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| August 31 |
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Hyundai's All-New Sonata Launched in Korea |
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(Seoul, Korea) Sonata's reign as Korea's best-selling car was ensured today when
Hyundai Motor Co. rolled out the all-new replacement.
Three years and ten months in the making, the new mid-size car was
developed under the NF project codename and has been thoroughly
redesigned inside and out. Power comes from the all-new Theta engine which is being made
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available in 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter displacements. Equipped with Variable Valve Timing on
the intake ports, a vibration- and noise-reducing balance shaft and a weightsaving all-aluminum
cylinder block and head, the Theta engine delivers more power and consumes less fuel
than its predecessor.
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"The new Sonata raises the bar in every measurable category and will reinforce our message
that Hyundai is the new quality leader," said Kim Dong-Jin, vice chairman and ceo.
The new Sonata goes on sale in the Korean market Sept. 1st will have its international
unveiling at the Paris Motor Show on Sept. 23. In January 2005, it will be introduced in the United
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States at Detroit's North American International Auto Show and in the spring of
2005, the car will go into production at the company's new plant in Montgomery Alabama.
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Domestic buyers are offered three trim levels N20, F24 and F24S. Equipped with a
five-speed manual gearbox, the entry-level N20 retails for 16,250,000 won.
For top-of-the-line buyers, Hyundai offers the F24S which retails for just over
25 million won and comes with the 2.4-liter Theta engine, 17-inch alloy wheels,
leather upholstered seats and door trim, VDC, sunroof, DVD navigation system.
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To unify and standardize branding, the car will sell in Korea and around the world under the Sonata badge. Its predecessor retailed in Korea under the EF Sonata badge.
Hyundai aims to sell 300,000 Sonatas globally next year: 100,000 in the domestic market and 200,000 overseas. This year's domestic sales target has been set at 40,000 units. |
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Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai
Automotive Group which includes Kia Motors Corp. and over two dozen
auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Employing nearly 50,000 people worldwide,
Hyundai Motor posted US$21.94 billion in sales in 2002. Hyundai motor vehicles are
sold in 166 countries through 4,504 dealerships and showrooms. Further information
about Hyundai Motor Co. and its products is available on the Internet at
http://www.hyundai-motor.com
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