• New city bus will reduce engine idling and CO₂ emissions while raising fuel efficiency
• Much more affordable solution than a full hybrid system
• Incheon, Suwon municipalities to start fleet tests of 12 units
• Mass production to start end of 2009

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Co., which last week announced plans to start retail sales in 2009 of hybrid electric vehicle passenger cars, has developed a cost and fuel-efficient city bus that employs a mild hybrid system based entirely on Hyundai's proprietary technology. The application of a mild hybrid system to a commercial vehicle will accelerate the wider use of eco-friendly vehicles which reduce CO₂ emissions and fuel costs.

The mild hybrid system uses an 8KW AC (alternating current) motor and generator which is used to automatically shut off the engine when the vehicle stops and to rapidly spin it back up when the driver releases the brake pedal. It also transforms wasted kinetic energy?during braking of the vehicle?into electrical energy which powers the engine's cooling fan motor. Depending on driving conditions, a vehicle equipped with this mild hybrid system will be able to save between 15~20 percent in fuel costs.

This mild hybrid system can be easily applied to any diesel or CNG-powered vehicle and costs about one-fifth the price of a full hybrid system. While full hybrid systems can improve fuel efficiency by up to 50 percent compared to a conventionally-powered vehicle, their substantially higher initial cost results in a much longer payback period which make full hybrids less appealing to commercial vehicle fleet owners.

Hyundai Motor Co. will supply two city buses to a Suwon transit bus company in early April and 10 buses to another bus operator in Incheon at the end of April for fleet testing, which will be closely monitored. Hyundai plans to mass produce the mild hybrid city buses by the end of 2009. The company will complete the development of a full hybrid system by mid-year and the full hybrid buses are scheduled to go into the first fleet tests in the second half of this year.

Hyundai estimates that a city bus with the mild hybrid system will be able to cut about 6-8 million won in diesel fuel costs a year.

If the idle stop and go system is applied universally to all trucks and buses, the mild hybrid technology could play a key role in reducing emissions and CO₂ and other hydrocarbons and help prevent global warming.

• Hyundai to Enter India´s Commercial Vehicle Market With Aero Bus
• Hyundai, Caparo Plan to Produce 5,100 Aero Buses by 2013
• yundai to Provide Parts & Technology, Caparo India to Manufacture and Sell Vehicles
• Hyundai Enters India´s Luxury Bus Market, Which May Double by 2010
• yundai to Receive US$4 Million for Technical Transfer

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Co., which operates India´s second-largest automobile maker, signed a five-year technical agreement with Caparo India plc today in Chennai to further cement its leading position in India by entering the country´s rapidly-growing luxury bus market.

According to the CKD agreement with auto parts maker Caparo India, which is part of the London-based Caparo Group, Hyundai Motor will provide parts and production technology for the buses, while Caparo India will build a 1,500 units-a-year factory near Hyundai Motor India´s current plant to locally manufacture and sell the vehicles. The CKD plant may begin production by early 2009, initially producing 350 units. According to the agreement, the plant will produce a total of about 5,100 buses by 2013.

India´s commercial vehicle market stood at 290,000 units in 2007, including 5,000 luxury buses. This figure is expected to double in the next two years, reaching 10,000 units by 2010 as rapid economic development and demand for luxury transportation increases in India.

"Long-distance travelling and demand for luxury buses in tourism are continuing to increase as India builds new highways and as a new middle-class emerges," a Hyundai official said. "Hyundai, with its high-performance and high-quality Aero bus, will create a reverberation in the Indian commercial vehicle market, which has been dominated by local makers such as Tata and Ashok Leyland."

On top of its best-selling models in India such as Santro and the i10, Hyundai Motor will now enter the country´s commercial vehicle market to boost market presence and strengthen its brand name.

Mr. Choi Han-Young, President of Hyundai Motor´s commercial vehicle division, and Caparo India´s President Mr. Sunil Pahilajani, and about 80 other officials attended the signing ceremony.

Hyundai will continue to aim for commercial vehicle sales of 100,000 units by 2010, entering the Top 10.

Hyundai currently has commercial vehicle CKD plants in six countries, including China, Vietnam, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Iran.

• Hyundai´s First Hybrid Car for Mass Production Will be Avante (Elantra) LPI
• Hyundai to Produce Small Fleet of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles by 2012
• Greatly Improve Fuel Efficiency, Cut CO₂ Emissions:
  Opening a New Era for Environmentally-Friendly Cars

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company plans to mass produce Hybrid Electric Vehicles starting next year, opening a new era for environmentally-friendly cars.

While accompanying South Korean President Lee Myung Bak on a Kia Motors´ plant tour on March 21, Hyundai-Kia Chairman Chung Mong Koo said the automobile company will mass produce environmentally-friendly cars from 2009 to create new jobs and develop the industry into a next-generation value-adding growth engine.

"The importance of developing futuristic, environmentally-friendly cars is increasing for sustainable growth," Chairman Chung said. "Therefore, technology for advanced cars, like the hybrid, is imperative. We also plan to produce a small fleet of fuel cell electric vehicles from 2012."

To meet its 2009 mass production target, Hyundai´s step-by-step plan is to

• Develop Technology
• Create a mass production system
• Expand model line-up

In accordance with this plan, Hyundai will begin its first mass production with the compact-sized LPG model, the Avante (Elantra) LPI (Liqufied Petroleum Injection) hybrid, a car that uses both Liquefied Petroleum Gas and electricity. In 2010, Hyundai plans to introduce mid-sized hybrids that use gasoline and LPG.

Currently, Hyundai provides Verna (Accent) hybrid models to government agencies as pilot projects. The plan is to expand the line-up to mid-sized sedans and beyond for mass production, starting from 2009.

Hyundai entered the environmentally-friendly auto market in October 2004, when it supplied the government with 50 Click (Getz) hybrid cars. Since then, Hyundai and Kia have supplied the government with 350 hybrid cars in 2005, including the Verna model. This number increased to 730 cars in 2006 and 1,682 cars in 2007, totalling about 2,800 cars so far.

Based on the technology accumulated from producing these cars, Hyundai will from 2009 mass produce hybrid cars that use LPG, which creates less pollution than conventional cars. Hyundai is also kicking its development plans into full gear with the aim to mass produce Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) beginning 2012.

Hyundai plans to expand a demo fleet of FCEV´s to 500 units by 2010, including mid-to-large size SUV´s, then establish a small production system to begin mass production from 2012.

The mass production of hybrid cars in 2009 will be a turning point for Hyundai, which will increase its competitiveness in the environmentally-friendly car sector, an area automakers worldwide are counting on for their strategic survival in the next-generation business sector.

• Hyundai to Enter India´s Commercial Vehicle Market With Aero Bus
• Hyundai, Caparo Plan to Produce 5,100 Aero Buses by 2013
• yundai to Provide Parts & Technology, Caparo India to Manufacture and Sell Vehicles
• Hyundai Enters India´s Luxury Bus Market, Which May Double by 2010
• yundai to Receive US$4 Million for Technical Transfer

NEW YORK, March 19, 2008 Hyundai unveiled Genesis Coupe, the new benchmark for attainable 300-horsepower sport coupes, during a press conference at the New York International Auto Show today. The 2010 Genesis Coupe is a purpose-built rear-wheel drive sport coupe featuring two performance-focused engines - a 212-horsepower (est.), 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a range-topping all-aluminum, 306-horsepower (est.), DOHC 3.8-liter V6 engine. Genesis Coupe is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in the spring of 2009.

Following the introduction earlier this year of the rear-wheel drive Genesis sport

• Hyundai´s second rear-wheel drive performance car
• 306 horsepower (est.)from enhanced 3.8-liter V6 from Genesis sedan
• Std. 212 horsepower (est.) turbocharged, intercooled inline four cylinder
• Genesis Coupe arrives in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model

"We think our entry-level Genesis Coupe 2.0t, with its unique combination of rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder turbo power, offers an intriguing alternative to existing front-wheel drive sport coupes," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "The 3.8-liter version of Genesis Coupe takes driving to an even higher level, rivaling the capability of premium-performance coupes like the Infiniti G37." 

Genesis Coupe was shown as a concept at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show and its transformation from concept to production reveals that its signature design features have emerged intact.

"The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car with a design that would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif. "With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that." 

Genesis Coupe is also unmistakably linked to several Hyundai concept cars. The powerful curves, undulating beltline, surface detail, and "Z" bodyside lines come straight from the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sport coupe concepts.

Designers used the Day Light Opening (DLO -- a designers term for the side glass) from the 2006 HCD9 Talus Concept on the Genesis Coupe. 

The 2004 HCD8 sport tourer concept´s sensual body forms influenced the overall design direction of Genesis Coupe.

Genesis Coupe´s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car´s broad shoulders and wide stance. The Genesis Coupe´s rocker panels are drawn close to the ground making the bodysides extra thick and the daylight opening thin, allowing the wheels to be slammed up into bulging fenders. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized. Large openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing. The dual exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia with surrounding blackout repeat the design theme of the front fascia graphic. Genesis Coupe rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels or optional 19-inch wheels, both delivering a bold stance and aggressive handling.

INTERIOR DESIGN

In keeping with its mission to be the most exciting, attainable sport coupe on the road, the Genesis Coupe boasts a cockpit designed to enhance the driving experience. An information display screen features an outside temperature reading and audio system information. Analog gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information. The instrument cluster features Hyundai´s signature blue gauge illumination.

Bucket front seats with large side bolsters offer excellent lateral support for enthusiastic driving. High-quality seating surfaces range from full black fabric on the Genesis Coupe GS and GT, to optional full black or brown leather on the GT, to red cloth inserts with black leather bolsters on the SE.

Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system and two-stage front seat warmers. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Smart Key and push-button starter.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Genesis Coupe´s body shell is rich in ultra-high-tensile steel. Genesis Coupe is lighter than the Infiniti G37, and its chassis is also 24 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than the BMW E46 M3. Rear-wheel drive provides a 55:45 front/rear weight distribution

POWERTRAINS

Two engines infuse Genesis Coupe with performance. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine delivers an estimated 306 horsepower (310 horsepower using premium fuel) and 263 lb.-ft. of torque on regular unleaded. This engine will launch the Genesis Coupe from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. To maximize the power band, the 3.8-liter engine utilizes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on intake cam shafts and a new Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe efficiently at both low and high RPM. The better breathing results in outstanding off-the-line acceleration and passing performance, and remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency, and features timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.

The turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder benefits from CVVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo generates an estimated 212 horsepower (223 horsepower using premium fuel) and 217 lb.-ft. of torque. It also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. Both engines feature a free flowing dual cat-back exhaust and an available limited slip differential to put the power to the ground.

SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION

Genesis Coupe employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. The front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe which is lighter and stronger than a multi-piece component would be. To help reduce body roll and tune the Genesis Coupe´s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, 23-mm diameter front and 18-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars are used.

While all Genesis Coupe models offer a fun and sporty driving experience, the high-performance Genesis Coupe SE is a most willing partner for the true enthusiast. The SE´s track-tuned sport suspension features a stiffer front spring rate, stiffer rear spring rate and unique shock valving. Genesis Coupe SE delivers an increase in roll control over the GS. Superb structural rigidity sets the foundation for precisely-tuned handling performance in all Genesis Coupes.

STEERING

Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a quick ratio gear delivers both linearity and agility. The steering is also engine-RPM sensing.

STRANSMISSIONS

Both engines are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. The Genesis Coupe 2.0t offers an optional five-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC® while the 3.8-liter V6 offers a ZF six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC to handle the additional torque.

Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC® feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear that´s in use.

HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEMS

Brembo four-piston calipers clamp down on 13.4-inch front brake rotors and 13-inch rear rotors on SE models. All other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single piston calipers.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

The 2010 Genesis Coupe offers Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The advantages of HID headlamps include greater lighting power, daylight-type lighting and reduced power consumption. In addition, the cut lines of the new HID headlights are extremely precise, providing maximum nighttime visibility without distracting other drivers.

Music lovers will welcome the 2010 Genesis Coupe´s standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle´s audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself.

SEGMENT-LEADING SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES

In keeping with Hyundai´s focus on offering segment-leading standard safety technologies across its lineup, the 2010 Genesis Coupe includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. Standard safety technology includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints.

Genesis Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements, and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops.

The front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier.

All Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry´s most effective life-saving technologies, is standard in all Genesis Coupes. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies suggest vehicles equipped with ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes.

THREE DISTINCT TRIM LEVELS

The Genesis Coupe is offered in three trim levels: the stylish and affordable GS, the premium-sport GT featuring the 3.8-liter V6, and the high-performance SE, available with either the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the 3.8-liter V6 engine.

GENESIS COUPE GS (Preliminary packaging subject to change)

Key Standard Equipment:

• 2.0-liter turbocharged, intercooled four-cylinder engine
• Electronic Stability Control
• Traction Control System
• ABS
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front, side, side air curtain air bags
• Active front head restraints
• Manual A/C
• Keyless entry
• Power windows, door locks, and mirrors
• AM/FM/XM/CD Player/USB/iPod connectivity
• Steering wheel audio controls
• Cruise control
• Vanity mirror illumination
• Bluetooth

GENESIS COUPE SE (Preliminary packaging subject to change)

Key Standard Equipment:

• 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 3.8-liter DOHC V6
• HID headlights
• Aluminum pedals
• Manual A/C
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• High performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires
• Brembo braking system with monobloc four-piston calipers
• SE track-tuned suspension / front strut brace
• imited-slip differential
• lack leather bolsters / red cloth insert seats
• Rear spoiler
• Aero wiper blades

• Hyundai´s Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson and Entourage Recognized for Meeting the Safety and Performance Needs of the American Buyer.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. – March 13, 2008 – Hyundai continues to collect awards for its revamped model lineup adding "Best Bet" distinction for five of its vehicles in The Car Book 2008. Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson and Entourage all earned the title "Best Bet" from author Jack Gillis and the Center for Auto Safety. For 28 years, The Car Book has selected vehicles for this distinction based on how well they respond to the safety and performance needs of today´s consumer.

The Car Book analyzes new vehicles each year to identify vehicles that make a significant contribution to bettering the market. "Best Bet" ratings designate The Car Book´s highest-rated cars in each of the size categories. Ratings are based on expected performance in ten important categories: crash tests, safety features, fuel economy, rollover, repair costs, preventative maintenance, warranties, insurance costs and complaints, with the heaviest emphasis on safety.

The following are the "Best Bet" categories for each winning Hyundai model:

Accent: Subcompact
Elantra: Compact
Sonata: Intermediate
Tucson: Small SUV
Entourage: Minivan