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In the US, Hyundai’s Grandeur (badged ‘Azera’ there) large sedan and Tucson compact SUV were each named winners in the 2006 Total Value Awards conducted by leading consumer research house Strategic Vision, based in San Diego, California.

Their awards regime placed the Grandeur (Azera) best in the large car segment and Tucson equal tops in the small sport utility vehicle segment, in a tie with a US-only Saturn model.

The Strategic Vision poll surveyed more than 64,000 new vehicle buyers after 90 days of ownership. Poll results spotlight vehicles that give owners the best economic value paired with the highest emotional satisfaction.

Strategic Vision’s Total Value concept is about much more than price paid or the purchase deal and includes reliability, durability, a solid warranty, strong anticipated resale value and innovation.

“Total Value encompasses the complete ownership experience with emotional components and priorities, reinforcing the notion of a ‘smart buy’”, said Alexander Edwards, President of Strategic Vision, Automotive Group.

Consumers were asked an array of questions about their ownership experience including buying, owning and driving their new vehicles and their economic expectations of it. The Hyundai Grandeur (Azera) and Tucson outclassed competitor vehicles with a combination of distinct styling and outstanding safety features and warranty.

Germany
Top German car magazine Auto Zeitung conducts an annual mega survey of the German car industry, surveying many vehicle ownership satisfaction criteria.

In its 2006 “Qualitäts Report”, Hyundai topped probably the most important consumer criterium of the survey: total number of car breakdowns. It was the only brand to have a clean slate of 100 percent reliability with no breakdowns and rated well clear of the next clutch of marques. Lexus followed with 96.9 percent reliability, Subaru 96.0, Mazda 95.7, Honda 94.9, Jaguar 94.7 and Toyota 94.1 percent.

“These latest citations, which follow a growing number of other recent similar accolades for Hyundai from a variety of research groups in different countries, are all independent tests and are further proof that the Hyundai brand is synonymous with highest level automotive quality and delivers on owner satisfaction,” said Theo van Doore, Hyundai Motor Co Australia director of sales and marketing.