Hyundai lauded for quality improvement

A decade ago, Hyundai was known as a bargain-priced vehicle with lackluster styling and mediocre quality. Today, however, Hyundais are still competitively priced; however, they are also nicely styled and of excellent quality. In addition, of particular importance for cities such as Los Angeles where fuel prices are well above the national average is Hyundai’s excellent fuel economy.

In recognition of Hyundai’s improved quality, Hyundai Motor America announced on June 8 that it had achieved the second highest level of improvement in ALG's semi-annual Perceived Quality Study (PQS). For more than 45 years, ALG has focused on automotive residual values. The automotive rater noted that, over the past five years, Hyundai quality had increased 25%. In order to gauge consumer perceptions of mainstream and luxury brands. LG conducted a survey more than 3,500 Americans. “Improving perception is like turning a ship, and Hyundai is one of the few brands to make significant progress during the past five years,” noted Eric Lyman, vice president, Residual Value Solutions, ALG. He added, “Hyundai’s improved product and marketing are helping consumers understand Hyundai’s increased value in the marketplace.”

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Hyundai attributes much of its success to the continued positive reception of the 2012 Accent Elantra, and Sonata models, as well as the all-new Azera. Since their respective launches, all four models have attracted significant consumer interest and positive reception. The compact Elantra was recognized as the 2012 North American Car of the Year and was also the recipient of ALG’s 2012 Residual Value Award. In addition, the nicely-styled fuel sipper was awarded one of the 10 Best Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book. The compact Accent and the Azera were rated among Ward’s 10 Best interiors. The Azera fits between the mid-sized Sonata and large luxury Genesis sedan in both price and features. On May 31, Hyundai’s most popular brand, the Sonata sedan and the Genesis both received “Top Scoring Car Awards,” from the automotive rater Total Car Score. Both 2012 vehicles received top scores in their respective categories. The Sonata was honored in the midsize sedan/wagon segment and Genesis was rated tops in the luxury sedan/wagon category. Furthermore, the Sonata was the second highest scoring vehicle overall among the 35 awarded vehicles, second only to the ultra-luxury Lexus LS.

Los Angeles road warriors in need of a new set of wheels should definitely venture into their neighborhood Hyundai showroom. Last March, the EPA released its report entitled "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2011." From model year (MY) 2009 through 2011, Hyundai took the top spot for both fuel economy and CO2 emissions of all automobile manufacturers in the United States.

Last month, a number of Hyundai brands were recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). : Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, Equus, Tucson, and Santa Fe. Vehicles chosen for this award are those that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes.

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