U.S. TAKES HOME GOLD IN THE 10th HYUNDAI WORLD SKILL OLYMPICS

Competition Tests Automotive Service Expertise and Reinforces Brand’s Commitment to Quality Service and Customer Satisfaction

COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2013 –Hyundai Motor Company recently concluded the 10th Hyundai World Skill Olympics, a biennial skills competition that pits Hyundai’s automotive service experts and technicians against one another in various Olympic-style competitions and tests. The 2013 gold medal was awarded to local Riverside, California Hyundai technician, Jason Emerson. This acknowledgment propels the United States to the top of the medal chart, beating out China, Turkey and Australia and becoming one of only three countries to have multiple gold medal awards.

“We congratulate Jason on his win and are thrilled he was able to take home the gold for the U.S. and our dealership,” said Jim Sams, Service Manager, Riverside Hyundai. “This is a true testament to Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional level of quality customer service throughout the lifetime of vehicle ownership.”

In addition to Jason Emerson receiving the overall gold medal, three other U.S. technicians placed in the competition. Ken Winders from Gene Messer Hyundai in Lubbock, Texas received a gold medal for his performance in the engine mechanical and written evaluations. Steve Picket from Ed Voyles Hyundai in Smyrna, Georgia and Aronn Walters from Regional Hyundai in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma received Excellent Skills medals, recognizing their strong overall performance in the competition.

The Hyundai World Skill Olympics is designed to improve customer satisfaction at Hyundai service centers across the globe. First held in 1995, the competition has sought to improve service technicians’ skills through systematic training in a unique and interactive environment.

“Top automotive service skills are at the heart of customer satisfaction,” said Erwin Raphael, Director, Engineering and Quality, Hyundai Motor America. “The Hyundai World Skill Olympics really allows us to ensure we are providing a premier customer experience and arming our technicians with the tools and training they need to deliver quality service.”

In 2013, a total of 145 participants including 87 specialists from 54 countries gathered at Hyundai Motor’s Technical Center in Korea to perform their latest techniques in an Olympic-style competition. The competition includes practical evaluations of engines, electric devices, chassis, automatic transmission and other automotive components. There is also a written exam portion of the competition.