Intellichoice and AutoPacific automotive experts recognize Tucson for owner satisfaction and overall value

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 08/19/2009 Intellichoice and AutoPacific honored Hyundai Tucson with a 2009 Motorist Choice Award in the Compact Crossover SUV category for its top scores in ownership satisfaction and overall value. The Motorist Choice Awards recognize new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction, helping new car buyers find vehicles that best satisfy all of their personal transportation needs.

“Automakers have long known that car buyers are looking for outstanding value, and want to be proud of the car they drive,” said James Bell, publisher and editor of IntelliChoice.com. “With the Hyundai Tucson being awarded a Motorist Choice Award, it proves to be a purchase that owners will be pleased with both financially and behind the wheel.”

The fourth annual Motorist Choice Awards were co-developed by AutoPacific, known for its owner satisfaction rankings, and IntelliChoice.com, the online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, to recognize the vehicles that delivered both the highest customer satisfaction and the lowest cost of ownership. One-hundred and ninety six cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs were scored this year to determine the winners.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by both Intellichoice.com and AutoPacific in the 2009 Motorist Choice Awards,” said Brandon Ramirez, product manager, Hyundai Motor America. “With safety and technology features rivaling more expensive vehicles in the small SUV segment, Tucson is a smart option for car buyers seeking value, quality and reliability in their next car purchase.”

For 2009, sound engineering refinements have been made to improve Tucson’s EPA fuel economy values. Additional exterior and interior changes include all-new 16-inch alloy wheels, a more distinctive chrome grille, new tailgate trim and new GLS seat fabric. The Tucson SE 4WD received standard heated front seats and a windshield wiper de-icer. Tucson also has standard XM Satellite Radio™ and iPod®/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks.

INTELLICHOICE.COM AND SOURCE INTERLINK COMPANIES, INC.

IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC., is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com web site (www.intellichoice.com), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide. Source Interlink Media LLC is a subsidiary of Source Interlink Companies, Inc., a recognized provider of targeted media and marketing services, a leading U.S. distributor of home entertainment products and services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences.

AUTOPACIFIC

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm, founded in 1986, also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area. Additional information can be found on AutoPacific’s websites: AutoPacific.com and news.vehiclevoice.com

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 780 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.