Hyundai Motor America Breaks Ground on New $17 Million Central Region Headquarters and Parts Distribution Center

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 21 -- Hyundai Motor America executives gathered with elected officials in Aurora, Ill. today to break ground on HMA's Central Region Office and Parts Distribution Center. The $17 million, 350,000 square foot facility, is the largest built-to-suit project in the I-88 market in the last three years. The facility's completion is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year.

The expanded facility will enable HMA to better serve its growing number of dealers in the Midwest and Southern regions of the U.S., with more than 320,000 square feet of warehouse space, 26 exterior truck docks, 35-foot ceilings, 30,000 square feet of office space and parking for 150 vehicles. In addition, the Parts Distribution Center will employ 20 percent more employees than the previous facility -- 25 people are currently employed with its Parts Distribution Center -- and improve dealer service to 13 states. The Central Region Office is also increasing its technical training classrooms.

``This expansion reaffirms Hyundai's commitment toward investing in the U.S. economy as well as its commitment toward better serving our dealers and customers,'' said Finbarr O'Neill, Hyundai Motor America president and chief executive officer. ``With Hyundai's sales continuing to grow, this expansion will provide improved service to Hyundai customers and dealers in the Midwest.''

``We are pleased that Hyundai Motor America is staying and expanding operations in our city,'' said David L. Stover, mayor of Aurora, Ill. ``Additional job opportunities are always a plus for area residents.''

HMA sales rose 42 percent last year to 365,235 units from 263,610 in 2000, making Hyundai the fifth-best-selling import in the U.S. In addition, February marked Hyundai's 13th consecutive month of record sales of 28,503 vehicles -- a 15 percent increase over last February's record sales.

Hyundai's Central Region accounted for 20 percent of last year's national sales volume. Over 66,000 vehicles were sold in the Midwest, up 54 percent from last year.

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 sold and serviced by more than 575 dealers nationwide.