Philadelphians Say Long Commutes Impact Job Satisfaction and Car Selection

Hyundai Findings Indicate Feature-Rich Vehicles Such as the 2006 Hyundai Sonata Can Help Alleviate Traveling Woes

PHILADELPHIA, June 13 -- A new study shows that nearly 40 percent of Philadelphia commuters are now spending half an hour or more on the road to work each way, with 19 percent spending at least 45 minutes each way. The study, sponsored by the 2006 Hyundai Sonata, also found that for many residents, their commuting times will play a major factor in job satisfaction and vehicle-purchase decisions.

The survey of Philadelphia metro residents asked about their commute times, traffic arteries with the worst congestion, and which vehicle features could help make their drive more tolerable.

Seventy percent of the commuters surveyed said time spent on the road would be a factor in their next job search, with 60 percent saying that if they were to buy a car today, their commute would have a big impact on their purchase decision. Other significant findings of the survey included:

   *  43 percent of commuters fantasize about having a job closer to home.
   *  Eight percent admitted to calling in sick to work in order to avoid
      their commute.
   *  98 percent of all survey participants said safety would be very
      important or somewhat important on deciding which automobile brand to
      buy.
   *  81 percent of commuters said vehicle options (such as CD player,
      interior space, power steering) would be very important/somewhat
      important in their purchase decision.

"It's clear that people who cannot avoid a long commute will look specifically for an energy efficient vehicle that makes them feel comfortable and safe," said Don Shanis, Director, Transportation Planning, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. "Vehicles that come standard with many different features can make their time on the road more bearable."

Vehicles such as the all-new 2006 Hyundai Sonata offer many standard options that can help ease the stress of a lengthy commute. The Hyundai Sonata is the first vehicle in the midsize segment to come with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control. The Sonata also offers more interior space than competitors such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima, and comes with six standard airbags.

"With so many different options available, auto manufacturers must factor their customers' lifestyles -- particularly as it pertains to workplace or commuting issues -- into vehicle development," said Dan Gorrell of Strategic Vision, Inc., a research company with more than 20 years of experience studying consumer buying decisions and satisfaction. "Hyundai, for example, has recognized that because people are spending more time driving, their cars should be built with a high level of safety and comfort."

With the nation's third-longest average commute (approximately 30 minutes), Philadelphia is home to congested highways such I-95 and Schuylkill Expressway (referred to by local residents as the "Surekill") -- sites of many major traffic accidents. Passenger cars equipped with Electronic Stability Control experience 35 percent fewer single vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single vehicle fatalities, according to recent NHTSA studies.

"Hyundai spent three years redesigning the Sonata with the customer's point of view in mind," said Bob Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "This survey confirms that this vehicle, which comes with many standard amenities, can offer a better driving experience to Philadelphia commuters -- and anyone who spends a lot of time on the road."

The survey conducted by Braun Research had a +/-6% margin of error.

Local residents will be able to test first-hand the 2006 Hyundai Sonata at the upcoming Hyundai "Drive Your Way" tour on June 18 and 19 at Philadelphia Park in Bensalem. The event will give attendees the opportunity to compare the Sonata to other vehicles in the same class (2005 Honda Accord LX and 2005 Toyota Camry LE). Registration information and other details are available at http://rideanddrivesonata.com/. Those interested must register in advance to participate.

About Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America, based in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 650 dealerships nationwide.