National Press Release

Hyundai Urges Quick Passage of Fleet Modernization Program

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 36,937 vehicles in May, a nine percent increase over April and a 20 percent decline versus a record-setting May 2008.

"Record sales of our new Genesis and Elantra Touring models, and continued strength of core models like the Alabama-built Sonata and Santa Fe, lift our retail market share to its highest level of the year," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America vice president of national sales. "What's even more heartening for us is that May marks the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year monthly retail share gains, even as we've been steadily reducing our incentive spending."

While making its May sales announcement, Hyundai Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik commented on the pending Fleet Modernization program. "While Hyundai has fared better than most others over the last several months, we can't lose sight of the fact that U.S. auto industry sales are now forecast at the lowest levels in 26 years," Krafcik said. "It is imperative that the country move forward with the Fleet Modernization program. Our research shows that one in nine car buyers are delaying their purchases until the legislation is resolved.

"The longer this bill remains stuck in Congress, the greater the pressures placed on all aspects of the U.S. automotive industry - from suppliers to manufacturers to dealers. We urge Congress to move quickly so that American consumers can benefit from this bill during the peak summer buying season," said Krafcik.

More than half of all vehicles sold by Hyundai Motor America are manufactured in the United States at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing in Montgomery, AL. In total, Hyundai directly employs more than 5,000 people in the U.S., with facilities in 14 states across the country. Including its almost 800 dealers and suppliers, Hyundai has created more than 35,000 jobs in the United States.

As Hyundai's market share climbs, so too does the list of awards and accolades. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is both North American Car of the Year and its V8 engine is on Ward's Auto World's "10 Best Engines" list. The Genesis also received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, along with Entourage, Santa Fe and Veracruz.

The Alabama-built 2009 Sonata was the highest ranked Premium Mid-Size Car in AutoPacific's 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, and the Genesis topped the Aspirational Luxury Car category. Hyundai has also increased its lead over the industry average in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS).

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.

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         MAY/2008     MAY/2009     CY/2008    CY/2009
    -------         --------     --------     -------     ------
    ACCENT           6,941        5,877       21,270      24,789
    SONATA          13,620       11,059       49,052      48,531
    ELANTRA         13,645        6,932       47,496      33,411
    TIBURON          1,023        1,640        3,988       7,903
    SANTA FE         6,604        6,486       31,547      26,325
    AZERA            1,221          346        9,698       1,638
    TUCSON           2,049        1,346        9,783       6,452
    ENTOURAGE          491          129        2,533       3,300
    VERACRUZ           821        1,043        5,666       6,294
    GENESIS              0        2,079            0       8,100
    TOTAL           46,415       36,937      181,033     166,743

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

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America