Hyundai Applauds NHTSA Call for Standard ESC

Life-Saving Electronic Stability Control Technology Already Standard on 73 Percent of Hyundai Sales Volume

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 18 -- Hyundai Motor America, a strong advocate for standardizing the most effective safety technologies, praises the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its proposed Electronic Stability Control (ESC) mandate. Hyundai's commitment to this technology is unsurpassed among non-luxury manufacturers, with 73 percent of Hyundai sales volume now featuring standard ESC. Hyundai boasts a higher percentage of standard ESC installation than Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota or Honda.

Accelerating the industry's adoption rate of Electronic Stability Control, five Hyundai models now come with ESC as standard equipment. The 2005 Tucson SUV became the first Hyundai model to feature ESC as standard equipment upon its launch in fall 2004. It was also the first vehicle under $20,000 with standard ESC and six airbags. The completely redesigned 2006 Sonata mid-size sedan was the first mid-size sedan under $20,000 with standard ESC and six airbags when it launched in spring 2005. The premium Azera large sedan debuted in fall 2005 with standard ESC and eight standard airbags. This year, Hyundai's first-ever minivan, Entourage, debuted with ESC, six standard air bags, and a Gold Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety -- the highest safety rating ever awarded a minivan. Hyundai's all-new 2007 Santa Fe mid-size crossover debuted in June with standard ESC and six airbags, while Hyundai's upcoming Veracruz crossover will feature the same compliment of standard safety equipment upon its launch in 2007.

Hyundai launched a new initiative in June to inform consumers of the important life-saving technology. All Hyundai vehicles equipped with standard ESC are tagged with a small window decal reading "ESC: Life-saving technology confirmed by NHTSA and IIHS studies." This effort is intended to help raise awareness for ESC, while underlining Hyundai's dedication to providing this sophisticated technology as standard equipment on the majority of its models.

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 throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 725 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.