Hyundai PH Loves Their Acronyms So Here are Two More to Remember

It seems working from home has spurred the love for acronyms over at Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Hyundai passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the country has already come up with ARMOR, and how they’ve thrown in BOSS and HOME as well.

Hyundai B.O.S.S.

The first is Hyundai B.O.S.S. or the Bonus On Scheduled Service promo. It covers commercial vehicle owners who are rewarded with free stuff, welcoming back those who might have missed a PMS during the quarantine period. The promo which will run until June 30, 2020 includes:

• 15 percent discount on selected PMS parts (oil filter, oil gasket, air filter, fuel filter, aircon filter, and air drier filter cartridge)
• 5 percent discount on PMS labor

Commercial vehicle owners can also conveniently choose onsite or offsite options for the Hyundai Trucks and Buses Service Team that will be designated to perform the PMS on their vehicles.

For passenger car customers, they can avail of the Hyundai ProMiSe of Right Care (or Hyundai PMS Right Care) promo. This promo runs longer (until August 15, 2020) and gives the following:

• Free car wash with vacuum
• Free 23-point check-up
• Free GDS diagnostics scanning
• 15 percent on PMS parts
• 15 percent on PMS labor

Hyundai H.O.M.E.

If the Hyundai B.O.S.S. wasn’t enough acronym for you, there’s also Hyundai H.O.M.E. or Hyundai Online Market Experience.

H.O.M.E. is a web-based platform that integrates the car-buying experience. It is a one-stop shop where price quotes, loan approvals, and even Hyundai vehicle delivery can all be done through the HARI website. And while features are limited as of the moment, HARI says they will gradually upgrade H.O.M.E. to incorporate more features akin to an e-commerce website. They will also be linking it to their customer relations (CRM) platform as well.

H.O.M.E. is one of the major programs under Hyundai’s Guidelines for Protection and Safety or GPS (yup, that’s another acronym right there)—Hyundai’s comprehensive set of health and safety
guidelines covering the entire value chain of HARI from importation, assembly, office operations, vehicle delivery to dealerships, showroom, sales and after-sales operations, customer relations, test drives, and unit release.

Hyundai PH to Implement "Odd-Even" Scheme at Dealers, to Begin Home Service

Near empty service bays will be the norm at Hyundai dealerships nationwide as official Philippine Distributor Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) launches its 6-step Hyundai ARMOR program as it begins to resume dealership operations.

ARMOR or Active Response, Management, Operations, and Resumption minimizes face-to-face transactions at Hyundai dealerships. Aside from the regular sanitation of dealership facilities including the service bays, equipment, and vehicles in service, the Hyundai ARMOR covers everything from online service consultation (done through HARI’s website or Facebook page), use of two-way radios to maintain zero contacts between departments, and even an “odd-even” service bay policy to keep social distancing between mechanics.

Aside from dealer-centric activities, the Hyundai ARMOR program will begin to offer these programs to customers:

• Hyundai CARLINISAN vehicle “deep-cleaning” and organic anti-bacterial disinfection/fumigation packages for added peace of mind once you hit the road again;
• Hyundai D2D: Dealer-to-your-Door Program that deploys service mobiles to transport dealership teams for door-to-door home service (selected minor repairs) and pickup and delivery service;
• Special PMS promo for service discounts and freebies. 

HARI President and CEO Ms. Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said: “Hyundai ARMOR shows how our after sales team takes to heart the health and well-being of customers and dealership personnel. This is how we want to welcome everyone back: armed with a foolproof and sustainable means to protect you and your vehicles so that we all have better journeys and face better days ahead.”

Hyundai Group Design Head Leaves

Hyundai Group Design Chief Luc Donckerwolke is leaving the Korean automaker group for undisclosed personal reasons. The Belgian behind the current Palisade, Sonata (pictured), and even the Le Fil Rouge Concept has stepped down with immediate effect.

The news comes from Automotive News which happens to get an internal note detailing Donckerwolke’s decision to step down.

Donckerwolke took over from Peter Schreyer who has since stepped back from day-to-day operations in 2018. During his tenure at Hyundai Group, he was responsible for creating the three distinct designs for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.

The report says Donckerwolke is leaving the company on very amicable terms, with no current plans to join another carmaker. Before joining Hyundai Group in 2015, he spent 23 years under the Volkswagen Group penning cars such as the Audi A2, Lamborghini Murcielago, and Bentley Continental GT.

Design for Hyundai and Genesis will continue to be led by SangYup Lee, while Kia remains under the leadership of Karim Habib. Donckerwolke’s position won't be filled right away says Hyundai Group.

Hyundai PH is First Automaker to Outline What "New Normal" Will Be Post ECQ

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines is the first local automaker to publicly announce its safety guidelines for dealers and service centers in areas covered by the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

With automotive dealers and service centers allowed to re-open under GCQ, HARI will be implementing what they term, Guidelines for Protection and Safety (GPS)—a wide-ranging set of health and safety guidelines in what could be “the new normal.” Their policies cover everything from vehicle importation, assembly, office operations, vehicle delivery to dealerships, showroom operations, sales operations, after-sales, customer relations, test drives, and unit release.

The Hyundai GPS guidelines are all based on global standards, risk assessment, and protocols set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

“It will not be easy,” affirmed HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo. “Even if the ECQ is lifted or modified, we do not expect to return to ‘business as usual.’ The great lock down has radically changed consumer behavior but we are ready for the next normal in auto. We are in the year of resilience and as a leading mobility provider, we are taking the needed steps to ensure the well-being of our customers and employees inside and outside our dealerships.”

With non-essential travel still limited even under GCQ, Hyundai is beefing up its online channels—Hyundai C.A.R.E.S. for both sales and aftersales services. Aside from e-mail and Facebook Messenger, HARI will also roll out more virtual tools to boost “no-contact” transactions and engagement.

Meanwhile, at dealerships, Hyundai GPS measures include: social distancing of at least one meter apart for both customers and employees; dealership front liners wearing proper PPE gear; installation of sanitation booths equipped with thermal scanners and sanitizing material for incoming customers and employees; posting of safety reminders and availability of antibacterial sprays in all key areas--showroom, service bays, customer lounges, and toilets; provision of surgical masks, alcohol and hand sanitizers to customers.

In addition, HARI will disinfect all test drive vehicles, perform regular sanitation of dealerships and parts warehouse, and will offer the option to customers to fumigate their new or serviced vehicles.

Finally, as part of Hyundai GPS, HARI has gone on board Project ARK (Antibody Rapid Test Kits), a private sector-led initiative that will make the FDA-approved rapid test kits available at the community level. HARI is one of the first local auto firms that signed up for Project ARK and has initially committed to 3,000 test kits for its employees and LGU beneficiaries.

Hyundai PH Delivers 300 PPEs for Health Front Liners

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official Philippine distributor of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles, reinforces ongoing containment efforts with a fresh supply of personal protective equipment to the front liners at UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH). UP-PGH is one the country’s COVID-19 designated hospitals.

HARI initially delivered 300 of 2,500 PPEs for front liners at the UP-PGH.

The donation was channeled through #HyundaiSAGIP, the flagship disaster relief program of HARI’s corporate social responsibility arm, H.A.R.I. Foundation, Inc. (HFI). Established in 2009 as a quick response to Hyundai car owners whose vehicles were damaged by the Ondoy floods, HyundaiSAGIP has since expanded into a response, recovery, and resilience program.

The country’s state-run University Hospital and the largest government health facility and referral center is HFI’s partner in its flagship Alagang Breastfriend free breast cancer screening and information dissemination campaign.

“We cannot stop at this point. We need to help flatten the curve. Our contribution will most certainly boost the morale of our heroic health workers in our united effort to contain the spread of the disease. As partners in health, HARI and UP-PGH are committed to be in solidarity with every Filipino in these unsettling times,” said HARI and HFI President Maria Fe Perez-Agudo.

Hyundai PH Springs to Action with BIHAYEnihan Program

Under its flagship disaster relief program #HyundaiSAGIP, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) through H.A.R.I. Foundation, Inc. (HFI) rolls out its BIYAHEnihan program in Southern Luzon to support front liners.

BIYAHEnihan will provide transport for health workers and medical supplies to St. Francis Cabrini Medical Center (SFCMC) in Sto. Tomas, Batangas and Dr. JP Rizal Memorial District Hospital in Calamba, Laguna.

Both hospitals have been strong partners of the Hyundai Logistics Center (HLC) in Laguna. SFCMC provides HLC monthly medical health bulletins while Dr. JP Rizal Hospital provides the logistic center employees triage for medical emergencies and conducts health and safety training with the Philippine National Red Cross.

Initial deployments include a Hyundai Country Bus, a Hyundai Starex, and a Hyundai HD65.

“We hope that this contribution will sustain and inspire our heroic front liners in Southern Luzon. HARI will continue to fill in the gaps as we continue our collective battle to flatten the curve.” HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

HARI through HFI is also reinforcing ongoing COVID containment efforts with a fresh supply of 2,500 PPEs for front liners at the UP Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH). The country’s premier state-run University Hospital and the largest government health facility and referral center is HFI’s staunch partner in the flagship Alagang Breastfriend free breast cancer screening and information dissemination campaign.

Hyundai PH Finally Announces Warranty Extension

After being silent for half the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles is finally joining the extended warranty bandwagon.

HARI has announced that all Hyundai passenger cars whose warranties lapsed within the ECQ are extended until May 31, 2020.

“The well-being and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority. We understand that our customers have no access to vehicle servicing during these extraordinary times. We wish to set their minds at ease by extending their warranty coverage,” HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

This echoes a similar move worldwide where Hyundai Motor Company has announced that they are extending the warranty coverage of an estimated 1.2 million vehicles in 175 countries.

In a related development, the company said it was mobilizing support for our front liners with an initial donation of 2,500 personnel protective equipment (PPEs) to a leading public hospital. This will be followed by the distribution of PPEs to other public health facilities, and schools and churches where front liners are housed.

“We are closely monitoring COVID developments and we are one with the nation in fighting this epidemic. We are in awe and are grateful to our medical workers who are tirelessly working to protect and care for all their patients. Mabuhay kayo,” Ms. Agudo said.

Hyundai to Setup Innovation Center in Singapore

Hyundai is establishing a Hyundai Mobility Global Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICs) to accelerate its innovative efforts. With support from the Singapore Economic Development Board, construction will break ground in May with completion expected in the second half of 2022.

Located in Singapore’s Jurong Innovation District, this new innovative lab will occupy 44,000 square meters (building size is approximately 28,000 square meters), and will house an ecosystem consisting of researchers, technology, and training providers.

As an open innovation lab, HMGICs will explore business ideas and technologies to revolutionize a value chain encompassing R&D, business, and production for future mobility solutions. It also will help define the future business direction for Hyundai.

The lab will also spearhead efforts to reach new markets and customers with cutting-edge technologies that will transform automotive R&D, production, and sales. Combining AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and other advanced technologies, the lab will create a human-centered smart manufacturing platform that will be validated through a small pilot EV production facility. In conjunction with the platform, an innovative product development process and on-demand production system will be tested and proven.

Hyundai, through HMGICs, will also work closely with Singapore’s forward-thinking firms and educational institutions to pursue open innovation. The company plans to collaborate with competitive local partners to test and validate innovative solutions for advanced mobility services.

HMGICs will expand new business opportunities proven in Singapore to global markets.

This Woman Bought Her Hyundai Reina on Lazada

She didn’t expect it to be that easy. Real estate professional and first-time car owner, 28-year old Jennica Ann Butiong proudly drove home her Hyundai Reina after a simple turnover ceremony at Hyundai Manila Bay.

“I didn’t expect that I could purchase big ticket items in Lazada so I was surprised that cars can be purchased through an online store,” shares Jennica, who regularly shops for sporting goods, makeup, and travel deals online.

What initially caught her eye was Lazada’s exclusive P 1,000 reservation fee on the Reina. The standard reservation fee on Lazada is P 5,000. After checking out product information and reviews, Jennica’s heart went out to the Reina’s style, affordability, and the basic safety features.

Using the reservation coupon, she finally got the car of her dreams at Hyundai Manila Bay

Jennica and her “Queen” are now ready to go places.

“Being a first time car owner makes me feel empowered because it took a whole lot of decision in purchasing a big investment like this. Owning a Hyundai Reina gives me a sense of responsibility and independence. That’s what makes me a proud Hyundai owner.”

Since its launch on October 30, 2019 the Hyundai flagship store on LazMall, featuring the Accent, Kona, and Reina, has garnered at least 25,000 followers and 150,000 store visits.

You can check out the Hyundai Flagship Store on Lazada here.

Hyundai PH Sales Breach 2k Units Despite Challenging January

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., saw its January 2020 sales drop 27.6 percent due to the Taal Ash Fall and COVID-19 outbreak. Nonetheless, the Korean car brand managed to record 2,045 unit sales despite the market challenges.

“The Taal Ash Fall and COVID-19 later in the month caused a temporary setback, dampening demand and supply chain disruptions, making 2020 a less resilient year. But given the Philippines’ stable economic fundamentals—a stable exchange rate, strong private consumption, lower inflation and interest rates, and robust public spending—the impact of these factors can be well managed,” HARI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said.

The Taal Ash Fall caused many automotive dealerships and facilities to close in the NCR and CALABARZON for several days in January due to safety reasons. Consumers have likewise taken a conservative approach to COVID-19, cutting down on big-ticket items like vehicles.

Moreover, Hyundai reports that they have been experiencing delays in shipments as ports establish extra health precautions. International shipping lines are also cutting down on available seaborne vessels in response to weak global demand.

“Hyundai has experienced several boom-bust cycles and disruptions in the industry but one thing has never changed – our unwavering commitment to provide quality vehicles, premium services, and worry-free ownership. We will work doubly hard to catch up in the next few months while rolling out new products and promos relevant to customers,” Ms. Agudo added.

Year-on-year January, the Passenger Car (PC) segment contracted by 33 percent with 967 units from 1,443 units the previous year, while Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) sales were reduced by 19.9 percent in January 2020 to 1,053 units compared to the same month last year. Despite the drop, Hyundai H-100 light truck sales increased by 15.3 percent. The H-100 remains the segment leader.

HARI’s Commercial Vehicles (CV) sales dropped to 25 units for the month but the company remains optimistic that sales will pick-up significantly as it has begun delivering units of their Class 1 and Class 2 modern PUVs to transport groups.

On the last day of January, HARI also debuted its own Class 3 Modern PUV making it the first automaker to offer a complete line-up of Modern PUVs under the government’s PUV Modernization Program or PUVMP.

Hyundai Shuts South Korean Factory After Worker Tests Positive for COVID-19

Hyundai has shut down a factory in South Korea after a worker there tested positive for the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The factory, in Ulsan builds the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Palisade SUVs for the Korean carmaker.

Hyundai says it was disinfecting the factory, but did not say when the production would resume.

The closure is the latest setback to Hyundai which only gradually resumed production after a shortage of parts from China brought about by the virus outbreak. Apart from China, South Korea is the most badly hit with over 3,700 cases and 18 deaths.

Hyundai operates five car factories in Ulsan, which has an annual production capacity of 1.4 million vehicles, or nearly 30 percent of Hyundai's global production.

Hyundai employs 34,000 workers there at the biggest car complex in the world.

Hyundai and Kias Will Shift, Brake Less Thanks to Big Data

Hyundai Motor Group is harnessing the power of big data to rid the world of needless gear shifting. Called Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Connected Shift System, it will predictively shift gears after identifying road and traffic conditions ahead.

Currently, gearboxes shift gears depending on a driver’s preference (or in the case of Rolls-Royce, GPS information as well). However, Hyundai’s system will be the first to consider road and traffic conditions as well.

The ICT Connected Shift System uses intelligent software in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) that collects and interprets real-time input from technologies such as the GPS navigation as well as the car’s own cameras and radar. The 3D navigation input includes elevation, gradient, curvature, and a variety of road events as well as current traffic conditions. Radar detects the speed and distance between the vehicle and others, and a forward-looking camera provides lane information.

Using all of these inputs, the TCU predicts the optimal shift scenario for real-time driving situations and will shift the gears accordingly. For example, when a relatively long slow down is expected and radar detects no speed irregularities with the car ahead, the transmission clutch temporarily switches to neutral mode to improve fuel efficiency.

When Hyundai and Kia tested a vehicle with an ICT Connected Shift System on a heavily curved road, the frequency of shifts in cornering was reduced by approximately 43 percent compared to vehicles without the system. Accordingly, the system also reduced the frequency of brake operation by approximately 11 percent, thereby minimizing driving fatigue and brake wear.

When rapid acceleration was required to enter a highway, the driving mode automatically switched to Sport Mode at the merge, making it easier to join the traffic flow. After merging with traffic, the vehicle automatically returned to its original driving mode, enabling safe and efficient driving.

In addition, the engine brakes were automatically applied upon release of the accelerator pedal by determining speed bumps, downhill slopes, and location of the speed limit change on the road. The changes in distance from the front car were detected by the front radar to adjust appropriate transmission gear automatically, which improved driving quality.

Hyundai and Kia are also planning to further develop the ICT Connected Shift System that can communicate with traffic signals based on LTE or 5G communication to further refine gear-shift control.

Plans are already underway to deploy them in future Hyundai and Kia models, and the company filed around 40 major patents both in South Korea and abroad.

Hyundai's Genesis Beats Lexus, Porsche in Vehicle Dependability

Research company J.D. Power has released its 2020 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, and the result is quite surprising.

The study, now in its 31st year, measures the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of their three-year-old vehicles. The 2020 study measures problems in model-year 2017 vehicles. A lower score reflects higher quality, and the study covers 177 specific problems grouped into eight major vehicle categories.

According to the J.D. Power study, vehicle dependability has improved, but at a slower rate. The industry average in 2020 is 134 PP100, which is an improvement of just 2 PP100 from 2019. (However, in 2019, there was an improvement of 6 PP100 from 2018.) Despite the slowing rate of improvement, 2020 marks automakers’ best performance in the history of the study.

And among the eight major vehicle categories studied, In-vehicle Technology shows the greatest improvement. However, it still accounts for more problems than any other category in the study. Owners continue to cite problems with voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation systems.

Among brands, taking the top spot this year is Hyundai Group’s luxury brand, Genesis. With just 89 PP100, it managed to best Lexus which now drops to second place with 100 PP100. Buick is third with 103 PP100, Porsche in fourth with 104 PP100, and rounding up the Top 5 is Toyota at 113 PP100.

The rest of the Top 10 are: Volkswagen, Lincoln, BMW, Chevrolet, and Ford.

Toyota receives six segment awards for the Lexus ES, Lexus GX, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota Tundra. The Toyota brand receives the highest number of segment awards in the study. Meanwhile, General Motors receives five segment awards: for the Buick Encore and Buick Regal, and for the Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Silverado HD and Chevrolet Tahoe.

Among individual models, the Lexus ES is the king with just 52 PP100.
Within their segments, the following models stood out:

• Honda Jazz/Fit (Small Car)
• Buick Regal (Midsize Car)
• BMW 2 Series (Small Premium Car)
• Ford Mustang (Midsize Sporty Car)
• Nissan Leaf (Compact Car)
• Genesis G80 (Midsize Premium Car)
• Mazda MX-5 (Compact Sporty Car),
• Toyota Avalon (Large Car)
• Lexus ES (Compact Premium Car)
• Buick Encore (Small SUV)
• Lexus GX (Midsize Premium SUV)
• Mercedes-Benz GLA (Small Premium SUV)
• Toyota Sienna (Minivan)
• Chevrolet Equinox (Compact SUV)
• Chevrolet Tahoe (Large SUV)
• Porsche Macan (Compact Premium SUV)
• Ford F-150 & Toyota Tundra (Large Light Duty Pickup)
• Nissan Frontier (Midsize Pickup)
• Chevrolet Silverado HD (Large Heavy Duty Pickup)
• Toyota 4Runner (Midsize SUV)

Mindanao's First Cooperative to Join the PUV Modernization Program Chooses Hyundai

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), continues its support for the country’s PUV Modernization Program with the turn over of the first batch of Hyundai HD50S Class 2 Modern PUVs to the Public Transport Alliance of Gensan (PTAG), led by PTAG President Robert N. Cang. 15 out of the 326 units orderered by PTAG were turned over.

PTAG, one of the country’s major transport cooperatives, comprising 11 groups and around 2,000 individual members, is the first Mindanao transport cooperative to comply with the national Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).

The turn over ceremony took place in General Santos City Oval Plaza in the presence of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Atty. Martin B. Delgra III, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Atty. Mark Steven Pastor, LTFRB Region XII Director Col. Paterno Reynato Padua (Ret.), PTAG President Robert Cang, and representatives from Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) Commercial Vehicles Division.

In his speech, DOTr Asec. Pastor expressed confidence that the government program is gaining traction as operators, drivers, and commuters alike are realizing the economic, social, and environmental benefits of modernizing the local public transport system.

Asec. Pastor further reported: “Sa huling datos natin nitong Disyembre 2019, lumalabas na 1,030 na mga kooperatiba na binubuo ng 104,000 na miyembro ang accredited ng Office of the Transportation Cooperatives (OTC). Umabot na rin sa 562 ang authorized routes sa ilalim ng programa na may 15,650 authorized units. Sa bilang na ito, 4,120 ang operational na.” The Assistant Secretary ended with a rallying call to continue supporting the widespread implementation of PUVMP.

Echoing the DOTr’s call, PTAG President Cang confirmed, “Dati nasubukan namin ang e-jeep at nakita namin ang epekto nung paggamit ng bagong unit. Pero sa modernized jeepney units, nakikita namin na bukod sa maayos na public transport system at mas convenient ito sa mga commuter, malaki ang benepisyo nito sa mga kooperatiba kaya buo ang suporta namin sa programa ng LTFRB.”

The event also saw strong support from the local government with the presence of General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera who hailed the progress of PUVMP in his city; while LTFRB Chairman Delgra expressed hope that the program would reach the farthest corners of the country.

The 15 Hyundai HD50S Class 2 Modern Jeepney units will operate under Lagao Drivers Operators Transport Cooperative (LADOTRANSCO) and will traverse three routes: Doña Soledad to Lagao Public Market, Calumpang to Lagao Public Market, and Calumpang to San Jose.

The Hyundai Class 2 Modern Jeepney is built on Hyundai’s HD50S platform and is powered by a 2.9-liter Euro 4-compliant CRDi engine that provides better fuel efficiency, reliability, and cleaner emissions. It is designed for enhanced stability and power-to-weight ratio, boasting a 3,415-millimeter wheelbase.

The Class 2 vehicle also features roof-mounted air conditioning, AFCS, Wi-Fi, GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, 7-inch monitor, and speed limiter. It can accommodate 22 seated passengers as well as up to ten standing commuters.

Both units have figured prominently in numerous PUV caravans in 2019 and were granted their DOTr Certificate of Compliance (COC), signaling that they are ready for deployment across the country.

Hyundai Chairman is First Korean Inducted into Automotive Hall of Fame

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Mong-Koo Chung will be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor.

The official ceremony which will be held on July 23 sees Chung as the first Korean inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame which was established in 1939, and has honored nearly 800 business leaders from around the world.

The Hall of Fame Induction is recognized as the most prestigious and honorable award in the industry. Past inductees have included: Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford, American inventor Thomas Edison, founder of Mercedes-Benz Karl Benz, founder of Honda Motor Company Soichiro Honda, and Toyota Motor Corporation founder Kiichiro Toyoda.

Previously, the Automotive Hall of Fame honored Chung with its Distinguished Service Citation Award in 2001.

According to the Automotive Hall of Fame, Chairman Chung has been credited with the success of Hyundai Motor Group. Chung’s legacy is on par with other legends of the industry who have launched and guided automotive firms to global growth and renown. Through Chung’s leadership, Hyundai Motor became Korea's largest automaker and Hyundai Motor Group became the world’s fifth-largest automotive group. Chung is noted for many remarkable accomplishments, including:

• Acquiring Kia Motors Corporation for Hyundai Motor Group
• Spearheading the group’s growth with new plants in key regions, including United States, Europe, China, India, Brazil and Russia
• Creating a highly efficient vertically integrated business structure that produces everything from steel to vehicles.

As one of the top business leaders in Korea, Chung has been a steadfast champion for development of the nation’s automobile industry and economy. Amid collapse of Korean automotive industry during the 1990s Asian financial crisis, Chung successfully revived Kia Motors and fostered it as a global automotive brand.

Under Chung’s leadership, Hyundai Motor Group rapidly expanded to compete head-to-head with the world’s leading automakers. As a result, Chung’s efforts affected lasting change in the global automotive landscape and the Korean economy.

In pursuit of global competitiveness, Chung placed great emphasis on quality management. He established a standard plant construction system that can be rapidly implemented anywhere to help assure consistent high-quality production evident in the many quality awards earned by Hyundai and Kia vehicles around the world. Chung has also established one of the world’s largest research and development centers to advance the company’s competitiveness.

Chung also helped grow the material industry by constructing integrated steel mill operations, creating highly efficient vertically integrated business structure which produces everything from steel to vehicles. The integrated steel mill allowed for synergy maximization within the group and environmentally sustainable manufacturing by establishing the world’s first resource-circulation business structure.

Hyundai Will Now Use Speakers to Quell Road Noise

Hyundai will be the first carmaker to use active road noise cancelation thanks to a partnership with Harman. The wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics will roll out Road-Noise Active Noise Control or RANC on the Genesis GV80 SUV first.

With car buyers demanding sharper handling and better fuel efficiency, conventional NVH methods may significantly add to a vehicle’s weight. The solution, Harman says is RANC. The RANC control processor uses signals received from acceleration sensors placed strategically along the suspension and chassis to predict noise transferred into the cabin and to generate an anti-noise wave in real-time. The system generates the anti-noise within milliseconds, thereby preventing any unwanted noise from reaching the occupants’ ears.

The RANC system is the result of years of research and continuous development, bringing together the expertise of Hyundai and Harman. The GV80 is the first SUV from Hyundai’s premium brand, Genesis which is based off the Hyundai Palisade platform.

Hyundai Opens in Baguio City

Hyundai Philippines opens in Baguio City, marking the Korean carmaker’s first full-service passenger car dealership in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

The Summer Capital of the Philippines is an acknowledged center of tourism, business, commerce, and education in Northern Luzon. Recently, Baguio City bagged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Clean Tourist City award for outstanding performance in its conservation and beautification campaign. It was also honored as a UNESCO Creative City under the Crafts and Folk Arts category in 2017.

Located along C. M. Recto St., Baguio City, Hyundai Baguio City is managed by Grit Motors Corporation. As a pioneer dealer in the CAR area, it complies with the brand’s Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) standards. Moreover, as the latest member of the Baguio business community, they offer Cordillera residents and businesses a fresh take in mobility, service, and worry-free ownership.

Here's What's Included in Hyundai's Free PMS Package

When Hyundai Philippines came up with the 5x5 Promo last September, they made history being the first automaker to offer a free 5-year Preventive Maintenance Service (PMS) package on top of their 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

The promo, subsequently extended until December of last year, is now back. Now re-titled, 5x5 L.O.V.E. or Live Own Value Enjoy, Hyundai says its your passport to a worry-free ownership, well, if you plan to get a Santa Fe, Tucson, or Grand Starex that is.

As great as it sounded though, there was some social media backlash with the first 5x5 Promo, specifically with dealers starting to charge customers for what’s supposed to have been a free PMS package. Well, reaching out to Hyundai Philippines, they clarified that the free PMS package only covers the “Basic PMS package.” For clarity, the list of what’s included is listed in the table below. Pardon that the table is kinda big and is in gray scale, but that is the best way for you to get it in high-res.

Other items and repairs needed (which are not included in the basic PMS package as specified), will be subject to the approval of the owner and will be charged to his account.

Take note that the promo covers a total of 21 PMS visits and owners must bring in their Hyundai vehicle during the first month or 1,000-km; third month or 5,000-km; and every three months or 5,000-km thereafter to keep it going. If a customer ends up skipping the prescribed PMS, the next applicable PMS shall be applied and the PMS skipped is deemed waived. The Service Passport is updated after each PMS visit.

Going back to the 5x5 L.O.V.E. promo, every purchase of a Grand Starex, Santa Fe, or Tucson from any authorized dealer nationwide from today until February 29 includes the free 5-year Basic PMS package. On top of that, the promo can be availed in conjunction with any existing sales promotions such as cash discounts, low downpayments, etc.

Hyundai Opens Angeles Dealership

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., opened its newest full-service passenger car (PC) dealership in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Located along McArthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City, Hyundai Angeles is the second Hyundai PC dealership in Pampanga and the third in Central Luzon operated by the Hizon group. The Hizon Group counts among the first four pioneer Hyundai dealers in the Philippines.

Among the highlights of the inauguration were the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), allocating some 700 units of the Hyundai H-100 Class 1 Modern Jeepney to local transport groups; and the turnover of an H-100 ambulance to the local government. Both activities signify Hyundai’s solid support for the national PUV modernization program.

Hyundai Angeles complies with Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) standards, the modern design philosophy of Hyundai Motor Company (HMC).

At the launch, HARI hinted that the newly launched dealerships and those that are opening this year will be housing Hyundai’s latest innovations slated for 2020.

The day after the Angeles launch, HARI went on to open the first-ever Hyundai PC dealership in the Cordilleras: Hyundai Baguio City.

Meet the New Face of Hyundai: BTS

Meet the newest global ambassadors of Hyundai: BTS. After spending a year as the global ambassador for Hyundai’s Palisade SUV, the K-Pop super group’s status has been elevated to be Hyundai’s global ambassador brand-wise.

Marking BTS’s new status, the group arrived at the 62nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in the all-new hydrogen fuel cell Hyundai Nexo.

“The reason why Hyundai Motor has joined hands with BTS is to raise awareness of hydrogen as an important future energy and its sustainable application in mobility, as well as to strengthen communications with the millennial generation and generation Z as environmentally conscious partners,” said Wonhong Cho, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor. “Through diverse campaigns with BTS illustrating Hyundai Motor’s fuel-cell technological prowess, we expect to reach a common understanding for eco-friendly, sustainable mobility with young people, and share diverse opinions with them.”

Hyundai’s tie-up with BTS is simple: they want to tap the millennial and Gen Z groups. Referring to those born between the early 1980s to the early 2000s—this demographic grew up either with a good grasp of information technology or largely grew up in a digital environment with a natural inclination for using digital tools.

The Korean carmaker says these young generations are characterized by keen environmental awareness and commitment to sustainable causes and lifestyles, encompassing production and consumption, and anticipated to be key supporters of clean energy such as hydrogen.

BTS has gained explosive popularity around the world for their music and other social initiatives; and their Hyundai Motor Global Brand Ambassadorship is expected to create a large social impact around the world via the company’s vision for eco-friendly and sustainable mobility, particularly at a time when addressing climate change is high on the agenda of policymakers and corporate leaders alike.