Johnny Galecki Plays "Nice" In New Hyundai Commercial For Super Bowl XLVIII

Automaker Engages Celebrity Talent for Humorous Elantra Ad

Legendary Comedian Richard Lewis Makes Cameo Appearance

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Jan 25, 2014, 08:00 ET

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-nominated actor Johnny Galecki, one of the stars of the CBS hit show "The Big Bang Theory," will headline a 30-second, game-day Hyundai spot during Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2, 2014.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140125/LA52125)

Johnny Galecki, one of the stars of the CBS hit show "The Big Bang Theory," will headline a 30-second, game-day Hyundai spot during Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2, 2014. The spot is titled "Nice" and features the 2014 Hyundai Elantra. (PRNewsFoto/Hyundai Motor America) (PRNewsFoto/HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131002/LA90771LOGO-b)

The commercial, titled "Nice," opens with Galecki behind the wheel of a brand new 2014 Elantra. When an attractive young woman pulls up next to him in the exact same Elantra, he seizes his opportunity and compliments her on their shared good taste. "Nice ride," he says. The light turns green; a flirtatious game of one-upsmanship ensues. The comedy goes off the rails, with big surprises around every turn. Legendary comedian Richard Lewis even makes a cameo as Galecki's passenger, adding his own rambling commentary. The creative was developed by Hyundai's agency of record, INNOCEAN USA, and directed by Super Bowl veteran Jim Jenkins.

The spot is a milestone for Galecki. The Hyundai ad represents the first time he has endorsed a product or brand on air. With an acting career that spans more than 25 years, Galecki is known best for his roles in the award winning series "Roseanne" and "The Big Bang Theory" which enters its 7^th season this year. Galecki is currently in pre-production on "Here's Your Damn Family", his first project as producer with Ricky Blitt and Stephen McPherson for Warner Bros TV.

"I've always loved Super Bowl ads – the commercials during the game are always the highlight for me," said Galecki. "In this Hyundai spot, there's a car chase, there's explosions, and even a car jump – it's exciting, cinematic and filled with humor. I can't wait for everyone to see it!"

Known as the "Prince of Pain," Lewis is considered one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time and is a well-respected writer and actor. He has starred in notable TV shows and films including "Anything But Love," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Leaving Las Vegas."

"As veteran Super Bowl advertisers, we are excited to work with celebrity talent for the first time this year," said Steve Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "The Elantra spot continues Hyundai's longstanding tradition of using humor to highlight vehicle performance and function. By adding Johnny and Richard into the mix, we capture the fun and playful spirit of the car and we up the entertainment value for the game-day audience."

Hyundai's Super Bowl line-up also includes another 30-second spot during the first quarter. Titled "Dad's Sixth Sense," it dramatizes the near-misses of everyday parenting. In scenes both touching and humorous, Dad is there again and again as his son grows up. The commercial culminates with a final breathtaking save – only this time, it's the advanced safety features of Hyundai's all-new Genesis that has the young man's back.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, 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 820 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 limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America