Hyundai New Zealand steps up support for Hayden Paddon

Hyundai New Zealand steps up support for Hayden Paddon

Hyundai New Zealand is excited to announce that it has confirmed a three-year agreement with Kiwi motorsport star Hayden Paddon as Paddon and co-driver John Kennard prepare to commence their biggest season in the World Rally Championship.

Paddon and Kennard, from Geraldine and Blenheim respectively, form New Zealand’s most successful rally driver and co-driver pairing. Having confirmed a three-year contract with Hyundai Motorsport toward the end of the 2015 season, Paddon and Kennard return to the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship, which starts in Monte Carlo on 22 January, for a full 14-rally season in a Hyundai i20 WRC car.

Hyundai New Zealand and their nationwide dealer network have backed Paddon since his original signing with Hyundai Motorsport in 2014. The commitment to a three-year partnership makes perfect sense, says Hyundai New Zealand’s General Manager Andy Sinclair.

“As a 100 per cent Kiwi-owned Company, the decision to extend our support of a New Zealand sportsperson of Hayden’s calibre was easy,” says Sinclair.

“Along with our nationwide dealer network, customers and motorsport fans around New Zealand and the world, we have watched Hayden develop and grow an incredible amount over the past two years.”

“The Hyundai dealer network across New Zealand makes a significant financial commitment to our partnership with Hayden and to help keep Hayden doing what Hayden does best. We know Hayden values the support of our dealer network as much as we do.

“Together we’re very proud to support Hayden’s WRC campaign and look forward to seeing Hayden and John continue their rise to the top of world rallying. With an expanded WRC season of 14 rounds, they have their best opportunity yet to demonstrate their talents behind a wheel of a Hyundai i20 WRC car.

“There’s no doubt our vision and motivation is matched by Hayden and John’s ambition to be the best. We know they will take every chance to build on the success of last year’s first-ever podium finish. Hayden is, and will continue to be, a fine ambassador for the Hyundai brand in New Zealand.”

Paddon comments: “This is our third year working together with Hyundai New Zealand and their dealer network across New Zealand. They form a huge part of our WRC campaign as John and I continue to strive towards our ultimate goal of being world champions.”

“To represent such a supportive New Zealand organisation and a brand I am very passionate about is an honour. Working with Hyundai New Zealand is hugely enjoyable – we’re always keen to encourage more Kiwis to buy a Hyundai!”

Paddon adds: “We also have some other exciting New Zealand-based projects with Hyundai New Zealand on the horizon and look forward to sharing more about these soon.”

ENDS

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