Hyundai will unveil its new European C-segment hatchback at its press conference at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday 6 March 2007.  Codenamed “FD”, this will be the first ever car from the Hyundai designed specifically for Europe.

In developing the FD, Hyundai focused on combining cultivated dynamics with sleek, sophisticated styling, generous equipment levels and up-to-the-minute safety package. The car is due to go on sale across Europe in the summer.

With the launch of FD, Hyundai will simultaneously introduce a new alphanumerical naming strategy for all its products going forward. In the past, product names have been chosen to express the values inherent in, or associated with, each individual Hyundai model.  Now, however, Hyundai is taking a more holistic approach to its vehicle nomenclature.

The new nomenclature will display a clearer technology-orientation and be closely linked to Hyundai’s brand promise of “Quality, Self-assurance, and Inspiring”.

Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK Ltd, Tony Whitehorn, said: “Geneva marks a significant turning point in the history of Hyundai, which has grown at a phenomenal rate in its relatively brief history to become the world’s sixth largest motor manufacturer.

“The launch of Hyundai FD, combined with the new naming strategy, the imminent arrival of a 300,000 unit European manufacturing facility and new advanced R&D facilities and European Headquarters in Germany, signals Hyundai’s development into a mainstream European manufacturer with serious intentions to provide high quality and affordable cars designed and built specifically to European tastes.”

New Concept Offers Glimpse of the Future

As the latest example of its advanced vehicle research, Hyundai will also present a crossover-SUV concept at its Geneva press conference.  Using advanced materials from its co-operation partner GE Plastics, Hyundai’s European designers have developed an SUV that is environmentally friendly and also offers outstanding results in computer-animated pedestrian safety tests.