Hyundai drives toward the future with 30 years of Canadian innovation

$500 million annual investment in R&D continues to propel Hyundai to the top of the industry

MARKHAM, ON, Aug. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Hyundai Auto Canada Corp is marking 30 years in the Canadian market with a continued commitment to providing consumers with modern, premium vehicles for every lifestyle and budget. From fuel-saving technologies, hybrids, and Fluidic Sculpture design, to ground-breaking concept cars with features controlled by eye movements and mid-air hand gestures, Hyundai's dedication to new ways of thinking continues to stand-out in the competitive Canadian automotive industry.

"Hyundai has always been ambitious, and entering the Canadian market a mere 16 years after our foundation and a full three years before we entered the U.S. is a prime example of that. It was a bold decision, but daring to dream big has always been one of the defining characteristics of our company," says Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "Today, the Hyundai line-up is stronger than it's ever been. While our stable of vehicles has grown over the years, one thing has remained steadfastly the same: Hyundai's capacity to delight and amaze Canadians."

As part of the 30^th Anniversary celebrations, the company launched a dedicated website (www.Hyundai30years.ca) that highlights significant milestones in the company's Canadian history. The site also asks for Canadians to submit their most memorable moments with a Hyundai vehicle for a chance to win a host of prizes, including a 2013 Veloster with Tech Package and EcoShift DCT.

Over three decades in the country, company executives have reacted quickly as values of the Canadian consumer grew and changed. Hyundai adjusted to cater to those needs by including highly-sought premium features on all vehicles and the 2010 launch of Fluidic Sculpture design. With 210 dealerships nationwide, Hyundai Auto Canada has expanded to a product range that now spans nine nameplates in nearly every segment, from sport utility vehicles to compacts to luxury sedans.

Billions of dollars of investment into R&D produces vehicles that break all the rules and establishes Hyundai as a leader in the industry. In 2009, Hyundai's Genesis won North American Car of the Year and Canadian Car of the Year. In 2012, the Elantra took home the same titles. This year, the Santa Fe Sport walked away with the 2013 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. With three Hyundai models - the Elantra, Accent and Santa Fe Sport - in Canada's Top Ten Best-Selling Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for 2013, Canadian consumers have taken note.

"We pride ourselves on our rock-solid reputation for quality and incredible fuel efficiency, but our signature Fluidic Sculpture design and innovative technologies are catching the eye of Canadian consumers and defining the future," says Kelleher, a 27-year veteran with the organization. "Our corporate motto 'New Thinking, New Possibilities' is precisely what we bring to the present and future of the modern automobile."

Not content to stand still, Hyundai's concept cars offer further insight into the company's future, pushing the boundaries of what is possible today. From the bold HCD-14 Genesis Concept incorporating dynamic styling elements and state-of-the-art technology to the HND-9 Venace luxury sports coupe with a high-tech interior interface modelled after an aircraft cockpit, the future for Hyundai is bright.

Among the major global automakers, Hyundai stands alone in having its own captive steelmaking unit in Hyundai Steel. This unique synergy between Hyundai Steel metallurgists and the structural engineers at Hyundai is unmatched. This collaboration paves the way for innovative steel alloys that are lighter and stronger, improving fuel economy and safety for every successive generation of vehicles.

Hyundai Auto Canada is also investing in the future of Canadian youth through its Hyundai Hockey Helpers program. Launched in 2012, the community-based grassroots program provides grants for equipment and registration fees to help under-resourced Canadian children and youth get in the game. Over 1,800 kids have received a grant to date, and the program's second year will give even more kids the opportunity to play Canada's national sport.

For more information, visit HyundaiCanada.com

HYUNDAI AUTO CANADA CORP.
Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai Auto Canada and are sold and serviced through 210 dealerships nationwide.

SOURCE: Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.