• Hyundai's mobile clinic to provide matern
• al & infant health care
• Donation is part of Hyundai's worldwide CSR initiatives 

( Seoul, Korea ) Hyundai Motor Company donated a mobile clinic to the Republic of Uzbekistan as part of the automaker's "Moving the World Together" Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which aims to contribute to society and be a better corporate citizen.

Hyundai Motor, South Korea's largest carmaker, handed over an 8-ton truck customized to serve as a medical clinic, to the Uzbekistan government in Tashkent, the nation's capital. The mobile clinic, a Hyundai truck which was customized in Korea, is fully equipped to handle the delivery of babies, as well as providing antenatal and postpartum care for both mother and child. The clinic will tour underprivileged and remote areas in Uzbekistan to provide free medical care.

Uzbekistan's Minister of Healthcare Mr. Nazirov Feruz Gafurovich, Chairwoman of the International non-Governmental charity foundation "Soglom avlod uchun" Ms. Inamova S.T, South Korean Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Kyun Jea?Min and about 70 other guests and media members attended the event, Hyundai Motor's first CSR activity in the Central Asian nation.

The clinic will be jointly operated by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare, the Sog'lom Avlod Uchun foundation, and the Myungsung Christian Medical Center.

"Despite the difficulties in the auto industry today, we promise to do our best to carry out our commitments to support the underprivileged in our society," said Mr. Ahn Young-Jin, head representative at Hyundai Motor's CIS & Eastern European Regional office. "The clinic is an excellent project that maximizes the mobility of automobiles."

The clinic, which has all the sanitary and advanced equipment as a modern hospital, will be able to provide, among those mentioned above, newborn care, gynaecological examinations, counselling on breast feeding & safe sex, and immunization for children.

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group's "Moving the World Together" CSR initiative is comprised of four programs themed around the facilitation of mobility and, thereby, improving people's lives: Easy Move; Safe Move; Green Move; and Happy Move. Easy Move focuses on providing vehicles for the physically challenged; Safe Move provides vehicles that ensure safer mobility; Green Move supplies vehicles that encourage environmental sustainability; and finally, Happy Move supplies vehicles that enable community service through volunteering.

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group which was ranked as the world's fifth-largest automaker since 2007 and includes over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Employing over 75,000 people worldwide, Hyundai Motor sold approximately 2.8 million vehicles globally in 2008, posting sales of US$25.6 billion on a non-consolidated basis (using the average currency exchange of 1257.5 won per US dollar). Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 6,000 dealerships and showrooms. Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at http://www.hyundai.com

• Hyundai concept reveals dynamic new look for compact SUVs
• Use of innovative plastics allows novel rear-screen design
• Premium treatment in stylish 'X'-themed interior
• First application of new 1.6-litre GDi turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine
• The next-generation, eco-friendly engine emits 149 g/km of CO₂

The sensational all-new Hyundai ix-onic concept car, which makes its world premiere at the 79th Salon International de L'Automobile in Geneva, introduces a whole new look for a compact 4x4 SUV.

Assertive, but not aggressive, the ix-onic (pronounced "ik-sonnik") combines dynamic, sculpted, performance-oriented styling with an environmentally-friendly power train and thoughtful everyday utility, to create a vehicle that will change the way consumers and especially younger car buyers think about compact crossover vehicles.

Hyundai's design team in Russelsheim, Germany views ix-onic as an 'urban nomad, a car of contrasts for a world of contrasts'. Created in Europe, with European consumers in mind, the new concept is inspired by multi-cultural personalities of cities like Berlin, Paris and London. The ix-onic is tough and compact for life in the city, but sleek and agile for out-of-town travel.

The ix-onic's specially developed, high-contrast exterior paint emphasises its dynamic and flowing lines. Employing an advanced-effect pigment, the innovative paint gives the car's skin a brilliant shine.

With an overall length of 4.400mm, the 1.850mm-wide and 1.650mm-high ix-onic has a great stance and road presence. The design team fused a light, elegant and sporty upper body, with belt lines flowing off both the front and rear wheel arches, to a tough, planted lower body so that the concept is assertive in the way it sits on the road.

Key attributes of Hyundai's 'dynamic sculpture' design philosophy are the athleticism and sophistication that ix-onic demonstrates through its dynamic and flowing lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic design language is highlighted by bold, dynamic graphic elements such as the hexagonal front grille, the dramatically swept back headlamps, the split belt-line and the third side window kick-up.

LED Daytime Running Lights boost brand identity

The hexagonal grille is a further evolution of the style introduced on the 2006 Genus concept car and developed for its appearance on the i-mode concept in 2008. The headlamps feature innovative LED daytime running lights (DRL) which are becoming an increasingly important element of brand identity. For the innovative ix-onic, part of the DRL moves down whenever 'dipped beam' is switched on, and DRL are also fitted to the door mirror housings.

The profile of ix-onic features a dynamic greenhouse and a sports car-like theme with a muscular, double-zigzag treatment for the wheel arches that wrap around the 21-inch polished alloy wheels. Unusually, the concave sills have a wedge-shaped profile which extends rearwards and wraps around into the rear bumper. The sills and bumper are finished in a contrasting colour, with an aluminium garnish that echoes the aluminium trim in the door handles to enhance the perception of premium quality.

With high-mounted tail lamps, multi-surfaced glass and a sculpted bumper, the rear of ix-onic also incorporates 'dynamic design' elements. The rear lamp clusters feature a grille mesh inspired by the nature, while the rear bumper also neatly incorporates the dual, polished aluminium exhaust tailpipes

The rear window has been designed and produced by Hyundai in close cooperation with the QarmaQ-partner SABIC Innovative Plastics. Using Lexan high-performance plastics instead of conventional glass enabled the designers to give the rear window a much more three-dimensional shape. On each side of the rear window two vertical spoilers are integrated to reduce aerodynamic drag. The upper part of the window features a strongly concave shape to make it possible to integrate the roof spoiler in the rear window. Additionally, "Exatec- glazing" was used to incorporate the third stoplight in the upper part of the rear window. Furthermore, a three-dimensional U-shape surrounds the rear wiper to enhance its visual integration into the backlight.

Light and fresh interior seats five in luxurious comfort

Inside, the five-seater ix-onic offers a commanding view of the road and evokes an adventurous ambience that is also laid-back and relaxing. The needs of the driver are fully accommodated, with the interior blending aspects of the outdoors, leisure time and an urban lifestyle.

The first impression of a sporty, light and fresh interior is reinforced on closer inspection by the silky cream-white leather that brings an air of elegance and distinction to the cabin.

An X-shaped visual theme is repeated across numerous areas of the cabin, with embossed leather to accentuate key areas while light-alloy magnesium accents provide flashes of visual brilliance. The sleek shapes of the interior are outlined with 'ice blue' seams that replicate the colour of both the ribbed ice blue floor carpet, which contains a high percentage of natural cashmere wool, and the exterior.

Shapely seats feature centre panels trimmed in breathable fabric with attractive and functional cushion side bolsters, plus additional lateral support for occupants' shoulders ? all trimmed in contrasting magnesium grey.

Mounted much higher than usual in the doors, the audio speakers present occupants with a true and highly detailed, top-quality sound reproduction. The interior rear-view mirror has a 'blind spot' warning light that alerts the driver to other road users in close proximity. All-new power train ensures performance lives up to appearance

Beneath its sensational exterior, the ix-onic's power train is equipped with a 170ps, 1.6-litre GDi turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine, with ISG (Idle Stop & Go) technology and a double-clutch six-speed transmission. Power is transferred to the road by an intelligent four-wheel-drive system fine-tuned to deliver outstanding on-road driving dynamics, together with significant off-road ability. The next-generation, eco-friendly engine emits just 149 g/km of CO₂, an impressive figure for an SUV.

Building on the success of the recently launched Hyundai i20 five-door, the Geneva Motor Show is host to the world premiere of the new three-door i20 derivative. The chic and versatile i20, which replaced the Getz, made its debut at the 2008 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile and is playing an important role in expanding the popularity of the Hyundai brand in Europe.

With the introduction of a new three-door model, Hyundai will broaden the i20's appeal to the fastest-growing automotive customer base in Europe. Targeted at young professionals without children, seeking excellent quality, high specifications and affordable motoring, the three-door model offers a new, lower price entry point for the i20 line-up.

When it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2009, the i20 three-door will become the best-value variant in the i20 range.

Furthermore, i20 three-door boasts seven Euro IV-compliant petrol and diesel engines offering remarkable fuel efficiency and low CO₂ emissions. Notably, the 1.2-litre, 78 HP 'Kappa' petrol engine uses just 5.2l/100km on the combined cycle and has a CO₂ rating of 124g/km.

Adding to Hyundai's class-leading value package is the 75 HP 1.4-litre diesel engine, with a CO₂ rating of 116g/km and consumption of 4.4l/100km on the combined cycle. Customers will also benefit from Hyundai's unlimited mileage three-year warranty.

Positioned between the successful i10 and i30 models, the i20 continues the distinctive visual characteristics of the Hyundai i-range, comprising the bold chrome-finished grille, flanked by piercing teardrop headlamps and complimented by prominent rear light clusters. Sharing many of its styling features with the five-door i20, the front and rear of the three-door model remain unchanged. The distinctive crease lines that run along the side are enhanced by the longer front doors and sporty, upswept shape of the rear-side window. To suit all tastes, the i20 is available in 10 solid and metallic exterior colours.

Built on the same 2.525mm wheelbase and weighing 10-kilograms less than the i20 five-door, the three-door offers an equally well proportioned exterior and spacious interior that will effortlessly accommodate adult passengers in the front and rear seats. The larger front doors create a wide entry aperture, and Hyundai's quick-release memory seats with walk-in functionality provide easy access to and from the rear seats. The system enables the front-seat backrests to be tipped and the whole seat to slide forwards. This simple-to-use system returns the front seat to the originally selected position without the need for readjustment.

All three trim levels ? Classic, Comfort and Style ? offered on the five-door will be available on the i20 three-door as well. They combine generous standard equipment and safety features that surpass the competition. Matching the five-door variant, the three-door model features high-end kit such as climate control, multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry and electrically-operated windows and side mirrors. The modern radio/CD system is MP3-compatible and has four powerful speakers; the rear two speakers are repositioned in the three-door model to the interior rear quarter panels.

Safety is always at the forefront for Hyundai and the i20 has an extensive list of active and passive equipment. This includes six airbags ? front, side and curtain ? as standard, active head-restraints, front seatbelt pretensioners, the latest-generation anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stability Control, and Electronic Brake force- Distribution.

Kappa engine shines in i20

Hyundai expects i20 buyers will make the 1.2-litre petrol engine ? dubbed 'Kappa' ? the best-selling power plant in the range. The new, all-alloy unit is the result of a 48-month development project, and combines miserly fuel consumption with low CO₂ emissions to produce a compelling package with reduced running costs, compared to rival products.

Kappa is the latest example of the company's expertise in developing lightweight, low-NVH, super-efficient engines, and follows the 'Tau' 4.6-litre V8, which was named one of the 10 best engines of 2009 by automotive publisher Ward's.

With a displacement of just 1,248cc, the 16-valve, DOHC Kappa unit develops an impressive 78 HP at 6,000rpm and a class-leading torque figure of 119Nm at 4,000rpm, endowing i20 with responsive acceleration and excellent driveability. The engine's specific torque figure also puts it well ahead of the competition.

Vehicle performance and efficiency are aided by the fact that Kappa's dry weight is just 82.4kg ? lighter than any other petrol engine of similar capacity. In addition a number of steps have been taken to reduce friction and improve refinement, including the application of an innovative offset crankshaft. Just as impressive is the minimal level of noise at idle which, combined with the high-quality NVH rating achieved by Kappa in i20, further demonstrates Hyundai's engineering know-how.

• Journalists get first chance to drive EQUUS at Namyang R&D Center
• Retail sales begin in March

(Seoul, Korea) To create the best: That was the uncompromising objective for Hyundai Motor Co.'s VI Project design and engineering team. After ten years in the marketplace, the company's flagship sedan EQUUS would be retired and replaced by a new EQUUS, an import fighter that would need to compete on an equal footing with the most storied names in the luxury car business. Much had changed in the interim requiring a rethinking of the basic assumptions. It started with the adoption of a front engine, rear wheel drive architecture, the luxury segment's de facto standard, to achieve the ideal 52:48 front-rear weight distribution needed to achieve optimal ride and handling characteristics.

"Genesis showed the world what a great car we could build, but EQUUS improves on the Genesis in every measurable way," said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of the Corporate Research and Development Division. "The VI (EQUUS) was a fun project: It was greatly satisfying to have absolute freedom to adopt the newest and the best technologies. For once, we weren't constrained by our usual design-to-cost approach to engineering and manufacturing," said Dr. Lee.

From design to execution, absolute excellence would be required on all levels if the new EQUUS was to meet the needs and wants of the target customers, a highly demanding group of top income earners, male executives or entrepreneurs in their 40s and 50s for whom cars serve as an expression of status. A majority of Korean luxury car customers had defected to Japanese and German luxury marques over the years, and winning back their trust in Hyundai posed the ultimate test of the new EQUUS. An entirely new set of technologies would be needed to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.

The visual statement is one of elegance and luxury. The exterior lines are progressive, faithful to the original design concept. Viewed from the front, the impression is one of strength and confident power but with luxurious refinement evident in the details of the headlamp and grill design. A study of the side profile hints at a deeper dynamic, sporty personality but without compromising the sedan's overall grace and from the rear, perhaps the most commonly viewed angle, the emphasis is on balanced proportions for visual stability. LED rear combination lamps impart a dynamic, high-tech note.

The interior design concept is, in a word, sumptuous. A classical image welcomes the eye with a simplicity of form that is in balance with high-end IT details for a thoroughly modern interpretation of luxury. From the selection of exotic hardwoods for the crash pad and centre console to the supple leather upholstery of the seats, master craftsmanship and premium natural materials soothe the senses taking luxury motoring to a new level. EQUUS customers will have a choice of three interior colors with matching hardwood accents (Eucalyptus, Walnut or Burled Birch) while brushed satin aluminum trim will add a contemporary feel.

POWERTRAINS

EQUUS comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines: The Lambda 3.8 V-6 and the award-winning Tau 4.6 V-8. To maximize power while minimizing emissions and fuel consumption, both engines feature all-aluminum construction, continuously variable valve timing, variable air induction systems and are mated to six-speed transmissions. The Lambda V-6, good for 290ps (Note: Korea domestic standard, using regular fuel) and a peak torque rating of 36.5kg m, delivers an impressive fuel economy rating of 9.4km/l. The Tau 4.6 V-8, named by Detroit-based Ward's Autoworld as one of 2009's Best Ten Engines, delivers 366ps and 44.8kg m of torque with a fuel economy rating of 8.8km/l.

TRIM LEVELS

The 3.8 V-6 will be offered in four trim levels starting with the entry level 3.8 L. 3.8 GL and 3.8 GLS will add comfort and convenience features and V-6 range will be capped off by the 3.8 Top edition. Ruling the EQUUS stable as the most exclusive and best-equipped EQUUS of all will be the 4.6 Top.

SUSPENSION

Front and rear, EQUUS rides on 5-link suspension featuring lightweight aluminum control arms. Such a multi-link setup for both the front and the rear is uncommon in the industry but through a careful optimization of the wheel geometry and bushing characteristics, stability and ride quality were optimized. To improve shock control over the wheels, Hyundai worked in partnership with ZF-SACHS to develop Amplitude Selective Dampers (ASD) which features an innovative relief valve, a design EQUUS shares with only one other car in the world, its luxury stable-mate Genesis. The air suspension is electronically governed to minimize body roll, nose-diving and other undesirable characteristics.

EQUUS also comes equipped with an Electric Parking Brake which is automatically released once the vehicle is put into drive gear and an Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering System which reduces fuel consumption.

SAFETY

EQUUS elevates driving safety to a whole new level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management which integrates the Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety System, Third Generation Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and other sub-systems to provide unparalleled active and passive safety. Using smart optics, the Lane Departure Warning System issues an audible warning if the car deviates from the driving lane without signaling. SCC uses radar waves to automatically regulate the brakes and throttle and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. If a collision danger is detected, the Pre-Safety System automatically applies the brakes, triggers a flashing warning light on the TFT-LCD which is followed by an audible alert and a vibration in the seatbelt harness. If a collision is unavoidable, full braking force is automatically applied and front seat belts are reeled in within a split second in order to maximize protection.

Another new safety improvement is the addition of a Knee Air Bag for the driver. With two front, four side and two side curtain airbags, this brings the total airbag count to nine.

Video cameras in the rear and front eliminate blind spots during parking and backing up maneuvers, reducing the risk of accidents while the new Parking Guidance System provides a computer graphic overlay on the display screen to assist the driver. High Intensity Discharge Head Lamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System varies the angle of the light beam according to the steering direction for safer driving.

COMFORT and CONVENIENCE

Whether driving or being driven, EQUUS surprises and delights as it opens up a new realm in motoring luxury. Heating, for example, is to be found in unexpected places?steering wheel, seat cushions and backrests? providing a welcome touch on a chilly day. On hot summer days, the seat cooling system and glove box drink chiller will be appreciated while the massage system in the rear seats relaxes and refreshes while en route.

EQUUS is also equipped with an advanced Driver Information System whose menus are accessible through touch-screen menus or jog wheel which has adjacent buttons for menu short cuts. DIS displays navigational maps, personal cell phone directories (downloadable via Bluetooth) and serves as the central control of the 17-speaker Lexicon Sound System. Logic7.1 is able to transform the EQUUS cabin into a veritable concert hall with surround-sound wizardry.

A 3.5-inch display nestled between the speedometer and the tachometer provides a rich variety of information displayed in colorful graphics using the latest Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) technology. From the tire pressure to the AV system and lane departure warning system, fifteen different vehicle functions can be monitored using this high-resolution color screen.

As the pinnacle of the Hyundai motoring experience, EQUUS, Latin for horse, retains its trademark winged emblem which captures the spirit of the fabled winged horse that has been mythologized in both the East and the West. Not only does the EQUUS name generate a high level of awareness in the minds of Korean customers but it also has strongly positive associations as a symbol of status and success. Because of the tremendous amount of brand equity accumulated in the EQUUS name over the past decade, Hyundai decided to retain the name for the Korean market but export badging remains to be finalized. Hyundai is now committed to expanding the EQUUS range to nurture it as the company's flagship model.

EQUUS has made its mark as Korea's top luxury sedan with sales of over 120,000 units worldwide since its launch in April 1999. While the first-generation EQUUS was not exported to North America and Europe it was sold in a very limited number of overseas markets (primarily the Middle East, China and parts of Asia) under the Centennial name. In view of the critical acclaim received by Genesis, feasibility studies are underway to expand exports of the new EQUUS worldwide, including North America and Europe. However, it could be 2011 or 2012 before all the necessary preparations are completed.

Built at the Ulsan Plant, EQUUS will arrive in Hyundai's Korean showrooms in March, 2009 when retail pricing and full technical details will be announced.

* The above EQUUS specifications are for the Korean domestic market.

MARKHAM, Ontario, February 11, 2009 ? The 2009 Hyundai Genesis was today named Canadian Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. This marks the first time a Korean manufacturer has won the prestigious Canadian award.

To win Canadian Car of the Year honours, the Hyundai Genesis was first named Best New Luxury Vehicle Under $50,000 by AJAC, defeating several other well-known luxury brands to win its category and become eligible for the overall Car of the Year award. In rigorous testing, the Genesis surpassed competitors such as the Audi A3, Acura TL and Infiniti G37X when areas such as engine refinement, ride comfort, exterior styling, visibility, roominess and comfort were evaluated.

"Winning the Canadian Car of the Year award with the Genesis is absolutely terrific news," said Steve Kelleher, president and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "This award is testimony to the fact that Hyundai produces award-winning vehicles at all levels of the market, from the entry-level subcompact segment to the high-end luxury segment. Canadians can now buy a high-quality, luxurious vehicle with every feature they could want at an affordable price. And in today's economic environment, that is smart."

Hyundai's Genesis has received many accolades since its arrival in the marketplace. Among its accomplishments, the Genesis has also been recognized as North American Car of the Year, and its all-new 4.6-litre Tau V8 engine was named one of "Ward's 10 Best Engines" for 2009 by Ward's Auto World, marking the first time a Hyundai engine has appeared on the prestigious "Ward's 10 Best Engines" list.

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 170 dealerships nationwide.