Hyundai’s all-new Genesis flagship answers the $64k question – the only vehicle under $64k named in NADAguides.com “Top 5 Luxury Cars for 2009”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 12/08/2008 Hyundai’s new rear-wheel drive premium sports sedan, the Genesis, was named a “Top 5 Luxury Car for 2009” by NADAguides.com, the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information and a recognized authority for vehicle valuations. The list includes models from Jaguar, Bentley, Mercedes and Audi, all with base prices more than $32,000 above the Genesis’ starting MSRP of $33,000.

The Genesis placed fourth, behind the Audi A8 L (starting at $74,050), the Jaguar XF Supercharged ($64,475) and the Mercedes-Benz S Class 550 ($90,225). And Hyundai beat the Bentley Arnage, which had the highest sticker of all vehicles on the list, starting at $224,900 — nearly seven times the starting price of the Genesis.

“The recent economic crisis has actually created opportunities for carmakers such as Hyundai to create inroads with car buyers in market segments where Hyundai isn’t typically known,” said Jeff Glucker, road test editor, NADAguides.com. “They really hit a homerun with the 2009 Genesis, offering solid performance, luxury and technology features at a much better value than other vehicles in its class.”

The market analysts at NADAguides.com selected the “Top 5 Luxury Cars for 2009” based on a variety of factors, including styling, luxury amenities and overall handling.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by NADAguides.com market analysts as a true rival to luxury competitors in 2009,” said Michael Deitz, manager, Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “The Genesis was benchmarked against Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and other iconic luxury brands throughout the development process, so to be listed alongside them validates Hyundai’s overall success, especially because we didn’t have to sacrifice our long-standing tradition of offering extraordinary value.”

Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. It offers two powertrains, including a 3.8-liter V6 engine and Hyundai’s all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau produces 375 horsepower, leading all its competitors in specific output with 80 horsepower per liter while providing better fuel economy than competitive luxury make V6 models. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), and Lexicon® audio systems. Additionally, all Hyundai Genesis have standard iPod connectivity, electronic active head restraints, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

ABOUT NADAguides.com

NADA Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world’s largest publisher of vehicle pricing and information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company’s consumer website, NADAguides.com, offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. Throughout its 75-year history, NADA Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.