BREAKING NEWS

August 12, 2010 ~ As one of the world’s leaders in providing active-lifestyle accessories for motor vehicles, Thule knows a thing or two about road trips, and it starts with this: “Driving hours upon hours doesn’t need to be a daunting task with the right vehicle.” Well, it turns out that the right vehicle—among those with an MSRP of under $30,000—is the Hyundai Tucson Limited, which was named the company’s 2010 Road Trip Vehicle of the Year at that price point.

The Tucson earned this recognition by excelling in a Thule ranking system that features 10 unique criteria, including styling, storage, fuel efficiency, size, cost, warranty coverage, entertainment options, safety, comfort, and even the number of cupholders and audio speakers. Offering all- or four-wheel drive is required, too.

The 2010 Tucson has all that and more, boasting benefits like a new upscale design both inside and out, fuel efficiency ratings of up to 21 mpg city/28 highway in its four-wheel-drive configuration, and road-trip-friendly options like a panoramic sunroof, a touch-screen navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. Oh, and 19 separate storage areas and beverage holders!

It also helps that, as explained by Thule’s vice president of Sales, Marketing and Service, Tripp Wyckoff: “When you sit in the Tucson you really feel part of the vehicle. The seats combine the right combination of support and comfort. The control dials are intuitively placed around the driver and keep their eyes up toward the road.”

And while the Tucson took home honors in the sub-$30,000 segment, it’s worth pointing out just how far under that mark its MSRP really is. The base price for a front-wheel-drive Tucson starts at a mere $18,995, while the Tucson Limited starts at $24,345.

“With one of the best warranties in the industry,” added Wyckoff, “the Tucson Limited should be a consideration for anyone looking for a well-rounded road trip worthy vehicle”—or any vehicle at all for that matter.

March 15, 2010 - HYUNDAI Brand Loyalty Replaces Toyota For The #1 Spot, according to Kelly Blue Book's KBB.com

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA - Brand loyalty for HYUNDAI recently surpassed that of Honda and replaced Toyota, allowing HYUNDAI to take the #1 spot among car shoppers, according to the latest Kelley Blu Book's www.kbb.com Market Intelligence Data. Up from third place in Q4 2009, HYUNDAI saw the greatest increase in loyalty in February 2010, with HYUNDAI owners looking at new models within the brand increasing by 10.4% points to 56.3%. Furthermore, according to Kelly Blue Book Values data, throughout the month of February 2010 HYUNDAI outperformed the overall car segment average by a healthy margin. Hyundai values increased 2% month-over-month, relative to a .03% increase for the entire car segment.

"A large part of the Hyundai's momentum is a result of introducing passionate new products like the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson," said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelly Blue Book's kbb.com. "To sustain this momentum, Hyundai should continue to promote it's attractive new-vehicle lineup, solid warranty offer, and strong price-points to new car shoppers."

In addition to topping brand loyalty, the all new 2011 Sonata was named to kbb.com's 'Top 10 Most-Researched' mainstays such as Accord, Civic, Camry and CR-V.

"2009 marked and unprecedented yea for the Hyundai brand and we are all well posed to keep the momentum going in 2010," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, HYUNDAI Motor America. "With impressive new vehicles like the all-new Sonata and our dedication to deliver stylish, fuel efficient and affordable vehicles, more customers are addign Hyundai models to their shopping lists."

This Kelley Blue Book Market intelligence data analysis examined site traffic to used car trade-in pages and new-car pricing report pages on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, and compared loyalty data from Q4 2009 to February 1-28, 2010. The Kelley Blue Book Values data within this release represents month-over-month used-vehicle depreciation percentages.

-Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource (r), has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top rated web site, www.kbb.com , provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book(r) Value, which reveals what people are actually paying for new cars. the company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book (r) Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc - 2009 spring Automotive Website usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used car shoppers, and half of online shoppers visit kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com alos is a W3 Gold Award winner, sanctioned by the International academy of Visual Arts. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car Blue Book Values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and car dealer locations.

February 8, 2010 - 2011 HYUNDAI Sonata GLS Tops Popular Competitors, INLCUDING Premium Brands, In ALG Residual Value Index

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA - HYUNDAI's completely redesigned 2011 Sonata that delivers best in class fuel economy and 200 Horsepower is setting the standard for residual values also.... Right out of the box, the Hyunda Sonata GLS with an automatic transmission received and impressive 36 month residual value of 54 percent of the manufacturer's suggested retail price from Automotive Lease Guide, the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of data and consulting services to the auto industry. The residual value topped popular competitive 2010 models from Toyota, Nissan, Ford and Chevrolet, in addition to premium brands such as Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. This represents the lowest depreciation in the Midsize Car market. The 2011 Sonata even outperforms Honda, depreciating $640 over a 3 year period less than a comparably equipped 2010 MY Accord. Strong residuals add to Sonata's value equation, indicating higher trade in value for buyers and lower monthly payment for leasees.

The 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment using 4 cylinder engines, emotional design and luxury features, all combined Hyundai's strong value proposition.