National Press Release

Oscar(R) Broadcast Serves as the Stage for Introduction of 'Hyundai Assurance Plus'

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai will launch its first national advertising campaign on Oscar Night(R) with eight total spots airing on ABC's telecast of the 81st Annual Academy Awards. Building on the momentum of Hyundai's Super Bowl advertising, Hyundai will again communicate three major initiatives during its airtime, including a significant addition to the innovative Hyundai Assurance program called "Hyundai Assurance Plus," the "2009 North American Car of the Year" award garnered by the Hyundai Genesis, and the launch of the exciting new Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Hyundai has secured seven 30-second ads and one 60-second ad that will air during the Oscar(R) ceremony.

All-new ads announcing the launch of Hyundai Assurance Plus will debut during the telecast. Hyundai Assurance Plus extends the security offered by the Hyundai Assurance program by adding 90 days of payment relief to the existing protection plan for consumers that finance or lease a new Hyundai between Feb. 23 and April 30. Hyundai Assurance, which debuted in January, allows consumers to return any new Hyundai leased or financed if the owner unexpectedly loses his/her income. The program is available at all participating Hyundai dealerships nationwide. For full details about Hyundai Assurance and Hyundai Assurance Plus, visit: www.HyundaiUSA.com.

Two additional ads will debut on Oscar Night. Hyundai will unveil a new Genesis Coupe ad featuring music by Grammy-award winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and performance driving by racecar driver Rhys Millen. Footage of Millen navigating Road Atlanta in Northeast Georgia will be edited to match a beautiful solo of the "Gigue" from Bach's Suite No. 3 in C Major for Unaccompanied Cello. Yo-Yo Ma's ad is the follow-up to a Genesis Coupe ad featuring music by Smashing Pumpkins that debuted just before the Super Bowl kick-off earlier this month. The Smashing Pumpkins' version will make an encore appearance on Oscar Night as well. The spots will bookend a commercial break.

The two spots demonstrate the track-worthy performance and fluid design of Hyundai's first-ever rear-wheel drive sport coupe, which is hitting Hyundai showrooms now. The campaign includes an online component at www.EditYourOwn.com which allows visitors to create their own version of a Genesis Coupe ad to be shared with friends and posted to social networking sites.

Hyundai will also debut a new 60-second corporate spot highlighting the history of the company and its commitment to the U.S. market.

"We have so many great stories to tell that we couldn't miss the opportunity to speak to the huge national audience drawn to the Academy Awards," said Joel Ewanick, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "On a night when the entertainment industry gathers to celebrate its success, we want to honor Hyundai with an assortment of ads highlighting our own accomplishments."

In addition to the new ads, Hyundai will also highlight the Genesis sedan's "2009 North American Car of the Year" honor called "Angry Bosses" which debuted on the Super Bowl as well. Hyundai Genesis took top honors in the most exclusive award in the North American auto industry when it was named "2009 North American Car of the Year" on Jan. 11, 2009. A jury of 50 independent automotive journalists evaluated all the new cars introduced last year and chose the 2009 Hyundai Genesis as the best new model.

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 more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America