National Press Release

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 40,721 vehicles in March, a five percent decline versus March 2008 but a 33 percent increase over February volume levels.

"We are satisfied with our overall performance in this difficult business climate," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America vice president of national sales. "The fact that we experienced only a nominal decline from an all-time March sales record in 2008 is acceptable to us. Even with continued economic stress and industry uncertainty, this performance is a clear indication that the Hyundai brand is sustaining its momentum and expanding its relevance."

"As we enter the important spring selling season, we fully expect to build on our one percent year-over-year sales increase for the first-quarter of 2009 with continued consumer interest in our Hyundai Assurance Program, growing recognition and acceptance of Genesis as North American Car of the Year, and terrific new models like the new Elantra Touring and Genesis Coupe which will be entering full launch mode."

All new Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by America's Best Warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program is now offered on all new Hyundai's leased or purchased at a participating Hyundai dealership. Hyundai Assurance provides protection from certain income-changing life events, allowing consumers to return their vehicles in the first year of ownership without impacting their credit histories, while covering vehicle depreciation (negative equity) up to $7,500.

For a limited time, Hyundai is also offering Hyundai Assurance Plus, adding 90 days of payment relief to the existing protection plan. Hyundai Assurance Plus is part of Hyundai's Spring Sales Event, which runs until April 30, 2009. Hyundai Assurance and Hyundai Assurance Plus are complimentary for the first 12 months of ownership. The programs supplement all existing consumer incentives, and are available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment history or financed amount of the vehicle. Visit www.HyundaiUSA.com for details.

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 by more than 780 dealerships nationwide.

    CARLINE       MAR/2008     MAR/2009      CY/2008     CY/2009
    -------       --------     --------      -------     -------
    ACCENT           3,938        5,829       10,214      13,723
    SONATA          11,306       12,406       24,431      25,657
    ELANTRA         11,505        9,510       23,870      21,795
    TIBURON            829        1,891        2,071       2,910
    SANTA FE         7,972        5,866       17,691      16,113
    AZERA            2,922          387        5,706       1,003
    TUCSON           2,427        1,346        6,013       3,678
    ENTOURAGE          627          273        1,542       2,985
    VERACRUZ         1,270        1,587        3,800       4,045
    GENESIS              0        1,626            0       3,945
    TOTAL           42,796       40,721       95,338      95,854

Journalists are invited to visit our news media website: www.hyundainews.com

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America