Hyundai Improves in J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study

Hyundai Has Fewer Problems Than Industry Average

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 03/19/2009 Hyundai increased its lead over the industry average in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS) released today. Hyundai ranked No. 13 among nameplates in the long-term quality study, four rank positions better than industry average. The Hyundai overall score was 161 problems per 100 vehicles, nine problems better than the industry average of 170. In the 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM), Hyundai was three rank positions and six problems better than the industry average. The Elantra sedan had the highest levels of dependability in the Hyundai lineup.

"Customers deserve and expect the highest levels of quality when they purchase a vehicle, and expect it will remain reliable over its lifetime," said Barry Ratzlaff, Hyundai Motor America Director of Product Quality. "Our improvements in overall dependability demonstrate our efforts to build on the foundation of our 10 year, 100,000-mile warranty. Throughout the enterprise, from our suppliers through our dealers, we continue to aggressively strive and innovate for Hyundai vehicles to be in the top tier for vehicle quality and reliability."

J.D. Power and Associates changed methodology for the 2009 VDS, so results from past years are not directly comparable. The highly regarded study measures problems experienced by original owners and lessees of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles. The study is based on the responses of more than 46,000 owners of new vehicles bought between September 2005 and February 2006. The 2009 VDS measures problem symptoms in categories such as vehicle exterior, driving experience, features/controls/displays, audio/entertainment/navigation, seats, HVAC, interior, engine and transmission. The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality studies, along with the Initial Quality Study (IQS) that measures quality after 90 days of ownership, and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study that measures customer perceptions on the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles.

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 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance Program is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.