Hyundai Motor India launches Sonata Diesel

New Delhi, January 12, 2007: Hyundai Motor India Ltd., India's fastest growing auto manufacturer and largest exporter, launched the diesel version of Sonata Embera, the luxury sedan from the Hyundai stable, in New Delhi today. The newly launched car combines contemporary elegance, luxurious interiors and high-end safety features with a quieter and powerful Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) diesel engine which uses a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) to boost power further.

After the grand success of Verna, the launch of Sonata Embera Diesel validates Hyundai's technology edge in the diesel revolution, especially with the company bringing in the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and CRDi technology to India.

Commenting on the launch of the Sonata CRDi, HMIL Managing Director Mr. H.S Lheem said: "We are proud to launch Sonata Embera Diesel for the Indian market. The fuel efficiency and power of the petrol version of the Sonata is well known, its design features, stylish looks and luxurious interiors are very popular with our customers; the new model boasts all this and more." He went on to add: "It has been a great 2006 for us and with the launch today we embark on a great 2007 for Hyundai. We believe, CRDi technology will revolutionize the Indian auto industry and as the technology leader, Hyundai is determined to bring the diesel revolution to India by making this new technology available locally at affordable prices."

The new Sonata Embera Diesel is a performance driven 2- Litre, four cylinder, Common Rail Direct Injection turbo charged engine with VGT, which produces an impressive 142 PS@4000 rpm as peak power and ensures quick response and robust acceleration. With a maximum torque of 33kgm@2000-2680 rpm, the car has excellent pick-up and performance. The newly designed light-weight engine block has helped achieve better fuel efficiency levels and performance. And this engine is mated to a super slick six-speed manual transmission which makes driving a pleasure. A ground clearance of 170 mm makes it perfect for Indian roads.

The exterior styling of the Sonata Embera Diesel is classy and contemporary with a combination of flowing lines and a robust design. The elegant, well proportioned design of the existing Sonata has been retained with an attractive front end with jeweled projector headlights. The sporty twin exhausts and large 16-inch alloy wheels add to the overall appeal of the car.

The perception of elegance is reinforced in the Sonata Diesel's plush, two-tone interiors done in beige and grey. Superbly designed seats, tilt and telescopic steering, a dash of wood finish on the front panel and a whole lot of utility features provide the interiors a perfect blend of luxury and comfort.

The Sonata Embera Diesel is in line with the world's best in safety features as it comes loaded with several active and passive safety systems like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), dual front airbags and seat belts with pre-tensioner.

The Sonata diesel will be available in two brand new colours, which takes the choice up to a total of 6 colours.

About HMIL

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea and is the second largest and the fastest growing car manufacturer in India. HMIL presently markets 16 variants of passenger cars in six segments. The Santro in the B segment, Getz in the B+ segment, the Accent and Verna in the C segment, the Elantra in the D segment, the Sonata Embera in the E segment and the Tucson in the SUV segment.

Hyundai Motor India, continuing its tradition of being the fastest growing passenger car manufacturer, registered total sales of 299,513 vehicles in calendar year (CY) 2006, an increase of 18.5 percent over CY 2005. In the domestic market it clocked a growth of 19.1 percent a compared to 2005, with 186,174 units, while overseas sales grew by 17.4 percent, with exports of 113,339 units.

HMIL's fully integrated state-of-the-art manufacturing plant near Chennai boasts some of the most advanced production, quality and testing capabilities in the country. In continuation of its investment in providing the Indian customer global technology, HMIL is setting up its second plant, which will produce an additional 300,000 units per annum, raising HMIL's total production capacity to 600,000 per annum by the end of year 2007.

HMIL is investing to expand capacity in line with its positioning as HMC's global export hub for compact cars. Apart from expansion of production capacity, HMIL plans to expand its dealer network, which will be increased from 183 to 250 this year. And with the company's greater focus on the quality of its after-sales service, HMIL's service network will be expanded to around 1,000 in 2007.

The year 2006 has been a significant year for Hyundai Motor India. It achieved a significant milestone by rolling out the fastest 300,000th export car. Hyundai exports to over 65 countries globally; even as it plans to continue its thrust in existing export markets, it is gearing up to step up its foray into new markets. The year just ended also saw Hyundai Motor India attain other milestones such as the launch of the Verna and yet another path-breaking record in its young journey by rolling out the fastest 10,00,000th car.

The Hyundai Verna has bagged some of the most prestigious awards starting with the Overdrive 'Car Of the Year 2007', CNBC-TV18 Autocar 'Best Value For Money Car 2007' and 'Performance Car of the Year 2007' from Business Standard Motoring.

Last Year Sonata Embera won the 'Executive Car of The Year 2006' award from Business Standard Motoring Magazine and NDTV Profit Car & Bike declared the Tucson as the 'SUV of The Year 2006'. HMIL has also been awarded the benchmark ISO 14001 certification for its sustainable environment management practices.