Hyundai earns two AJAC category wins

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON, Oct. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced today that the 2013 Elantra GT and 2013 Santa Fe have been named Best New Small Car over $21,000 and Best New SUV/CUV $35,000-$60,000, respectively. In just the past year, Hyundai has earned five AJAC category wins in addition to the title of 2012 Canadian Car of the Year with the Elantra sedan. With these most recent category awards, the Elantra GT and Santa Fe are now in contention for the titles of 2013 Canadian Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year.

"Hyundai's long list of recent awards and accolades are a reflection of the overall strength of our product range," said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "Hyundai engineers from around the world work tirelessly to develop the best vehicles possible. The awards for the Elantra GT and Santa Fe are further vindication for the many hours they have invested in bringing them to the market."

Elantra GT and Santa Fe were among the over 60 new models tested by more than 70 automotive journalists during a grueling one-week annual event known as "Test Fest." Hyundai's entries were put to the test in a variety of environments, driven back-to-back with the strongest new competitors in the industry. Each model is comprehensively evaluated in 23 different areas to determine which vehicle is the best new offering in its category. The highly regimented testing method carried out by AJAC is one of the most thorough and transparent in the world.

"I'm always glad for opportunities to put Hyundai products head-to-head with the best names in the industry," added Kelleher. "Consumers today have more good automotive choices than ever before, but Hyundai's world-class products truly stand out."

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 200 dealerships nationwide.

SOURCE: Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

For interviews or additional information, please contact:

Oles Gadacz, Public Relations Director, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
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Chad Heard, Public Relations Manager, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
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Patrick Danielson, Public Relations Specialist, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
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