Hyundai Genesis Receives a J.D. Power and Associates 2009 APEAL Award

MACQUARIE PARK, AUSTRALIA – July 20, 2009: In the United States, J.D. Power and Associates has designated Hyundai Motor Company’s Genesis as its most appealing midsize premium car in the 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

The J.D. Power and Associates APEAL award measures what consumers like and dislike about their new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, particularly with the vehicle's design, content, layout and performance. Genesis received high marks for its exterior design, engine and transmission, interior comfort, and technology and entertainment features totalling 864 points – 26 points above the midsize premium car segment average. In addition, the Hyundai brand made a 16 point improvement from 2008.

Genesis offers luxurious features and performance quality at a value unmatched by any other vehicle in its segment. And with awards like APEAL, it is clear Genesis is more than meeting expectations for consumers in the market for a premium car.

“Throughout the years, vehicle models achieving high APEAL scores have been shown to benefit from faster sales, less need for cash incentives and higher profit margins on each vehicle sold,” said J.D. Power and Associates.

The J.D. Power and Associates APEAL award will join the growing number of Genesis honours and accolades including North American Car of the Year (a first for a Korean auto manufacturer), Kiplinger’s Best New Model for 2009, AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award, and more. Genesis also contributed to Hyundai’s ranking last month in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM, as Hyundai ranked the highest volume nameplate and fourth overall – up from thirteenth the previous year. Hyundai’s Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the premium car category. With a starting price of just US$33,000, Genesis includes performance and luxury features typically found on vehicles costing thousands of dollars more.