Geneva Auto Salon 2005: Hyundai Shows Long-term Commitment to European Market
- New Grandeur follows XG as Hyundai’s E-segment contender
- HED-1 concept offers insights to Hyundai’s B-segment MPV strategy
Rüsselsheim, February 8th , 2005 – The new Hyundai Grandeur, the replacement for the current XG will be unveiled during Hyundai’s official press conference at the Geneva Motor Show.
The new executive class saloon reflects the European styling of the recently introduced Sonata. It is powered by a new 3.3 litre V6 petrol engine, which will be joined later by a common rail 2.2 litre diesel. In terms of size, performance and space, the new Grandeur is positioned to provide a realistic alternative to established European competitors in the E-segments.
In keeping with the demands of the target market the basic specification is exceptionally refined. It includes electronic power steering and steering wheel adjustment, ESP, front & rear side airbags, active headrests, 17 inch alloy wheels, dual climate control and a luxurious dual tone and textured interior with wood and metal trim. The Grandeur is slightly larger than the current XG, with a 30 mm longer wheelbase which directly adds to interior space while enhancing driving dynamics and stability.
Announcing the decision to exhibit the car in Geneva, Kwang-Heum Um, President Hyundai Motor Europe GmbH, said: “This is an extremely important model for us in Europe. Grandeur does not aim at breaking sales records in a segment, in which European competitors have a majority share. The car is designed to raise awareness in a segment where status is important, by challenging the perception of Hyundai in terms of prestige, performance, presence and perceived quality. Beyond making a strong product statement, Grandeur will help to establish us firmly among the first choices as a brand.” Hyundai Motor Europe expects the car to be available starting from July this year.
Joining the Grandeur will be the HED-1 concept car. A logical extension of the themes first explored in the E³ (E-cubed) in 2004, the car displays many thought provoking aspects, which will potentially influence future downsized, city oriented MPV design.
Speaking from European design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, said: “As our customers demand more lifestyle fitness and flexibility, and ever increasing levels of quality and sophistication, total concept cars such as the HED-1 allow us not only to prepare for these demands, but also to gauge the reaction of potential future customers. As such they are the purest form of practical design research we can be involved in, and an important guide to forthcoming production innovations.”
Both cars will be presented at a press conference on March 1st, 2005 between 05:30 p.m. and 05:45 p.m. hosted by Mr Dong-Jin Kim, Vice President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company and Kwang Heum Um, President of Hyundai Motor Europe GmbH. On behalf of the design department Mr Gregory Guillaume and the senior design team for the HED-1 will be available for further discussion and comment. | 
