Hyundai Names Teens for Second Hyundai Investigative Team

CHICAGO, Feb. 3 -- In an attempt to better understand the needs and wants of young consumers, Hyundai Motor America has named a second Hyundai Investigative Team (HIT). The 2004 team is comprised of young women (ages 16-19) and will take place at the Chicago International Auto Show on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004.

The HIT program was piloted in 2003, when six panelists from the Gen Y demographic toured the floor of the Chicago Auto Show and provided honest input on new production and concept vehicles. The 2004 HIT program will be similar to the 2003 event and will focus on the needs and wants of young female consumers.

This year Hyundai selected young women from several candidates who were recommended by Chicago-area high school teachers and university professors. The 2004 HIT panel includes:

  -- Alma Barragan, 16, student at Farragut High School
  -- Alehandra Cantellano, 16, student at Farragut High School
  -- Diana Contalto, 17, student at Dundee Crown High School
  -- Carmen Rodriguez, 17, student at Farragut High School
  -- Brittany Sassi, 17, student at Dundee Crown High School

As members of HIT, the young women will tour the show floor and attend targeted new product reveals, while providing honest feedback on their likes and dislikes of the vehicles on display. Panelists will be asked to document their impressions and participate in a taped interview at the conclusion of the program. This feedback will be shared with Hyundai's marketing and product development departments and combined with other focus group results.

"We are extremely excited about bringing this unique consumer program back to the Chicago Auto Show for the second year," said Curt McAllister, Midwestern public relations representative for Hyundai Motor America and HIT program director. "Women influence the purchases of 85 percent of the vehicles sold in the United States. We hope to learn a little bit more about what exactly these young women are looking for in an automobile."

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 600 dealers nationwide.