Hyundai Launches Nationwide Training Program to Keep Service Departments On the Leading Edge

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 18 -- A primary Hyundai strategy is to provide support that helps dealerships grow. The Hyundai Service Manager I training course will do just that by keeping Hyundai service departments on the leading edge of service management practices and service operations assessment. More than 80 percent of Hyundai's 587 dealers are expected to participate in the sessions beginning March 19 in 29 locations around the United States.

The full-day training program is another example of Hyundai's commitment to providing the tools dealers need to help themselves grow stronger. During the session, Hyundai dealership service managers will be introduced to three different tools:

* The Hyundai Power Katalyst (HPK) Web site that tracks customer service ratings

* The Hyundai Service Operations Assessment tool that develops service business plans that map out improvements to every aspect of customer service

* A CD-ROM training course for Service Manager, Phase I certification

``Hyundai's dealers are motivated to grow in sales, parts and service volume. Our strategy is to provide them with the tools necessary to make critical business decisions intelligently on their own,'' said Chuck Halper, vice president of service, Hyundai Motor America. ``The overwhelming enrollment response to the Service Manager I Training program demonstrates our dealers' dedication to continuously improving the customer experience.''

The first portion of the session will be dedicated to the Hyundai Power Katalyst (HPK) index. HPK is Hyundai's Web-based resource for tracking sales and service responses 24/7. The system accumulates customer service scores from both the Hyundai Purchase Index (HPI), a database of surveys from customers who have just purchased a vehicle, and the Hyundai Service Index (HSI), a database of surveys from customers who have recently had their car serviced. Using the index, dealers can identify trends, run reports and track cumulative customer service scores down to individual dealership employees.

The next agenda item will be an introduction to a unique feature offered to Hyundai dealers called Hyundai Service Operations Assessment. Using data from the HPK index, the assessment tool identifies areas of weakness and generates solutions -- complete with business plan-like reports -- that take the dealership service manager step-by-step through the proposed resolution.

Finally, the program will end with an overview of Service Manager Training, Phase I -- the first in a three-part training series for service. Hyundai offers service manager training via CD-ROM for convenience. Courses can be taken during breaks on the job, or after hours, even at home. Phase I training consists of lessons in planning, staffing, organizing, controlling, and directing the success of the dealership service team. The training program focuses on generating high levels of customer service and profitability.

``All three programs will help our service managers improve their job performance and customer satisfaction results,'' said Halper. ``In the end, though, Hyundai is delivering good service fundamentals using the power of today's technology, and that's a winning combination.''

About Hyundai

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the U.S. by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 575 dealers nationwide.