Hyundai Receives Five-Star Safety Ratings From NHTSA

Hyundai Receives Five-Star Safety Ratings From NHTSA

2007 Veracruz, Santa Fe and Elantra Earn Highest Government Crash Test Ratings

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 28 -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave five-star crash test ratings,the highest government rating under the agency's New Car Assessment Program, to the all-new 2007 Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe for both frontal and side-impact crash tests. The 2007 Elantra also scored five stars for frontal crash performance and Veracruz earned four stars for rollover performance.

NHTSA uses a consumer-friendly ratings system -- ranging from one to five stars, with five being the highest. Sixty-three 2007 models were assessed. Categories included sport utility vehicles, heavy and light passenger cars, pickups, vans and compact and medium passenger cars.Beginning in September 2007, government star ratings will be listed on the window stickers of new vehicles.

The 2007 Hyundai Veracruz received five-star frontal and side crash ratings in the sport utility vehicle segment. The Veracruz utilizes the latest in active and passive safety technologies including, standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) for impressive stopping distance for a vehicle of its size, anti-whiplash active head restraints and six airbags with side air curtains protecting all three rows during side impacts. To absorb impacts to the passenger cabin, the Veracruz has engineered crumple zones and reinforced architecture rails, side sill frame, floor cross-members and center pillars. Additional standard safety equipment includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts drivers if one or more tires are under inflated.

The 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe received five-star frontal and side crash ratings in the sport utility vehicle segment, ranking above the Toyota RAV4and FJ Cruiser models. The Santa Fe comes with the latest standard safety equipment including anti-whiplash active head restraints and six airbags such as side air curtains, which help protect occupants in all three rows during side impacts. The Santa Fe also earned a higher rollover rating than the Honda Element with four stars for both the 2- and 4-wheel drive models.

"With these results for Santa Fe and Veracruz, Hyundai is pleased to offer every cross-over in its lineup, including the Tucson, with the very highest government crash-test ratings," said John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America.

The 2007 Hyundai Elantra received five-star frontal and four-star side crash ratings in the compact passenger car segment, beating out the Toyota Prius model. It offers life-saving safety features with six standard airbags, including two advanced front airbags, two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two side curtain airbags protecting front- and rear-seat outboard passengers. The Elantra also earned a four-star rollover rating for 2-wheel drive.

"Hyundai leads all popular car brands in the standard application of Electronic Stability Control -- the most important life-saving technology since the seat belt," said Krafcik.

"These excellent crash test results demonstrate that Hyundai vehicles also protect their drivers and passengers in the event they can't avoid a crash situation."

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 755 dealerships nationwide.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

NHTSA is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety. The agency strives to exceed the expectations of its customers through its core values of Integrity, Service and Leadership. NHTSA provides leadership to the motor vehicle and highway safety community through the development of innovative approaches to reducing motor vehicle crashes and injuries.