HYUNDAI HCD-14 GENESIS CONCEPT NAMED 2013 CONCEPT CAR OF THE YEAR

Hyundai received the 2013 “Concept Car of the Year” award for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept. The vehicle was also awarded the “Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year” title for scoring the highest among the category winning concepts. HCD-14 debuted Hyundai’s design direction for future premium vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year.

The twelfth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. This marks the second time Hyundai has received an award, having been named “Production Preview Concept Vehicle of the Year” in 2008 for the Genesis Coupe.

According to juror Bob Kroupa, one of the Principals of the Automotive Writers Group, “Hyundai’s HCD-14 introduces future premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls and spirited driving dynamics. Its rear hinged back doors and fastback coupe design, add to the WOW factor.”

The “Concept Car” category recognizes those vehicles intended for carrying passengers. HCD-14 beat out competitors in this category including the Honda EV-STER and Toyota Corolla Furia. The Hyundai concept was recognized for its state-of-the-art features and enhanced driver experience. HCD-14 Genesis reveals the technological future of Hyundai’s premium line-up with driver eye-tracking and hand-gesture recognition, thumb controls or gesture recognition used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and smartphone connectivity functions.

“Hyundai’s California Design Center has been turning out some impressive work, and I think the HCD-14 is one of their best,” said Chris Poole, juror and Editor-at-Large for Chicago-based Consumer Guide Auto. “The ultra-clean coupe-like styling has both flair and presence, and I like the grille; it reminds me of certain early Ferraris. The interior is wild, but I applaud the lack of a center stack—provided Hyundai has figured out new controls that are at least as user-friendly. If the next production Genesis is anything like this stunner, I say, bring it on!”

More than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a total of 23 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this season’s auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and New York.

“It’s exciting to see the overwhelming positive response and feedback we have received for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design, North American Design Center. “HCD-14 Genesis provides a glimpse of Hyundai’s future and showcases the emphasis we are placing on driving dynamics and technology. Winning the ‘Concept Car of the Year’ validates our design intuition as we take our premium line-up to the next level of sophistication in styling and technological prowess.”

HYUNDAI NAMED BEST OF THE BEST BY U.S. VETERANS MAGAZINE

COSTA MESA, Calif., Aug. 22, 2013 – U.S. Veterans Magazine ranked Hyundai Motor America among the nation’s top veteran-friendly companies. The results were announced via their 2013 Best of the Best Lists, which evaluates employment, business and supplier opportunities for returning U.S. veterans. Hyundai Motor America was the only automotive manufacturer to receive this honor.

In addition to being a company that provides employment opportunity for veterans, Hyundai also offers the best automotive rebate program in the industry. Hyundai’s Military Rebate Program provides anyone who has served a single day in any branch of the U.S. Military, including Reserve and National Guard forces, with a $500 rebate towards the purchase or lease of a new Hyundai vehicle. The program similarly applies to spouses of military personnel.

Last year, Hyundai Motor America paid more than $24 million in rebates to U.S. military and family members, making Hyundai one of the most veteran-friendly car companies in America. This year, U.S. military personnel and veterans account for a remarkable 1 in 10 Hyundai vehicle sales.

“The goal of our annual evaluation is not only to bring information and guidance to our readers, but also to encourage active outreach and diversity policies among corporations and government agencies,” said Mona Lisa Faris, president and publisher, U.S. Veterans Magazine. “Hyundai Motor America offers veterans the opportunity to quickly and easily transition into civilian life by providing engaging and valuable career opportunities.”

The 2013 Best of the Best Lists were compiled from a multitude of sources including market research, independent research, diversity conference participation and survey responses. More than 250 companies and institutions participated in this year’s evaluation, resulting in lists of the nation’s top veteran-friendly companies, top supplier diversity programs, top Veteran Business Owners (VBOs) and Disabled Veteran Business Owners (DVBOs), top government and law enforcement agencies and top veteran-friendly schools.

“Providing valuable employment opportunities to returning veterans remains one of our most mutually-beneficial hiring strategies,” said Erwin Raphael, director, Engineering & Quality, Hyundai Motor America. “Veterans possess the character, discipline and personal drive that we look for in our employees. Making it a priority to provide veterans with valuable careers and rebates on new vehicles is an opportunity for us to give back to those who have dedicated their lives to our country.”

- Courtesy of Hyundai