Hyundai Motor Group Develops World First Active Shift Control for Hybrids to Enhance Fuel Economy and Joy of Driving

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•  The in-house developed, world-first technology improves gear-shift efficiency for hybrid vehicles and is now set for mass production
•    Active Shift Control reduces gear-shift times by 30%, adds to driving fun, and improves fuel economy 

SEOUL, July 18, 2019 – Hyundai Motor Group has developed the world’s first Active Shift Control (ASC) transmission technology. The innovation optimizes transmission efficiency by monitoring gear shifts 500 times per second, precisely adjusting the transmission rotation speed to for faster shift times. The new technology will premiere in the upcoming Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and eventually benefit other upcoming Hyundai and Kia hybrids.

ASC applies new control logic software to the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU), which then controls the electric motor to align the rotational speeds of the engine and transmission to reduce gear shift time by 30%. The technology also delivers smoother gear changes despite quicker shift times.

“The development of world’s first ASC technology is a remarkable innovation which incorporates precise motor control to automatic transmission,” said KyoungJoon Chang, Vice President and Head of Powertrain Control System Group of Hyundai Motor Group, “It will not only save fuel but also provide a more fun driving experience for our customers.”

Innovation: Independently Developed Control Logic Software Applied to the Electric Motor

Conventional hybrid vehicles do not have torque converters in order to further improve fuel economy as torque converters lose energy during the process of transmission. Although fuel efficient, such a system also requires longer shift times to ensure smoother gear changes.

ASC technology allows the hybrid’s electric motor to also take control of gear shifts by applying new software logic to the Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) to mitigate issues with slower shift time. The HCU monitors the rotational speed of transmission with a sensor installed inside the electric motor at 500 times per second to quickly synchronize the rotational speed with that of engine.

With the synchronization, shift time is reduced by 30% from 500ms to 350ms. This not only improves hybrid vehicle’s acceleration performance and fuel economy, but also durability of the transmission by minimizing friction during gear shift.

The 2019 Hyundai Tucson Upgrades to a TOP SAFETY PICK+ Rating from IIHS

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 24, 2019 – In one of the industry’s most stringent crash tests, the 2019 Hyundai Tucson has been upgraded from a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK to a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award applies to Tucsons equipped with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and LED headlights built after March 2018.

Hyundai has 11 vehicles that have received the TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards when equipped with optional front crash prevention and specific headlights. The other 2019 Hyundai models that have achieved these honors from the IIHS are Accent, Elantra (built after September 2018), Elantra GT, Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid (built after July 2018), Kona, Santa Fe, Santa Fe XL, Sonata and Veloster (built after August 2018).

According to IIHS, models that earn TOP SAFETY PICK+ are the best vehicle choices for safety within their size categories. The 2019 criteria required:

•   Good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests
•   Advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention
•   Good headlight rating

“We take safety very seriously at Hyundai. We are proud to hear that Tucson received an upgraded accolade from IIHS,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai continues to prioritize making advanced safety features available and standard.”

The new standard Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies (listed below) on the Tucson add additional protection for drivers and passengers. For example, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist utilizes radar to help detect another vehicle and warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system may apply emergency braking. Other standard safety features include High Beam Assist, Rain-sensing wipers, Surround View Monitor, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go.

Hyundai SmartSense Safety Technologies: Now standard on all trim levels

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keep Assist
• Driver Attention Warning

Hyundai Finishes as the Second-Highest Non-Premium Brand in J.D. Powers' 2019 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)

• Two Years in a Row Hyundai Ranks as the Second-Highest Non-Premium Brand
• Retains Third Overall Position Among All Brands
• Hyundai Owners Report Three Fewer Problems per 100 Vehicles than in 2018
• Santa Fe Is the Top-Ranked Midsize SUV in Initial Quality

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 19, 2019 – New-vehicle quality across the entire Hyundai lineup resulted in the company being ranked as the second-highest non-premium brand in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) for the second consecutive year. Hyundai owners reported three fewer problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) than in 2018 as Hyundai also maintained its third overall ranking with a significant 12 PP100 fewer than the fourth place brand.

In the model segments, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe received the midsize SUV award and was one of only three vehicles to win one of the 21 segments in its launch year. Hyundai’s entire lineup performed well with Tucson, Elantra, Accent and Veloster all finishing second in their respective segments, while Kona and Sonata each were third.

As a brand, Hyundai ranked first in two of the eight categories with the fewest reported ACEN (Audio, Communication, Entertainment, and Navigation) and seat problems. J.D. Power also classifies problems as either design or defect/malfunction and Hyundai finished with the lowest number of design related problems among non-premium brands.

“Hyundai owners and new car shoppers can have peace of mind in knowing that our new vehicle quality continues to be among the best in the industry,” said Barry Ratzlaff, vice president, Customer Satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America. “Our performance in the highly respected IQS study and our overall commitment to quality are a testament to the entire company’s dedication, including design, engineering, manufacturing, service, field teams and our dealer partners, to deliver the highest quality vehicles to our customers. We are proud to maintain our quality leadership and will not relent in our pursuit to constantly improve the quality of our vehicles.”

Hyundai’s strong showing in J.D. Power’s IQS follows its fifth place non-premium ranking in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), demonstrating its quality leadership over time. Santa Fe was also ranked highest in its class in the J.D. Power 2019 VDS.

J.D. Power measures initial quality by the number of problems owners experience per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality. Hyundai had 71 PP100, outpacing the industry average of 93 PP100.

In its 33rd year, the 2019 U.S. IQS is based on responses from 76,256 purchasers and lessees of new 2019 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 233-question battery organized into eight vehicle categories designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded from February through May 2019 with rankable data compiled on 32 brands, 191 models and 142 assembly lines. For more information on the 2019 U.S. IQS, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2019-initial-quality-study-iqs.

Hyundai Kona Wins Best-In-Class Subcompact SUV from New England Motor Press Association

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•   Marks Second Year in a Row that Kona has won a Winter Vehicle Award from the New England Motor Press Association
•   Kona is also the 2019 North American Utility of the Year®

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 12, 2019 – The Hyundai Kona was awarded Best-in-Class Subcompact SUV by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). This marks the second year in a row that Kona has been recognized by NEMPA in its Winter Vehicle Awards.

 

 

“Kona continues to rack up awards as a testament to its product excellence,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Kona sets the benchmark for its segment, with a 1.6L Turbo combining outstanding efficiency and robust power along with cutting-edge connectivity and class-leading available safety features.”

NEMPA members evaluated numerous vehicles during the winter months to determine which prove their ability and agility in some of the toughest driving conditions and in one of the most densely populated and geographically-distinct regions in America. Vehicles selected for the Winter Vehicle Awards offer a combination of winter-specific features and options plus the dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable, and competent all-weather driving. The Kona was specifically called out for its confident handling and winter-friendly amenities by NEMPA members.

Kona continues to be recognized for all-around excellence by the industry. In 2019, Kona has been named North American Utility of the Year®, a Car and Driver 10Best Truck and SUV, Crossover of the Year by Texas Motor Press Association and Best Subcompact SUV for the Money by U.S. News & World Report.

Four Hyundai Vehicles Earn Performance Awards From Automotive Science Group

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• Kona, Ioniq Plug-In, Ioniq Hybrid, and Santa Fe Named Top Performance Picks

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., June 7, 2019 – The 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in, Ioniq Hybrid, Santa Fe, and Kona all earned Performance Awards in their respective categories from Automotive Science Group (ASG). These awards come after an annual study done by Automotive Science Group that reviews a vehicle’s social, environmental, and economic performance.

According to Automotive Science Group, the following Hyundai models received awards in their respective classes.

The Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in took the full-size car segment by storm and received ASG’s Best All-Around Performance and Best Environmental Performance awards in class. The Ioniq Plug-in has the smallest carbon footprint in its class and of all 1,640 car, crossover, and SUV variants assessed in the study. The Ioniq Plug-in also landed a spot in the rankings of 434 large cars across classes, earning the Best 5 All-Around Performance honor. Best 5 models are distinguished among an elite group of five vehicles to achieve the highest combined social, environmental, and economic performance ratings.

The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid also earned a spot in ASG’s Best 5 All-Around Performance awards. In addition, the Ioniq Hybrid continued to prevail in value and earned the Best Economic Performance award in class. The Ioniq Hybrid holds claim to the lowest cost of ownership when considering purchase and operating costs across the first 6.5 years.

The Hyundai Santa Fe was named a Best 5 All-Around Performance Award winner in its class, and rose to the top in an SUV segment that included 406 model variants.

The Hyundai Kona received Best Economic Performance of any model year 2019 mini crossover for the second consecutive year. ASG found the Kona to cost 27 percent less than its competitors in the first 6.5 years of its life-cycle as compared to the average vehicle in the mini-crossover segment for 2019.

“The recognition by Automotive Science Group, one of the most trusted data-driven names in the automotive industry, is a testament to Hyundai’s focus on quality and excellence in social, environmental, and economic performance,” said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “These four performance awards demonstrate Hyundai’s commitment to making vehicles that meet the unique needs of customers and deliver exceptional efficiency, quality, value, and technology.”

ASG’s all-around performance analysis is a comprehensive data-driven assessment, analyzing economic, environmental, and social performance indicators across a vehicle’s life-cycle, and in relative comparison to all vehicles assessed in ASG’s 2019 study. ASG uses its proprietary Automotive Performance Index™, which is a combination of conventional specifications, along with environmental, economic, and social performance indicators.

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster Receives a TOP SAFETY PICK Award from the IIHS

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•    Hyundai Has Earned a Total of 11 TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards, the Most in the Industry

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 31, 2019 – In one of the industry’s most demanding vehicle crash tests, the redesigned 2019 Hyundai Veloster received a TOP SAFETY PICK award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK award applies to Velosters equipped with premium LED headlights built after August 2018.

With all 11 vehicles, Hyundai leads the industry with the most number of TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards. The other 2019 Hyundai models which have achieved these honors from the IIHS are: Accent, Elantra, Elantra GT, Ioniq Hybrid, Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid, Kona, Santa Fe, Santa Fe XL, Sonata and Tucson.

The Veloster earned high ratings for both its standard and optional front crash prevention systems, both of which avoided collisions in IIHS track tests at 12 mph and 25 mph.

According to IIHS, models that earn TOP SAFETY PICK honors are the best vehicle choices for safety within their size categories. This award presented to the 2019 Veloster totals 11 Hyundai models that are rated TOP SAFETY PICK+ or TOP SAFETY PICK, the highest in the industry.

To qualify as a 2019 TOP SAFETY PICK, the vehicle must have good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. An acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test, an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention and an acceptable or good headlight rating are also necessary for a TOP SAFETY PICK.

“Safety is a top priority for Hyundai and its engineering team, and we are proud to hear that Veloster now joins the list of Hyundai models that have achieved this recognition from the IIHS,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Veloster is a prime example of a sleek and exhilarating vehicle to sit behind the wheel of, while still offering the advanced safety features available across our Hyundai lineup.”

The Veloster also earned an acceptable rating for the LED headlights that come standard on the Turbo, Turbo Ultimate and Turbo R-Spec trims of vehicles built after August 2018. 

Numerous advanced standard safety features are available on the Veloster, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously in some circumstances. Three additional systems also utilize the front-view camera to boost safety and convenience: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA) for the available LED headlights, and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).

All Velosters feature six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The Veloster braking package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

Hyundai Motor Introduces Electric Double-Decker Bus

•   Operation of the 70-passenger electric bus improves traffic congestion and environment protection
•   384kWh high-efficiency battery enables driving distance of 300 km with 72-minute full charging time
•    The bus will be equipped with various passenger-friendly features including added accessibility for the disabled

SEOUL, May 28, 2019 – Hyundai Motor today unveiled an electric double-decker bus which is a first of its kind for Hyundai, and is part of the company’s effort to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

The all-new electric double-decker bus is shown at the ‘Land, Infrastructure and Transport Technology Fair’ held in Korea, co-hosted by Hyundai and the national Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, lasting from May 29 to 31.

To develop the company’s first electric double-decker bus, Hyundai worked for 18 months on a project supported by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, which began in 2017.

The bus allows up to 70 passengers – 11 seats on the first floor and 59 seats on the second floor – 1.5 times as many passengers as compared to that of a regular bus. Through the implementation of two fixed-in-space wheelchairs, an automatic sliding ramp and low floor design, the double-decker bus secures added accessibility for disabled and mobility impaired passengers.

As part of the company’s effort to increase efficiency and to reduce vehicle emissions, Hyundai equipped the all-new bus with a 384 kWh water-cooled high-efficiency polymer battery, with a maximum 300 km driving range on a single charge. A full charge can be completed in 72 minutes.

The large electric double-decker bus is 12,990 mm long and 3,995 mm high. It runs on an independent suspension system in the first driving axle for a more comfortable ride, and a 240kW wheel motor axle combined with a motor in the second axle that minimizes loss of electricity. A rear-wheel steering system works in coherence with the steering system of the first axle, optimizing steering performance.

"The double-decker electric bus is an environmentally friendly vehicle optimized for global eco-friendly trends," said ByoungWoo Hwang, Head of Commercial Vehicle Advanced Engineering team at Hyundai Motor. "This will not only ultimately improve the air quality, but also contribute greatly to easing commuting hour traffic congestion by accommodating more passengers."

Various advanced safety features are also equipped on the bus to ensure the safety of the passengers:

•   Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) helps identify the driver's intended driving direction and maintain the vehicle in control.
•    Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously.
•    Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps prevent accidental lane departure by sensing road markings.

Hyundai Presents the Third Annual National Salute to America's Heroes Memorial Day Weekend Celebration in Miami Beach

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•   Third Year in a Row Hyundai Title Sponsors the Event in South Florida that Includes the World-Class Hyundai Air & Sea Show
•    Peter Berg to Produce a One-Hour TV Special with Footage from the Event that Airs Nationally May 26 on USA Network
•    Hyundai Doubles its Military Incentive to $1,000 on all Hyundai Vehicles through June 3
•   U.S. Veterans Magazine Names Hyundai One of the Nation’s Best of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly Companies

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 23, 2019 – The National Salute to America’s Heroes presented by Hyundai returns to Miami Beach this Memorial Day weekend on May 25-26, 2019. Now in its third year, the patriotic two-day event is designed to pay tribute and honor military and first responders. The event combines the Hyundai Air & Sea Show with the Music Explosion presented by Hyundai and countless interactive displays creating a family-friendly experience for everyone.

New this year, a one-hour television show executive produced by Peter Berg, Gold Star Tribute: A National Salute to America’s Heroes, airs nationally on the USA Network on Sunday, May 26, 2019 with powerful footage from the Hyundai Air & Sea Show intertwined with heroic stories, bringing the message of remembrance and sacrifice to a national audience.

“We’ve been part of the National Salute to America’s Heroes since its debut in 2017 because it’s very close to our hearts at Hyundai to honor our military and first responders for their service,” said Dean Evans, CMO, Hyundai Motor America. “We are grateful for the partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces and together our mission is to make this event the largest national celebration of Memorial Day in the country. Bringing on Peter Berg to tell the heroic stories of our country’s service members is an important and significant enhancement this year. This partnership continues Hyundai’s long-term commitment to recognize the sacrifices our service men and women make to defend our country.” 

“It is thanks to the support of Hyundai that we are able to create an event that honors and pays its respects to the men and women of our military and first responders,” said Mickey Markoff, president and executive producer, National Salute to America’s Heroes. “There is no better time than Memorial Day weekend to pay tribute to our military, first responders, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedom.”

National Salute to America’s Heroes Event DetailsThe National Salute to America’s Heroes is anchored by the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, The Greatest Show Above the Earth™. The air show is headlined by the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and is a showcase for the men, women, technology and equipment from all five branches of the U.S. military, police, firefighter and first responder agencies. The Memorial Day weekend event also includes the Music Explosion presented by Hyundai on the sands of South Beach on the evening of May 26 with performances including Young Musicians Unite, the U.S. Army’s As You Were band, the U.S. Air Force’s Max Impact band, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, Andre Archat, LV The Artist and culminating with international pop sensation Flo Rida.

Experiential activations are centered at Lummus Park, spanning more than four city blocks on Ocean Drive and will include the Hyundai Hangar, a patriotically inspired consumer lounge honoring the military and first responders. The Hyundai Hangar, located between 12th and 13th Street, will feature a collaborative chalkboard memorial wall for messages to family and friends who have served and other interactive activities and themed giveaways. Hyundai will also have several other activations communicating its built in the U.S. story and vehicle displays throughout the area, including specially-wrapped Hyundai Konas honoring each branch of the U.S. Armed Services, the all-new Palisade SUV, all-new 2020 Sonata, the Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs and the performance Veloster N.

The National Salute to America’s Heroes presented by Hyundai debuted in 2017 along the shores of Miami Beach to a daily crowd of more than 100,000 spectators. The 2019 nationally recognized event is expected to be even more exciting, with a larger spectator viewing area and a free-to-the-public Display Village, Action Zone and Kids Zone, all located between 11th and 14th Streets along Ocean Drive, which will include interactive displays from military service branches and corporate partners.

Special beach-access tickets for the Hyundai Air & Sea Show and the Music Explosion presented by Hyundai can be obtained at local Hyundai dealerships in South Florida. 

USA Network TV SpecialThe highly anticipated one-hour television show, Gold Star Tribute: A National Salute to America’s Heroes, airs nationally on the USA Network on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. (all time zones), capturing the best moments from the weekend in Miami Beach. Executive produced by the popular actor, writer, producer and director Peter Berg and produced by Film 45, will feature real-life military stories of sacrifice, courage and honor, offering viewers a cathartic remembrance and raw celebration that cannot be found anywhere else. The show will also highlight military demonstrations from the Hyundai Air & Sea Show.

This collaboration continues Hyundai’s partnership with Peter Berg, Film 45 and the U.S. military, who together executed the acclaimed 2017 Super Bowl commercial Operation Better. During the game that year, Hyundai surprised U.S. troops with a virtual reunion with their loved ones and captured it in a 90-second film that aired at the end of the game. The spot was viewed more than 72 million times across various platforms and was deemed the most effective ad in emotional and practical metrics by Adweek (based on Unruly’s EQ Score), among other honors.

Hyundai Doubles its Military IncentiveAs part of its broader commitment to honor military and first responders, Hyundai is doubling its military incentive on all its vehicles for U.S. service men and women. Any active, retired or discharged military personnel and any active first responders and their spouses can receive $1,000 toward the purchase of any new Hyundai vehicle through June 3, 2019. For additional details, please visit Hyundai Military Program and Hyundai First Responders Program.

Hyundai also shows its support for the U.S. Military through a dedicated internal employee resource group called Stars and Stripes. In addition, Hyundai’s Veteran Employment Transition program recruits military veterans for Hyundai dealership parts and service positions. The success of these programs has led to Hyundai being named one of the nation’s Best of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly Companies by U.S. Veterans Magazine in 2019, the sixth time in the last seven years Hyundai earned this honor. 

National Salute to America’s HeroesThe National Salute to America’s Heroes presented by Hyundai is a nationwide two-day celebration held on Miami Beach, Florida, featuring the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, Music Explosion presented by Hyundai, and 365 Salute initiative. Held Memorial Day weekend, the National Salute to America’s Heroes presented by Hyundai focuses on honoring and paying tribute to the military and first responders who protect the freedoms of all Americans. For more information, please visit www.USAsalute.com.