Hyundai Santa Fe Rated Top Compact SUV In Vehicle Satisfaction Index

    - Hyundai Is the First Korean Brand to Lead a Satisfaction Category -

    FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 30 The Hyundai Santa Fe
sport utility vehicle is the top-rated vehicle in the Compact SUV Segment in
AutoPacific's 2001 Vehicle Satisfaction Index.  "This is the first time a
Korean brand vehicle has lead in a satisfaction category and is a testament to
the excellent progress Hyundai is making in product development," said
George Peterson, founder and president of AutoPacific.
    "Hyundai's other products have improved as well," Peterson added.
"Hyundai is rated ahead of brands like Porsche, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki and has
moved up substantially in the ratings.  Hyundai Santa Fe is another one of
those very pleasant surprises.  It's larger, more refined and more
accommodating than you think and a real credit to a brand that has worked hard
to meet the specific needs and requirements of the U.S. market.  It isn't a
matter of the Koreans are coming; they are already here big-time.  Hyundai
products are all moving up in AutoPacific's ratings," he said.
    "We are proud that the Hyundai Santa Fe has won the Compact Sport Utility
category in the AutoPacific VSS study," said Finbarr O'Neill, president and
CEO of Hyundai Motor America.  "This is a great product.  It is really making
people standup and take a look at Hyundai.  Consumers are responding to the
combination of quality, value and America's Best Warranty on the Santa Fe."
    The VSS ratings record customer satisfaction with vehicles overall, as
well as with some 50 features important to a vehicle's operation, comfort and
safety.  More than 34,000 owners of new 2001 vehicles acquired
September-November 2000 were surveyed for the study.  In addition to
establishing segment winners, VSS also establishes numerical ratings for
virtually every passenger car and light truck in the North American market.

    Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a
subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea.  Hyundai vehicles are distributed in
the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more
than 500 Hyundai dealers nationwide.

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