2011 SONATA NAMED CAR AND DRIVER "10BEST"

Hyundai makes prestigious list for the first time

ANN ARBOR, MI, Nov. 25 /CNW/ - The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been named one of the "10Best Cars for 2011" by Car and Driver, the world's largest publication for automotive enthusiasts. This marks the first time a Hyundai product has received this sought-after recognition from the editors of Car and Driver.

"We're delighted so many Canadian consumers have put a 2011 Sonata in their driveway this year," said John Vernile, Vice President of Marketing at Hyundai Auto Canada. "Achieving our first Car and Driver '10Best' award is icing on the cake, a tribute to the team of global engineers, California designers, and Alabama plant associates that made this game-changing product a reality."

According to Car and Driver, the "10Best" awards celebrate the best cars on sale in America for less than $80,000. The week-long testing procedure takes place on public roads in rural Michigan. The staff tested more than 60 new cars before selecting the "10Best."

"In our testing, we are looking for those automobiles that deliver spectacular value, real driver engagement, and the highest fulfillment of their intended missions," said Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver editor-in-chief.  "It's a real workout and only the best cars on the market emerge victorious."

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was introduced earlier this year, bringing to market a number of breakthroughs previously unheard of in the mid-size family sedan segment. The car's exterior lines are formed in Hyundai's signature fluidic sculpture design language, a point which Car and Driver was particularly impressed with. Under the hood lies a standard gasoline direct injected (GDI) 2.4-litre engine delivering up to 5.7 L/100 km on the highway. A 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyinder is optional, delivering a class-leading 274-horsepower while still achieving 6.0 L/100 km highway fuel economy. A hybrid version of the vehicle will soon be released. As with all Hyundai products, Sonata represents a strong value.

Sonata sales are up 67 percent over last year on the strength of the new model.  "All of our business metrics are pointed in the right direction," said Vernile. "Retail sales are up. Incentive spending is down. Our residuals are among the strongest in the industry. Cars like Sonata are increasingly driving smart shoppers to Hyundai."

The complete story on the "10Best" is available in the January issue of Car and Driver and at CarandDriver.com.

ABOUT CAR AND DRIVER
Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com) is known for its expert editorial team consisting of credible journalists who are highly regarded by car enthusiasts and automotive manufacturers for their integrity and high standards. The magazine is published by Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (www.hfmus.com) twelve times each year, boasting the largest audience of any monthly automotive magazine. The Car and Driver brand is a leading source of information for automotive enthusiasts and in-market car buyers. The brand also extends to many platforms, including websites, mobile sites, iPhone/iPad apps, events, custom marketing programs, and integrated marketing databases. Car and Driver is a part of the Jumpstart Automotive Group.

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 more than 195 dealerships nationwide.

For further information:

For interviews or additional information, please contact:

Chad Heard, Public Relations Manager, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]

.

Patrick Danielson, Public Relations Specialist, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Office: [phone], Email: [email protected]