Capitol Hyundai Columbia

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2012 ? The all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster earned the title of "Best Under $20,000" in Winding Road's 2012 Best Car Of The Year Awards. Each year, Winding Road seeks out and honors the best vehicles, across every level of size, form, and functionality, selected from the hundreds of vehicles they review annually.

"Lower weight plus lower consumption plus lower price equals more fun," said Seyth Miersma, editor-in-chief, Winding Road. "We're not math majors, but that's something like the equation we believe Hyundai must have dreamed up when it first conceived of the 2012 Veloster. We were instant fans of the outstanding gearbox and the chuckable handling that Veloster offered, and quickly realized that the low starting price was likely to make it an enthusiast darling."

The awards selection process leveraged the opinions of Winding Road's seasoned staff of test drivers combined with the vehicle's scoring according to the Winding Road Involvement Index. Using more than 30 points of individual measure, the Involvement Index seeks to quantify (on a 100-point scale) the always-elusive "fun to drive factor."

"With the Hyundai Veloster, we wanted to show the industry that sleek design and reasonable pricing can go hand in hand," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Veloster combines a stylish image with sporty driving dynamics and outstanding fuel economy, making it perfectly suited for both practical drivers and auto enthusiasts."

It won't be long before we see the official reveal of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, but predictably, the Internet won't be kept waiting. Consider us unsurprised that a set of grainy photos showing what is claimed to be a badgeless redesigned Santa Fe crossover has appeared ahead of schedule.

That said, we're thinking the chrome-heavy maw depicted in these shots suggests that this is probably an overseas version (ix45) ? not exactly what we'll see in the States. At least, that's what we're hoping, as the wall of frontal brightwork seems out of step not just with the market, but also Hyundai and its styling position here in North America. That said, our moles confirm that this is "some version of Santa Fe" and suggest that the image above was likely part of an illicit photo shoot taken inside the plant in Korea.

• Total sales up 15 percent, retail sales up 19 percent
• North American Car of the Year ? Hyundai Elantra

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 1, 2012 ? HyundaiMotor America today announced all-time record January sales of 42,694 units, up 15 percent versus 2011.

Despite continued tight availability at Hyundai dealers across the nation, January retail sales were up 19 percent from last year due to continued strong performance throughout the Hyundai line-up, with the hot-selling Elantra up 13 percent and Genesis/Equus sales up 27 percent over last year. Fleet mix remains low at nine percent as the focus remains on optimizing dealer throughput and meeting consumer demand given ongoing production capacity constraints.

"January was a good month for us as Januarys go. We set an all-time sales record for the month, saw continued stabilization in the general economy, and witnessed the Hyundai Elantra crowned as North American Car of the Year," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president, national sales. "All in all, a very solid base to build off in 2012."

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 17, 2012 ? Hyundai is highest among all automotive brands in J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Retention Study^(SM). Now in its ninth year, the study measures the rate at which automotive brands retain their existing customers and examines the reasons why customers remain loyal. Hyundai earned the top spot in the study, improving its retention rate by four percentage points from 2010 to 64 percent in 2012.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, Hyundai's increased retention rate is shaped by its expanding model lineup, as well as the fact that perceptions of the brand's quality and appeal have continued to improve during the past decade.

The 2012 Customer Retention Study is based on responses from 117,001 new-vehicle buyers and lessees, of which 73,733 replaced a vehicle that was previously acquired new. In addition to customer retention, the study also measures the rate at which each automotive brand captures customers from its competitors, known as conquesting.

"We are proud that Hyundai owners show their brand loyalty by choosing to buy another Hyundai vehicle over 60 percent of the time," said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. "Once they experience the styling, comfort and value of Hyundai vehicles, it's no surprise that they elect to stick with the Hyundai brand. We are thrilled that our vehicles and our dealers are earning the respect and loyalty of our customers."