Hyundai unveils trio of models

11 October 2006
Immediate release

Hyundai unveils trio of models

Kiwi motorists will only have to wait a few more months to see first hand three new models from Hyundai displayed at the Paris Motor Show last week.

All three models capture the company’s aims to continue to grow market share across the vehicle spectrum.

The Hyundai Coupe, badged as the Tiburon here in New Zealand, builds on the success of the previous model with a face-lifted design that emphasises its sporty intentions.

The Korean car maker poses an ever greater threat to established European luxury brands. The Grandeur launched earlier this year sees the threat closing in with the release of the 2.2 litre diesel model at the show. Top line competitors in its sites include Volvo, Audi and Peugeot’s 607. The diesel model offers top line competition in the competitive and popular diesel sector.

Badged the Azera in North America, the Grandeur has already earned accolades in the US, including being named best large car in the world by J.D. Power in their annual J.D. Power and Associates Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study. The large car also received the top “good” ranking in 2006 crash testing by the United States Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The diesel version unveiled at Paris is powered by a 2.2 litre common rail direct injection diesel engine capable of delivering 110kW of power and 335 Nm of torque. The Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) powered motor complies with stringent EURO IV emission standards.

Hyundai New Zealand Managing Director Philip Eustace says New Zealand can expect to see both the Grandeur and Tiburon here either late this year or early next.

“The Grandeur has achieved an excellent level of market penetration on its launch, and we expect the diesel will cement that, particularly when the traditional large car brands lack any fuel efficient diesel offerings.”

In order to compete with the volume models offered by European manufacturers Hyundai has also unveiled its brand new FD platform, the Arnejs. This vehicle is designed in Europe, with European styling and driving dynamics. With the launch anticipated for late spring 2007, the Arnejs is expected to increase Hyundai’s global market share in the volume sector of the European vehicle market.

The Arnejs, to be sold in New Zealand under the Elantra ‘Euro’ nameplate, is expected to be on sale here in the second half of 2007.

“This is a very reassuring show for us, rarely does a manufacturer show case such a variety of models, and it is good to see Hyundai are covering the spectrum of the vehicle market with these offerings,” says Philip Eustace. “The cars look great and will be well accepted by New Zealand consumers.”

ENDS

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