- First in its segment to achieve this milestone
- Introduces factory-fitted GPS-based Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) system
Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the largest exporter and the second largest car manufacturer in India, achieved another milestone by crossing the sales of 2.5 lakh units of its premium hatchback i20 for the domestic and overseas markets since its launch in December, 2008. The two new variants - Era & Sportz introduced in April this year have also received a phenomenal response.
Of the 2.5 lakh i20 cars sold, over 92,000 cars have been sold in the domestic market and approximately 168,000 units were exported to around 80 countries. To celebrate this success, HMIL has equipped the Asta variant of the i20 with the cutting edge GPS-based Audio Visual Navigation (AVN System). With this, the award-winning i20 (‘Viewers Choice Car of the Year’ award by CNBC TV18 Overdrive Awards 2010 & ‘Design of the Year’ award by the NDTV Profit Car & Bike Awards 2010) will set new benchmarks in making driving convenient and hassle-free.
Commenting on the occasion, H. W. Park, MD & CEO, HMIL, said, “The i20 in less than two years since its launch has become the most popular car in the premium hatchback segment with its stylish exteriors, premium features and offer of variants in petrol, diesel and automatic transmission options. As we celebrate the 2.5 lakh unit sales landmark I take this opportunity to thank our customers for choosing the i20. To value add further and make it even more attractive and convenient, we are now introducing the high-tech Audio Visual Navigation System.”
The new AVN system will ensure that reaching your destination becomes a hassle-free experience. It comes as an option with the Asta version (both petrol & diesel) with a 2 DIN system with 5 inch LCD display and a touch screen interface with satellite-based voice-guided navigation to enable one to easily chart travel routes within and across multiple cities.
It contains a wealth of details about locations, route options, the nearest Hyundai touch points and numerous other points of interest like restaurants, hotels, hospitals and malls. The SD memory card with pre-loaded navigation software enables users to save favourite routes and also guide different users driving to the same destination through the use of voice prompts which are available in more than a dozen languages including 8 Indian regional languages. Users can also select different route settings like shortest route, fastest route or the optimal route. Desired destinations can be set easily by entering the location names and exploring the map on touch screen, the system also allows users to record travel-related data for every journey. With such advanced features, losing your way will not be an option anymore!
The AVN system comes with complete in-car entertainment and connectivity features. It also doubles up as a video player which supports video playback from the iPod/USB drive. For greater safety and convenience, audio controls are provided on the steering wheel while a remote is provided for the convenience of the rear seat user. The in-built Bluetooth with an audio streaming function enables one to handle calls while driving besides playing music through the phone.
The option would be available only in the i20 Asta variants and with the AVN system would have the starting price at Rs. 630,439 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).
About HMIL
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea and is the largest passenger car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer in India. HMIL presently markets 7 models of passenger cars across segments. The A2 segment includes the Santro, i10 and the i20, the A3 segment includes the Accent and the Verna Transform, the A5 segment includes the Sonata Transform and the SUV segment includes the Santa Fe.
HMIL’s fully integrated state-of-the-art manufacturing plant near Chennai boasts of the most advanced production, quality and testing capabilities in the country. To cater to rising demand, HMIL commissioned its second plant in February 2008, which produces an additional 300,000 units per annum, raising HMIL’s total production capacity to 600,000 units per annum.
In continuation with its commitment to providing Indian customers with cutting-edge global technology, HMIL has set up a modern multi-million dollar research and development facility in the cyber city of Hyderabad. It aims to become a centre of excellence for automobile engineering and ensure quick turnaround time to changing consumer needs.
As HMC’s global export hub for compact cars, HMIL is the first automotive company in India to achieve the export of 10 lakh cars in just over a decade. HMIL currently exports cars to more than 110 countries across EU, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Asia and Australia. It has been the number one exporter of passenger car of the country for the sixth year in a row. To support its growth and expansion plans, HMIL currently has a 301 strong dealer network and 613 strong service points across India, which will see further expansion in 2010.
