31 May 2006
Immediate release
Hyundai Grandeur gains recognition in US
The Hyundai Grandeur has begun gathering accolades only months after its release around the world.
American automotive group AutoPacific has compiled an owner satisfaction rating that places the Hyundai Grandeur, known
as the Azera in the US, at the top of the list for Best Large Passenger Cars. The company also took away the top
satisfaction award for its mid-size sport utility the Santa Fe.
Hyundai was in esteemed company for the award with Lexus winning the overall brand category in the satisfaction survey.
The organisations Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) assigns values to the satisfaction ratings of owners it has surveyed
in 44 areas related to their ownership experience.
This recognition follows closely after the Grandeur received the top crash rating result from the United States’
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Through frontal impact testing the ability of a car to withstand
collision is ranked from “poor” through to “good.”
Research from the IIHS has shown drivers of vehicles receiving good ratings in this test are 46 percent less likely to
die in frontal crashes compared to those in “poor” rated vehicles. The Grandeur received an overall “good” rating. The
institute has rated over 200 vehicles since the tests first started over 10 years ago.
Philip Eustace, Managing Director for Hyundai New Zealand said the award and positive crash rating reflect Hyundai’s
on-going commitment to build quality, design and crash research.
“We can see the Grandeur duplicating much of the recognition the outstanding Sonata received when released last year.
Both models represent the evolution of Hyundai into a serious contender on the world stage, setting standards in all
areas of automotive design, safety and construction.”
Mr Eustace said passive safety features built into the Grandeur such as an electronic stability programme ensure the car
is capable of keeping drivers out of trouble in the first place.
When the worst does happen, the car has an abundance of safety features, including eight airbags, dual front passenger
seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, and active head restraints that help minimise harm on impact.
“The recognition in the United States for owner satisfaction and safety is a reflection of the effort that has gone into
making the Grandeur a true large luxury car,” said Mr Eustace.
ENDS