Hyundai Investigative Team to Focus on Senior Citizens

CHICAGO, Jan. 25, 2005 -- In an attempt to better understand the needs and desires of older consumers, Hyundai Motor America has assembled its third Hyundai Investigative Team (HIT). The 2005 team is comprised of eight mature adults (ages 60-78) who will tour the Chicago International Auto Show on Thursday, Feb. 10.

The HIT program was piloted in 2003, when six panelists from the Gen Y demographic (ages 18-25) toured the floor of the Chicago auto show and provided honest input on new production and concept vehicles. The 2004 panel was comprised of eight teenage girls (ages 16-19).

This year, Hyundai selected eight men and women from several candidates who were recommended by the Chicago-area Association for the Advancement of Retired People (AARP). The 2005 HIT panel includes:

  *  Norman Bell, 72, Toledo, Ohio
  *  Nathaniel Blackman, 75, Chicago, Ill.
  *  Ruth Foley, 60, Oak Park Ill.
  *  Ann Kotter, 64, Bourbonnais, Ill.
  *  Jack Kotter, 64, Bourbonnais, Ill.
  *  Carolyn Reynolds, 76, Springfield, Ill.
  *  Jack Reynolds, 78, Springfield, Ill.
  *  Robert Willey, 76, Arlington Heights, Ill.

As members of HIT, the panelists will tour the show floor and attend targeted new product reveals, while providing 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 be combined with other focus group results.

"By 2011, the Baby Boom generation will begin to turn 65, according to U.S. Census Bureau projections," said Curt McAllister, Midwestern public relations representative for Hyundai Motor America and HIT program director. "Hyundai wants to know what today's seniors want in their vehicles to plan for future products that might appeal to this growing demographic."

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 650 dealers nationwide.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Media is welcome to speak to panelists throughout the day. To request an interview please call Sarah Kessler, Office: +1-248-362-4200 ext. 242; Cellular: +1-248-506-5199