Keema News - Dec 2009

Australia's seven State and Territory based motoring clubs have recognised two Hyundai models as class-winners in their 2009 national awards. The Hyundai i30 SX CRDi turbo diesel has been named Australia's 'Best Mid-size Car Under $30,000' 2009 and the Hyundai iMax CRDi turbo diesel was named Australia's 'Best People Mover' 2009.

Following an exhaustive evaluation and assessment process that focused on three main criteria ('Value for Money', 'Design and Function' and 'On the Road Performance'), the Australia's Best Cars national judging panel awarded the double win to both Hyundai vehicles from a field of more than 280 original competitors.

"Once again, the i30 is the car in the class that offers the best value for money within the judging criteria," said Ernest Litera, Chief Judge Australia's Best Cars. "The i30 has topped its class in terms of ownership costs and operating costs, including fuel economy. The i30 scored above average in all 19 areas that were measured, particularly in safety and security."

The i30 SX petrol offers outstanding value and the i30 SX CRDi turbo diesel continues to be Australia's most affordable diesel powered car with the manual SX from $22,890 MLP*.

Last year the i30 and the iMax also won their respective classes, but both products have been enhanced since then. The i30 SX now has 6 airbags as standard, ensuring the entire i30 range attains ANCAP's maximum 5 star safety rating, while the iMax has gained steering wheel audio controls and front seat armrests.

"The iMax is the standout people mover for the second year in a row," said Ernest Litera, Chief Judge Australia's Best Cars. "It offers the ultimate in people mover requirements with space for eight people and their luggage. It is a very easy vehicle to live with thanks to its practical design, functionality and on-road ability."

"The team at Hyundai are delighted that the i30 SX CRDi and the iMax CRDi have each won a 2009 Australia's Best Cars award," said Kevin McCann, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hyundai Motor Company Australia. "To win the Australia's Best Cars award two years in a row is a terrific endorsement of the quality of each vehicle".

The i30 range starts from $20,390 MLP*. The iMax range starts from $36,990 MLP*.

For further information, visit www.australiasbestcars.com.au/

Hyundai's flagship Genesis sedan has been named the 'Near Luxury Car' segment leader by Strategic Vision, a US based research consultancy. The luxurious, rear-wheel drive Genesis topped its category in the 2009 Total Value Index^TM (TVI), which looks at all aspects of perceived value, from quality, to economics and customer appeal.

Presented annually since 1995, the TVI was calculated from just over 48,000 buyers who purchased 2009 models from September 2008 to March 2009. The calculation of Total Value begins with owner statements about expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid, expected resale value and innovation. Strategic Vision then incorporates the importance of each ownership experience variable, and then calculates the True Value - the worth of the attributes against the costs.

"The Genesis brought luxury buyers to Hyundai who have household incomes very close to BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class buyers," said Alexander Edwards, president, Strategic Vision. "We see many Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac and BMW owners trading in their vehicles for the Genesis."

Hyundai's Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the US premium car category, including performance and luxury features typically found in vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. Numerous standard luxury features, great reliability and affordability helped Genesis achieve the highest score in its category.

STRATEGIC VISION
Strategic Vision is a research-based consultancy with 35 years of experience in analysing consumer decision-making motivations for a variety of clients including automotive companies, American Airlines and Procter & Gamble. For further information, visit www.strategicvision.com.

Chris Judd, captain of Carlton Football Club has been awarded the 'AFL Player of the Year' award at the 2009 Sports Performer of the Year Awards.

Chris' achievement earned him a brand new Hyundai i30, which he immediately donated to The Mirabel Foundation, a charity supporting children orphaned and abandoned due to parental illicit drug use.

"During the past year, I've had involvement with the Mirabel Foundation," said Chris Judd. "Being AFL Player of the Year is something I am extremely proud of and donating the i30 to the Mirabel Foundation was something I really wanted to do - the team there do an amazing job."

"When I heard that Chris Judd was donating his prize for AFL Player of the Year, a Hyundai i30, I immediately thought of the amazing opportunities this would present to some of the Mirabel children," said Jane Rowe, CEO and Founder of Mirabel. "Many of our families continue to suffer financial and emotional hardship due to suddenly having to care for vulnerable, young children. Chris's incredible generosity will make a positive difference in alleviating this burden and providing much needed support for many Mirabel families."

The Mirabel Foundation
The Mirabel Foundation is a not-for-profit charity, supporting children who have been orphaned or abandoned due to parental illicit drug use. Many of them have not experienced the joys of being a child and in some cases have taken on a care-giving role well beyond their years. Mirabel believes that every child deserves a childhood and hopes to protect our next generation by breaking the cycle of addiction.

For more information visit: www.mirabelfoundation.org.au

Hyundai has driven past 60,000 vehicle sales in Australia in 2009, securing an all time record for the brand in this country.

In a total market that has decreased 9.3% (November YTD 2009 v. November YTD 2008), Hyundai posted eleven consecutive months of year-on-year growth and an overall increase in sales of 41.6% YTD.

In November, Hyundai's Australian dealers sold 5,262 vehicles, achieving a market share of 6.1%. Sales for November 2009 were up +37.5% over the same month last year - giving Hyundai its best ever November result.

Hyundai Motor Company's global sales also increased 9.6% (November YTD 2009 v. November YTD 2008). In South Korea, the all-new YF mid-sized sedan sold 17,464 units, making it the best selling domestic model.

Hyundai's Australian highlights include:

• Hyundai's YTD result for November YTD of 59,168 units (7% share) represents a 41.6% volume increase over its result of 41,790 units over the same period in 2008.
• Hyundai's result in November of 5,262 units (6.1% share) represents a 37.5% volume increase over its achievement of 3,828 units (5.3% share) in November 2008.
• iLoad ranked second in the van segment after posting a sales result of 399 units, consolidating its second position YTD.
• iMax ranked third in the people mover market, achieving a 11.7% market share, consolidating its third position YTD.
• Tucson ranked second in the compact SUV segment, posting a sales result of 1,091 units and a 13.6% market share.
• Getz ranked second in the light car segment achieving 1,304 vehicle sales and a 14.6% market share, consolidating it position as the best selling light car with 18,693 units sold November YTD.

Hyundai's global highlights include:

• Hyundai's South Korean domestic sales rose 93.2% to 69,356 units in November from 35,902 units a year earlier.
• In South Korea last month the all-new YF mid-sized sedan, which went on sale in September sold 17,464 units - making it South Korea's best selling model.
• Total overseas sales, including both exports from Korea and sales from overseas plants, rose by 22.3% to 239,517 units in November, up from 195,878 units a year earlier.
• Exports down -12.4% in November as compared to a year earlier, but 11.2% up from October showing a sign of slow recovery.
• Sales from overseas plants rose 64.5% percent to 145,196 units.

Kizashi has had its first official preview in America ahead of the Australian launch in 2010 and the motoring media are glowing in their praise:

(Kizashi) is not a cushy and sluggish transportation appliance; it is a true sport sedan that rides, drives and handles like a sports vehicle.
Marty Bernstein, The Auto Channel

It is the sportiest sedan the company has produced. For proof, just take a look at the Kizashis exterior. Its sporty from every angle.
Sam Mitani, Road and Track magazine

What really makes all of the 2010 Suzuki Kizashis cornering capability a neat trick though, is the midsize sedans composure on the highway. Even with 18s, our Kizashi SLS never rides harshly.
Erin Riches, Edmunds Inside Line

The Kizashis interior is also highlighted by high-quality materials and a rich list of features befitting Suzukis premium without the premium mantra
Kirill Ougarov, Motor Trend

Kizashi is a Japanese word meaning a sign of great things to come. As the name of Suzukis new flagship model, it reflects the dynamic, forward-looking approach with which Suzuki takes up new auto making challenges.

The Kizashi offers bold, sporty styling; a refined cabin thats the result of careful craftsmanship; equipment that reflects a focus on comfort and exhilarating performance. Plus, it combines sporty handling with great ride comfort thanks to extensive testing and fine-tuning on roads in Europe and North America.

The Kizashi Features:

Bold and sporty styling
Contours that include taut shoulder lines running from the headlamps to the rear combination lamps express power befitting a car of the Kizashis class. The rear is contoured for both aerodynamics and aesthetics. Distinctive features such as stainless-steel exhaust covers reflect in inspiration from Suzukis motorcycle designs.

Refined interior design
A sporty and elegant theme is reflected throughout the Kizashis Interior design. An exquisitely designed centre console and satin-finish ornaments embody both sportiness and craftsmanship. Beautifully applied coatings on the instrument panel and soft padding on surfaces that users touch with their hands reflect a focus on high quality finishes.

High performance
One push of the keyless push button start and the Kizashis refined sporty engine comes to life. The 2.4 litre engine delivers maximum output of 131kW and maximum torque of 230Nm and boasts some of the highest engine output and the best fuel economy in its category. A variable intake system and dual mufflers contribute to superior intake and exhaust efficiency.

Outstanding quietness
Sound-absorbing and insulating measures throughout the body promote quietness while allowing the body to be optimally light. High-capacity dual exhaust silencers suppress unpleasant low-frequency booming noise.

Note: All information on features pertains to the Japan-specification Kizashi. Specifications may differ for individual markets. All images shown are overseas models.