At the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai announced the next generation electric vehicle, the 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell. For the first time, retail consumers will be able to put a mass-produced, federally certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in their driveways, with availability beginning in Spring 2014 at several Southern California Hyundai dealers.
Via Hyundai News
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In its seventh consecutive year as a Super Bowl advertiser, Hyundai enters the Big Game fray with two game-day ads during the first and fourth quarters of Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2, 2014.
The ads use clever interpretations of real life moments to position a Hyundai as the ultimate driving companion and trusted family member. One spot, leveraging the talent of a celebrity comedian, continues Hyundai’s longstanding tradition of using humor to highlight vehicle performance and function. The second spot illustrates the close connection of family. Creative was developed by Hyundai’s agency of record, INNOCEAN USA.
Hyundai will open its Super Bowl advertising showcase with a 30-second spot titled “Dad’s Sixth Sense,” during the first quarter. In a sketch that any dad can relate to, the spot dramatizes the near-misses and saves of everyday parenting, giving a dramatic demonstration of the all-new Genesis and its Automatic Emergency Braking capabilities – one of the many features included in Genesis’ comprehensive suite of safety services, the Sensory Surround Safety System.
“Nice,” a 30-second in-game spot running in the fourth quarter, is inspired and made possible by the new sporty, compact Elantra. The humorous spot follows a young comedic talent in an escalating game of compliments between two identical Elantras, effectively showcasing the innovative performance, style and technology features of Hyundai’s new compact sedan.
“Cars have become more than just a means of transportation – they play an active role in many parts of our lives,” said Steve Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “Our creative campaign this year highlights how Hyundai continues to be ‘there for you’ and your family. Whether it’s safely reacting to unexpected surprises on the road in the premium Genesis or dialing up the fun in an Elantra, Hyundai is an ideal driving companion.”
“Each year we challenge ourselves to come up with a new, inspiring way to showcase Hyundai during the biggest TV event of the year, while staying true to our audience and what’s most relevant to them,” said Greg Braun, Executive Creative Director, INNOCEAN USA. “This year we were able to take two different approaches to our spots – from fun and comedic, to endearing and sentimental – while still focusing on the essence of Hyundai. Our focus always has been how the Hyundai vehicle inspires and enables our consumer – whether you’re a first-time car owner or looking to upgrade into your first true premium car.”
Via Hyundai News
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| WHAT: | The 2015 Genesis will be heading to PepCom’s Digital Experience to premier Hyundai’s next generation Blue Link® telematics platform and infotainment system prior to its debut at the 2014 North American International Auto Show.
The 2015 Genesis features:
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| WHEN: |
Mon., Jan. 6, 2014, the evening before the CES® show opens at7:00 to 10:30 p.m. PT |
| WHERE:
WHO: |
PepCom’s Digital Experience at Mirage Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas strip
System demonstrations and interview opportunities:
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Hyundai beat out every competitor to earn the distinction of “Most Reliable Manufacturer” in the 2013 CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Ranking. Released today, the annual report provides a ranking of manufacturers and vehicles with the lowest combined “check engine” repair incidents and costs. The Index ranks the top 10 manufacturers, top 100 vehicles overall, top vehicles by category and the most common repairs by make. After two consecutive years of finishing second Hyundai overtook Toyota and drove to the top of the list with its low repair frequency.
“The 2013 CarMD Vehicle Health Index Manufacturer and Vehicle Reliability Ranking looked at data that applies to more than 119 million vehicles, so to earn this ranking is no small feat,” said Leon C. Chen, CEO, CarMD.com Corporation. “We commend Hyundai for its commitment to quality and to its efforts to minimize vehicle operating costs.”
Hyundai’s 2013 Index rating was .80 with an average repair cost of $312.67, the lowest Index rating of all parent manufactures studied and the second lowest overall repair cost. This year’s Index is based on more than 151,000 specific repairs performed on model year 2003 to 2013 vehicles from Oct. 1, 2012 to Sept. 30, 2013. The Index is determined by the manufacturers whose vehicles had the fewest percentage of CarMD repair incidents combined with the lowest cost per repair, per number of registered vehicles on the road. For more information on CarMD including the complete index, visit http://corp.carmd.com.
“Hyundai strives to provide our customers with a worry-free car ownership experience by offering a lineup of vehicles that deliver on both quality and reliability, backed by the most competitive protection program in the business,” said Erwin Raphael, director, Engineering and Quality, Hyundai Motor America. “Earning the first place title in CarMD’s Vehicle Health Index Report proves that our recipe for combining high value vehicles with long-term vehicle protection is a success.”
In addition to vehicle reliability, Hyundai’s Assurance program offers vehicle owners a comprehensive suite of car care and protection services including a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000 powertrain limited warranty. Additionally, Hyundai’s Assurance Connected Care offers Blue Link equipped models with free automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, monthly vehicle diagnostics reports and maintenance alerts. These programs under the Hyundai Assurance umbrella provide customers with peace of mind long after they drive off the dealership lot.
About The CarMD Vehicle Health Index
The mission of Irvine, Calif.-based CarMD.com Corporation is to empower consumers and the vehicle market by providing the tools and information needed to make better-educated decisions about their vehicles’ health and maintenance. An ISO 9001:2008-certified company, CarMD’s premier product is the CarMD® Vehicle Health System™, a consumer system that helps drivers monitor vehicle health and minimize related repair costs. The company has built the largest, most up-to-date database of diagnostic trouble codes; expert fixes and repair costs, which it uses to compile its annual CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™consumer information resource. It is the only Index to offer a ranking of automotive manufacturers and vehicles with the lowest combined “check engine”-related repair incidents and costs. The data for the 2013 CarMD® Vehicle Health Index™ Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Rankings was procured from CarMD’s network of thousands of certified automotive technicians and database. For more information, including the complete Index, methodology and archived data, visit http://corp.carmd.com. Drivers can also visit www.carmd.com/Scorecard to see how their vehicle ranks and get a list of common repairs by year, make and model.
Via Hyundai News
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Hyundai today announced plans to offer its next-generation Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle for the U.S. market for just $499 per month, including unlimited free hydrogen refueling and At Your Service Valet Maintenance at no extra cost. For the first time, retail consumers will be able to put a mass-produced, federally certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in their driveways, with availability beginning in Spring 2014 at several Southern California Hyundai dealers.
“Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles represent the next generation of zero-emission vehicle technology, so we’re thrilled to be a leader in offering the mass-produced, federally certified Tucson Fuel Cell to retail customers,” said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. “The superior range and fast-fill refueling speed of our Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle contrast with the lower range and slow-charge characteristics of competing battery electric vehicles. We think fuel cell technology will increase the adoption rate of zero-emission vehicles, and we’ll all share the environmental benefits.”
FUEL CELL PRICING AND BENEFITS
The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell will initially be offered to customers in the Los Angeles/Orange County region for $499 per month for a 36-month term, with $2,999 down. This includes the addition of a remarkable new addition to the Hyundai Assurance program –unlimited free hydrogen refueling. “When we spoke to customers interested in driving a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, many wondered what the cost of hydrogen would be,” said John Krafcik. “To ease those concerns as we build-out the hydrogen refueling network, we thought covering this cost for these early adopters in the monthly payment was the best approach, and consistent with other aspects of our Hyundai Assurance program. It’s our way of saying: ‘This is another thing you don’t have to worry about, we’ve got your back.’”
In addition, Tucson Fuel Cell owners will enjoy all the same services of the Hyundai Equus “At Your Service” valet program. As Equus owners have enjoyed since its introduction in 2010, should a Tucson Fuel Cell require any service, a Hyundai dealer will pick up the vehicle and provide a loaner, then return their car after service to their home or business, at no charge.
Customers interested in the Tucson Fuel Cell can indicate their interest (the first step in the ordering process) beginning today by visiting Hyundai.com.
The first four Hyundai dealers to offer the Tucson Fuel Cell to Southern California customers are Hardin Hyundai in Anaheim, Win Hyundai in Carson, Keyes Hyundai in Van Nuys and Tustin Hyundai, with additional Hyundai dealers to follow. Availability of the Tucson Fuel Cell will expand to other regions of the country consistent with the accelerating deployment of hydrogen refueling stations.
THE NEXT-GENERATION ELECTRIC VEHICLE
To achieve societal goals of significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, more and more consumers will need to drive zero-emissions vehicles. Currently, there’s an ongoing debate about the future of the electric vehicle, with two schools of thought:
Developed over 100 years ago, the battery electric vehicle has made progress in recent years, with improved affordability and energy storage capability. But for most consumers, range anxiety and lengthy recharging time remain formidable obstacles to using them in their daily lives. In addition, affordable electric vehicle technology is best suited to smaller urban vehicles, not larger family and utility vehicles that many families require to meet all of their needs. Because of the inherent weight and cost of batteries, and the chemistry and physics that drive slow recharge times, today’s electric vehicles have practical limits for many consumers.
TUCSON FUEL CELL ADVANTAGES
Hyundai is introducing its Tucson Fuel Cell to alleviate the limitations of traditional battery electric vehicles. The Tucson Fuel Cell maintains the day-to-day flexibility of the gasoline-powered Tucson so that its driver is able to immediately enjoy the next generation of electric vehicles without range or recharge-time compromises to their lifestyle.
The Tucson Fuel Cell represents the next generation of electric vehicles – those that create their own electricity, on-board, from hydrogen. According to UCI’s Advanced Power and Energy Program’s 2013 study, the hydrogen fuel cell provides lower total well-to-wheel emissions than a battery electric vehicle. For the Tucson Fuel Cell driver, this social benefit is achieved with greater utility, versatility and without compromises. Consider:
* Estimated driving range based on internal tests; EPA ratings to be determined by launch
The Tucson Fuel Cell begins mass production for the U.S. market in February 2014 at the Ulsan, Korea assembly plant that also manufactures the Tucson gasoline-powered CUV. Manufacturing the Tucson Fuel Cell at the same plant allows Hyundai to leverage both the high quality and cost-efficiency of its popular gasoline-powered Tucson platform.
HYDROGEN RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
The benefits of hydrogen are well known — required supplies for the U.S. market can be produced domestically and its supply is virtually unlimited. It can be produced by varied means – including renewable sources such as biogas. In fact, Hyundai’s Fuel Cell prototypes have relied on hydrogen generated at the Orange County Sanitation District near its Fountain Valley headquarters, where methane from sewage is turned into hydrogen. Hydrogen can even be sourced directly from water, using electrolysis to split hydrogen molecules with electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar.
Further supporting hydrogen infrastructure development, California approved a plan in October 2013 to develop up to 100 hydrogen refueling stations in the state over the next several years. This recent California initiative dovetails with increased government support of hydrogen infrastructure development at the federal level, such as H2USA.
HYDROGEN: LOWEST WELL-TO-WHEEL EMISSIONS
According to 2013 studies on well-to-wheel greenhouse-gas emissions (GHG) by the Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles have the lowest overall emission levels of all alternative fuel entries. Well-to-wheel emissions for hydrogen vehicles sourced from natural gas are lower than battery electric vehicles, and less than half of equivalent gasoline vehicle emissions. Even more impressive, hydrogen emissions sourced from biogas are a tiny fraction of equivalent gasoline vehicle emissions, yielding an extremely high factor of long-range emissions sustainability.
FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY: HOW IT WORKS
Hyundai’s fuel cell effectively replaces the battery pack used in an electric vehicle by generating electricity from hydrogen through an electrochemical process that does not involve hydrogen combustion, with no moving parts within the fuel cell stack.
The fuel cell electrochemical process is as follows:
Via Hyundai News
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For the first time in the study’s 18-year history, Hyundai Motor Company ranked first in the automotive industry in Strategic Vision’s annual Total Value Awards. Additionally, four Hyundai models – Sonata, Genesis Coupe,Elantra and Equus – each took first place in their respective categories. Sonata scored top marks (tied with Ford Fusion) among midsize cars, Genesis Coupe won in the premium coupe category, Elantra received high scores (tied with Ford Fiesta Sedan and Chevrolet Cruze) among small cars, and the Equus beat out every competitor in the luxury car segment. Equus garnered a score of 804 –highest in the industry – even topping the Tesla Model S at 786.
Strategic Vision’s Total Value Index (TVI) examines the quality of the buyer’s complete ownership experience and adds the customer’s assessment of economic consequences from two perspectives: (1) Immediate – or what is influential today, and (2) Expected – what they believe the costs that emerge over time will be.
“Hyundai provides value that customers love with strong styling cues and interior appointments at a terrific price – which is why Hyundai again has the highest model score with the Equus,” said Alexander Edwards, president, Strategic Vision.
Strategic Vision is a research-based consultancy with more than 35 years of experience in understanding consumer decision-making processes for a variety of Fortune 100 clients, including most automotive manufacturers. For the 18th annual TVI, Strategic Vision studied more than 45,000 new car buyers.
“Hyundai continues to offer customers the highest-quality products, packed with premium technologies and best-in-class safety features,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Awards like this from Strategic Vision reflect our hard work and commitment to customer satisfaction and value.”
For a complete list of 2013 Total Value Award winners, please visit http://www.strategicvision.com.
Via Hyundai News
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The 2014 Hyundai Equus and Santa Fe both have earned awards from ESPN Deportes Radio’sRuedas ESPN, having been named “Best Luxury Sedan” and “Best Large SUV,” respectively. Presented at the 43rd annual Miami International Auto Show, this year’s awards not only mark the first time Hyundai has earned double accolades from Ruedas ESPNbut it is the third year in a row Hyundai Vehicles have received recognition. The Equus and Santa Fe join the Veloster and Veloster Turbo which were named “Best New Product 2011” and “Best Sports Car 2012” respectively.
“Hyundai has built two vehicles that perfectly represent their segments. The 2014 Equus is pure luxury at a value while the 2014 Santa Fe has everything a growing family needs,” said Jaime Florez, Ruedas ESPN director and host. For the 11th annual Ruedas ESPN awards, an executive committee of leading Spanish-language journalists decided upon the best representations covering a total of 12 automotive segments. Each nomination is eligible for the ”Ruedas ESPN Car of The Year” award.
“We are very proud of both the 2014 Hyundai Equus and Santa Fe for earning awards from Ruedas ESPN,” said Chris Hosford, Executive Director, Corporate Communications Hyundai Motor America. “This is a significant accomplishment and proves that our vehicles are strong performers across numerous markets and have the ability to appeal to a wide variety of demographics, including Hispanics.”
Broadcast live on ESPN Deportes Radio, Ruedas ESPN can be heard on more than 48 radio stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico as well as SIRIUS and XM Channel 157. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET, hosts Jaime Florez, Niky Pauli, and Sergio Rodriguez share their common passion for cars, engineering, and motorsport with thousands of Hispanics.
Upgraded for 2014, the Hyundai Equus represents the epitome of luxury motoring, priced thousands of dollars less than its luxury car competitors. With new front fascia, rear end, 19-inch turbine wheels, and exclusive interior features, the Equus is heavily contented at a starting price of $61,000
Available with three fuel efficient engines and five, six or seven passenger seating configurations, the 2014 Santa Fe is ready for every type of adventure. New for 2014 features include the added safety of Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system available on all trim levels and Rear Parking Assistance available on Technology Packages. Pushing the Santa Fe above and beyond is the availability of new premium features such as HID headlights, ventilated front seats and exclusive 18-inch wheels.
Via Hyundai News
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Hyundai Motor Company recently concluded the 10th Hyundai World Skill Olympics, a biennial skills competition that pits Hyundai’s automotive service experts and technicians against one another in various Olympic-style competitions and tests. The 2013 gold medal was awarded to local Riverside, California Hyundai technician, Jason Emerson. This acknowledgment propels the United States to the top of the medal chart, beating out China, Turkey and Australia and becoming one of only three countries to have multiple gold medal awards.
“We congratulate Jason on his win and are thrilled he was able to take home the gold for the U.S. and our dealership,” said Jim Sams, Service Manager, Riverside Hyundai. “This is a true testament to Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional level of quality customer service throughout the lifetime of vehicle ownership.”
In addition to Jason Emerson receiving the overall gold medal, three other U.S. technicians placed in the competition. Ken Winders from Gene Messer Hyundai in Lubbock, Texas received a gold medal for his performance in the engine mechanical and written evaluations. Steve Picket from Ed Voyles Hyundai in Smyrna, Georgia and Aronn Walters from Regional Hyundai in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma received Excellent Skills medals, recognizing their strong overall performance in the competition.
The Hyundai World Skill Olympics is designed to improve customer satisfaction at Hyundai service centers across the globe. First held in 1995, the competition has sought to improve service technicians’ skills through systematic training in a unique and interactive environment.
“Top automotive service skills are at the heart of customer satisfaction,” said Erwin Raphael, Director, Engineering and Quality, Hyundai Motor America. “The Hyundai World Skill Olympics really allows us to ensure we are providing a premier customer experience and arming our technicians with the tools and training they need to deliver quality service.”
In 2013, a total of 145 participants including 87 specialists from 54 countries gathered at Hyundai Motor’s Technical Center in Korea to perform their latest techniques in an Olympic-style competition. The competition includes practical evaluations of engines, electric devices, chassis, automatic transmission and other automotive components. There is also a written exam portion of the competition.
Via Hyundai News
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The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has been named the 2013 “CUV of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA). Issued at the 21th annual Texas Truck Rodeo near San Antonio, the win complements the Santa Fe Sport’s victory as “Compact CUV of Texas” in last-year’s competition.
“We are very pleased the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has been named ‘CUV of Texas’ and proud to see that the Santa Fe family continues its winning streak at the Truck Rodeo,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Given the fact that Santa Fe Sport was named Compact Crossover at last year’s Rodeo, TAWA members have further confirmed the amazing versatility of this crossover with its five, six or seven passenger configurations.”
Comprised of active TAWA media members, the 2013 Texas Truck Rodeo evaluated some of the industry’s leading trucks, SUVs and crossover utilities. In order to put each vehicle through its paces, the famed Knibbe Ranch in Spring Branch, Texas served as the event’s proving grounds. With driving surfaces varying from bumpy pavement, loose gravel, slick mud, steep hills, jagged rocks and water crossings, each candidate stayed busy throughout the two days of testing.
“TAWA members overwhelmingly selected the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe as the Crossover of Texas,” said Michael Marrs, TAWA President. “Crossovers are important to Texans as they need vehicles that deliver on comfort, functionality and reliability. Hyundai exceeded those expectations and had the best product in the category.”
Entered into one of the most cross-shopped segments in the automotive industry, the Santa Fe topped tough competitors such as the 2014 Dodge Journey, 2014 Chevrolet Equinox, 2014 Kia Sorento, 2014 GMC Terrain Denali and 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. Hailed by journalists for its blend of value, mileage, capability and driving dynamics, the Santa Fe found its way up rocky hills, down steep inclines, and around sweeping back-roads all while returning impressive fuel economy and pleasing driving dynamics.
With two days of evaluation, TAWA members judged the vehicles on a variety of considerations. Aspects from exterior styling to road manners as well as pricing, fuel mileage, and off-road capability were all taken into account. Voting was conducted anonymously via electronic ballots.
The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is a new breed of crossover utilities with multiple trims, all-new powertrains and segment exclusive features and equipment. With a segment leading standard 290 horsepower 3.3 liter GDI V6, six-speed automatic transmission, and availability of either seven or six passenger configurations, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has rightfully earned the title “CUV of Texas”. Blue Link telematics and Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM) come standard and help separate the Santa Fe from the crowd.
An all-new “Fluidic Sculpture” design gives the third generation Santa Fe the impact of constant motion while opulent interior features such as heated seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel give world-class comfort and amenities. Combined with 320 lb weight loss compared to the outgoing Veracruz model and an IIHS “Top Safety Pick”, a base price of $28,600 keeps the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe competitive in a very crowded segment.
Via Hyundai News
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