Lucky Student To Receive Free Kia Soul From Gary Rome Kia

Gary Rome Kia of Enfield will be giving away a brand new Kia Soul to one eligible student from Enrico Fermi High School.

Enfield, CT -- Education is the stepping stone to a successful life, to becoming a productive member of society, and to bettering the world at large.  The British writer Gilbert K. Chesterston once said, "Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another."  The Gary Rome Kia dealership of Enfield, CT agrees that a good education is both timeless and priceless.  In concordance with this sentiment, Gary Rome Kia is holding a raffle to reward one deserving student at the local Enrico Fermi High School with his or her very own Kia Soul.

To qualify for an opportunity to win the raffle students had to show a dedication not only to their studies, but to outside interests and to their communities, as well.  Each potential winner has a grade point average of at least 8.0 out of 12.  He or she cannot have been absent more than 8 times, nor can he or she have any detentions, suspensions, expulsions, or been arrested in school or in the community.  

Academics is only half the equation, though.  Being a good student also entails being well-rounded and socially active.  In order to earn a chance at the Kia Soul, each student must participate in at least 2 extracurricular activities in school.  Outside the schoolyard, each student must devote at least 50 hours of his or her own time to community service.

The drawing to declare the winner will take place Friday, June 1st.  Gary Rome Kia would like to recognize the achievements of all 14 finalists who qualified for the Kia Soul giveaway:

Stephen Ballard

Stephen is very talented and involved in the music program here at Fermi High School. Stephen has donated his time and expertise to the program by tutoring other students. He has also participated in the Program of Studies evening, Safe Graduation Auction, String Festival, Jazz Festival as well as working at the concession stand at some of the Boys home Basketball games.

Sean Bridges

Sean is a very active member in the Enfield community and has donated his time to many worthwhile causes. Some of these causes included the Enfield Food Shelf, 4^th of July Road Race, Enfield Garden Club, Enfield Library Drop and Shop Event, Enfield’s Family Day Event and donations to NADA Women’s Shelter. His volunteer services do not stop there, for he has also had the ability to show his leadership as a co-facilitator of the Names Can Really Hurt Us Program.

Jennifer Coffey

Jen’s community service has involved helping her fellow students as well as stepping out into the community. Jen has been involved in various venues here at Fermi which include Fermi Fest, Freshman Orientation and LMC Tutoring. Her outside services span to include Toys for Joy Event, Rays of Hop Walk, Firefighters Book Drive and the Brownie Troop Pencil Project.

Bryan Cressotti

While overcoming obstacles of his own, Bryan still finds time to participate in many different activities and duties at a Child Development Center in East Windsor. His help and contributions to the center are greatly appreciated by not only the staff members but the families as well.

Gordon “Trey” Duggan

Trey has served the community well as a volunteer on the North Thompsonville Fire Department. He made his presence known during Winter Storm Alfred responding and assisting Enfield residents through emergency situations while supporting the other 5 fire departments in Enfield. He also serves the community on a daily basis through NTFD by responding to fire calls and attending weekly drills.

Michelle Cunha

Michelle is serving the Enfield community admirably by volunteering on the North Thompsonville Fire District #10 first as a cadet, and now as a regular volunteer firefighter. This developmental program has Michelle responding to emergency incidents and performing exercises to assist those in distress.

Marie Czarnecki

Marie is part of the LEO Club and has contributed many hours helping out our Senior Citizens within the community. Either it is a Holiday Party, Bowling or Rock-a-Thon at the Little Sisters of the Poor or a Pancake Breakfast at the Enfield Senior Center Marie is a welcomed volunteer. Mario also participates at a Physical Therapy Partners helping in the rehabilitation and wellness of their patients.

Alicia DiVito

Alicia has divided her community service hours assisting in numerous community service events held by the Enrico Fermi High School Instrumental Department as well as many outside organizations. With her music credentials being key, Alicia has assisted in the Enfield String Festival, Fermi Jazz Festival, Fermi Talent Show and new students to Music Freshman Orientation Program. Alicia has also volunteered at Shop Rite food drive, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen and Network against Domestic Abuse collecting items for women and children and then assembling them into baskets for delivery.

Allison Dufour

Alli is a skilled violinist and has volunteered many hours working with younger students as part of a music team helping them to hone their skills. Whether it is organizing practices, scheduling rehearsals or giving additional hours to make sure the music would be top notch, Alli has been an example for young people to follow.

Victor Hipolito

Victor’s community service has included a wide variety of volunteer hours serving his community, school and church. His array of service has incorporated a Pot-luck supper, Jack-O-Latern Festival—Lego Competition—Faculty Holiday party and as a church usher.

Kaycee Hubbard

Behind every charity is a group of volunteers who make things run smoothly. Kaycee Hubbard is one of those people. She has contributed many hours of service by hosting meals for the poor and needy at a soup kitchen facility located in Chicopee, MA. Kaycee has helped in meal preparation, serve and clean up. Besides being a great addition to the volunteer staff, Kaycee’s allegiance to individuals and families in need is heartwarming. 

Matthew McKinney

Matt has been of assistance to his teachers by providing various services to them on a daily basis. Whether it be running copies, sorting files, setting up labs or making solutions Matt can be seen in every department here at Fermi High School willing to lend a hand and make every ones job a little easier. Matt also organized his Eagle Scout Project, allowing him to obtain the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting Program, as well as benefiting the community. Matt’s project was to paint and fix up the exterior of a church in East Windsor.

Maxwell Partyka

Max’s diversity has shown through by the variety of ways he has volunteered his time over the last year. It could be as simple as helping to prepare for Family Science Night, or playing his viola for the church orchestra every Sunday or a little more painful like donating blood at the Student Senate Blood Drive. Max has also enjoyed his time spent at the local food shelter or helping Friends of the Library at its annual book sale.

Kim Sweeney

Kim has volunteered over 80 hours in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Department at Johnson Memorial Hospital. Kim’s dependability, compassion and energy have made contributions to the lives of these residents by providing comfort and friendship is appreciated by both the staff and patients alike.

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Gary Rome Kia of Enfield serves Bristol, East Hartford and West Springfield, MA with new and used Kia cars. The staff at Gary Rome Kia of Enfield is ready to help you purchase a new Kia or used car in Enfield. When you visit our car dealership, expect the superior customer service that you deserve. With years of experience and training, the Gary Rome Kia of Enfield team is your Connecticut Kia dealer, and will get you into the Kia that was built for you. Get the new or used car by Kia in Enfield that you have been dreaming of by calling or visiting Gary Rome Kia of Enfield today.  Check out our website at http://www.GaryRomeKia.com.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels To Surpass $57 Million In Total Donations To Support Childhood Cancer Research By Year-End 2012

Handprint Ceremony at the New York International Auto Show Marks Launch of Hyundai’s 14th Year in the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer and Introduces New National Youth Ambassador CJ George

NEW YORK – April 5, 2012 – Hyundai Motor America and its dealers announced today, at the New York International Auto Show, a commitment to break through a major milestone of $57 million in total donations to pediatric cancer research through their nonprofit foundation, Hyundai Hope On Wheels®. This level of funding places Hyundai among the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the nation. As part of its 14th year in the fight against pediatric cancer, Hyundai’s President and CEO John Krafcik announced the 2012 effort and named C.J. George, a 13-year-old South Florida native and cancer survivor, the 2012-2013 Hope On Wheels National Youth Ambassador.

Hope On Wheels primarily provides research funds to non-profit children’s hospitals across the U.S. for pediatric cancer and seeks to build public awareness about the importance of this cause. The program is funded by Hyundai and its U.S. dealers. With every new vehicle sold in the U.S., Hyundai customers join Hyundai and its dealers in funding important life-saving research. Planned activities for 2012 will include a national grant donation tour, nationwide 5K race series, online social media campaign and a partnership with the Childhood Cancer Congressional Caucus. For the third consecutive year, during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Hope On Wheels will conduct a comprehensive campaign to raise greater awareness about pediatric cancer and the need to fund critical research to find a cure.

"We see Hope On Wheels as a critical part of our mission at Hyundai,” said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "Pediatric cancer takes far too many young lives and impacts far too many families. We are proud to work with our Hyundai dealers to fund research to end this disease. We congratulate each institution receiving our grants and commend them for the important work they are doing.”

In 2012, Hope On Wheels will donate $12 million to children’s hospitals nationwide for pediatric cancer research through its signature Hyundai Scholar Grant and Hyundai Hope Grant awards. Hyundai Scholar Grants, in the amount of $75,000 each, will be awarded to 41 principal investigators who are pursuing innovative research early in their careers. As part of its Hyundai Hope Grant program, Hope On Wheels will award 36 grants to children’s hospitals across the country. This year’s Hyundai Hope Grants will be increased from $100,000 to $250,000 and winners will be announced in September.

Each of the Hope On Wheels grants will be presented to winning institutions at a Handprint Ceremony, where children diagnosed with cancer will place their handprints in colorful paint on a new Hyundai Tucson, the official vehicle of the program, to commemorate their battles with cancer. Every Handprint Ceremony celebrates the courageous lives of the children faced with cancer and brings our community of supporters together.

The first grant award for 2012 was presented to the New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. The previous grant winner received its award as part of the kick-off activities and Handprint Ceremony that took place at the New York International Auto Show. The grant recipient Dr. Julia Bender has been named a Hyundai Scholar.

“Through research, we have made great strides in understanding pediatric cancer and treatments,” said Dr. Julia Bender, New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. “However, there is so much we don’t know about the late effects of treatment and we are researching ways to deliver care without any toxicity. I am proud to be a Hyundai Scholar and truly appreciate the resources Hyundai provides doctors like me to pursue my work to improve the lives of children.”

As part of this year’s program, Hope On Wheels’ newly-named National Youth Ambassador, C.J. George, will travel the country to share his message of hope with children, families and communities at Hope On Wheels events. C.J. was diagnosed with Stage III Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma when he was just 9 years old, and after his courageous battle and treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, C.J. is now 13 years old and cancer-free.

“Every 36 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. Through research 80 percent of those cancers can be cured. But that’s just not good enough,” said Gary Micallef, Hyundai dealer-owner of Hyundai of Everett in Everett, WA and newly-elected Chairman of the Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. “The Hyundai dealers across America proudly join in this fight. This is one we must win for our children, our communities, and our future. We are proud to be a part of such an important cause.”

Also this year, research work will continue from Hyundai’s major investment in the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange County. The hospital received its largest corporate gift in its history from Hyundai for the purpose of understanding DNA in young cancer patients through genomic medicine research.

For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels, please visit www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.

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.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS Hyundai Hope On Wheels® is the united effort of Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. For 2012, Hyundai Hope On Wheels plans to surpass $57 million in total donations to childhood cancer research since the program began in 1998. Hyundai Hope On Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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"Best Value In America" x4

2012 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai has recently received four new accolades for the Accent, Elantra, Genesis Coupe, and Tucson models. Each one of the four was awarded "Best Value in America" for 2012 from Vincentric, a Michigan-based automotive data compilation and analysis firm. Vincentric measures cost-of-ownership based on eight categories: depreciation, fuel, insurance, opportunity cost, financing, maintenance, taxes and state fees, and repairs. The cars are assessed in each state as well as the District of Columbia.

Vincentric "measures which vehicles have a lower than expected ownership costs in relationship to their market segment and price." They give insight to the automotive industry by first recognizing and then applying numerous features of automotive value. The Accent, Elantra, Genesis Coupe, and Tucson won "Best Value" for the Subcompact, Compact Sedan, Mid-Size Coupe, and Crossover Compact Entry-Level categories, respectively.

“The Accent, Elantra, Genesis Coupe and Tucson are all prime examples of models that not only meet but exceed customer expectations when it comes to value,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. Margason adds that the combination of Hyundai's great quality cars and their Assurance program decreases the overall cost of ownership.

Sneak Peek: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe

The New York International Auto Show beginning on April 4th, 2012 will unveil the brand new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Not too much is known about the updated CUV, but on their Twitter account the other day, Hyundai tweeted two preview pictures of the car.

Evolving from the Hyundai "Fluidic Sculpture" styling language, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe promotes the new look: "Storm Edge". Says Hyundai, the Storm Edge design concept "captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm." The CUV sports the now-standard hexagonal grill and a lower bumper, creating a more rugged facade. This look supposedly will form the basis for other future Hyundai SUVs.

The powers-that-be are keeping the details of the 2013 Santa Fe under wraps until closer to the Auto Show. They have said the new model is built around "Refinement, Smartness and Practicality" with improved fuel economy, better use of internal space and updated in-car technologies. Few other details are known at this time.

Kia, Hyundai Both Named Most Economical Cars Of 2012 By Forbes, Kelly Blue Book

Initial cost is not the only thing that makes a car an economical purchase. It's actually the long-term investment aspect that plays the biggest role. A cheaper vehicle up-front may, in actuality, cost more to maintain over its lifespan. “Car shoppers should take the time to compare vehicles on their consideration lists to fully understand the financial implications involved with cost of ownership,” says Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book. “While a vehicle might be less expensive up front, the cost of fuel for that model, insurance and other expenditures could make it the less appealing choice for their wallet in the long run.” Forbes recommends doing thorough research before making a purchase. They consulted Kelley Blue Book, which recently announced its inaugural Total Cost of Ownership Awards. The kbb.com website focuses on these variables of cost, among others:

1. Depreciation Value: How will the car hold up over time? kbb.com bases its predictions on historical data (how the model has performed in the past) and economic factors.
2. Fuel Economy: Gas is expected to rise going into the summer months. Significant amounts of money can be saved by buying a more fuel efficient vehicle; estimates put savings due to fuel costs at close to $900/year. That's close to $4500 of savings over the standard 5-yr span.
3. Auto Insurance: Insurance is mostly based on the driver's past experience, age, credit rating, address, etc., but it is also based on the model of the car. Luxury brands and sports cars tend to have higher insurance costs to start, while family minivans and SUVs will have a lower starting insurance cost.

According to kbb.com, the Best Brand for 2012 in their Total Cost of Ownership Awards is none other than Kia. Kia is sweeping the Unites States car scene off its feet with its stellar fuel economy and resale value. The Kia Soul heads KBB's Compact Car category because "its lowest-in-category fair purchase price matched with outstanding fuel and insurance cost figures combined to give it nearly a $1,300 advantage over the Hyundai Elantra." In the Mid-Sized car category Kia and its sister company Hyundai switched places; the Hyundai Sonata beat out Kia's Optima to win the top spot. Similarly, the Hyundai Santa Fe outpaced the Kia Sorento in the Crossover category "based on its combination of lowest fair purchase price and lowest long-term depreciation coupled with lower maintenance and insurance costs."

The Genesis Of Dependability

"Old Reliable" just got a shiny new face. According to J.D. Power and Associates, the Hyundai Genesis ranked number one in the midsize premium car category in the 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The study surveys original car owners three years after initial purchase, making this year the first of eligibility for the Genesis which launched into the market in model year 2009. The Genesis was the only category award recipient in its first year of eligibility, beating out other top brands such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series. The VDS measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model year) vehicles includes 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The Genesis "received 81 points, the lowest ever among any Hyundai automobile,’’ a Hyundai official said. Hyundai has shown consistent improvement in VDS, reducing problems per 100 vehicles by 75 points over the past five years. Hyundai finished ninth overall, ahead of Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW and Audi. The Genesis sedan has been gathering awards left and right from prominent and influential media and automotive organizations ever since its 2009 debut. Along with many other honors and distinctions, the model received the much-coveted North American Car of the Year Award, is a 3-time winner of Ward’s Ten Best Engines, and earned a Top Safety Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Improving every year, the Genesis combines the best of two worlds: the high-tech features and power specs customary of a luxury vehicle paired with a competitively low price and superb safety ratings. "Our goal is to design and build cars that meet and exceed consumers' expectations not only off the showroom floor, but through the duration of their ownership experience. Earning Hyundai's first-ever top 10 finish in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrates that our efforts are paying dividends," said Erwin Raphael, director of engineering and quality, Hyundai Motor America. "It's equally gratifying to see Genesis sedan, a content-rich model with all the features you expect of a premium car, outperform powerful competitors in its category. Long-term dependability translates to a positive ownership experience and brings customers back to the Hyundai brand in the future."

So You Think You Know Jack?

Is your child or pet a big fan of Gary Rome Auto Group? Catch them on video reacting to a Gary Rome Auto Group commercial and one lucky winner could be the new star of the next Gary Rome Auto Group commercial!

OFFICIAL RULES:

Go to http://www.gotogary.com/video/ to submit your entry.

1. Contest Dates:

The “So You Think You Know Jack?” contest begins February 1, 2012, and ends March 31, 2012.

VIDEO SUBMISSION PERIOD: February 1, 2012 - March 31, 2012

SELECTION OF BEST VIDEOS: April 1, 2012 - April 13, 2012

NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: April 16, 2012 - April 20, 2012

2. Eligibility:

Submitting a video in this contest is open to persons who on the date of entry are legal residents of one (1) of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, at least eighteen (18) years of age (or age of majority if greater than 18), and who are registered users of http://www.youtube.com or http://vimeo.com. Employees, officers, directors and their immediate family members of the contest entities and each of their respective parents, affiliated and subsidiary companies, advertising and promotion agencies, legal and financial advisers, and any and all other companies associated with this contest are not eligible to enter. For purposes of this contest, "immediate family members" means parents, spouses, children, siblings, in-laws, grandmothers, or grandfathers.

3. Video Submission Requirements:

• Running Time: Five (5) minute maximum, including any credits. If entry is longer than five (5) minutes, the entry may be disqualified in the Administrator’s sole discretion.
• Language: English
• Video: The video should feature your pet or your child's reaction to watching a Gary Rome Auto Group commercial.
• Age: Any child recorded in the video must be ten (10) years of age or younger.

4. Judging to Determine the Potential Winners:

All eligible video submissions received during the video submission period will be watched and judged. The judges will score each eligible entrant’s video based on the following judging criteria, each given equal weight:

• Does the video feature either a pet and/or a child (under the age of ten (10))?
• How original/creative/entertaining, to all age groups, is the video submission?
• How favorable is the Video Submission to Gary Rome Auto Group?
• For helpful examples, check out the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmqeosjjTaY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u23WgtoOJUY

Based on the above judging criteria, the winning videos will be chosen.

5. Additional Terms:

All entrants of the “So You Think You Know Jack?” contest must agree to the following terms and conditions. DO NOT enter this contest if you do not agree with these terms and conditions. Your video submissions may be used for a Gary Rome Auto Group commercial but may not be copied, sold or distributed to other persons.

We reserve the rights to change the rules and prizes without any written notice.

6. Disclaimer of Warranties and Liabilities:

The undersigned (the participant or the legal guardian, if the former is less than 18 years of age) for and in consideration of the granting of permission to Gary Rome Auto Group, agrees to refrain from suing and discharges Gary Rome Auto Group and its officers, agents and employees from all liability arising out of the participation of the contestant in the “So You Think You Know Jack?” contest. The undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Gary Rome Auto Group for any loss or damage that the contestant may incur due to the acts or the omissions of the contestant while participating in the aforementioned event. The undersigned having read and understood agrees to comply with the rules and the safety provisions established for the contest.

7. Consent of Release:

By submitting your video you give Gary Rome Auto Group the rights to use your video in any/or all promotional spots. As a guardian, you will be required to fill out a consent form for any contestant under the age of eighteen (18). Proof of guardianship will be required.

8. Who Won:

The winning entrants will be notified on or by April 20, 2012.

Grand prize: The lucky winner will be featured in an upcoming Gary Rome Auto Group commercial & receive a choice of a $250 American Express gift card or a $250 Dave's Soda & Pet City gift card. Transportation to the filming studio, in West Springfield, MA, is the responsibility of the winner. Every valid submission will receive a stuffed Jack doll.

2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER NAMED INTERNATIONAL SPORTY COUPE OF THE YEAR - MOST PERSONALITY

The International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) announced the all-new Hyundai Veloster as the 2012 International Sporty Coupe of the Year – Most Personality. Selected by the ICOTY jury, a group of nationally-renowned automotive journalists, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster was deemed the most emotionally compelling new sporty coupe for the year.

"The Veloster is one of the most exciting and fun vehicles we've seen pass through the sporty coupe category in a long time," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY founder and executive producer. "The ICOTY jury agreed that the new Veloster had the most personality and will bond effortlessly with consumer lifestyles in both mind and spirit."

The 16th annual ICOTY presenters included Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief, Road & Travel Magazine; Denise McCluggage, famed auto journalist and author; and Ken Gross, auto writer for Playboy and Hemisphere's magazine.

"Conceived to attract new, youthful drivers to the Hyundai brand, Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design that combines the best characteristics of both a coupe and hatchback," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "The unique personality of the car is attracting many different types of shoppers and we're honored that the ICOTY jury agrees."

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.

ICOTY

The ICOTY Awards were founded in 1996 by Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine. Its unique and pioneering theme was created by Caldwell to recognize automakers that successfully designed their vehicles to consumer lifestyles eliciting an emotional connection to, and passion for, the cars they own and drive, which translates into consumer loyalty. Today, many automakers use the 'emotional connection' theme in their national marketing and advertising campaigns to connect with consumers.

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.

HYUNDAI VELOSTER NAMED AUTOBYTEL'S 2012 CAR OF THE YEAR

Autobytel named the all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster its Car of the Year for 2012. Autobytel's Car of the Year Award is selected annually by the editorial staff at Autobytel.com, a website dedicated to helping dealers and car-buyers connect online. The Veloster also won the award in the Compact Car category.

"Bringing progressive style and substance to the sport compact category, the 3-door hatchback Hyundai Veloster coupe is a win, appealing to fans from the college-bound to the empty nester. The design is a masterfully aggressive representation of Hyundai's design language," said Michelle Naranjo, managing editor, Autobytel.com. "Starting at $17,300 Autobytel editors believe that the 2012 Hyundai Veloster will be leading the pack for the coming year."

Every year Autobytel.com editors ranging in age, driving habits and geography test out a number of cars. This year's winner, the Veloster, was chosen based on its game changing potential, advances in design and overall efficiency.

"From the name to its long list of attributes, the Veloster is truly one of a kind - it offers the latest in-vehicle technology, delivers 40 mpg on the highway and combines the sporty driving dynamics of a coupe and utility of a hatchback," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "This award serves as a testament to the true innovation of our company and we're tremendously honored to receive this accolade from the automotive experts at Autobytel."

The all-new 2012 Veloster is the sixth vehicle in Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative. Delivering innovation to the compact coupe segment with standard features such as a unique third door for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai's Blue Link™ telematics system, Pandora® internet radio, seven-inch touch-screen display, and a new 1.6-liter Gasoline-Direct-Injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission. GDI technology helps deliver highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, lower emissions and higher reliability. With a starting price of $17,300 (plus freight), Veloster adds great value to its compelling list attributes.

AUTOBYTEL INC. (www.autobytel.com)

Autobytel Inc., an online leader offering consumer purchase requests and marketing resources to car dealers and manufacturers and providing consumers with the information they need to purchase new and used cars, pioneered the automotive Internet when it launched autobytel.com in 1995. Autobytel continues to offer innovative products and services to help consumers buy, and auto dealers and manufacturers sell, more used and new cars. Autobytel has helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and helped every major automaker market its brand online. Through its flagship website Autobytel.com®, its network of automotive sites, including Autoweb.com®, AutoSite.com®, Car.com^sm, CarSmart.com®, DealershipJobs.com^sm, MyGarage.com® and MyRide.com® and its respected online partners, Autobytel continues its dedication to innovating the industry's highest quality Internet programs to provide consumers with a comprehensive and positive automotive research and purchasing experience, and auto dealers, dealer groups and auto manufacturers with some of the industry's most productive and cost-effective customer referral and marketing programs.

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.

HYUNDAI ELANTRA NAMED 2012 NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR

Award caps record year for Hyundai Motor America and Elantra

* Bold Fluidic Sculpture design
* Best-in-class standard fuel economy on all models
* Highest owner satisfaction with real world fuel economy of all compact cars
* Mid-size interior room in a compact class footprint
* Elantra is built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra took top honors in the most exclusive award in North America when it was named 2012 North American Car of the Year today.

A jury of 50 independent North American automotive journalists evaluated each of the new cars introduced last year and chose the 2012 Hyundai Elantra as the winner. The award was announced at a news conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which marks Hyundai's second win. The Hyundai Genesis was named North American Car of the Year in 2009.

"Elantra speaks to the success of our recipe of bold design and great fuel economy," said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America. "In a year with some truly breakthrough competitors, we are honored that the jury recognizes Elantra's far-reaching impact on the industry."

The jurors considered more than 50 new vehicles, before selecting the top three cars and top three trucks. The Volkswagen Passat and Ford Focus were the other car finalists.

This is the 19th year of the awards, which were inspired by the prestigious European "Car of the Year." The jury is administered by an organizing committee and funded exclusively with dues paid by the jurors. Jurors judge the cars on a number of factors including innovation, impact on the industry, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

HYUNDAI "FLUIDIC SCULPTURE" DESIGN

Elantra exemplifies Hyundai's emotional "Fluidic Sculpture" design principles. "Fluidic Sculpture" considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.

Along Elantra's sides are Sonata's flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package. Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29).

Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.

40 MPG POWERTRAIN
Elantra's standard fuel economy is EPA-rated at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, amd 33 mpg combined, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles. Elantra's strong EPA ratings are backed up by the highest owner satisfaction with real-world fuel economy in the compact class, according to data from J.D. Power and Associates.

Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these "green" states, the Elantra is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

Mark on the Market

Most importantly, Elantra is driving traffic to Hyundai showrooms. Elantra's record 186,361 sales helped Hyundai achieve its record sales of 645,691 units in the U.S. in 2011. Hyundai Motor America posted a 20 percent increase over 2011 total sales.

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.

Six Hyundai Models Earn 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick Honors

Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, Equus, Tucson and Santa Fe Achieve Highest Safety Ratings

Six Hyundai models, the all-new Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, Equus, Tucson and Santa Fe, achieved the 2012 Top Safety Pick honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on "good" ratings in Institute tests. Winners must also have available Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a crash avoidance feature that significantly reduces crash risk.

"Safety has always been a top priority at Hyundai, so we are thrilled to see six of our models on this important and prestigious list," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Having led the industry in standardizing Electronic Stability Control for the midsize sedan segment back in 2005, Hyundai is committed to developing and providing the best in both passive and active safety technologies."

The IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federal safety standards require. In 2010, the Institute toughened the criteria for Top Safety Pick by adding a requirement that all qualifiers must earn a "good" rating for performance in a roof strength test to assess protection in a rollover crash.

"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."

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, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2011 Hyundai Motor America.