Hyundai to Reveal New SUV Range at Frankfurt Motor Show

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – August 19, 2009: Hyundai Motor Company will strengthen its reputation as one of the world's leading brands when it presents an all-new addition to its SUV line-up at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The ix35 SUV (ultimately to replace the very successful Tucson) will make its world debut at the Show on the 15th September.

Alongside will be a significantly revamped Santa Fe, benefiting from a wide range of engineering and cosmetic changes to fine-tune the driving experience and make it even more competitive. The revamped Santa Fe, with a new powertrain, steering and suspension, will be released in Australia late this year, while the ix35 is expected to hit our shores in the first half of 2010.

The ix35 represents a major step forward for Hyundai. It is the first SUV to be conceived and engineered in Europe, at the company's Frankfurt-based design and technical centres. The newcomer embodies Hyundai's new design language - 'fluidic sculpture' - and carries over much of the confident, sweeping styling of the ix-onic concept car that literally 'stole the Show' at Geneva earlier this year.

"SUVs represent a cornerstone in our continuing sales success," said Hyundai Motor Company Australia's Sales and Marketing Director Kevin McCann. "Since we began selling Tucson in 2004, for example, sales have totalled 28,800 units; we have a 13 per cent market share year to date. Both models have demonstrated our parent company's expertise in producing SUVs that not only exceed customer expectations, but help shape the sector. We can't wait to have the new models out in dealer showrooms."

"ix35 has the potential to develop a slightly different sales base for us," he continued. "Its sleek European lines will appeal to buyers looking for style and sophistication; people whose choice of car is a statement not only of who they are, but what their lifestyle represents - freedom, fashion and elegance."

Further information will become available closer to the Show.