HYUNDAI GENESIS AND VELOSTER RECOGNIZED IN AUTOPACIFIC VEHICLE SATISFACTION AWARDS

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis and Veloster topped the Aspirational Luxury Car and Sporty Car categories respectively in the 2013 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). AutoPacific’s VSA survey measures how satisfied an owner is with his/her new vehicle.

AutoPacific’s VSAs objectively measure owner satisfaction with 51 vehicle attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results of responses from over 52,000 new vehicle owners.

“Winning AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award confirms that the Hyundai Genesis has joined the big leagues,” said George Peterson, President, AutoPacific. “Out-pointing all other Aspirational Luxury Cars, Genesis has won this award four out of the last five years. This proves that Genesis is a smart buy for drivers wanting an excellent car at an excellent value.”

“The Hyundai Veloster is a sporty car with extremely aggressive styling that resonates with its buyers,” continued Peterson. “With an attractive price point and head-turning styling, Veloster tops the AutoPacific satisfaction ratings with its owners giving very positive reviews.”

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis features a 2.0-liter engine with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CWT), dual asymmetrical chrome exhaust tips, LED tail lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls. The 2013 Veloster features a three door design along with an all-new turbo model, with a new 1.6-liter, 201 horsepower, direct-injected twin-scroll turbocharged engine, aggressive bodykit and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

“The AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are an important indicator that Hyundai is continuing to hit the mark when it comes to pleasing consumers,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We are pleased that both Genesis and Veloster owners rank their purchase decisions so highly – an excellent reflection on both of these class-leading vehicles.”

In addition, both the Genesis and Veloster come with advanced safety features and are equipped with Assurance Connected Care powered by the Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics platform. Assurance Connected Care is a suite of safety and car care features providing Hyundai owners with free proactive services including automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, monthly vehicle diagnostics reports and maintenance alerts.

Via Hyundai News

THE NEXT GEN HYUNDAI…YUNDAI MOTOR DELIVERS FIRST 15 HYDROGEN-POWERED IX35 FUEL CELL IN EUROPE

Hyundai Motor Company has today delivered the first of its assembly line-produced ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles to the City of Copenhagen in Denmark. They were handed over by Hyundai Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor’s European sales subsidiary, during the opening ceremony of Denmark’s first hydrogen refuelling station.

The 15 ix35 Fuel Cell units are the first hydrogen-powered vehicles manufactured on a production line to be introduced in Europe.

Mr. Byung Kwon Rhim, President of Hyundai Motor Europe said, “Hyundai Motor is committed to hydrogen as the fuel of the future for Europe. Delivering assembly-line produced ix35 Fuel Cell is evidence that we have a realistic solution to the region’s sustainable mobility needs.”

The ix35 Fuel Cell produces no harmful tailpipe emissions – only water vapour – and so its use will help the city of Copenhagen achieve its aim of becoming carbon-neutral by 2025.

Since 2011, Hyundai Motor has deployed prototypes of its third-generation ix35 Fuel Cell in a wide range of initiatives to raise awareness of hydrogen’s benefits as an automotive fuel; to support the drive for establishing a pan-European refueling infrastructure; and to demonstrate the cars’ real-world practicality to public and private organisations.

For example, EU policy-makers have access to ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles – via the EU Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) in Brussels– showing the market-readiness of Hyundai Motor’s technology. And, earlier this year, senior representatives from 100 European businesses learned about and tested the ix35 Fuel Cell at a Hyundai Motor event in Berlin.

Hyundai Motor has been a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology ever since research into its first fuel cell began in 1998. The company’s proprietary fuel cell technology is developed at its Eco Technology Research Institute in Korea. Hyundai intends to build 1.000 ix35 Fuel Cell cars by 2015 at its Ulsan factory, also in Korea.

The ix35 Fuel Cell is equipped with a 100 kW (136 ps) electric motor, and can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Two hydrogen storage tanks, located between the vehicle’s rear axle, with a total capacity of 5,64 kg, enable the vehicle to travel a total of 594 km on a single fuelling. Filling the storage hydrogen tanks to maximum capacity takes just a few minutes.

Via Hyundai News

HYUNDAI I20 WRC!

After an intensive few months of preparation at its new headquarters, Hyundai Motorsport has taken the i20 WRC out of the workshop and onto the road to start its testing program.

The result was a successful shakedown for the latest specification of the Hyundai i20 WRC on a private testing ground near its Alzenau, Germany, headquarters. Hyundai Motorsport’s technical team completed the rollout while encountering no significant issues. Now, the test schedule ramps up to prepare for entry in the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Rally Championship in 2014.

This three-day, 550-kilometer shakedown was followed by the car’s first comprehensive testing session, during which various set-ups were tried out and valuable data were gathered for analysis by engineers back at the Hyundai Motorsport facility. While all key areas of the car’s performance were evaluated, there was a major focus on collecting feedback from the i20 WRC’s 1.6 liter turbocharged engine.

“The car is on the road and I have to admit it was quite an emotional moment to see the latest specification of the i20 WRC in action for the first time,” said Michel Nandan, Team Principal. “We have an intensive testing schedule for the rest of 2013. It will take us to different venues across Europe, to evaluate the i20 WRC in different conditions and on different terrains, which reflect the variety of circumstances we will encounter in the World Rally Championship next year.”

With an ambitious target to meet in a short time, the tight schedule is intended to ensure that Hyundai Motorsport arrives ready to compete at the Monte Carlo Rally in January 2014.

“The learning from the first tests for me is quite positive,” Nandan said. “We have now a lot of useful feedback to digest for the next steps of our preparation.”

The Hyundai i20 WRC was designed at Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Center in Korea and is being made race-ready at the Hyundai Motorsport headquarters in Alzenau, Germany.

Via Hyundai News

Happy Memorial Day!

Heller Hyundai would like to thank all those who served and gave their lives defending our freedom! 

HYUNDAI GOING GREEN! HYUNDAI JOINS DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY IN NEW PARTNERSHIP FOCUSED ON FUEL CELLS

Hyundai is uniting with the Energy Department on a new public-private partnership called H₂USA, which will focus on advancing hydrogen infrastructure to support more transportation energy options for U.S. consumers, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Named after the chemical symbol for hydrogen, the H₂USA partnership brings together government agencies, gas suppliers, the hydrogen and fuel cell industries and automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota.

While American automakers and private industry have made significant progress, H₂USA will bring experts together to solve key infrastructure challenges, including leveraging low-cost natural gas resources. Through the program, industry and government partners will identify actions to encourage early adopters of fuel cell electric vehicles, conduct coordinated technical and market analysis, and evaluate alternative fueling infrastructure that can enable cost reductions and economies of scale.

“Fuel cell technologies are an important part of an all-of-the-above approach to diversify America’s transportation sector, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase our competitiveness in the global market,” said assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy, David Danielson in the Energy Department’s press release. “By bringing together key stakeholders from across the U.S. fuel cell and hydrogen industry, the H₂USA partnership will help advance affordable fuel cell electric vehicles that save consumers money and give drivers more options.”

Hyundai is currently making a fuel-cell-powered version of the Tucson with the goal of selling 1,000 units by 2015, when it will launch the next-generation Tucson and target annual output of about 10,000 units.

“Hyundai’s Tucson Fuel Cell program is an integral part of our plan to develop low-carbon, fuel-efficient vehicles that minimize fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” said Gil Castillo, senior group manager, alternative vehicle strategy, Hyundai Motor America. “Our partnership with the Energy Department and H₂USA is another way Hyundai is striving to meet the critical social needs for both mobility and environmental preservation.”

Via Hyundai News

MORE REASONS TO BUY A HYUNDAI: VEHICLES NOW INCLUDE THREE YEARS OF COMPLIMENTARY ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE SERVICE

Starting today, all new Blue Link-equipped Hyundai vehicles will come standard with three years of complimentary Assurance Connected Care service. Announced at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March, Assurance Connected Care is powered by the automaker’s Blue Link telematics platform, which now has enrolled over 400,000 subscribers. Assurance Connected Care makes Hyundai the only non-premium automaker to offer a complete package of complimentary safety and car care services to its owners.

Assurance Connected Care is a suite of safety and car care features providing Hyundai owners with free proactive services including automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, monthly vehicle diagnostics reports and maintenance alerts. Assurance Connected Care makes Hyundai the first manufacturer to include this degree of built-in safety and car care services standard for three years. The service is fully transferable to subsequent owners within three years of the vehicle’s date of first use.

“Assurance Connected Care gives us the opportunity to remind our customers that Hyundai ‘has your back,’” said Barry Ratzlaff, Director of Customer Connect, Hyundai Motor America. “This new suite of Assurance features allows drivers to feel safe and secure and enjoy a worry-free car ownership experience. With a simple press of a button in the vehicle, Blue Link agents are available 24/7/365 to help in emergencies or to schedule car care.”

Assurance Connected Care is currently starring in Hyundai’s newest promotional campaign, which features a brand new remix of Bob Marley’s iconic track, “Three Little Birds” created by Stephen Marley and producer/DJ Jason Bentley. The track is part of theLegend: Remixed project, a collection of remixed Bob Marley classics, created by renowned artists.

Updates to Blue Link packaging and pricing also will take effect with the introduction of Assurance Connected Care. Owners of Blue Link-equipped vehicles with active Assurance Connected Care service will have the option to upgrade at a reduced price, making features such as remotes start, stolen vehicle recovery and turn by turn navigation an even better value. Full pricing and packaging details will be posted on http://www.hyundaibluelink.com/.

Via Hyundai News

Attention All Marley Fans…HYUNDAI REVEALS ALL-NEW ASSURANCE CONNECTED CARE CAMPAIGN FEATURING REMIXED BOB MARLEY TRACK

 Building on its tradition of supporting innovation in music, Hyundai today unveils a new campaign for Assurance Connected Care with an all-new remix of “Three Little Birds” created by Bob Marley’s son and ten-time Grammy winner, Stephen Marley. Hyundai’s past music-focused programs include the RE:GENERATION Music Project featuring Skrillex and members of The Doors, partnering with the Flaming Lips for the Super Bowl and most recently the GRAMMY’s Center Stage project. Hyundai is now continuing its commitment and support of innovative music initiatives by working with Universal Music Enterprises and the Bob Marley family on the Legend: Remixed project.

Legend: Remixed is an inspired new spin on the Bob Marley classic Legend album with electronic dance music’s biggest names and producers re-imagining classic Marley tracks. The fourth track on the album, “Three Little Birds,” was remixed by Stephen Marley and DJ/producer Jason Bentley. This iconic Marley track will serve as the worry-free anthem for Hyundai’s new Assurance Connected Care program, a new suite of features that allows drivers to feel safe and secure and enjoy a stress-free ownership experience. Prior to its television debut, “Three Little Birds” will be available starting May 14 for free download to the first 15,000 fans through Hyundai’s Facebook and YouTube channels and also available for sale through all digital retailers.

“’Three Little Birds,’ a true Bob Marley classic, is the perfect anthem for Hyundai’s Assurance Connected Care – you don’t have to worry about a thing,” said Steve Shannon, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “Assurance Connected Care was inspired by actual customer experiences – we listened to customer needs and developed tools and applications that would simplify car ownership. With Assurance Connected Care’s maintenance and safety features, your car takes care of itself and it takes care of you.”

The campaign breaks with a 30-second spot titled “Signs” which features the Hyundai Santa Fe, Sonata and Veloster. The execution takes viewers past typical road signs, but instead of the usual warnings, the signs feature worry-free sayings and helpful reminders like “Got your back,” “Care free lane ahead,” or “It’s all good.” An additional three 15-second spots each highlight a key Assurance Connected Care feature – Monthly Vehicle Service Report, Maintenance Alert and Automatic Collision Notification. Creative was developed by Hyundai’s agency of record, INNOCEAN USA, and directed by Philippe Andre.

The Legend: Remixed album is a collection of remixed Bob Marley classics from the reggae icon’s Legend album. The tracks were remixed by renowned artists including Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, RAC, Nicodemus and others. The full Legend: Remixedalbum will be released this summer by Island/Tuff Gong/UME.

Hyundai also supported the creation of the “Making of Legend: Remixed” documentary, a short film about the creation of the new album including interviews with the Marley family and the musicians involved.

“Three Little Birds” is widely considered one of Bob Marley’s most iconic songs. In 1984, the song was included on Legend, which is now the No. 1 selling reggae album of all time and one of the biggest selling albums of any genre in history. The collection received a RIAA Diamond^® Award (ten times Platinum) in the U.S. and sold 25 million copies worldwide.

“Bob Marley remains one of the world’s most important and influential artists and with Legend: Remixed, his music will continue to live on and inspire new generations of music fans,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President/CEO, Universal Music Enterprises. “Our relationship with Hyundai is truly special as their Assurance Connected Care message ‘don’t worry about a thing’ is perfectly echoed in the new Marley remix of the iconic ‘Three Little Birds’ track. This innovative campaign serves as a new way the Marley family can share his music with a broad national audience.”

Assurance Connected Care is a suite of safety and maintenance features that now comes standard for three years on all Blue Link equipped vehicles. The new program will provide free proactive safety and car care telematics services including automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, monthly vehicle diagnostics reports and maintenance alerts. Assurance Connected Care makes Hyundai the first manufacturer to include built-in safety and vehicle maintenance services standard for three years.

Via Hyundai News