. I would have liked to have been under MSRP but I had a gas guzzler that had to be removed from my garage ASAP. I saw a negative review about Javed Rasheed (2003) and must say that based on my experience I do not see how he could have come across as the tyrant he was painted to be. Extremely professional and courteous...even though he did list my truck substantially higher than what he was willing to give me; but again this is a business and as long as you understand that...I feel you'll be alright buying from these guys. Last but not least Gerardo Dorantes was probably the most down to earth finance manager I've ever dealt with. All in all my experience with the dealership was a solid one and I do have a lot of experiences to compare it to. Everything was near perfect except my bottom line price I was willing to go with which I was away by $900.00 of my target; but that's not their fault...that's mine for not being willing to walk away for two reasons...David Davila's hard work on getting this deal to happen and I had dealt with another Hyundai dealership that refused to get the ball rolling until I was there in person and they had the vehicle I was going to commit to in stock; so by this point I was ready to buy and David had accomplished in 10 minutes what 3 visits and approximately 5 hours of my time could not be accomplished at a nearby Hyundai dealership which will remain nameless. Professionalism is their strong suit along with great attention to what your needs are and delivering on them." -adeleon101
