Hyundai all-new Sonata wins Saudi magazine award
JEDDAH, October 19, 2015
Hyundai's all-new Sonata has been recognised as Saudi Auto magazine's car of he year.
The vehicle was introduced in Saudi Arabia last year and has taken pole position in the annual awards owing to its advanced technological features and refined design in keeping with Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction, said a statement.
Jin (James) Kim, vice president and head of operations for Hyundai Africa and Middle East, said: “This type of recognition from one of the leading publications in our biggest Middle Eastern market is invaluable. It reaffirms our position as the regions second biggest automotive manufacturer and one of the leaders within the midsized sedan segment.”
The new model was judged by a panel of technical experts within the Saudi Auto team which recognised the model as the strongest performer in the segment beating competitors such as Nissan and Toyota.
The winning seventh generation of the Sonata was the result of three years of research and development conducted by Hyundai in the Middle East and around the globe, in order to maximise product competitiveness and satisfy the diverse needs of the Middle East market.
Bakur Azher, publisher and editor-in-chief of Saudi Auto Magazine, said: “The all-new Sonata is spectacular from all angles - from its dramatic exterior look, to its overall design concept which focuses on ‘Inner Force’, a theme that points to evolved aesthetics and confident perfection – this vehicle is a deserving winner of our car of the year award.”
The model has proved extremely popular with 28,556 units sold in the Middle East last year, a six per cent rise year on year, said the statement.
The Sonata has traditionally been one of Hyundai’s best-selling models across the Middle East and since its introduction in 1985, cumulative global sales have reached almost seven million units, it added. - TradeArabia News Service
