Hyundai Genesis Attracting BMW and Lexus Owners

SYDNEY December 3, 2009; Hyundai�s flagship Genesis sedan has been named the �Near Luxury Car� segment leader by Strategic Vision, a US based research consultancy. The luxurious, rear-wheel drive Genesis topped its category in the 2009 Total Value Index� (TVI), which looks at all aspects of perceived value, from quality, to economics and customer appeal.

Presented annually since 1995, the TVI was calculated from just over 48,000 buyers who purchased 2009 models from September 2008 to March 2009. The calculation of Total Value begins with owner statements about expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid, expected resale value and innovation. Strategic Vision then incorporates the importance of each ownership experience variable, and then calculates the True Value � the worth of the attributes against the costs.

�The Genesis brought luxury buyers to Hyundai who have household incomes very close to BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class buyers,� said Alexander Edwards, president, Strategic Vision. �We see many Lexus, Infiniti, Cadillac and BMW owners trading in their vehicles for the Genesis.�

Hyundai�s Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the US premium car category, including performance and luxury features typically found in vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. Numerous standard luxury features, great reliability and affordability helped Genesis achieve the highest score in its category.