Hyundai Sonata premieres at Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris

Ruesselsheim (ots)

- cross-reference: photo is available at: http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?firmaid=51213&keygroup=bild

- New Sonata presented in Paris

- Coupe facelift now with ESP

- Launch of World Engine

- Getz 1.1-liter CRDi ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) concept

Hyundai Motor Company presented the three latest additions to its product line-up at the Paris Motor Show, today. By introducing products with a strong European appeal Hyundai aims at pushing its market position in Europe. Sales forecasts anticipate 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, the Sonata will be launched in Europe in February 2005. With its roomy and luxurious interior that is matched with powerful, yet cultivated performance, the all-new mid size sedan is designed to top 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 new Sonata will be the first vehicle to be powered by a new 161 PS gasoline 2.4-liter four-cylinder Theta-type engine, which was developed as the World Engine in cooperation with DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi. As a high-end option for the new Sonata, Hyundai also presented its next generation Lambda-type engine, a 233 PS gasoline 3.3-liter V-6 engine.

Coupe facelift with additional safety features

In its drive for improving vehicle quality and styling, Hyundai also partly redesigned the exterior of its Coupe. The most notable change for the 2005 Coupe is an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that will be optionally offered for all Hyundai models 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-liter CRDi turbo diesel for its European best-seller model Getz. Keeping in mind strong European demand for a small diesel engine in the small car segment, the concept of a 1.1-liter CRDi ULEV for the European market shows that Hyundai is serious about developing low-emission and low-consumption vehicle concepts.

Speaking at the 2004 Paris J D Power International Automotive Roundtable, yesterday, Mr. Werner H. Frey, Vice President Hyundai Motor Europe highlighted Hyundai's drive for localizing vehicle development: "As part of our global strategy, we are strongly committed to localizing vehicle design and production, especially in Europe. Our new products clearly show that European design and R & D are already vital to our improved model policy. In further expanding our market share in Europe, a European production will be the subsequent next step for Hyundai in Europe."