Hyundai Receives The 2008 ‘Technology Of The Year’ Award

At the recent AMI New Zealand Autocar 2008 Car of the Year awards, Hyundai New Zealand was awarded the Technology of the Year award.

The prominent award largely acknowledged and applauded Hyundai’s huge safety step by implementing an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) across its entire vehicle range, a first for a mainstream manufacturer.

“There were plenty of new technologies released this year, but most had an emphasis on in-car entertainment or convenience. With this bold marketing step, Hyundai have set an example that we hope the rest of the New Zealand motor industry will follow. Stability control systems are proven life-savers on the road, but they need to be made more accessible to consumers to have an effect” exclaimed Paul Owen, Editor, NZ Autocar magazine.

ESP is proven in an accident to reduce the chances of a fatality by 43 percent and reduces the chance of a vehicle rolling over in a sharp turn by 77 percent.

The ESP system achieves this by comparing the driver’s intention with the momentary vehicle behavior and controls the Antilock Braking (ABS) and Traction Control Systems (TCS) accordingly, to initiate the appropriate corrective action by selectively braking individual wheels and controlling engine power. This stabilises the vehicle and keeps it on track.

“This is another area where Hyundai’s massive commitment to R&D, together with a genuine passion for safety, are of direct benefit to New Zealand vehicle owners … and to other road users,” explained the Executive Director of Hyundai Motors NZ, Philip Eustace.

“It is very rewarding and pleasing to receive such an award, especially in recognition of a step which is of direct benefit to New Zealanders and incurs no extra cost to the end user.”

• Currently Hyundai in New Zealand is the sixth largest selling passenger vehicle manufacturer and has numerous new locations among its 23 dealerships. The brand has been imported into New Zealand by the Giltrap Group for the past 25 years.
• Worldwide Hyundai was the sixth largest automaker in 2006, selling in 193 countries and employing over 70,000 people. Forty years old, Hyundai has targeted customer satisfaction as its 2007 keynote, part of the brand's overall aim to become global quality leader.
• For further information about Hyundai vehicles in New Zealand, including high resolution images and an archive of press releases, log onto the dedicated Hyundai Media website at www.hyundai.co.nz/media
• For the international media news room, where you can download press releases, high-resolution photos, as well as preview and request broadcast-standard video which will be delivered digitally or by tape, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/HyundaiMotor . Registration and video is free to accredited media.

ENDS