Hyundai Sonata premieres at Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris

RÜSSELSHEIM, 23. 09. 2004 (PROTEXT/(ots) -

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- New Sonata presented in Paris - Coupe facelift now with ESP- Launch of World Engine - Getz 1.1-liter CRDi ultra-low emissionvehicle (ULEV) concept

Hyundai Motor Company presented the three latest additions toits product line-up at the Paris Motor Show, today. Byintroducing products with a strong European appeal Hyundai aimsat pushing its market position in Europe. Sales forecastsanticipate a no 2 position among all importers in Europe by 2006.

New Sonata mid size sedan

Offering a glance at its features and values in Paris, theSonata will be launched in Europe in February 2005. With itsroomy and luxurious interior that is matched with powerful, yetcultivated performance, the all-new mid size sedan is designed totop the noted success of its predecessor in terms of technology,reliability and appeal.

New engine line-up

Premiering in the Sonata is a series of new engines. The newSonata will be the first vehicle to be powered by a new 161 PSgasoline 2.4-liter four-cylinder Theta-type engine, which wasdeveloped as the World Engine in cooperation with DaimlerChryslerand Mitsubishi. As a high-end option for the new Sonata, Hyundaialso presented its next generation Lambda-type engine, a 233 PSgasoline 3.3-liter V-6 engine.

Coupe facelift with additional safety features In its drive for improving vehicle quality and styling, Hyundaialso partly redesigned the exterior of its Coupe. The mostnotable change for the 2005 Coupe is an Electronic StabilityProgram (ESP) that will be optionally offered for all Hyundaimodels in future.

Getz 1.1-liter CRDi concept

As a result of its primary commitment to developing eco-friendly vehicles, Hyundai presented the concept of a 1.1-literCRDi turbo diesel for its European best-seller model Getz.Keeping in mind strong European demand for a small diesel enginein the small car segment, the concept of a 1.1-liter CRDi ULEVfor the European market shows that Hyundai is serious aboutdeveloping low-emission and low-consumption vehicle concepts.

Speaking at the 2004 Paris J D Power International AutomotiveRoundtable, yesterday, Mr. Werner H. Frey, Vice President HyundaiMotor Europe highlighted Hyundai's drive for localizing vehicledevelopment: "As part of our global strategy, we are stronglycommitted to localizing vehicle design and production, especiallyin Europe. Our new products clearly show that European design andR & D are already vital to our improved model policy. In furtherexpanding our market share in Europe, a European production willbe the subsequent next step for Hyundai in Europe."

For further information contact: Ralf C. Kaiser EuropeanCommunications Hyundai Motor Europe GmbH Tel: +49 6142 7 89 9361 rckaiser@hyundai-europe.com

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