The buses are the latest Toyota Hummer high roof panel completes with roof vents which allows the passengers to adjust to weather and ambient conditions. The ABC Sprinter Service allows only three persons per row, such that no one is crammed or strained with excess passengers or luggage.  Not only do these buses boast of cozy interiors but also they are equipped with entertainment gadgets such as CD and MP3 sound systems.  The soft leather seats also make for comfortable seating posture.  Cool comfort, extra leg room, regulated cruise speed, high safety standards, courteous crew, and scheduled departures still remain hallmarks of this refined approach to this long haul interstate service.

The ABC Sprinter Service, as a premium interstate passenger service designed for the middle and upper class light travellers, who desire an alternative that combines comfort and convenience, without compromising safety and satisfaction, came as an opportune response to the inexorable requests for a long distance executive and luxurious mini-bus service. The service has some differences with the Shuttle service as the Sprinter service buses are more spacious, roomier with good leg space typically for long haul operations while the Shuttle service is meant for short distance operations.

The fares are affordable and can be accessed; besides businessmen, executives, bankers and academics, even students can enjoy a ride on the ABC Sprinter Service.  Also, the ABC Sprinter Service is available for charters or block bookings. The take-off point from Lagos is at the Jibowu Terminal, located on 22, Ikorodu Road, Lagos while that of Uyo is at Long Distance Bus Terminal, Park Road, Itam, Uyo and that of Calabar is on 75, IBB Way, Calabar, Cross River State.

ABC Transport venture into this service is necessitated by the yearnings of its customers on this axis and the drive to ensure that businessmen, bankers, tourists, company executives, government officials and student among others are offered the comfort and convenience the company is known for. The company as a matter of goals is centered at satisfying the needs of its customers.

Customers’ who have been having difficulties or bitter experiences while traveling to Calabar/Uyo from Lagos and vice-versa, would now have stress-free, safe and relaxing trip while traveling. One notable characteristic of ABC Transport is to provide services in such a way that will remove all hindrances that could make traveling cumbersome to passengers.

It is very remarkable that with the introduction of the shuttle service sub-brand into the portfolio of brands associated with ABC Transport, there has been no evident record of fatality, and this goes on to reinforce the safety-consciousness and adherence of the company to generally-accepted safety standards.
Same level of safety standard is also to be expected with the introduction of the Sprinter Service.

Notably, these buses are equipped with the GPRS tracking system monitored from ABC Transport’s corporate headquarters. The tracking device is to curtail over-speeding and to ensure drivers do not exceed the maximum speed of 100km/h.

Truly, ABC Transport has shown consistency as an elite road transport company operating in accordance with internationally-accepted standards of road transportation. All these attest to the fact that ABC Transport is essentially customer-oriented and this has been and still are evident in its characteristic desire to satisfy long distance travels within and outside the country. Keen observers of the transport sector of the country will agree that one unrelenting quality of ABC Transport has been its meticulous attention to the varied needs and desires of its esteemed customers.

Mr. Frank Nneji, ABC Transport Nigeria MD

Mr. Frank Nneji, OON, the Managing Director/CEO of Associated Bus Company Plc, operators of ABC Transport, will turn fifty years on 30TH of April, 2010. Mr. Nneji, who hails from Ezuhu Nguru, Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, founded ABC Transport, Nigeria’s revolutionary transport company, in February 1993. He started his early education in Mbaise and graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1982.

It is to Mr. Nneji’s credit, that his entry into road transport has changed the face of transportation over the past 17 years with innovation like on-board entertainment and refreshment, the use of uniformed driving crew and organized ticketing units, on-line and SMS booking platforms, vehicle tracking system, a fully-functional call centre, modern terminals with spacious lounges and convenience, passenger insurance and customer-reward programmes, to mention just a few.

Today, ABC Transport plays a pivotal role in the travel and tourism industry, not only in Nigeria, but also in Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic. ABC Transport is the first and only road transport company quoted in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). It is equally instructive to note that Mr. Nneji started ABC Transport with only 6 minibuses. Presently, the company boasts of a fleet of over 300 vehicles with more than 30 terminals and outlets across Nigeria and West Africa. Its current workforce is over 1,200.

Mr. Nneji has won numerous awards for his innovative flair, entrepreneurial skills and doggedness. Notably among the awards are the Outstanding Young Person of the Year Award in 1997 from Nigerian Jaycees; Fate Model Entrepreneur for 2001 by Fate Foundation; Silver Jubilee Award from Imo State Government for his distinguished contribution to the development of Imo State in 2001. More importantly, the Federal Government of Nigeria conferred him with the award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2005.

Mr. Nneji is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT), UK; an alumnus of Wharton Business School (USA) and Lagos Business School; member of the Imo Elders’ Forum; mentor in the Fate Foundation’s entrepreneurial development programme; and, patron and trustee of several different associations and organizations. He has served in various governmental capacities as a pioneer member of the Board of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA); member, Steering Committee, Road Transport, Bureau for Public Enterprise; chairman, Imo State Tsunami Disaster Relief Committee; both as president and vice-president, Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (OCCIMA), Imo State.

His philanthropy cuts across educational and non-educational sectors, religious and non-religious affiliations, with scholarship endowments and sponsorships. Mr. Frank Nneji, OON, an avid table tennis and squash player, is married to Ngozi Catherine (nee Ike) with four kids.

Over the years, numerous customers including Gold & Diamond customers and first-time users of ABC Transport, have gone home with prizes ranging from brand new cars such as Hyundai, Kia, and Suzuki, to plasma TV set, double-door refrigerators, water dispensers, generators, and executive pilot cases, to name a few.

This year’s Travel & Win Bonanza, tagged “MORE PRIZES, MORE WINNERS,” is aimed at offering more prizes to more customers. In fact, more than 100 customers of ABC Transport will be rewarded in the Bonanza, which runs from February 25 to May 31, 2010. The prizes include 40” Plasma TV set, single-door refrigerators, television sets, home theatre speakers, pilot cases, generators, DVD Players, pressing irons, and microwaveable mugs.

To participate, a customer simply presents a valid Gold or Diamond card, or five (5) used ABC travel tickets, or three (3) tickets used on the Coach West Africa service, or receipts for three (3) nights at the City Transit Inn, Abuja, or receipts for cargo transactions up to N50,000, or for Petty Cash service not below N50,000 – all of this within the promo period – and gets, in return, a raffle ticket and an instant gift, which qualifies the customer a chance to win of the prizes on offer at the grand finale draws scheduled to hold on June 17, 2010 in Lagos. Notably, every Gold Customer or Diamond Customer who makes up to the required five trips automatically gets two (2) raffle tickets. Every participant, meanwhile, wins an instant prize.

The Bonanza, although administered by ABC Transport, is co-sponsored by Marcopolo, Danico (WA) Ltd., Infinity Tyres, Chidel Ventures, GSK, Kewalram, Vicbol, Branca Waters, Obuking Investment, Chuks Mercantile, Prudent Oil, etc. It would be recalled that last year the company gave out a brand new Suzuki Swift Car as Star Prize to Mr. Paul Ihesie, a federal civil servant resident in Owerri, Imo State.

At a recent event, which highlighted the unveiling of SMS Booking and the latest state-of-the-art Marcopolo coaches, known as Generation 7, organised by ABC Transport in conjunction with Marcopolo Brazil, the Management assured customers and stakeholders that ABC Transport will continue to provide unequalled services based on comfort, luxury, safety and value. This was evidenced by the company’s acquisition of a fleet of coaches equipped with hi-tech aerodynamic and ergonomic features designed to enhance customers’ travelling experience as well as guarantee driver’s convenience on the road.

The ABC SMS Booking complements the E-ticketing, or on-line booking available to customers of ABC Transport, who would rather buy their tickets and pay on-line. It also offers them the singular opportunity to book via text messaging on their cell phones and pay with a PIN to a bank in their neighbourhood. All a customer needs do is simply text: Travel ABC Origin Destination Date-Month-Year Name to 32811 and s/he receives a PIN, which enables him or her to pay for a ticket at GT Bank, Zenith Bank & UBA. Customers may still wish to pay on-line with an ATM card via ABC’s website.

ABC Transport recently procured fifty trailers to service the haulage needs of UNICEM, Calabar, while still managing haulage requests of Nestle, and Beta Glass. An ultramodern cargo warehouse in Katamkpe, Abuja, owned by ABC Transport will soon be completed and opened for business.

The device which is a product of the innovative drive by the management of the company to make purchase or renewal of the third party motor insurance policy less strenuous for existing and potential vehicle owners was introduced into the nation’s insurance market space in December last year.

According to the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Tom Imokhai, “we face a lot of challenges with respect to the sales of the third party motor insurance policy. Most vehicle owners do not have the time to visit the insurance offices to purchase the policies themselves and are often too busy to attend to all the paper work required. Not ready to face a process they see as cumbersome, they often resort to procuring fake policies.

He explained that “as a pacesetting insurance company with a commitment to use technology to drive excellence in service delivery, we, therefore, felt we owed the public a duty to introduce a process which simplifies customers’ patronage of the policy.

Imokhai, who said the cards were both for private and commercial vehicles, noting that they carry the normal rates of N5,000 and N7,500 respectively on them, hinted that they were readily available for purchase at our branch offices and through the appointed  sales agents nationwide.

He explained that the cards which have been ratified for sales and use by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) were “technically coded with the necessary security pins in addition to other information which further guide the buyer on the next very simple thing to do right in the comfort of his office, home or wherever such he finds himself upon purchase.”

According to Imokhai, “the process of loading it is the same as the usual GSM recharge card,” stating that “we do all the necessary paper work on behalf of the buyer once we receive the required information of the vehicle particulars through SMS to the line provided on the cards from the customer. It saves time and it is stress-free.”

He further explained that each card comes with its certificate which bears the same security code on the card, therefore, making it easy for the appropriate Police authority or licensing officers to identify the fake and the original insurance certificates.

Mr. Imokhai noted that “where the Police authority or officers at the licensing offices may want to be sure of the status of the certificates, the system provides a care line where they could send a verification request via SMS to and get instant response.”

With this new feat, SA Insurance Plc becomes the first general underwriting firm to introduce a motor insurance scratch card device.

It could be recalled that the company was the first in the insurance sector to demonstrably and successfully provide retail promotion packages to its clients through what it termed “SA Rewarding Motor Rumble.” During the promotion, a lot of its deserving customers were rewarded with different prizes for their loyalty to the brand and its services.

This is particularly sequel to the communiqué adopted at the recently concluded pre-peak conference held in Mayfair Suites & Conference Centre, Owerri, Imo State, which attracted top and middle-level management staff. Most of the resolutions agreed upon have begun to come into effect. This is aimed at generating measures to properly manage issues and counter-issues that might confront ABC Transport in its drive to satisfy its burgeoning customers during the heavy traffic that marks every Christmas and New Year periods.

Albeit, prior to the pre-peak conference, a safety enlightenment campaign was organized to sensitise and re-educate all ABC drivers of coaches, trucks, trailers, and micro-buses, in a bid to reinforce the company’s long-standing position on safety and defensive driving vis-à-vis the preservation of passengers’ lives and property. The key event attracted officials from the road transport sectors, FRSC, and paramilitary establishments. This was held in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos in November 2009. The essence of the exercise was primarily to re-awaken the safety-consciousness of not only the driving crew but also every ABC staff that would be on the road or handle safety issues during peak and off-peak periods.

Part of the measures devised to offer ABC customers the best possible services includes fare reduction on certain routes, notably Uyo and Calabar. The reduction applies only to customers embarking on trips using the Shuttle Service to these two cities. Henceforth, such customers will be entitled to enjoy a discount of N200 only.

As regards security, the unit responsible for this has been adequately briefed to keep alert for shady characters, who might impersonate passengers at the terminals. The porters have also been educated on how best to manage expectations in times of tight schedules and emergencies. Evidently, this is to strengthen security at the terminals, and combat incidences of loss of passengers’ luggage.

Furthermore, plans have reached advance stage between ABC and LASTMA with respect to control and coordination of traffic in and out of Lagos metropolis. Meanwhile, the Traffic and Safety unit has deployed safety personnel at certain ABC terminals, to ensure the driving crews comply effectively with safety obligations required of them. Since safety is a collective responsibility, ABC management has appealed to the traffic authorities and the FRSC, to help assist the company to promote and pursue an accident-free Christmas on both federal and state motor-ways.

Rescue coaches have already been deployed to selected transit terminals to forestall service failure in difficult terrains of Lagos-Benin expressway, Abuja-Lagos, and Port-Harcourt Lagos, amongst others. All of this is to manage break downs. Other exigencies affecting fuel, materials, and logistics have been properly handled, with a view to boosting seamless operations among terminals. The maintenance as well as the materials department have been assigned the critical responsibilities of providing adequate booster support to complementary units. It should be recalled that a few weeks earlier, ABC Transport expanded its fleet size with the injection of additional ten (10) brand new coaches, besides trucks, in preparation for these seasonal travels.

The overall goal is to ensure that customers take advantage of ABC Transport as a veritable alternative to air travel, particularly in this high traffic period. The Management of Associated Bus Company Plc, operators of ABC Transport, has re-affirmed its mission to provide unrivalled services in the sector, and within Nigeria and along the West African Coast. ABC Transport is the leading coach service operator and the only road transport company to be quoted on the capital market, at present.

Meanwhile, customers of ABC Shuttle Service have been advised to keep their used tickets, as the monthly Travel and Win promo is still on-going. Winners of the star prize would be announced in the coming months as well as the winners of consolation prizes.

Hyundai Motors Nigeria

History was made on October 16, 2009 by Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited, a division of Stallion Motors, expressed, Mr. Kiran S. Parab, Marketing Director in a grand ceremony at the Tafawa Belewa Square, Lagos, Nigeria; venue of the ongoing Lagos Motor Show, as we officially and proudly handover 78 Hyundai vehicles comprising mini buses, sedans and SUVs to the FIFA-U17 WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT NIGERIA, 2009-LOC

Mr. Parab announced that Hyundai Motor Company is official partner and co-sponsor of all FIFA football tournaments since 2002 till 2014. Hyundai Motors Nigeria is as well poised to participate in this noble cause by supporting the logistic needs of the forthcoming tournament, which will ultimately promote youths sports development in Nigeria and corporate social responsibility. HMNL brand image has risen all over the world in this decade; and in Nigeria, it has had a steady growth to be amongst the top 3 auto brands.  T he highest selling Korean automobile in the world is proud to be associated with FIFA. He thanked the management of HMC, HMNL and the loyal customers for their support and also the organizing committee of BKG. He prayed and wished the Nigerian eaglets to try their best to win the much coveted trophy.

Mr. Parab reiterated that Hyundai cars and SUVs such as i-10, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Azera, Genesis, Tucson, Santa fe and Veracruz have taken the centre stage as established models in the auto industry today, as compared to the past and urged individual customers and corporate bodies to take advantage of the pocket friendly incentives to own Hyundai vehicles which are globally renowned for excellent quality and fuel efficiency with low ownership and maintenance cost. Every customer purchasing Hyundai vehicle at the showrooms or at Lagos Motor Show will be given a token of appreciation-a match ticket free, ‘to watch FIFA World Cup U17 tournament at the any of the 8 stadia of their choice.

In his remark, Mr Mike Umeh on behalf of the FIFA U17 LOC and Nigerians expressed his profound gratitude to Stallion Motors and in particular Hyundai Motors Nigeria Limited for taking this bold initiative to support the tournament and beckoned on others to emulate the good gesture of supporting sports and fulfilling corporate social responsibility like Hyundai Motors Nigeria Ltd-Stallion Group.

Global eyes will be watching Nigeria as she hosts the FIFA U17 World Cup Tournament. The successful holding of FIFA U17 World Cup Tournament in Nigeria, despite security and economic uncertainty, is a matter of big challenge and prestige to the government of Nigeria and LOC. Hyundai Motors Nigeria Ltd of Stallion group is humbled to support the government’s cause, thereby contributing it’s share of corporate social responsibility in providing logistic support to FIFA for the movement of people and materials, ‘FIFA IS MOBILE ON HYUNDAI’

HMNL supplied 200 units of H-1 Executive minibuses to FCT Abuja and more than 300 units of Accent as Taxis to Rivers State. Hyundai vehicle range caters to the start-ups (young students and career beginners to Chairmans and tycoons; from public transport minibuses to inter and intra-city large buses, from 1ton mini-trucks upto 60-70 tons bulk good carriers. Hyundai is ranked among the top 5 Global manufacturers of the world.

HKAG established the Social Responsibility Charter at this year’s CSR Committee meeting which was held today at the group’s headquarters in Seoul. The committee decided to launch the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Vision 2020’ next year, which will present specific and concrete CSR plans for the company, and agreed all employees of Hyundai Motor Company and its affiliates should take part.

Moreover, HKAG also announced its comprehensive plan for creating new jobs and nurturing leaders of tomorrow.

HKAG’s Social Responsibility Charter was established today to share the group’s specific vision of the future that harmonizes trust-based management, environmental management and social contributions. The charter carries the group’s core values and the philosophy that encompasses the corporate mindset, the working principle and the mid- to long-term business strategy.

The HKAG’s charter specifies its primary vision and role of strengthening CSR activities through developing a sustainable relationship with shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers and community members.

Through the establishment of the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Vision 2020’ (CSRV2020) next year, HKAG will guide employees through the new market environment in the post-global economic crisis era.

CSRV 2020 will be carried out in a systematic manner based on successful and unsuccessful case studies of each and every HKAG employees’ own experiences, as well as the history of the Korea automotive industry. At the same time, Hyundai Motor and its affiliates will complete a new mid- to long-term management road map and reflect them to the CSRV 2020.

HKAG also approved its comprehensive plans for creating new jobs at today’s meeting. According to the plan, the group will create 4,000 new jobs and hire 1,000 interns, in addition to the 300 interns it hired earlier this year.

In addition, the automotive group will again send 1,000 volunteer students overseas by the end of this year. HKAG formed the ‘Happy Move Global Young Volunteers’ last year and successfully sent 1,000 university students to five countries, including China, India, Turkey, Slovakia and Thailand to do volunteer work in areas related to the environment, local welfare, medicine and culture.

BT01
Topping the list of exhibits is the BT01 mid-sized sedan which builds on the success of Hyundai’s localization strategy. Like the Yuedong and Lingxiang NF, the BT01 is tailored to meet the tastes and needs of the Chinese car buyer but with the critically important new dimension of being locally developed. Longer than its predecessor by 25mm, the BT01 truly is a milestone in the history of the Hyundai Motor-Beijing Automotive partnership, as it is the very first model to be independently styled and engineered by BHMC and attests to the growing capabilities of the Beijing Hyundai Technical Center and its codename reflects this.

Hyundai made headlines in Dec. 2002 with the launch of its EF Sonata in the China market, its first vehicle produced in China. While the basic platform remains unchanged, the sheet metal changes on the new BT01 have been limited to the hood and trunk lid. All exterior plastic parts have been revised including headlamps, fog lamps, radiator grille, front and rear bumpers and side trim.

On the inside, the backlighting of the central gauge cluster has been changed from the original green in favor of red which is highly popular with Chinese people. Designers opted for a two-tone color scheme while seat materials, interior trim and colors have also been updated. Also new to the BT01 is an embedded DVD/GPS Navigation unit located in the centre stack. BT01 may go on sale this summer at which time its official name and pricing will be announced. Power is supplied by the 2L Beta engine mated to a 5-speed transmission, models including which will account for nearly 80 percent of sales. A four-speed automatic transmission option will also be available. Other optional features include ABS/EBD, keyless entry, back-up warning system and air conditioning.

Equus
Hyundai’s new luxury flagship makes its debut in China, taking its place alongside the 2009 North American Car of the Year Award winner, Rohens (sold as Genesis in all other markets). While the Equus and Rohens share common rear wheel drive architecture, the all-new Equus luxury sedan stands in a class of its own poised to reshape popular perceptions of the Hyundai brand. Fitted with the 4.6L Tau V8 engine, named by Wards Automotive as one of 2009′s Ten Best Engines, the Equus sports advanced safety features including nine airbags, a Lane Departure Warning System with a pre-safety seatbelts and Smart Cruise Control. A reclining airline-style business-class seat with a built-in massage system is among the numerous luxury options.

i30
Hyundai brings its first ever hatchback and European flair to the Chinese market with the i30, which was styled at the company’s European Design Center in Russelsheim Germany. The five-door hatchback taps into China’s diversifying car demand as consumers shift away from conventional four-door sedans.

The base model is equipped with the 122hp 1.6L Gamma engine, which should prove popular as a result of Chinese government tax cuts instituted earlier this year on cars with engines sized 1600cc or smaller. A 143hp 2L Beta engine is also available. All models are equipped with dual airbags and EBD/ABS as standard.

ix-onic Concept Car
The sensational all-new Hyundai ix-onic concept car arrives in Shanghai having made its world premiere at the 79th Salon International de L Automobile in Geneva.

Assertive, but not aggressive, the ix-onic (pronounced ik-sonnik ) introduces a whole new look for a compact 4×4 SUV by combining dynamic, sculpted, performance-oriented styling with an environmentally-friendly power train and thoughtful everyday utility, to create a vehicle that will change the way consumers and especially younger car buyers think about compact crossover vehicles. Beneath its sensational exterior, the ix-onic s power train is equipped with a 175 hp, 1.6-litre GDi turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine, with ISG (Idle Stop & Go) technology and a double-clutch six-speed transmission. Power is transferred to the road by an intelligent four-wheel-drive system fine-tuned to deliver outstanding on-road driving dynamics, together with significant off-road ability. The next-generation, eco-friendly engine emits just 149 g/km of CO2, an impressive figure for an SUV.

Hyundai s design team in Russelsheim, Germany, views ix-onic as an urban nomad, a car of contrasts for a world of contrasts . Created in Europe, with European consumers in mind, the new concept is inspired by the characteristics of multi-cultural cities like Berlin, Paris and Shanghai. The rear window has been designed and produced by Hyundai in close cooperation with the QarmaQ-partner SABIC Innovative Plastics. Using Lexan high-performance plastics instead of conventional glass enabled the designers to give the rear window a much more three-dimensional shape. On each side of the rear window two vertical spoilers are integrated to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Blue Drive Zone
The special Blue DriveTM Zone at the Hyundai stand will introduce the company’s Blue DriveTM eco-initiative to China. The Blue DriveTM line-up will include, among others, the groundbreaking Elantra LPI Hybrid. It’s the first hybrid electric vehicle in the world to be powered by Liquid Petroleum Gas and the first to use advanced Lithium Ion Polymer batteries. Two other examples of Hyundai’s Hybrid Blue DriveTM will be exhibited: the hybrid chassis architecture for the next generation Sonata codenamed YF, which will be a hard-hybrid capable of propelling the vehicle in pure electric mode, and the Santa Fe Blue DriveTM Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

The Blue DriveTM vision:
To produce the world s cleanest and most fuel efficient vehicles.

The Blue DriveTM goals:
? To contribute further to a model of global sustainable mobility
? To deliver world-best products which address consumer demand for efficiency and affordability
? To strengthen Hyundai s reputation for technological innovation

Hyundai Motor Company has always taken a proactive approach to fulfilling its responsibility to the environment, making long-term commitments to the development of eco-friendly technologies. As a result, significant steps have been made in reducing the environmental impact of Hyundai vehicles, thanks in particular to reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Looking forward, Hyundai has a clear vision for the years ahead: to produce the world s cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicles. The products which will enable Hyundai to fulfill this vision will take shape under the company s new eco-initiative, known as Blue DriveTM.

More than just a sub-brand, Blue DriveTM is an all-encompassing banner which defines Hyundai s product development strategy. As the company strives to minimize the environmental impact of its vehicles, a broad range of new technologies will be introduced on current and future Hyundai models with the aim of achieving a harmonious balance between cars and the environment.

Engineering programs will encompass research into hybrid powertrains, aerodynamics, engine efficiency measures, flex-fuel applications, cleaner diesel units and even fuel-cell electric vehicles.

The resulting vehicles will be sold in countries where Hyundai has a significant presence, starting in 2009 with new derivatives for Europe and Korea. In keeping with the brand s reputation for high quality and high value, Hyundai is keen to ensure that these innovations are available to as wide a cross-section of customers as possible. The models will, therefore, be brought to market at an affordable price, democratizing the technologies and enabling everyone to buy into eco-friendly motoring.

First fruits to hit the road in 2009
In the second quarter of 2009 Hyundai will bring to market i30 blue ? the first of its models to be offered with an Integrated Stop and Go (ISG) system, and the first to be launched under the Blue DriveTM standard. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009, the i30 blue achieves a significant seven per cent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the standard i30, improving efficiency in heavily-congested driving situations. The i30 blue is manufactured at the company s new European production facility at No?ovice in the Czech Republic.

In the summer Hyundai will introduce its first production hybrid vehicle: the Elantra Hybrid. To be marketed in Korea, this innovative new model will combine liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electric power ? a world-first in automotive hybrid development. Another pioneering achievement is the application of a lithium polymer battery in the Elantra Hybrid. This places Hyundai ahead of its competitors, who rely on older battery formats such as nickel metal hydride and lithium ion, and further demonstrates the company s global leadership in eco-technology.

The hybrid program will move on again in 2010, when the all-new replacement for the Sonata D-segment saloon is introduced. Among the powertrain options will be a petrol-electric hybrid, using Hyundai s proprietary hybrid architecture. Unlike the Elantra Hybrid, this will be capable of running in electric-only mode and it will be sold in Korea, the United States and other selected markets.

Early groundwork will bring medium-term benefits
Hyundai s research and development in the field of hybrids began in 1995. Around the turn of the century, production of hybrid prototypes began for internal testing and government validation.

Following the Elantra and Sonata models, the next major step will be the introduction of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which Hyundai plans to achieve by 2012. This will follow continued improvements in battery technology, and will offer the added benefit of allowing users to recharge the battery from a domestic power supply. By taking its charge from the household mains, the vehicle will offer an extended driving range while running on electric-only power. Moreover, the customer will benefit from even lower operating costs, and the vehicle s emissions will also be further reduced.

The ultimate Blue DriveTM vehicle?
For Hyundai, the challenge of Blue DriveTM will continue until a zero-emissions vehicle running on renewable energy reaches mass production. Such a vehicle has been under development since the late 1990s: Hyundai s hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

The Blue DriveTM logo, to be affixed to all Blue DriveTM vehicles, displays imagery reflecting Hyundai s eco-awareness. The green leaf symbolizes Gaia, the life force of Mother Earth, while the blue color in Blue DriveTM conveys the image of purity of the oceans and skies which dominate the planet. As the chosen corporate color of Hyundai, blue is perhaps an obvious choice for such an initiative, but it is also significant for the values of trust and dependability with which it is associated. To impart a feeling of dynamism and mobility, all elements of the Blue DriveTM logo are italicized.

Hyundai Motor, which will provide the cars for the June 1~2 summit at Jeju Island, Korea, held a handover ceremony at the Jeju International Convention Center (ICC) yesterday. The ceremony was attended by over 100 company officials and other guests, including Executive Director-General of the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit 2009 Preparatory Office, Amb. Lee Ji Ha.

Hyundai delivered 38 EQUUS sedans, the company’s new luxury flagship sedan launched in March, and 46 Genesis sedans, the winner of the 2009 North American Car of the Year. Hyundai also delivered 12 Santa Fe SUVs. These cars will be the official transportation method for the Presidents, the Prime Ministers and the most senior officials attending, as well as their spouses.

Hyundai recently launched a global VIP marketing campaign to enhance its brand image worldwide. The company has provided its high-end sedans to many celebrities and dignitaries, including Jose Carreras, a member of the massively popular Three Tenors, along with Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo.

About ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit 2009
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-KOREA Dialogue Relationship. The Summit Meeting in Jeju will be joined by President Lee Myung-Bak of the Republic of Korea, and the Heads of States/Governments from the 10 ASEAN member countries, which are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

At the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit, the Leaders of the 11 countries will discuss the developments of cooperative relations between Korea and the countries in the ASEAN region for the past 20 years, and also examine future directions for progress. Methods to overcome global issues that the international society is currently facing, such as the financial crisis and climate change, will also be discussed. Further information about the summit can be found at http://www.asean-roksummit2009.kr/.

The two-week tournament, to be played in four South African cities, opens June 14th at Johannesburgs Ellis Park Stadium. Eight national teams will be competing for the world crown: South Africa, Italy, Egypt, Iraq, Spain, USA, New Zealand and Brazil. These teams are all winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships, along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country.

For the tournament, Hyundai delivered 66 passenger cars and 12 buses to FIFA and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (LOC) at the Expo Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. The handover ceremony was attended by over 100 VIPs, FIFA & company officials and media members.

“Hyundai is proud to partner with FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009. The opportunity to provide VIP transport at this year’s tournament gives us the high visibility we need in South Africa and around the world to build a wider awareness for our brand and products,” said Hyundai Senior Vice President of Marketing Sean S. H. Kim as he symbolically presented an oversized car key to FIFA LOC Chief Officer of Transport & Logistics Skhumbuzo Macozoma.

The pride of the fleet will be Hyundai’s Azera premium sedan which will serve as the flagship of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009: A total of 20 Azeras will be used to transport VIP’s, referees and dignitaries. As the official automotive partner, Hyundai will also supply Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs (19 units), Getz subcompacts (7 units) and Starex passenger vans (20 units).

In addition to the fleet of passenger cars, SUVs and vans, Hyundai will provide 12 of its Universe luxury coaches to the eight national teams. It has also contracted another 20 semi-luxury coaches from its local partner Springbok Atlas, to provide a total of 350 bus days during the tournament. Springbok Atlas will take responsibility for bus fleet operation including driver training and vehicle maintenance. This handover ceremony also marks the launch of the right hand drive version of the Universe luxury coach in the South African market.

This year, Hyundai celebrates the 10th anniversary of its association with FIFA, during which time it has demonstrated itself to be a reliable and effective partner by serving as the official automotive supplier to all FIFA-sanctioned events.

“Football is a universally understood language and a powerful unifying force that can pull people of all nationalities, races and creeds together. This coincides with Hyundai’s values and vision,” emphasized Senior Vice President Kim.

Hyundai is also one of the strongest supporters of football in the world having served as the official sponsor of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea / Japan™ and the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ as well as many other FIFA tournaments including the FIFA Confederations Cup. The company has extended its strategic sponsorship agreement with FIFA to cover the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Hyundai has not only infused a new sense of fun and excitement into the game, but through its sponsorship of international football it has also achieved a significant increase in brand awareness and improvements in the brand image. Football has helped Hyundai secure a firm foundation that will enable it to push its sports marketing strategy forward to gain a better foothold in markets where football reigns as the most popular sport, especially Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.