FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., January 23, 2009 –Hyundai’s new luxury flagship Genesis is named a "Best New Car of 2009" in About.com Cars' third annual Best New Car List. This marks the first time that a Hyundai vehicle has been recognized in the About.com Cars annual list.

About.com Cars highlighted Genesis’ notable luxury features, smooth and quiet ride, spacious interior and value. "This car would make the Best New Car List no matter who built it – but I just love the fact that it’s a Hyundai," said Aaron Gold, Guide to Cars for About.com.

The About.com Cars Best New Car recognition continues to showcase the quality, performance, safety and value available with Genesis. The 2009 Genesis was recently named the North American Car of the Year and was named a "Top 5 Luxury Car for 2009" by NADAguides.com. In addition, Genesis earned five-star crash test ratings for both front and side by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"We are honored to have the Genesis recognized as one of the ‘Best New Cars of 2009’ by About.com Cars," said Michael Deitz, product planning manager, Hyundai Motor America. "Genesis has the technology and features comparable to the world’s leading premium sports sedans at a value Mercedes and BMW can’t beat."

About.com Cars' Best New Cars of 2009 list can be found online at http://cars.about.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 790 dealerships nationwide.