Caribou, 772,000 Odometer Readings, Love Stories, and a Tucson 'Convertible' are Hyundai Memorable Moments

Thousands of entries narrowed to ten as part of Hyundai's 30^th Anniversary celebration

MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadians have shared their love for their Hyundai vehicles, and now it's time to pick the best story. From coast-to-coast, Hyundai vehicles have become engrained into the lives of their owners, and an online contest organized by Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. in celebration of the company's 30^th anniversary in Canada has brought its customers' stories to the forefront.

From over 2,100 entries for the Hyundai Memorable Moments contest (www.hyundai30years.ca) collected since August 8, 2013, ten were selected as finalists. With a Veloster with Tech Package and EcoShift DCT as the grand prize, the stories were as varied as the country we call home.

Through the contest, the company has learned Hyundai vehicles have become chariots for the mundane (290km daily commutes), surprise adventures (joining a herd of caribou, and unplanned vehicular modifications Tucson convertible). They've even become facilitators for marriage (missed connections, lessons in stick shift, and loud speakers), thrifty movie fans (drive-in anyone?), university students (the city derbymobile), conversation starters (sharp looking car), and served a family for nearly 30 years. These ten finalists have been published online for public voting. Voting closes November 15, 2013 with the winner announced shortly after.

"Reviewing these stories from our customers is an incredibly refreshing exercise," said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada. "All too often, my colleagues and I spend our days focusing on things like vehicle quality, accessible pricing, equipping vehicles with features customers actually want, and delivering a premium dealership experience. While that approach has undoubtedly helped the company succeed over the last 30 years, it hides from us the fact that Hyundai vehicles have become a part of our customers' lives. To a growing group of Canadians, their Hyundai is far more to them than a means for transportation; they're almost part of the family."

The finalists were reviewed by a third party panel of judges and scored on creativity, interest, originality, expressiveness, humour, and meaningfulness. The stories from the 10 finalists will also be featured on Hyundai Auto Canada's Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/HyundaiCanada) throughout the voting period.

The Hyundai brand entered the Canadian market in 1983, a mere 16 years after the parent company was founded in Korea, and a full three years before it entered the U.S. From initially offering but a single model, Hyundai vehicles now carry nine nameplates, span nearly every segment, and are sold and serviced through a network of more than 210 dealerships nationwide.

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 210 dealerships nationwide. Learn more at www.HyundaiCanada.com.

SOURCE: Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

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], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]