Hyundai Sonata Wins The Middle East Motor Awards 2010

Automotive experts from nine Middle East countries select Sonata as the Best Mid-size Car of the Year. Sonata’s sales registered a phenomenal 103 percent year-on-year increase in the Middle East since the beginning of the year.

Hyundai Motor Company’s mid-size sedan, all-new Sonata, has won the first Middle East Motor Awards 2010 (MEMA) for best car-in-class. The award was presented on October 14th during the opening ceremony of the 10th International Motor Show Sharjah in UAE. The MEMA is administered by twelve automotive experts from nine Middle Eastern countries that together represent the Middle East automobile industry.

The judges evaluated models - launched at least in five Middle Eastern nations within the 12 month period - on ten criteria including superior performance, technology, practicality and value. In particular, the jury focused on whether the car satisfies regional customer requirements.

Each vehicle underwent thorough road and track tests as well as comprehensive competitor comparisons. Sonata bested other cars in its segment such as Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Taurus, thanks to its superior performance, safety and comfort.

This marks the first car of the year awards given out by the Middle Eastern auto industry.
Mr. Isam Abu Nabah, President of Hyundai at Juma Al Majid Est. said that “We are proud to be associated with this prestigious event and thank the awards’ organizers of recognizing Hyundai as a leading car manufacturer”.

Mr. Omar Baddar (Marketing Manager – Juma Al Majid Est. – Hyundai) speaking about the win ”This win is a tremendous honour for Hyundai and is a testament to our company’s outstanding standards when it comes to the quality and design of our vehicles”

Sonata has been earning steady recognition in the Middle East since the beginning of this year. Sonata won the Car of the Year title from Sports Auto and Gulf Auto based in Saudi Arabia in May and June respectively. In July, Sonata and Tucson received the Car of the Year award from Syria based publication Auto Sports.

Sonata sales from Jan to Sept 2010 in seventeen Middle Eastern countries are up 103 percent compared to the same period in 2009. Hyundai Motor will maintain the sales momentum by continuing to listen to customers and swiftly dispatching quality experts to the region.

The Middle East Motor Awards (MEMA) is an initiative of Expo Centre Sharjah with support of the Sharjah Chamber
of Commerce and Industry to acknowledge leading players of the automotive industry and to celebrate emerging
technologies. To maintain its credibility, MEMA is not directly affiliated or influenced by any auto show, automaker
or other commercial enterprise.

About Hyundai Motor Co.
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group which includes Hyundai Mobis and over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Employing over 68,000 people worldwide, Hyundai motor vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 5,000 dealerships and showrooms. The Hyundai Motor Co. will be an official FIFA sponsor until the end of 2014. For more information on the Hyundai Motor Co. and its products, please visit: www.hyundai-uae.com.
 

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