Hyundai tackles Super Bowl advertising with 5 spots for the big day

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 30, 2012 – Hyundai, in its fifth consecutive year as a Super Bowl advertiser, will launch five total game-day ads on February 5, including two pre-game spots, one in the highly rated pre-kick time slot and two ads slated for in-game air time. The general theme of the day focuses on elements that drive the Hyundai brand and culture, with the two in-game ads highlighting performance characteristics – bolstering a brand attribute that Hyundai doesn’t often emphasize. The campaign features interactive and digital content throughout, including outtakes, online extensions and social media engagement to extend the reach of the program. Creative was developed by Hyundai’s agency of record, Innocean Worldwide Americas.

“Cheetah,” a 30-second spot slated for the first quarter, features a caged cheetah set to race a new 201-horsepower Veloster Turbo on a long stretch of open road. The car launches and the cage opens, but just a few yards into the race, the cat realizes he’s met his match as the car speeds ahead. The competitive cheetah then takes his frustration out on his handler. View the spot here: http://www.youtube.com/hyundaiUSA?x=us_game_6728.

“Think Fast,” a 30-second spot slated for the fourth quarter of the game, introduces a character that will star in Hyundai’s social media efforts named Bob. In this vignette, a young professional is driving his boss, Bob, a seasoned business pro, in his Genesis Coupe R-Spec. Bob is about to deliver a pearl of wisdom when he falls unconscious. The young driver hits the brakes hard, then throws his Genesis Coupe into drive repeatedly, generating enough force to revive Bob, at which time he delivers his piece of advice unphased by his apparent health scare. View the spot here: http://www.youtube.com/hyundaiUSA?x=us_game_6729.

The audience can see more of “Bob’s High-Powered Business Tips” by visiting Hyundai’s YouTube Channel (www.YouTube.com/Hyundai).>

“In developing this year’s in-game creative, we recognized the brand has built a strong reputation for great value, fuel economy, warranty, safety and quality – all the rational attributes for buying a vehicle. Typically, Hyundai hasn’t been top-of-mind with shoppers looking for performance and modern design – attributes that inspire an emotional connection,” said Steve, Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “However, the just-announced Veloster Turbo and restyled Genesis Coupe R-Spec supply the lineup with plenty of performance credentials for a youthful audience looking to complement great design and features with cars that are fun to drive.”

Hyundai’s Super Bowl commitment includes the coveted pre-kick time slot, literally seconds before the game begins. Hyundai has developed a very important 60-second spot which truly highlights Hyundai’s motivation to succeed. The spot, titled “All For One,” reveals what drives Hyundai and its employees to relentlessly pursue making the best products possible.

Hyundai’s founding chairman, Chung Ju-Yung, inspired this ad with his regular response when told challenges were too great to overcome. He simply asked: “Have you tried?” Inspired by the words of determination and encouragement, the spot captures the spirit that drives Hyundai. Against the backdrop of an iconic, internationally recognized song (“Gonna Fly Now” from the movie “Rocky” written by Bill Conti, Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins), Hyundai team members hum and sing along, demonstrating teamwork and encouragement when a co-worker needs a little support.

The ad features almost 200 actual Hyundai team members, trained by a vocal coach, and was filmed at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, in Montgomery, Ala., which produces more than 300,000 Sonata and Elantra sedans each year. View the spot and “making of” video here: http://www.youtube.com/hyundaiUSA?x=us_game_6727.

Finally, to round out the game-day lineup, Hyundai will celebrate its 2012 North American Car of the Year victory for Elantra with a new 30-second spot called “Victory Lap.” The Elantra earned the prestigious award from a jury of 50 independent automotive media in early January. “Faster Acting” showcases the new 429-horsepower Genesis R-Spec sedan and furthers the theme of performance which bridges the pre-game spots with the in-game ads.

 

Courtesy of Hyundai Motors News[[posterous-content:pid___0]]

 

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Q4 Profits increase for Hyundai, expecting to see more

The company, which ranks fifth in global auto sales together with affiliate Kia Motors (000270.KS), made the forecast after reporting that quarterly net profit rose a weaker-than-expected 38 percent from a year earlier to 2.0 trillion won.

 

It said rising competition and global economic uncertainty would mean global auto sales growth this year would more than halve from the pace seen in 2011.

But it was more bullish on Europe, saying it will raise sales to the region by 15.4 percent to 465,000 vehicles this year, driven by Europe-targeted models such as the i30 and i40. The company plans to launch the revamped i30 model, its top-selling model in Europe, in January.

"Price competition could intensify temporarily in Europe, but ultimately, a restructuring of European carmakers could happen...We believe the difficult situation will offer us an opportunity to expand our market share in Europe," said Lee Won-hee, Hyundai's chief financial officer, on an earnings conference call.

Hyundai continued to outperform the European market last year, with its sales rising 11.3 percent. Hyundai and Kia hold a combined 5.1 percent of the European market while Toyota Motor (7203.T) holds 4 percent and Nissan Motor (7201.T) holds 3.4 percent.

Hyundai's European sales accounted for nearly 10 percent of its global sales last year.

Japanese rival Nissan also said recently it expected to increase sales in Europe this year, but the company did not offer specific targets.

Hyundai, the first major Asian automaker reporting fourth-quarter earnings, posted a 2.0 trillion won ($1.8 billion) net profit for October-December, compared with a consensus forecast of 2.26 trillion won from Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. That is up from 1.45 trillion won in net profit a year earlier and from 1.92 trillion won in the third quarter.

Hyundai's views on Europe are much more upbeat compared with many carmakers. At the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month, industry executives predicted a steady recovery in U.S. car demand, but were far less bullish about the European market, which is forecast to contract about 5 percent for a fifth consecutive annual decline. Hyundai also expects Europe market demand to fall 4.5 percent to 14.4 million vehicles this year.

European car sales fell 1.7 percent last year, hit by the worsening European debt crisis that undermined consumer confidence and may tighten the region's car loan market.

"There is a lot of uncertainty in the global economy In 2012," Lee said, citing the European debt crisis and tensions over Iran as problems facing the auto industry.

He said Hyundai aimed to raise its U.S. sales by 4.5 percent to 675,000 vehicles this year, from 20 percent growth last year, by launching four new models including the Santa Fe SUVs.

He expected Japanese rivals to raise incentives to gain back market share, but Hyundai will maintain or lower its overall incentives in the United States.

The firm's overseas sales rose by 23.2 percent in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, offsetting a 5.8 percent decrease in domestic sales.

Hyundai said it aimed to raise its global sales by 5.7 percent to 4.29 million vehicles this year after its 2011 sales beat its target. This would mark a slowdown for the automaker, which has achieved double-digit sales growth in recent years including its 12.4 percent growth last year.

In contrast, Toyota forecast a 21 percent jump in 2012 sales to a record as it recovers from production losses that arose from Thailand's floods and the Japanese earthquake last year.

"Sales targets for this year look conservative. Hyundai's earnings growth may slow but it will outpace the overall auto industry," said Lim Jong-heon, a fund manager at Alpha Asset Management that owns Hyundai Motor shares.

"Despite the fact that Japanese carmakers are recovering from the worst conditions earlier, they are still under pressure from the strong yen and their recovery is not enough to threaten Hyundai's growth," he said.

Once the object of ridicule for poor-quality cars, Hyundai has become one of the most feared carmakers in the industry, boosting sales and gaining market share even during the global financial crisis.

Competitive pricing, helped by the weak South Korean currency, and the features and styling of its models appeal to value-seeking consumers. But its breakneck volume growth is seen slowing and the carmaker faces the challenge of further boosting brand image and raising prices to offset volume declines.

Shares of Hyundai Motor closed down 2.14 percent in the wider market .KS11 was up 0.25 percent on Thursday. The shares rose 23 percent last year, outperforming the wider market's 11 percent fall.

Courtesy of Reuters

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Hyundai announces pricing for the 2012MY Hyundai Sonata

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 18, 2012- Hyundai Motor America is pleased to announce the introduction of the 2012MY Hyundai Sonata.

The award-winning Sonata continues to be a success thanks to its Fluidic Sculpture design, an all-four cylinder engine lineup with best-in-class fuel economy, and five-star safety. Sonata enters the 2012 model year building upon this foundation. With 2012, the 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.

2012 SONATA MANUFACTURERS SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICING:

Model Engine Transmission MSRP

GLS 2.4L 4-cyl. 6-Speed M/T $19,795
GLS 2.4L 4-cyl. 6-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC® $20,795
GLS 2.4L 4-cyl. 6-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC® $20,795
SE 2.4L 4-cyl. 6-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC® $23,195
SE 2.0L TGDI 4-cyl. 6-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC® $24,745
Limited 2.4L 4-cyl. 6-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC® $26,445
Limited 2.4L 4-cyl. 6-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC® $26,445
Limited 2.0L TGDI 4-cyl. 6-Speed A/T w/ SHIFTRONIC® $28,195

^{Freight charges for the 2012MY Sonata are $775.}

FUEL ECONOMY
The 2011 Sonata 2.4 GDI A/T achieved a best-in-class highway fuel economy of 35 mpg. For the 2012 model year, Sonata 2.4 GDI A/T not only achieves best-in-class highway but also best-in-class city (24 mpg) and combined fuel economy (28 mpg) according to EPA fuel economy estimates.

The 2012 Sonata 2.0T also received an improved fuel economy rating and now achieves 34 mpg highway (increased from 33 on 2011 2.0T models).

BLUE LINK®
Hyundai has made Blue Link® standard for the 2012 Sonata. Blue Link® provides a host of scalable features accessible through multiple applications whether it be in the car, on your smartphone, or over the web. It provides a level of Assurance, safety, and diagnostics including features such as; automatic crash notification, SOS emergency notification, and enhanced roadside assistance. Blue Link® will be able to provide a list of Essential features for owners creating the ability to access, monitor, and communicate through the vehicle. These features include remote access (lock/unlock), voice-to-text messaging, location sharing, vehicle self diagnostics, theft protection, and parental controls. Finally, Blue Link® will offer Guidance to vehicle users including turn-by-turn navigation, traffic, weather, and an eco-coach system which advises on how to improve driving to meet set goals. With over 30 features, it turns every Hyundai Sonata into the smartest Hyundai ever built.

SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
• Standard Blue Link® - safety, service and infotainment telematics system
• Three-piece panoramic sunroof standard on Sonata Limited
• New seven-inch touchscreen navigation with HD Radio Technology
• Rear backup camera available on SE with Sunroof and Navigation Package

Standard and Optional Features

GLS
The Sonata GLS M/T MSRP is priced at $19,795, excluding $775 freight, and includes the following standard features:

2.4L GDI 4-cylinder (198 HP)
6-speed manual transmission
16-inch steel wheels with full covers
Front, front seat side impact and curtain airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Front active head restraints
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Bodycolor front grille and Chrome window belt-line moldings
Solar control glass
Remote keyless entry and alarm
Power windows, locks, heated mirrors
Tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls
Metalgrain interior accents
AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 with iPod®/USB and Aux input jacks
Air conditioning
Advanced trip computer with custom settings
Integrated Bluetooth® with phonebook transfer
Blue Link® telematics system

GLS Options:
6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® MSRP: $1,000

• Active ECO SysteM

Popular Equipment Package MSRP: $750

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Power driver seat with lumbar support
• Chrome interior door handles
• Leatherette interior panel door inserts
• Automatic light control

SE
SE 2.4L with standard 6-speed automatic starts at $23,195, excluding $775 freight, and includes all the GLS A/T Popular Equipment plus the following:

• 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder engine (200 HP)
• Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
• 18-inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels with performance tires
• Sport-tuned suspension and steering
• Chrome-tipped dual exhaust
• Dark chrome front grille
• Front fog lights
• Chrome exterior door handles
• Proximity entry with push button start
• Sport seats featuring leather bolsters with cloth inserts

SE 2.0T
The SE 2.0T MSRP is $24,745, excluding $775 freight, and includes the SE 2.4L equipment plus the following:

• 2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine (274 HP)
• Dual automatic temperature control

SE Options:
The SE 2.0T MSRP is $24,745, excluding $775 freight, and includes the SE 2.4L equipment plus the following:

• 2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine (274 HP)
• Dual automatic temperature control

Navigation and Sunroof Package MSRP: $2,900

• Power tilt-and-slide sunroof
• Navigation system with high-resolution touchscreen display
• Rear backup camera
• Dimension® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier
• XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather®, XM sports, and XM stock (90-day complimentary subscription)
• HD Radio® technology with multicasting

Limited
Limited 2.4L starts at $26,445, excluding $775 freight, and includes all the SE equipment (excluding SE sport-tuned suspension & steering and dual exhaust) plus the following:

•  
  • 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder (198 HP)
  • 17-inch alloy wheels with standard tires
  • Panoramic tilt & slide front sunroof with fixed rear glass roof and sunshade
  • Side mirror turn signal indicators
  • Premium door sill plates
  • Leather seating surfaces
  • Heated front and rear seat bottom cushions
  • Unique interior accents (Piano Black or Woodgrain)
  • Dual automatic temperature control
  • Floor console mounted rear vents
  • HD Radio® technology with multicasting
  • Dimension® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier
  • Electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass
  • HomeLink® integrated transceiver

Limited 2.0T
The Limited 2.0T MSRP is $28,195, excluding $775 freight, and offers all the features of the Limited 2.4L trim plus the following:

• 2.0L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine (274 HP)
• 18-inch Hyper Silver alloy wheels with performance tires
• Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters
• Chrome-tipped dual exhaust

Limited Options:

Navigation Package MSRP: $2,200

• Navigation system with high-resolution touchscreen display
• Rear backup camera
• Infinity® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier
• XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather®, XM sports and XM stock (90-day complimentary subscription)

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, 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 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Courtesy of Hyundai News

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Hyundai Veloster named "Best Under $20,000" by Winding Road Magazine

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2012 – The all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster earned the title of “Best Under $20,000” in Winding Road’s 2012 Best Car Of The Year Awards. Each year, Winding Road seeks out and honors the best vehicles, across every level of size, form, and functionality, selected from the hundreds of vehicles they review annually.

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“Lower weight plus lower consumption plus lower price equals more fun,” said Seyth Miersma, editor-in-chief, Winding Road. “We’re not math majors, but that’s something like the equation we believe Hyundai must have dreamed up when it first conceived of the 2012 Veloster. We were instant fans of the outstanding gearbox and the chuckable handling that Veloster offered, and quickly realized that the low starting price was likely to make it an enthusiast darling.”

The awards selection process leveraged the opinions of Winding Road’s seasoned staff of test drivers combined with the vehicle’s scoring according to the Winding Road Involvement Index. Using more than 30 points of individual measure, the Involvement Index seeks to quantify (on a 100-point scale) the always-elusive “fun to drive factor.”

“With the Hyundai Veloster, we wanted to show the industry that sleek design and reasonable pricing can go hand in hand,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Veloster combines a stylish image with sporty driving dynamics and outstanding fuel economy, making it perfectly suited for both practical drivers and auto enthusiasts.”

The Veloster is an innovative compact coupe that features ground-breaking design, with a unique third door for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai’s Blue Link® telematics system, Pandora® internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine that can be mated to either Hyundai’s first EcoShift™ dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. The Veloster is also one of four Hyundai vehicles that achieve 40 mpg on the highway, along with the Accent, Elantra and Sonata Hybrid.

Joining the Veloster on the award roster are the Mini Cooper S Coupe, Lotus Evora S, Ford Focus, Audi A7, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Land Rover LR4, Mazda5, Mazda MX-5, Dodge Charger, Audi S4 and Jaguar XJ. For the full feature on the Winding Road Best Cars Of The Year, check out Issue 78 of Winding Road’s digital magazine.

 

Courtesy of Hyundai Newsroom

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Hyundai is #1 in Customer Retention according to J.D. Power and Associates

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 17, 2012 – Hyundai is highest among all automotive brands in J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Retention Study^(SM). Now in its ninth year, the study measures the rate at which automotive brands retain their existing customers and examines the reasons why customers remain loyal. Hyundai earned the top spot in the study, improving its retention rate by four percentage points from 2010 to 64 percent in 2012.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, Hyundai's increased retention rate is shaped by its expanding model lineup, as well as the fact that perceptions of the brand's quality and appeal have continued to improve during the past decade.

The 2012 Customer Retention Study is based on responses from 117,001 new-vehicle buyers and lessees, of which 73,733 replaced a vehicle that was previously acquired new. In addition to customer retention, the study also measures the rate at which each automotive brand captures customers from its competitors, known as conquesting.

“We are proud that Hyundai owners show their brand loyalty by choosing to buy another Hyundai vehicle over 60 percent of the time,” said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. “Once they experience the styling, comfort and value of Hyundai vehicles, it’s no surprise that they elect to stick with the Hyundai brand. We are thrilled that our vehicles and our dealers are earning the respect and loyalty of our customers.”

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, 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 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Courtesy of Hyundai