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Finbarr O'Neill Named President and CEO Hyundai Motor America

8 September 1998

Finbarr O'Neill Named President and Chief Executive Officer Hyundai Motor America

    FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 8 -- It was announced today
that Finbarr O'Neill has been named president and chief executive officer of
Hyundai Motor America (HMA).  O'Neill had been serving as interim chief
operating officer.
    O'Neill will be responsible for implementation of strategic direction and
the management of all of the company's day to day operations.  He will report
to Hyundai Motor America Chairman M. H. "Mark" Juhn.
    "We are extremely pleased to have Fin take charge of Hyundai Motor America
at this important point in the company's development.  The decision to appoint
an American as CEO is a recognition of the value that Hyundai Motor Company
places on American leadership in its United States distributorship and is a
natural step in our growth as a global competitor," said Juhn.
    O'Neill said, "I thank Hyundai Motor Company for their confidence in me.
By giving American management full responsibility for the day to day
operations, I believe that we can make the company more responsive to local
market conditions and ultimately more competitive.
    "This step moves the focus away from the issue of who will manage Hyundai
Motor America and allows us to concentrate on the great story that Hyundai
represents with quality products that offer a tremendous consumer value,"
added O'Neill.  "I have no doubt that with the growing dealer enthusiasm that
we have seen the last several months and our strong current and future product
line up, the Hyundai brand will win greater consumer consideration."
    O'Neill had served as general counsel for Hyundai Motor America ever since
the company's formation in February 1985.  In 1986 he was named a vice
president at HMA.  Prior to joining Hyundai he worked for Toyota Motor Sales,
U.S.A, and practiced law with the New York law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate,
Meagher and Flom.