Hyundai Names newest suv the Tucson

--Small Sport Utility Vehicle Will Go On Sale in 2004-- FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., November 11, 2003 - Continuing the tradition of Southwestern themed names for its sport utility vehicles, Hyundai Motor America’s new small SUV will be called Tucson, company President and CEO Robert “Bob” Cosmai announced today. The Tucson will go on sale in the United States in the fall of 2004. “Clearly what makes a vehicle successful is great quality, performance and features at a great price,” said Cosmai. “However, a great name helps capture all that in a single word and we believe Tucson embodies the sprit of fun and adventure inherent in our latest SUV,” he said.

The Tucson is smaller than the company’s Santa Fe, which has been setting sales records since it was introduced to the U.S. market in 2000. The vehicle will be offered in both front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive configurations and will come with a standard four-cylinder or optional V-6 engine.

“The Tucson is the next new vehicle in our expanding line-up of products, which will grow from the current six models to ten in the next three years. We are committed to providing consumers with the quality and value they expect from Hyundai and the Tucson will be a welcomed addition to our line of vehicles. When our dealers saw the Tucson up close for the first time last week at our national dealer meeting they were thrilled and can’t wait to get the newest Hyundai on their lots,” said Cosmai.