Hyundai Training Academy Reopens at an All New Enhanced Facility in Mutiara Damansara

Aside from launching the all-new Hyundai Tucson with the Hyundai distributor in Malaysia, Hyundai Sime Darby Motor, Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) itself officiated the grand opening of its new Hyundai Training Academy (HTA) in Mutiara Damansara earlier today. 

This new facility measures 17,965 sq ft.  The facility is optimally designed to simulate in-dealer situations through its practical training environment and also includes online training equipment such as remote vehicle diagnosis tool and video conference system for remote training. Four experienced local training professionals certified by Hyundai Motor Company Headquarters will manage training operations at this new training academy on a regular basis.

The Asia Pacific Hyundai Training Academy is Hyundai Motor’s second training academy that is fully equipped with Hyundai’s newest dealership space identity standards, following the first establishment in Dubai. The Asia Pacific Hyundai Training Academy provides trainees with an environment to experience Hyundai’s Modern Premium brand values.

It is good to hear that Malaysia seems to be on HMC's map when it comes to getting the latest corporate training methods. Maybe it is the commitment Hyundai Sime Darby Motors have shown within the last few years. I personally think that they are doing a swell job. Sales and brand awareness of the Hyundai brand seems to be better than what it was a decade ago. And let's not forget to mention the fact that Hyundai cars launched in recent years are quite good indeed. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hyundai Training Academy Reopens at an All New Enhanced Facility

(L to R) Mr. Lau Yit Mun (刘一文) - Managing Director of HSDM, Mr Park Sang-Min (朴商敏) - Head of Asia & Pacific Regional Headquarters, Hyundai Motor Company, Mr Dennis Ho (何国文) - Managing Director of Sime Darby Motors, Malaysia, Thailand and Taiwan

PETALING JAYA, 12 November 2015 –The Asia & Pacific Regional Headquarters of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) officiated the grand opening of its new Hyundai Training Academy (HTA) in Mutiara Damansara today, after relocating to a new enhanced facility with the aim of ensuring customers receive the highest service standards.

“The opening of the new training facility represents a long-term commitment by Hyundai to our customers to ensure they receive the best possible service. From the first contact with our customers at our showrooms and throughout the ownership experience, customer satisfaction is our primary focus,” said Mr Park Sang-Min, Head of Asia & Pacific Regional Headquarters, HMC.

The HTA is an integral part of education and training program that is equipped for both sales consultants and service advisors by encompassing a variety of training modules such as sales, service, warranty and parts operations. Here technicians too are assessed and encouraged to enhance their skills through the provided recognition programs and to hone their skills as a specialist. The HTA will also be dedicated in providing enhanced training for all Asia Pacific Hyundai Distributors trainers in 33 countries in the region. With the new training academy up and running, customers can expect greater satisfaction in Hyundai’s service quality as all these measures are taken to ensure that a modern premium service is delivered to all Hyundai customers.

Measuring 17,965 sq ft, the facility is optimally designed to simulate in-dealer situations through its practical training environment and also includes online training equipment such as remote vehicle diagnosis tool and video conference system for remote training. Four experienced local training professionals certified by Hyundai Motor Company Headquarters will manage training operations at this new training academy on a regular basis.

The Asia Pacific Hyundai Training Academy is Hyundai Motor’s second training academy that is fully equipped with Hyundai’s newest dealership space identity standards, following the first establishment in Dubai. The Asia Pacific Hyundai Training Academy provides trainees with an environment to experience Hyundai’s Modern Premium brand values.

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Hyundai Motor is the 39th biggest brand in the WORLD

Hyundai is currently the fourth largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. Hyundai operates the world's largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan, South Korea, which has an annual production capacity of 1.6 million units. The company employs about 75,000 people worldwide. Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 6,000 dealerships and showrooms. The company first started in 1967 as an assembler. It is now the 39th biggest brand in the world and the 7th biggest automobile brand in the world according to Interbrand.

 It built and designed its first car in 1975. In the 1980s it first started exporting cars to North America. In the 1990s Hyundai set up a plant in India and it is now its center for small car production. It is the 7th most notable car brand according to Interbrand and is worth USD$11.3Billion.

Makes you wonder how they've done so well in about 47 years (with a self designed car coming at least a decade later) compared to say a brand with 32years old. Maybe its time to look east again, but further north this time.

PRESS RELEASE
Hyundai Motor Reputation Once Again Acknowledged By Interbrand

October 5, 2015 – Hyundai Motor is the world’s 39th biggest brand according to new results just published by global brand specialists Interbrand. Recording an 8.5% growth in brand value since last year to $11.3bn, the Korean company is also the automotive industry’s seventh largest brand. Over the past decade Hyundai Motor has grown its value by more than $7bn, rising 36 places to sit among some of the biggest names on the planet.

Embarking on an intensive period of change, fuelled by inventive and emotional brand marketing, Hyundai Motor has boosted significantly its brand awareness with customers. Creating an enhanced profile across the areas of culture, sport, corporate social responsibility and through its new, high quality products, Hyundai Motor has advanced its caring outlook to connect with customers around the world.

Acknowledging the achievement, Mike Rocha, Global Brand Valuation Director, Interbrand said, “Despite a hyper-competitive environment, Hyundai has managed to enhance its global presence through a remarkable refinement of its products and brand spaces. Hyundai Motor's continuous commitment to providing an extraordinary customer experience at every opportunity is helping to position the global carmaker as a truly differentiated brand in many markets across the globe.”

Won Hong Cho, Chief Marketing Officer, Hyundai Motor said, “In 2015, our Modern Premium brand direction has become more visible, and even more exciting initiatives are soon to follow. Looking into the future, we see ourselves playing a central role in redefining mobility and shaping it with humanity at heart. To get there, we pledge to become a truly caring company, not just one people like for the cars it makes, but one that is beloved for what it stands for.”

Focusing on ultimate customer satisfaction through a caring approach, Hyundai Motor has recently digitalised its sales process and is exploring new ways to interact with customers to become a valued partner in their lives. Its design-driven, premium quality vehicles reflect the brand’s Modern Premium direction, while a new Global Dealer Space Identity ensures the brand experience is maximised at every stage in the customer journey.

Hyundai Motor rankings over past decade (Interbrand):
Year / Overall ranking / Brand value ($bn)
2015 39 11.3
2014 40 10.4
2013 43 9.0
2012 53 7.5
2011 61 6.0
2010 65 5.0
2009 69 4.6
2008 72 4.8
2007 72 4.5
2006 75 4.1

2015 automotive top 10
Year / Company / Brand value ($bn)
1 Toyota 49.0
2 BMW 37.2
3 Mercedes-Benz 36.7
4 Honda 22.9
5 VW 12.5
6 Ford 11.5
7 Hyundai 11.3
8 Audi 10.3
9 Nissan 9.0
10 Porsche 8.0

Interbrand’s rankings are calculated using companies’ financial balance sheets combined with marketing activities, while also reflecting each brand’s potential profit.

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Hyundai Tucson and Sonata Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards

In one of the American automotive industry’s most rigorous tests of vehicle safety, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and 2016 Hyundai Sonata earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This is the first time Tucson, which received a significant redesign for the 2016 model year, has received the highest honor from IIHS.

We currently get the Hyundai Sonata 2.0 and that is a mighty fine car to drive. It has been winning awards over in America and there is no doubt that it is a good D segment car for most of us to own. As for the all-new Tucson, I actually can't wait for it to reach Malaysian shores. The overall styling of the new Tucson apes its larger sibling, the Santa Fe. That is a well proportioned SUV. So this slightly smaller SUV now gets the same styling cues which I like. I dig those muscular wheel arches. If this new third generation Hyundai Tucson drives as well as the current crop of Hyundais sold here, then it will be something to look forward to.

PRESS RELEASE

Hyundai Tucson and Sonata Earn

IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Awards

-Hyundai Tucson and Sonata earned the Insurance Institute for Highway    Safety’s (IIHS) 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+

-First time Tucson receiving the highest honor from IIHS

October 1, 2015 - In one of the industry’s most rigorous tests of vehicle safety, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson and 2016 Sonata earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award. This is the first time Tucson, which received a significant redesign for the 2016 model year, has received the highest honor from IIHS.

IIHS rates vehicles for occupant protection based on performance in five tests: moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. Winners of the 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award must earn good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap front test. Vehicles also need an available front crash prevention system with an advanced or superior rating.

"Hyundai's redesign of the Tucson earns the 2016 model our top rating in the small overlap front test, and the Sonata retains its acceptable rating," said David Zuby, IIHS chief research officer. "Both vehicles have an available front crash prevention system that earns a superior rating in the IIHS autobrake test, a key criteria to qualify for a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award."

“Hyundai’s commitment to occupant safety is paramount throughout our entire lineup,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We strive to develop technologies that assist in avoiding crashes all together, like forward collision warning, lane departure warning and emergency brake assist, and are pleased the Tucson and Sonata have received these awards related to occupant protection when collisions do occur.”

Multiple advanced safety technology options are available on the 2016 Tucson, including AEB with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Backup Warning Sensors and a standard rearview camera. In addition, advanced high-strength steel represents over 50 percent of the new Tucson’s structure, for enhanced crash safety. The vehicle also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts drivers if one or more tires are under-inflated, including the tire’s location.

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Sonata lineup includes Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System, seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with indicators for each tire. Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Smart Cruise Control with spot/start capability, Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) are available as options.

-Ends-

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Service your Hyundai and will an all-expense paid vacation to watch the WRC in Spain!

In conjunction with its current service promotion, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is organising a contest that will allow three lucky customers to win an all-expense-paid trip to Spain to witness firsthand how the Hyundai i20 performs at the upcoming World Rally Championship (WRC) in Tarragona, Spain. 

Hyundai customers only need to send their cars to any Hyundai authorised service centres for their regular service maintenance from the 1st July to 15th August 2015 and spend a minimum of RM500 to be eligible to participate in a lucky draw contest that will win them a package to watch the WRC in Spain. The WRC which will be held in Spain from the 22nd to 25th October 2015 will be a thrilling race with WRC cars put to the tests on both gravel and asphalt tracks in the hills of Tarragona. 

NEWS RELEASE 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AN ALL-EXPENSE-PAID TRIP TO THE WRC IN SPAIN
FOR LUCKY HYUNDAI CUSTOMERS 

SHAH ALAM, 7 July 2015 – Win an all-expense-paid trip to Spain and be among three lucky Hyundai customers to witness firsthand how the Hyundai i20 performs at the upcoming World Rally Championship (WRC) in Tarragona, Spain.

It is as simple as it sounds. Hyundai customers only need to send their cars to any Hyundai authorised service centres for their regular service maintenance from the 1st July to 15th August 2015 and spend a minimum of RM500 to be eligible to participate in a lucky draw contest that will win them a package to watch the WRC in Spain. The WRC which will be held in Spain from the 22nd to 25th October 2015 will be a thrilling race with WRC cars put to the tests on both gravel and asphalt tracks in the hills of Tarragona.

Themed ‘Service your way to Spain!’ this service campaign offers more than just an opportunity to win a trip. Every customer who sends the car in for servicing during the campaign period will be given a 20% discount on selected Hyundai Genuine Parts, a 10% discount on labour charges, free 20-point inspection and also a limited edition Hyundai umbrella with a total of RM250 spent on a single receipt (while stocks last).

According to Mr Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the Hyundai Motorsport Team has established itself as a genuine contender in the tough WRC environment since its debut last season.

“This year the Hyundai Motorsport Team will carve another important milestone by adding the fourth Hyundai i20 WRC into the race. The i20 WRC which is the culmination of Hyundai’s latest high performance technology has performed very well in tough terrains and we would like to give our customers an opportunity to witness its performance live,” said Mr Lau.

Customers who would like more information on this service promotion, can head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.

About Hyundai Motorsport GmbH
Established on 19 December 2012, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH is responsible for Hyundai’s global motorsport activities and primarily for its World Rally Championship programme.  Based in Alzenau on the outskirts of Frankfurt in Germany, the company embarked on its debut season in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2014 with a bespoke team of skilled staff and a brand new car, the Hyundai i20 WRC. The team made a strong impression in its first year claiming podium results in Mexico and Poland, as well as a memorable 1-2 in Germany with Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo. 2015 is Hyundai Motorsport’s second season in WRC and the team aims to build on the firm foundations laid in its maiden year of competition.

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Limited Edition Hyundai Elantra FL 1.6 Sport launched

Hyundai Sime Darby has decided to come up with a 999 unit limited run 1.6 Sport Edition of the recently facelifted Hyundai Elantra for Malaysia. They've taken the base Elantra FL 1.6 Elegance and added some make-up - a full bodykit, twin tail pipes, stickers and an upgraded infotainment system with a 6.2inch screen inside (instead of the normal audio system). It will be available in two colours - Creamy White and Phantom Black that would also come with the sticker/decal design that incorporates a barcode and a serial number that runs from 001 to 999 representing each model. 

The Hyundai Elantra FL 1.6 Sport will cost RM91,928 (without insurance) and is still a very good purchase. The base Elantra FL 1.6 Elegance comes in at RM85,928.47. An even more affordable purchase. Remember folks, you get a proper C Segment car at around RM90,000. You get a more comfortable, more refined, more powerful car at the price of the smaller B segment cars you see on the roads today. 

Anyway, we have actually just tested the Hyundai Elantra 1.6 Elegance and found it to be totally spot on in terms of providing a proper car at this price. Bang for your Ringgit you might say. Stay tuned for a review on it sometime soon.

PRESS RELEASE

LIMITED EDITION SPORTY ELANTRA FACELIFT LAUNCHED 
Priced Below RM100,000, this C-Segment Sport Edition Elantra FL Offers Great Value 

SHAH ALAM, 3 July 2015 – If you think the current design of the Elantra is too exquisite for your taste, check out the Sport Edition of the Elantra Facelift. Limited to only 999 units nationwide, Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) is positive that the response will be favourable for its newly launched edition of the C-segment Elantra Facelift.

With an attractive price of only RM91,928* (on-the-road without insurance), customers are offered a full sport body kit which includes the front and rear bumpers as well as the side skirts; Twin Tail Pipes; a limited edition sticker to go with the sporty outlook of the car; and a 6.2-inch Audio Visual In Car Entertainment that has Audio, DVD and Bluetooth functions (with an option to add-on a reverse camera for only RM300). The Sport Edition, which is only available in Creamy White and Phantom Black, is visually appealing with a limited edition car decal design that incorporates a barcode and serial number that runs from 001 to 999.

According to Mr Lau Yit Mun, Managing Director of HSDM, the company has received numerous requests from customers to include a sport variant in its Elantra product lineup. “The Elantra is our best-selling model as most of our customers are attracted to the

Elegant design of the car, its functionality and its performance. However, we do have another group of younger car buyers who do like the features that the Elantra offers but would prefer a sportier look, which is the reason why we are launching the Sport Edition. So we hope with the launch of this new sport variant, we will be able to attract the younger generation of motorists who appreciates a modern sporty design,” said Mr Lau.

The Sport Edition of the Elantra facelift comes with the Gamma 1.6-litre MPI D-CVVT powerplant that is mated to a six-speed transmission, which delivers impressively more horsepower while consuming less fuel. Its drag coefficient (cd) of just 0.28 reduces wind resistance and contributes to better fuel economy.

The Elantra also features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants such as the Ultra-high Tensile Strength body, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and HAC (Hill-Start Assist Control) – applicable across all variants.

With the addition of the Sport Edition, the Facelifted Elantra is now available in five variants:
Elantra FL 1.6 Elegance – RM85, 928.47*
Elantra FL 1.6 Sport - RM91, 928.00*  
Elantra FL 1.6 Executive –RM96, 820.57*
Elantra FL 1.6 Premium – RM101, 554.66*
Elantra FL 1.8 Premium – RM115, 616.20*

*On-the-road price indicated excludes insurance and applicable to Peninsular Malaysia only.

In conjunction with the Hari Raya celebration, HSDM is introducing the ‘Glittering Raya’ promotion that offers customers up to **six Limited Edition ‘Sonata 30th Anniversary’ Gold Coins with purchase of any Hyundai models. The gold coins are made up of 999.9 pure gold and weighs 8g each.  The first 200 customers who purchase the Elantra Sport Edition will be offered either two limited edition gold coins or cash rebate of up to RM3,500.

HSDM offers a 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty on all its new passenger vehicles. A 24-hour road assist service is also now available to new and existing Hyundai vehicles.  For more information or to place bookings, interested parties can head to the nearest sales outlet or call Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.

**Terms and conditions apply

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