Hyundai tops Toyota and Honda on Premier Customer Satisfaction Survey

Hyundai Azera, Entourage and Santa Fe named best-in-segment in Strategic Vision 2007 Total Quality Index

Hyundai produced the most segment leaders of any automotive manufacturer, according to Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index(TM) (TQI), which measures total vehicle satisfaction among new car owners. Clinching the top spot in three distinct vehicle segments is a first for Hyundai.

The Strategic Vision results released today placed the Hyundai Azera sedan atop the large car segment, the Entourage (tied with the Kia Sedona and Nissan Quest) in the top spot for the minivan segment and the Santa Fe on top in the small sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment.

“Hyundai’s success in 2007 is not surprising given its current products and press, as well as its leadership team who is looking strategically to the future with new designs from styling to powertrain,” reports Dr. Darrel Edwards, founder and CEO of San Diego-based Strategic Vision.

The Hyundai Santa Fe beat out competitors such as the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Jeep Wrangler 4-door for the top spot. The Hyundai Entourage minivan, which tied for first with the Kia Sedona and Nissan Quest, beat out the Honda Odyssey for the top slot, a position held by the Odyssey for the last five years.

“In 2005, Strategic Vision predicted that Hyundai had the potential to match brand leaders Honda and Toyota,” said Steve Kelleher, President and C.E.O. of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “In two short years, we have not only matched those manufacturers, we have leapfrogged to the front of the pack. This top ranking is a testament to everything we want our vehicles to stand for, great design, quality, safety and outstanding value.”

The Total Quality Index is the measurement of new vehicle owner satisfaction. The Strategic Vision poll surveyed more than 27,000 vehicle buyers who bought 2007 models in September, October and November of 2006. Consumers were asked an array of questions about their ownership experience, including buying, owning and driving their new vehicles. The Index 2007 results were based on ratings of new vehicle owners in 19 product categories.

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., operating as Hyundai Auto Canada and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, is the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Canada. Hyundai automobiles, minivans, sport utility vehicles and approved accessories are sold and serviced through more than 168 authorized independent retailers nationwide.

For further information: Rob Marner, Director - Marketing and Public Relations, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Phone: (905) 948-6709, rmarner@hyundaicanada.com; Lindsay Mattick Davidson, Narrative Advocacy Media, Phone: (416) 644-4123, Lindsay.mattick@narrativeadvocacy.com

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