Hyundai Snares Most Initial Quality Awards In It's History

Genesis, Elantra and Accent Ranked Highest in 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study – Hyundai Highest Ranked Non Premium Brand.

J.D. Power today presented three Hyundai vehicles -2014 Genesis, 2014 Elantra and 2014 Accent – their highest award for initial quality in their respective segments. Hyundai ranked fourth overall in initial quality, climbing six spots from last year, and was the highest ranked non premium brand. In total, Hyundai had six vehicles in the Top Three positions in their segments, including two second place finishes for Santa Fe and Sonata and a third place finish for Equus.This year’s results mark the third time Hyundai has been the highest ranked non premium brand in the past 10 years, and the third time it finished among the Top Four brands overall.

The award comes from the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study SM (IQS). Now in its 28th

consecutive year, IQS is the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality, measured at 90 days of ownership.

“Receiving IQS awards in multiple vehicle segments acknowledges Hyundai’s commitment to quality and

customer satisfaction across our entire product lineup, not just our luxury vehicles,” said Dave Zuchowski,

president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Today’s awards are a true reflection of the hard work and

dedication of all the Hyundai team members here, in Korea and Montgomery, Alabama.”

The IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality and has proven to be an excellent predictor of long term reliability, which may significantly impact new vehicle purchase decisions. The focus of the study is model level performance and comparison of individual models to similar models in respective customer satisfaction across our entire product lineup, not just our luxury vehicles,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Today’s awards are a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of all the Hyundai team members here, in Korea and Montgomery, Alabama.” The IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality and has proven to be an excellent predictor of long term reliability, which may significantly impact new vehicle purchase decisions. The focus of the study is model level performance and comparison of individual models to similar models in respective segments, which helps manufacturers worldwide to design and produce higher quality vehicles.

In addition to victories in three vehicle segments, the Hyundai brand substantially reduced problems per 100

vehicles and finished fourth overall, gaining six rank positions compared with 2013. The Hyundai overall

score was 94 problems per 100 vehicles, 12 fewer than last year and 22 fewer problems than the industry

average which actually deteriorated three problems per 100 compared with 2013. Also, Genesis scored

back to back segment while Accent, with a mere 65 problemsper 100, was the second highest performing

vehicle in the study.

HYUNDAI HCD-14 GENESIS CONCEPT NAMED 2013 CONCEPT CAR OF THE YEAR

HCD-14 Recognized as “Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year”

 Hyundai received the 2013 “Concept Car of the Year” award for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept. The vehicle was also awarded the “Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year” title for scoring the highest among the category winning concepts. HCD-14 debuted Hyundai’s design direction for future premium vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year.

The twelfth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. This marks the second time Hyundai has received an award, having been named “Production Preview Concept Vehicle of the Year” in 2008 for the Genesis Coupe.

According to juror Bob Kroupa, one of the Principals of the Automotive Writers Group, “Hyundai’s HCD-14 introduces future premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls and spirited driving dynamics. Its rear hinged back doors and fastback coupe design, add to the WOW factor.”

The “Concept Car” category recognizes those vehicles intended for carrying passengers. HCD-14 beat out competitors in this category including the Honda EV-STER and Toyota Corolla Furia. The Hyundai concept was recognized for its state-of-the-art features and enhanced driver experience. HCD-14 Genesis reveals the technological future of Hyundai’s premium line-up with driver eye-tracking and hand-gesture recognition, thumb controls or gesture recognition used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and smartphone connectivity functions.

“Hyundai’s California Design Center has been turning out some impressive work, and I think the HCD-14 is one of their best,” said Chris Poole, juror and Editor-at-Large for Chicago-based Consumer Guide Auto. “The ultra-clean coupe-like styling has both flair and presence, and I like the grille; it reminds me of certain early Ferraris. The interior is wild, but I applaud the lack of a center stack—provided Hyundai has figured out new controls that are at least as user-friendly. If the next production Genesis is anything like this stunner, I say, bring it on!”

More than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a total of 23 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this season’s auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and New York.

“It’s exciting to see the overwhelming positive response and feedback we have received for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design, North American Design Center. “HCD-14 Genesis provides a glimpse of Hyundai’s future and showcases the emphasis we are placing on driving dynamics and technology. Winning the ‘Concept Car of the Year’ validates our design intuition as we take our premium line-up to the next level of sophistication in styling and technological prowess.”