Don Romano now President and CEO of Hyundai Canada

Industry veteran brings extensive Canadian and international automotive experience

MARKHAM, ON, May 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Effective today, Donald Romano is appointed President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., replacing Steve Kelleher who elected to retire at the end of April after 28 years with the company.

Having initially joined the organization as its Chief Operating Officer in January, Mr. Romano will guide the Hyundai brand by leveraging a wealth of automotive experience accumulated over 29 years through increasingly senior positions in Canada, the United States, and overseas with the Nissan, Mazda, and Toyota brands.

"In Canada and around the world, Hyundai is a brand with limitless possibilities," said Mr. Romano. "Hyundai has established its position as an industry leader by developing world-class products with a reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, premium features customers actually use, and great design. Under Mr. Kelleher's guidance, Hyundai grew into one of Canada's largest and most successful automotive companies. My task - and my opportunity - is to help take the business to the next level."

Mr. Romano pointed to the all-new Genesis premium sedan and Sonata intermediate sedan as examples of how the company plans to evolve. "Both the Genesis and Sonata showcase our new, more refined and sophisticated design, which is truly representative of what's to come from us. We're focused on elevating the complete Hyundai experience. From the first advertisement a customer sees, to our website, to shopping at a Hyundai dealership, to purchase and the entire vehicle ownership experience, every customer touch point will be elevated to new heights. We're committed to leading the industry in customer service by exceeding their expectations."

The Genesis will go on-sale at Hyundai dealers this spring while the Sonata will arrive in the summer.

Prior to joining Hyundai, Mr. Romano was President of Mazda Canada as well as Chief Marketing Officer for Mazda operations in North America. He also held key executive roles for Toyota overseas and Nissan in North America.

Mr. Romano has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University and an MBA from Pepperdine University in California.

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

Image with caption: "Don Romano is now President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. He is replacing Steve Kelleher who has decided to retire on April 30, 2014 after 28 years with the company. (CNW Group/Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140501_C6046_PHOTO_EN_39845.jpg

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]