Hyundai looks ahead with biofuels and Sonata

6 March 2006

Hyundai looks ahead with biofuels and Sonata

Hyundai has promised to maintain its leadership role in biofuels, after winning the AA’s Environmental Award for its efforts.

In an impressive double whammy the fast-rising brand also took out the medium-large car award with its widely-praised Sonata sedan, at Friday’s AA Motoring Excellence Awards.

Presented with the Vodafone Environmental Award, Hyundai was lauded for real action in alternative fuels in New Zealand, strongly supporting the introduction of ethanol blend in petrol.

“We recognise the potential importance of biofuels to the nation and we have committed a great deal of time and resource to ensure our entire fleet of vehicles is ready to run on them,” commented the Managing Director of Hyundai Automotive NZ, Philip Eustace.

“Every Hyundai on sale in New Zealand right now is ready to accept up to 10 percent of alternative fuel in its mix … 10 percent ethanol in petrol and 10 percent biodiesel in diesel.

“That’s way above the government guideline which seems likely to be set at three to five percent,” he added.

“We are running most of our petrol fleet of media test vehicles on E10 (10 percent ethanol mix) and we are ready to use 10 percent biodiesel in the diesel vehicles when the fuel is readily available.

“These are the vehicles which motoring writers drive as road test cars for their reports to the motorists of New Zealand.”

Hyundai also ran a high-profile vehicle on E10 ethanol mix in the 2004 EnergyWise economy rally. The ethanol-powered Getz small car was driven by a number of celebrities including the Chief Executive of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Ms Heather Staley.

“We have several other activities underway and planned in alternative fuels and we will continue to prepare for their widespread introduction across New Zealand,” said Mr. Eustace.

“Hyundai owners will continue to be assured their vehicles are ready and waiting for ethanol and biodiesel.”

Meanwhile Mr. Eustace is making room in Hyundai’s trophy cabinet for the National Bank Medium-Large Car Award handed to the Sonata.

The much-admired model, introduced mid last year, has already been named 2005 NBR Business Car of the Year and was a finalist in the 2005 NZ Car of the Year awards. It has also picked up numerous international accolades.

This elegant midsize sedan, the fifth generation of South Korea’s most popular car, is a sleek, contemporary and confident upper-medium saloon.

“The Sonata, like all modern Hyundai models, is brimming with the latest technologies,” Mr. Eustace commented.

“It’s quick, it’s strong, it’s safe and it offers space none of its competitors can match.

“Four variants meet everyone’s needs and best of all the Sonata is great value for money.

“We are proud to put this Sonata into Hyundai dealerships and owners’ garages across New Zealand.” The AA’s Motoring Excellence Awards aim to identify and reward excellence amongst new vehicles and in areas of concern to motorists.

ENDS

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