DALLAS, April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2015 Hyundai Genesis has been named the 2014 "Car of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), one of the largest and most respected media associations in the U.S. Issued at the annual Texas Auto Roundup at the iconic Texas Motor Speedway, the award is the event's highest ranking accolade and a first for a Hyundai vehicle. In addition, the Genesis earned top awards for Mid-size Luxury Car and Best New Interior.

"We are honored that the 2015 Hyundai Genesis has been named 'Car of Texas' and proud to see the sedan getting out of the gate so fast," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "This is another first for Hyundai and given our recent winning streak at TAWA events, we know our Genesis and the rest of the Hyundai line-up have what it takes to compete in Texas and beyond."

As with years past, the 2014 Texas Auto Roundup had active TAWA media members evaluate almost 50 of the industry's leading sedans, coupes, family vehicles and performance cars. Each entry was put through its paces on the outer roads and inner circuit of Dallas/Fort Worth's Texas Motor Speedway.  For 2014, 13 segment awards were named as well as supplemental awards for Best New Feature, Best New Interior and Best Value.  Two title awards were given out as well – Family Car of Texas and Car of Texas. 

"TAWA members were easily impressed by the 2015 Hyundai Genesis, enough to name it the top honor Car of Texas," said Michael Marrs, TAWA President. "Luxury is important to Texans but so is value. The Genesis hits all the right buttons as it is more luxurious and dynamic than before all while still holding on to the namesake's incredible value."

Competing in the Mid-size luxury segment, the Hyundai Genesis not only bested its category competition in the form of the 2015 Volvo S60 T6 and 2014 Lincoln MKZ, but it also took Car of Texas by 10 points. No other vehicle in the 13 segments received as many votes as Genesis did. Hailed by journalists for its blend of value, safety, technology, luxury and driving dynamics, the Genesis earned high marks for being a complete premium package at a value-oriented price. Aspects from exterior styling to road manners as well as pricing, fuel mileage and performance all were taken into account for voting.

Representing a bold step forward for Hyundai, the 2015 Genesis is all-new inside and out with a host of premium features and improved dynamics. Riding on a completely revamped platform, the sedan is stiffer and stronger than before. A suite of advanced assistance features such as Rear Cross-traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Blind-Spot Detection and Smart Cruise Control are offered. Two engine options are available: a 311 horsepower 3.8 liter V6 and a 420 horsepower 5.0 liter V8, while an advanced HTRAC AWD system is available for the first time on a Hyundai passenger car. With base pricing starting at $38,000, a true blend of premium value, safety, bold design and superb driving dynamics can be had with the 2015 Hyundai Genesis.    

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Assurance Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.    

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com 

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America