Planet Hyundai Opens in Las Vegas; One of the Most Expensive and Technologically Advanced Hyundai Dealerships Ever Officially Opens Its Doors

    FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif.--July 10, 2001--One of the world's largest Hyundai dealerships officially opened today in Las Vegas as the ribbon was cut at opening ceremonies for Planet Hyundai.
    The brand new state-of-the-art auto dealership represents an investment of some $6 million by the Staluppi Auto Group, the 14th largest auto dealer group in the United States.
    Even before opening officially, Planet Hyundai sold an impressive 155 vehicles last month, making it one of the top 15 Hyundai dealerships in the nation for June. With the official opening to the public today, Planet Hyundai owners expect even better sales in July.
    Not only is Planet Hyundai offering excellent service to its community, it's also becoming a landmark of its own. With an impressive, $150,000 futuristic Planet Hyundai sign, the dealership stands out from the rest.
    "Hyundai is coming on strong with stylish, high-value vehicles, backed by the best warranty in the business," said Frank Maione, general manager at Planet Hyundai. "There's a lot of interest in the brand among smart shoppers and we're excited to offer Hyundai's expanding lineup and outstanding service support to car buyers in the Las Vegas area."
    The cutting edge facility boasts many features for customers as well as its 50 plus employees. Some of the features include: a child's playroom, a bright new showroom, a service bay with air conditioning, padded flooring for employee comfort and a parts and service center with an advanced, Internet-based automotive diagnostic system.
    Hyundai Motor America's total U.S. sales rose 49 percent in 2000, the biggest increase in the industry, and June 2001 marked Hyundai's best ever-sales month, up 37% when compared to June 2000 sales.
    "Strong, well-supported dealerships that provide outstanding customer service are key to Hyundai's continued success in the U.S. market and we are very pleased to have Planet Hyundai join our team," said Finbarr O'Neill, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.
    In addition to the XG300 and the Santa Fe, the exciting Hyundai lineup for 2001 includes the Sonata midsize sedan, the Elantra compact sedan, the Elantra GT five door, the Accent sub-compact and the sporty Tiburon coupe. Each is backed by America's Best Warranty, offering 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain coverage, five-year/60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
    Planet Hyundai is located at 7150 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89107.
    Hyundai Motor America, based in Fountain Valley, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sports utility vehicles are distributed in the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 500 dealerships nationwide.