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2011 HYUNDaI SONATA named CAR AND DRIVER “10BEST”
Hyundai makes prestigious list for the first time
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Nov. 23, 2010 – The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been named one of the “10Best Cars for 2011” by Car and Driver, the world’s largest automotive enthusiast publication. This marks the first time a Hyundai product has received the sought-after recognition by the editors of Car and Driver.
“We're delighted so many American consumers have put a 2011 Sonata in their driveway this year,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Achieving our first Car and Driver ‘10Best’ award is tasty icing on the cake, and a tribute to the team of global engineers, California designers, and Alabama plant associates that made this game-changing product a reality.”
According to Car and Driver, the “10Best” award celebrates the best cars on sale in America for less than $80,000. Testing takes place over a week on public roads in rural Michigan. The staff tested more than 60 new cars before selecting the “10Best.”
“In our testing, we are looking for those automobiles that deliver spectacular value, real driver engagement and the highest fulfillment of their intended missions,” said Eddie Alterman, Car and Driver editor-in-chief. “It’s a real workout and only the best cars on the market emerge victorious.”
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was introduced earlier this year. Sonata brings to the market a number of breakthroughs previously unheard of in the mid-size family sedan segment including standout design, a standard gasoline direct injected engine that delivers 35 miles per gallon on the highway, an optional 274-horsepower 4-cylinder turbo and a soon-to-be-introduced hybrid model.
Sonata sales are up 64 percent over last year on the strength of the new model. Sonata has been the most “shopped” midsize car in the market for five of the past six months according to Compete, an automotive market analysis firm.
“All of our business metrics are pointed in the right direction,” said Krafcik. “Retail sales are up. Incentive spending is down. Our residuals are among the strongest in the industry. And cars like Sonata are driving more and more smart shoppers to Hyundai.”
The complete story on the “10Best” is available in the January issue of Car and Driver and at CarandDriver.com.
ABOUT CAR AND DRIVER
Car and Driver (http://www.caranddriver.com) is known for its expert editorial team consisting of credible journalists who are highly regarded by car enthusiasts and automotive manufacturers for their integrity and high standards. The magazine is published by Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. (www.hfmus.com) twelve times each year, boasting the largest audience of any monthly automotive magazine. The Car and Driver brand is a leading source of information for automotive enthusiasts and in-market car buyers. The brand also extends to many platforms, including websites, mobile sites, iPhone/iPad apps, events, custom marketing programs and integrated marketing databases. Car and Driver is a part of the Jumpstart Automotive Group.
ABOUT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program which now includes the 5-year/60,000 mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, 5-year complimentary Roadside Assistance, and the job-loss vehicle return program. For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com.
