Hyundai Motor Named Official Partner For 2006 World Cup

SEOUL December 5, 2002; Dow Jones reported that South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. was selected as an official partner of 2006 World Cup Germany, said Hyundai Motor and FIFA, the world's soccer governing body, in separate statements on Friday.

Hyundai Motor is the only automobile sponsor for the event and will provide Hyundai vehicles to transport FIFA and organizing committee officials, players, referees and media representatives, the statements said.

Hyundai Motor has been an official partner of the FIFA World Cup since 1999 and also supported the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup.

"Hyundai Motor expects the sponsorship to help publicize the quality of its vehicles as well as its brand. It will give Hyundai Motor an opportunity to grow as a global brand," Hyundai Motor said.

Chung Mong-koo, the chairman of Hyundai Motor, is the brother of Chung Mong- joon, a vice president of FIFA.

Editors Note: Two days ago Hyundai announced that it would no longer be involved with the SCCA Pro Rally because of financial preassures.