MANILA BULLETIN NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT HARI

HARI proposes Philippines as hub for Hyundai’s Asian

assembly plant
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
May 26, 2011, 11:22pm
 MANILA, Philippines — Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), exclusive distributor of Hyundai cars in the country, is
betting the Philippines to be Hyundai’s assembly hub in Asia as the world’s fastest growing car company mulls
another manufacturing plant in the region.

HARI President and Chief Executive Officer Fe Perez-Agudo told reporters at the formal launch of its partnership with
East-West Bank for the issuance of Mastercard credit cards to Hyundai customers that Hyundai Motors is looking at
putting a manufacturing in Asia to serve other markets in the region.

She said the Korean firm is still looking at investing in Asia although it is not yet certain which country the investment
would go to.

“If we (Philippines) are chosen as assembly hub in Asia then we will not only serve the domestic market but the Asian
region, so that makes manufacturing relevant and economical,” Agudo said.

This would call for the development of the country's auto parts and components, in the meantime to position the
country for that huge investment.

Outside Korea, Hyundai has only one assembly operation in Asia and that is in China.

Although, the onset of globalization may discourage Hyundai from expanding overseas, Hyundai Motors is still
looking at putting up another manufacturing in Asia because of the strong demand of its cars. The timing of the
liberalization between Asean and Korea by 2016 may no longer be relevant because the objective for the new
assembly plant is to serve other markets in Asia not just Asean and to fill up supply gap.

For 2011 alone, Agudo said that Hyundai has controlled production to 6.3 million units only in 2011 as against
demand of 7.5 million globally.

“We started experiencing this supply shortage since 2010 and the shortage is not unique to the Philippines but is
likewise felt in Korea, U.S. and Brazil,” Agudo said. She, however, said that Hyundia is accelerating the construction
of its manufacturing plants in Alabama , Europe and China to augment production.

Agudo said that the supply shortage has been largely caused by the company’s policy to maintain its quality so as not
to avoid product recalls in the market. “The shortage in supply continues not because we are affected by the Japan
disasters but because of the strong demand,” Agudo said.

For its Tucson model alone, the waiting time for customers has remained five months while Accent is two months.
The newly launched Elantra is expected to experience long queues because the 300 units brought in for the launch
had been all sold out.
Hyundai Sonata: Music best played
By IÑIGO S. ROCES
May 20, 2011, 5:00am

Hyundai Sonata (Photo by IÑIGO S. ROCES)

MANILA, Philippines -- In music, a sonata is a musical arrangement. It is a complex of notes and a showcase of a
composer’s talent, literally meaning a piece that is played as opposed to a cantata (which is sung).

In the automotive industry, a Sonata is an executive sedan, an attractive one at that. And quite like its musical
inspiration and namesake, it too is one that is best played.

The sonata may have been around for some time, yet its latest iteration is one that’s hard to ignore. Yet, you don’t
need a degree in music to appreciate Hyundai’s all-new Sonata.

The sedan’s wide stance, coupe-like form and dazzling lines are starkly different from much of the conservative
competition.

It all begins with the grille forming an arrowhead in the front. Headlights peek from under it like reptile eyes. Towards
the side, lines from the hood gently rise to form the cabin, while lines from the lights make the distinct window line.
The very center of the roof is blacked out (a trademark borrowed from exotic sportscars) to obscure the power
moonroof and rear sunroof. The cabin ends with a quarter window just above the wheel while the roofline continues
to slope down to form the trunk. Wide tail lights with circular brake lamps continue the coupe illusion.

The musical inspiration continues inside as the Sonata boasts interior accents in a piano black gloss finish. Concave
and convex surfaces blend to make what appear to be a spaceship’s cockpit more than a car’s interior. Silver
supports from the center divider create beautiful arches out of the foot wells.

Just like the musical arrangement, this vehicle was designed to be enjoyed by a maestro.

The seats adjust electronically with two memory settings. The wheel adjusts for reach. Boomerang-like supports form
the spokes of the wheel. Remote buttons are cleverly integrated into it. Just behind are beautifully sculpted paddle
shifts that take care not to inhibit the view of the wiper and light stalks.

The instrument cluster is a mix of the classical and modern. Hooded dials still indicate speed and revs while small
digital displays are integrated in the center. The main trip computer sits in between to indicate distance, fuel
consumption and range. Buttons on the steering wheel helps you browse through it all.

Towards the center is the console crowned by an LCD screen. Audio and climate settings are displayed on it.
Complete names of the song and artist show too, when using the included iPod adapter.

The slot loading CD player and stereo controls are just below it. Climate controls sit just below it with a human figure
display for easier use, taking just a glance to figure out.

Lower in the divider, the transmission stick is placed closer to the driver, the cupholder, on the passenger side. Dual
power slots accommodate extra accessories.

For those that wish to simply sit back and enjoy the music, there’s ample leg room in the second row and a nearly flat
floor. Separate aircon vents and a dedicated sunroof for the rear take care of the climate and view.

To get things rolling, the renaissance man need only keep the key in his pocket. A push of the “Engine Start” button
gets the journey underway. It brings to life the Theta II 2.4 liter engine (the same powerplant under the Tucson 4x4
Premium) paired with a 6-speed auto with manual mode. Despite rolling on 45 series tires on 18 inch wheels, the
whole car is kept comfortable with independent suspension all around.

As for safety, discs on all four wheels with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist bring it to a prompt stop. Stability controls
comes as standard with up to six airbags inflating in the event of an accident.
Yet specs and features aside, the drive itself, just like a sonata, is truly soothing. The plush ride comfortably
smoothens even the roughest roads. Great noise isolation keep the cabin quiet in the heaviest of traffic.

When that eases up, the 2.4 liter engine gets to stretch its legs. It has the torque and pull of a V6, yet boasts of some
astounding fuel economy (23 liters per 100 kilometers) with mixed use. On curves the Sonata tends to lean, yet
despite that, returns some remarkable handling for a vehicle of its size.

Little touches like auto-HID headlights and wipers, an auto dimming rearview mirror, power folding mirrors and
parking sensors all around make driving the vehicle daily a pampering experience.

As such, comparisons can’t be helped between it and segment stalwarts like the Accord. The Accord after-all steadily
made its way to the lead on the segment, just as the Sonata now seems poised to do. After all, it goes toe-to-toe with
segment leaders on nearly every aspect. Put it all together and there’s very little that the Sonata can’t offer.

The name may come from Classical times, yet a drive in the Sonata proves it’s definitely in tune with the times. All the
better to make the sweet, soothing music that inspired it in the first place.

HARI bags award for Hyundai’s best parts performance in

Asia Pacific region
May 12, 2011, 11:06pm
 PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Official distributor of Hyundai in the Philippines and third top-ranking automotive brand
in the local industry, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), took outright honors when it received the most prestigious
award during the 2011 Asia-Pacific Parts Conference, hosted by MOBIS, the parts arm of Hyundai-Kia Automotive
Group, at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Cambodia last April 6, 2011.

Highlighting the automotive company’s passion for world-class excellence in car technology and parts operations
management is HARI’s international success when it won the 2010 Best Performance from MOBIS, in recognition of
its outstanding operation and achievement in the area of Parts in the whole MOBIS Asia-Pacific region last year. The
Philippine Hyundai distributor, which has been bestowed by Hyundai Motor Company Asia-Pacific Distributor of the
Year three times since 2006 and Dealer Enhancement Program (DEP) Capital of the World twice in 2006 and 2009,
bested 35 other countries, reaffirming its strong foothold not only as a competitive brand in the local market, but also
as an outstanding player within the global Hyundai community.

“This honor serves as a beacon of inspiration for Team HARI not to congeal and rest on our laurels, but rather to
work even harder and more passionately to serve our customers better than before and give credence to the Hyundai
brand of service and quality,” stated Engineer Alfredo S. Jose, Jr., Senior AVP of HARI’s Operations Division during
an interview after the awarding ceremony. “No matter the challenges ahead, we will remain true to our passion to
move HARI forward towards our goal to succeed and be the Top of Heart and Top of Mind automotive brand in the
country,” Engr. Jose added.

During the conference, HARI also shared MOBIS’ vision of reinforcing market retention in the Asia-Pacific region
through brand protection and proper distributorship management. Market situations, trends, and best practices were
also discussed among the participating countries, providing a clear overall scenario of the automotive industry in the
region. Continuous training of parts personnel was also underscored to foster synergy among all participating dealers
and distributors as well.

To date, HARI’s international recognition goes for the outstanding performances of its people and strong dealership
network, a testament to the seriousness, credence, and passion of the Filipino team players of the Hyundai global
network in implementing effective measures in providing the highest quality technology possible to all motorists and
uniting the Philippine driving community into one excellent automotive brand and market.
Hyundai sales up 6% in March
April 11, 2011, 3:27pm
MANILA, Philippines -- Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), official distributor of Hyundai Motor Company in the
country, announced that its sales for the month of March increased by 6% versus its 1,538 unit sales in the previous
month.

HARI President and CEO Fe Perez-Agudo said that contributing to the total sales boost of Hyundai in the month of
March was the recently introduced Hyundai Accent, which grew by 203% compared to its February unit sales.

In the LCV segment, Tucson sales grew by 88% and the Santa Fe by 89% while the H-100 contributed its share with
a 43% increase.

For the 1st quarter, 2011 sales were likewise positive and up 3% versus the 4,572 unit sales that it gained in the
same period last year. The passenger car segment, led by the Hyundai Accent and the Getz, drove sales with an
18% growth, with the Hyundai Santa Fe and Grand Starex contributing to the sales growth in the LCV segment.

“Our outlook for Hyundai is bright in 2011. We are on track with our goals and targets,” said HARI President and CEO
Fe Perez-Agudo.

“Our strides in the passenger car segment with our introduction of the Hyundai Accent in December 2010 and most
recently of the Hyundai Elantra at the Manila International Auto Show, coupled with our aggressive and out-of-the box
brand-building campaigns which embody our new brand slogan, “New Thinking. New Possibilities.” reflect our raised
outlook for our 10th anniversary year and should drive attractive growth over the long-term,” Agudo said. (BCM)

Ford, Hyundai report strong sales in February

March 13, 2011, 12:15am
 MANILA, Philippines – For the first two months this year, Hyundai sales grew 13.4 percent to 3,079 units while Ford
Group Philippines posted 76 percent increase in sales for the month of February alone.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) president and CEO Fe Perez-Agudo said sales were boosted by the Getz,
Santa Fe, and Grand Starex. Improved performance of the Sonata and the Grand Starex offset the shortage in supply
of the new Accent and Tucson models this February.

Agudo said they are pursuing aggressive marketing campaigns and expansion of its dealerships to respond to the
strong demand of the market.

“From 36 dealerships, we’re on our way to expanding our network to 45 Hyundai dealerships this year to make
Hyundai vehicles and Best C.A.R.E. services as well as our One Hyundai Club, the first-ever distributor-based,
comprehensive car loyalty program in the Philippines, more accessible to Filipino motorists, thereby improving our
customers experience of the Hyundai brand,” Agudo said.

Meantime, Ford Group Philippines (FGP) reported that overall February sales for Ford brand vehicles rose 76 percent
from the same month last year to 818 units.

Ford’s exceptional month was led by continuing strength of demand for the all-new Ford Fiesta which regained its
position as the best-selling hatchback in the Philippines and its consistently top-selling Everest SUV.

The globally popular Fiesta, which continued to enjoy strong demand from an increasing number of new-to-Ford
customers, delivered strong February sales that increased 20 percent from last month to 268 units. Ford celebrated
the 1000th Fiesta sale in the Philippines during the month, helping to further highlight its growing popularity. In
addition to February, the Fiesta was also the best-selling hatchback in December. (BCM)