Hyundai Delivers First 2019 NEXO Fuel Cell SUV

• Keyes Hyundai in Van Nuys, California, handles the first delivery in the U.S. market
• Former scientist and chemist from Ventura enhances his environmentally-friendly lifestyle with the zero-emissions, technological flagship NEXO SUV

VAN NUYS, Calif., Dec. 28, 2018 – Hyundai today delivered its first NEXO fuel cell SUV to a former scientist eager to add the benefits of this zero-emissions vehicle to his environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Customer Todd Hochrad of Ventura, California picked up his new SUV at Keyes Hyundai in Van Nuys to become the first U.S. customer to drive off in the new NEXO, the only        mass-produced fuel cell SUV for the U.S. market, boasting a range up to 380 miles.

NEXO is the new technological flagship of Hyundai’s growing eco-vehicle portfolio and marks Hyundai’s continued commitment and momentum with the industry’s most diverse SUV lineup.

Mr. Hochrad isn’t the typical automotive buyer, yet he’s the sort of customer looking to drive a zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered vehicle. More than 15 years ago, he purchased his first hybrid car and over the years has driven dedicated electric vehicles as well. His new NEXO will deliver about five times the driving range of his first all-electric car.

NEXO can be leased for $399 (Blue model) or $449 (Limited model) for 36 months and can be purchased for $58,300. The first year of maintenance is free of charge and customers are eligible for a tax credit (subject to individual tax circumstances) from the state of California for up to $5,000. Purchasers of new Hyundai NEXO SUVs will receive hydrogen fueling cards with a combined maximum value of $13,000 to be used during the first three years of vehicle ownership.

NEXO: More than just the cleanest, longest-range zero-emissions SUV on the road

NEXO is not only perfectly clean, emitting only water, but a technological dynamo. It offers a number of advanced driver assist systems, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist that enables NEXO to either autonomously park or retrieve itself from either a parallel or perpendicular parking space with or without a driver in the vehicle. Additionally, Hyundai’s Blind-spot View Monitor is an industry-first technology that projects the side views of NEXO in the center cluster to the driver using cameras while changing lanes with the turn signal on that monitor areas that cannot be seen by a traditional rear view mirror.

It Goes a Long Way

The NEXO Blue model has an estimated range of 380 miles, 115 more than the Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle. The NEXO Limited Trim has an estimated range of 354 miles. NEXO Blue models have estimated MPGe of 65 city, 58 highway and 61 combined, while NEXO Limited models have an estimated range of MPGe of 59 city, 54 highway and 57 combined. NEXO refueling time can be achieved in as little as five minutes, allowing a consumer lifestyle very similar to a comparable gasoline-powered SUV in terms of range and refueling speed.

Hydrogen is cool. But there is more to NEXO’s environmental story

NEXO uses a number of ecological materials in its construction, including soybean-oil based polyurethane paint, bamboo-thread-based bio fabric, along with bio-plastic and bio-carpet extracted from sugar cane. Bio-based materials were applied to 47 different parts and reduced CO2 emissions by 26 lbs. during the manufacturing process.

NEXO v. Tucson Fuel Cell

Not only is Hyundai’s NEXO fuel cell vehicle built with an exclusive dedicated vehicle architecture and a design that sets it apart from every other vehicle on the road, it is vastly improved over the Tucson Fuel Cell it has replaced. It is quicker, roomier, more efficient and better packaged, all while offering 40 percent more range.

And finally…

Since it launched the Tucson Fuel Cell four-and-a-half years ago, customers have accumulated almost 6.9 million high-mileage – and safe – miles on America’s roads, all, of course, with refueling times that mirror the convenience of gasoline vehicles. And just recently, the Hyundai NEXO was named a winner of the prestigious Wards’ 10Best Engine award, further highlighting its position as a high-tech and user-friendly vehicle.

Hyundai Motor Reveals World's First Smart Fingerprint Technology to Vehicles

• 
  
• World-first fingerprint technology to be applied first on 2019 Santa Fe SUV
• The technology allows drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without using car keys
•  The fingerprint technology offers maximum security available and is updated   constantly with ‘Dynamic Update’ feature
• 
  

 SEOUL, Dec. 24, 2018 — Hyundai Motor Company announced the world’s first smart fingerprint technology that allows drivers to not only unlock doors but also start the vehicle. Hyundai plans to implement the technology initially in the Santa Fe SUV model that is to be released in select markets in the first quarter of 2019. 

To unlock the vehicle, the driver needs to place a finger on the sensor located on the door handle. The encrypted fingerprint information will be identified and delivered to the fingerprint controller inside the vehicle. The driver can also easily start the vehicle by touching the ignition that is also equipped with a fingerprint scanning sensor. 

The technology also provides a customized driving environment. Matching information of driver preference with fingerprint data, the vehicle automatically adjusts seating positions, connected car features, and side-view mirror angles according to the driver. 

“In the future, Hyundai Motor plans to further expand the application of the technology to allow the adjustment of temperature, steering wheel position, and many other features which will be tailored to driver’s preferences” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of Research & Development Division of the Hyundai Motor Company. “This will ultimately offer quality driving experience to each and every Hyundai customer.” 

Hyundai also addressed the security issues on the smart fingerprint technology. With capacitance recognition, which detects differentials in the electricity level in various parts of the fingertip, the fingerprint technology efficiently prevents forgeries and faked fingerprints. The technology’s chance of misrecognizing another person’s finger print as the driver’s is only 1 in 50,000 making it five times more effective than conventional vehicle keys, including smart keys. Moreover, through real-time learning of fingerprints supported by ‘dynamic update’ system, the fingerprint system can continually improve its success rate.  

Hyundai will apply the fingerprint technology in select markets and gradually expand to other markets. Hyundai Motor also plans to continue to implement other customizable technologies to the vehicle lineup, to strengthen technological leadership in the future mobility market.

Hyundai Wins Three 2018 GOOD DESIGN® Awards

• 
  
•  Kona, Santa Fe and Le Fil Rouge Concept Take Home the Prestigious Design Honor
• 
  
•    FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 20, 2018 – Hyundai’s 2018 Kona, 2019 Santa Fe, and Le Fil Rouge Concept Car have earned 2018 GOOD DESIGN® Awards from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The prestigious award honors the worlds of industrial, product and graphic design for immense creativity and attention to form, function and aesthetics. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Hyundai’s vehicles have received this honor, continuing its commitment to bold and distinctive styling. 
• 
  

• 
  
• “Hyundai is honored to be recognized by one of the world’s most preeminent programs for design excellence worldwide,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design Center. “The Kona, Santa Fe, and Le Fil Rouge Concept Car all meet a youthful expectation our customers have come to expect from Hyundai, each having their own unique character, and avoiding a “family look” of similar designs where the only difference is size. Winning this award for the eighth consecutive year demonstrates our commitment to designing better vehicles in this dynamic automotive landscape.”
• 
  

The 2018 Kona employs refined aesthetics with sculpted body forms and sporty contours for an athletic, bold, and striking appearance. Its distinctive design is reinforced by the car’s voluminous, aggressive body styling that emphasizes its well-proportioned, dynamic silhouette. A low and wide stance complements its profile, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, ensuring sporty, nimble handling, in addition to delivering superior driving stability at highway speeds. Its masculine, protective ‘armor’ combines powerfully with the futuristic LED lighting to create a high-tech look. The unique features of the exterior continue inside with a strong horizontal character line creating a wide and spacious feel. The Kona’s fluid details contribute to a sensuous experience and enhance the comfort-focused environment.

The 2019 Santa Fe has a bold look that is enhanced by refined lines that reinforce the vehicle’s status in Hyundai’s SUV lineup. The face of the new Santa Fe is highlighted by Hyundai’s signature Cascading Grille and a Composite Light design comprising LED Daytime Running Lights positioned on top of the LED headlights. The exterior design is characterized by a powerful wide stance and an athletic body that makes a statement from 100 feet away. The Santa Fe interior design combines premium quality with a roomy layout featuring a strong horizontal design theme and enhanced visibility. Premium touches such as the layered, three-dimensional instrument panel and contrasting seat stitching ensures a high level of luxury within the cabin.

The Le Fil Rouge Concept Car is a reinterpretation of Hyundai’s 1974 Coupe Concept and marks the beginning of the Sensuous Sportiness era for Hyundai design. The Sensuous Sportiness design language will bring instinctive beauty, emotional value and desirability to Hyundai vehicles. Sensuous Sportiness is defined by the harmony between four fundamental elements in car design: proportion, architecture, styling, and technology.

GOOD DESIGN® Awards     

Founded in Chicago in 1950, the GOOD DESIGN® Awards honor the yearly achievements of the best industrial and graphic designers and world manufacturers for their pursuit of extraordinary design excellence. GOOD DESIGN is the oldest and the most prestigious architecture and design awards program organized worldwide and strives to create a revived awareness about contemporary design. The awards honor both products and industry leaders in design and manufacturing that have charted new directions and pushed the envelope for competitive products in the world marketplace. In November, juries met in New York and San Francisco and selected over 900 product designs and graphics from over 38 nations worthy of the GOOD DESIGN Award for their design excellence.

Hyundai Leads Industry with Most Combined IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ and TOP SAFETY PICK Awards for 2019

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 19, 2018 – For the second year in a row, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that Hyundai has the most combined TOP SAFETY PICK+ and TOP SAFETY PICK-rated vehicles in the automotive industry. The Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid is taking home its first ever TSP award, bringing Hyundai’s total to an industry-best 10 awards. No other automaker can match this level of safety.Hyundai TOP SAFETY PICK+ and TOP SAFETY PICK models when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights

“To repeat with the most number of awards in the industry is a great accomplishment,” said Andy Freels, president, Hyundai America Technical Center. “Our blend of advanced safety features and structural engineering truly offer something that our owners and new car shoppers can really appreciate.”

To qualify for a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the  driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also must earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and a good headlight rating

To qualify for a 2019 Top Safety Pick award, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the    driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. It also must earn an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating.

“Hyundai and its engineering team continue to make vehicles even safer with the addition of active standard safety features, prioritizing cutting-edge safety and convenience at the forefront of the driving experience,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “With Hyundai SmartSense introducing features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and more, our latest vehicles deliver a sophisticated network of tools to ensure greater peace of mind.”

With the addition of Ioniq PHEV, Hyundai stays atop the industry with ten new models that are rated TOP SAFETY PICK+ or TOP SAFETY PICK when equipped with front crash prevention and specific headlights. The 2019 Kona, Elantra (built after Sept. 2018), Sonata & Sonata Hybrid, and Santa Fe all earned the organization’s highest rating, while the Elantra GT, Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid, Accent, Santa Fe XL and Tucson received a TOP SAFETY PICK rating when equipped with optional front crash protection and specific headlights.

Hyundai Lands Two Eco-Friendly Vehicles on Wards 10 Best Engines List

The 2019 NEXO Fuel Cell and Kona Electric CUVs recognized for world-class powertrain technologies

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 13, 2018 – Hyundai earns two out of the ten coveted spots in the 2019 WardsAuto 10 Best Engine competition for the all-new 2019 NEXO FCEV and 2019 Kona Electric CUVs. The recognition highlights the compelling powertrains achieved through sophisticated fuel-efficient architecture and performance of the engines. This marks the tenth time Hyundai has earned a WardsAuto 10 Best Engine recognition since the awards’ annual inception in 1995.

      

2019 Hyundai NEXO FCV

2019 Kona Electric  

“It is a true honor to have two of our all-new eco-friendly engine applications receive this prestigious award as it underscores Hyundai’s momentum toward having the industry’s most diverse CUV powertrain lineup,” said John Juriga, director, Powertrains, Hyundai America Technical Center, Hyundai Motor Group. “The endless hours of research, evaluation and real-world analysis by our engineering community has effectively raised the bar for alternative fuel applications. We are very proud of what has been achieved in this highly competitive marketplace. We are committed to providing smart, alternative fuel solutions for car buyers, and look forward to continue growing our eco-vehicle portfolio.”

Hyundai Motor Company plans to introduce 18 models by 2025. NEXO leads Hyundai Motor’s plans in development of zero-emission vehicles. This new development plan also represents the next step for Hyundai Motor Group toward realizing a cleaner environment via advanced eco-friendly vehicles.

The NEXO is Hyundai’s flagship vehicle and improves upon the Tucson FCEV. The NEXO Blue model has an estimated driving range of 380 miles, 115 more than its predecessor. The NEXO Limited trim has an estimated range of 354 miles. NEXO Blue models have estimated MPGe of 65 city, 58 highway and 61 combined, while NEXO Limited models have an estimated MPGe of 59 city, 54 highway, and 57 combined.

According to Drew Winter, senior content director at WardsAuto, “The fuel-cell race is heating up and Hyundai’s fun-to-drive NEXO leads the pack with a range of up to 380 miles, fuel tank packaging that does not compromise legroom or cargo space and a component strategy that will enable Hyundai to scale up production volumes at lower cost in the future.”

In addition, the NEXO’s refueling time can be achieved in as little as five minutes, allowing a consumer lifestyle very similar to a comparable gasoline-powered SUV in terms of range and refueling speed. NEXO hydrogen storage uses three separate hydrogen tanks in the rear of the vehicle. These are configured to maximize overall interior volume, especially in the rear cargo area, increasing it by 5.8 cubic feet and allowing for a flatter load floor. With 161 peak horse-power (120 kW) and 291 lb.-ft. of torque, acceleration and power have also increased to improve NEXO overall performance.

Hyundai finds success with its all-new 2019 Kona Electric featuring a class-leading 258 miles of range. The new electric CUV offers youthful design, sporty driving character, leading safety technology and advanced infotainment features in an affordable, compact footprint along with anabundant suite of standard safety equipment. Additionally, the Kona’s Electric battery is coveredby Hyundai’s industry leading Lifetime Battery Warranty.

“The Hyundai Kona’s neck snapping power and torque make it a blast to drive, whether accelerating from a stoplight or passing on the expressway,” commented Drew Winter, WardsAuto. “And with 258 miles of EPA-estimated all-electric range, the Kona is the longest-range, non-Tesla battery-electric vehicle available in the U.S., making it attractive to those who want gasoline-engine-like range in a popular crossover body style.” He added, “The icing on the cake is its very affordable.”

The Kona Electric powertrain employs a high-efficiency 150 kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64 kWh     lithium-ion battery. The motor develops 291 lb.ft. of torque distributed to the front wheels. The powertrain inverter has a power density of 25.4 kVA per liter. The battery system is liquid cooled and operates at 356 volts. Battery pack energy density is 141.3 Wh/kg (greater than Chevy Bolt), with a total battery system weight under 1,000 lbs. In addition, Kona Electric EPA estimated MPGe is 132 city, 108 highway, and 120 combined.

This is the 25th year for WardsAuto 10 Best Engines, a competition created to recognize outstanding powertrain achievement, world-class technologies and those rare engines or electric propulsion systems that are so compelling that they help sell the vehicle. This year, 34 entries were competing for the prestigious recognition and were chosen from 2018 and 2019 model year vehicles. To be eligible, a new or significantly modified engine or propulsion system must be on sale in a production vehicle during the first quarter of 2019, with a base price capped at $64,000.

WardsAuto 10 Best Engines is the ultimate list that defines the industry’s outstanding powertrains. Since the list began in 1995, Hyundai has been honored ten times: the Tau V-8 was in 2009 (4.6-liter), 2010 (4.6-liter) and 2011 (5.0-liter); the Gamma I-4 in 2012; the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain in 2015; the Nu (2.0-liter plug-in Hybrid) in 2016; the          four-cylinder Turbocharged DOHC (1.4-liter); and the (3.3-liter) in 2018. The 2019 awards ceremony will take place at a banquet during the North American International Auto Show on January 16, 2019, in Detroit.

Hyundai Collaborates with Amazon for 12 Days of Deals Holiday Event with Giveaway of the All-New 2019 Santa Fe

• Hyundai Works with Amazon to Host Sweepstakes on Amazon.com for a Chance to               Win the 2019 Santa Fe between December 1 and December 13

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 7, 2018 – As an extension of Hyundai’s ongoing collaboration with Amazon, Hyundai is participating in a sweepstakes on Amazon.com giving customers a chance to win the all-new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe for Amazon’s 12 Days of Deals holiday event. Hyundai and the Santa Fe sweepstakes are featured on Amazon.com throughout the event and a new section has been added to Hyundai’s digital showroom landing page on Amazon.com promoting the sweepstakes.

“The holidays are a busy time for Amazon.com and we were able to leverage our ongoing relationship with them to give away a Santa Fe to one lucky Amazon shopper during the 12 Days of Deals event,” said Tim Maxwell, senior group manager, Digital Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “Santa Fe’s bold new look, large cabin and advanced safety and technology features help families spend more quality time together and will make the perfect vehicle for someone this holiday season.”

Visitors of Hyundai’s digital showroom within Amazon and/or those that add a product from the Automotive Store to their Wish List between December 1 and December 13 will automatically be entered for their chance to win a 2019 Santa Fe. The winner will be selected on December 18.

Earlier this year, Hyundai became the first car company to launch a digital showroom on Amazon.com to offer car buyers the ability to compare pricing and reviews, book test drives, check dealer inventories and other Shopper Assurance conveniences directly through Amazon Vehicles.

Hyundai Accent and Kona Both Named 2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Winners

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 4, 2018 – The Hyundai Accent and Hyundai Kona earned the 2019 Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buy Award for subcompact car and subcompact crossover. Over 150 entries were competing for the awards. The recognition signifies the finest balance of attributes and value in its class. For over 50 years, Consumer Guide Automotive has been one of the most respected, unbiased new- and used-car review companies in the U.S.

              

 

Best in Class Subcompact car, Hyundai Accent and Best in Class Subcompact crossover, Hyundai Kona

“The Best Buy recognition for Accent and Kona emphasizes our efforts in delivering outstanding value through eye-catching design, advanced technology and high quality vehicles,” said Scott Margason, Director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

The Best Buy Award trophy will be presented by Tom Appel, publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show early next year.

Consumer Guide evaluates numerous vehicles during the year to determine which ones prove their value and available features. Vehicles selected for the Automotive Awards offer a combination of features and options plus the dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable and reliable transportation choices.

Accent delivers outstanding value by making key features standard. Standard convenience features include steering wheel audio and speed cruise controls, Bluetooth and color touchscreen with rearview camera. To provide versatility, all Accents are equipped with 60/40 split folding rear seatback. A 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capability is available for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio and voice-controlled search capabilities.

The Hyundai Kona CUV offers exceptional value by offering safety and convenience features as standard. Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning are standard safety features. All Konas come standard with tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth and cruise controls, and a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capability. KONA is powered by a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder with an optional 1.6L Turbo GDI engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 195 lb. ft of torque. An electric version of the 2019 Kona has also been introduced and will arrive in California dealers later this year. Kona Electric boasts a standard 258-mile range.

Hyundai Continues Its Long-Standing Super Bowl Tradition with All-New In-Game Advertisement

• 60-Second Spot to Run in the First Quarter of Super Bowl LIII
• Advertising During the Big Game in 11 Out of the Past 12 Years

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 3, 2018 – On Super Bowl Sunday, Hyundai will continue entertaining fans on the biggest day in advertising with a new 60-second spot that will run in the first quarter of the game. Hyundai, the official car and SUV of the NFL, will also a run a 30-second pre-game commercial and will have Super Bowl experiential marketing activations in Atlanta.

“After more than a decade of Super Bowl experience and well-regarded creative executions, we are excited to return to the Big Game with fresh, new content that uses the successful formula we’ve refined over the years,” said Dean Evans, CMO, Hyundai Motor America. “The Super Bowl is America’s largest stage that allows us to entertain a massive audience while sharing our latest brand and product messages.”

Hyundai has a long and successful history in Super Bowl advertising, with 2019 marking the 11th time out of the past 12 years that Hyundai has advertised in the Big Game. According to Ace Metrix, Hyundai has ranked in the top 10 of Super Bowl commercials the last seven times it advertised during the game.

Last year, Hyundai featured its non-profit organization, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, in “Hope Detector.” In the emotional spot, football fans were identified by Hope Detectors that detected the hope that Hyundai owners provide through donations to pediatric cancer research with the purchase of every Hyundai vehicle during the past 20 years. The owners were surprised by real-life pediatric cancer survivors who thanked them for their contributions. The piece resulted in more than 26.7 million views across various platforms and finished as the No. 2 ranked automotive brand commercial on the USA TODAY Ad Meter. Hyundai also ran a pre-game spot, “Ref to the Rescue,” featuring its first-ever subcompact SUV, Kona.

In 2017, Hyundai’s “Operation Better,” a 90-second documentary that ran at the conclusion of the first overtime game in Super Bowl history, was an emotional reunion and tribute to the U.S. military. Hyundai shot, edited and produced the piece during the game and captured a surprise moment when overseas troops watching the game in custom-built, 360-degree immersive pods were reunited with their families who were at the stadium. Response to and engagement with the piece were overwhelmingly positive, as it was viewed more than 74 million times across various channels. It was also deemed the most effective ad in emotional and practical metrics by Adweek (based on Unruly’s EQ Score) and most attention getting by TVision Insights.

The year prior, Hyundai became the first automaker to win the USA TODAY Ad Meter, when its spot “First Date” beat more than 60 other Super Bowl 50 commercials. Hyundai’s impressive performance that year also included fifth- and sixth-place finishes for “Ryanville” and “The Chase,” respectively, giving Hyundai the top three automotive ads and making it the only advertiser to have three spots place in the top 10.

Hyundai’s Super Bowl advertising campaign is currently under development by its agency of record, INNOCEAN Worldwide, which was also responsible for Hyundai’s recent standout performances. The Super Bowl LIII will be played on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta and will be broadcast on CBS.

Hyundai is an official NFL sponsor and has relationships with six teams: Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers.