Hyundai Motor America And Autism Speaks Partner To Raise Awareness During National Autism Awareness Month

COSTA MESA, Calif., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America joined Autism Speaks on Saturday, April 21, 2012 for the annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks that brought together more than 30,000 participants at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. to raise awareness about the prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120425/LA94730)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091001/HYUNDAILOGO)

Showing Hyundai's support during National Autism Awareness Month in April and its dedication to the health and well-being of its local communities, Ruth Eisen, Executive Director and Associate General Counsel for Hyundai Motor America, kicked-off the event with opening remarks touching on her own family's challenges with autism and the need to increase funding for research.  A 2012 Hyundai Tucson then paved the way for runners and walkers as the 5K's official pace car.

"As the mother of a child with autism, I am proud to work for Hyundai and to see its commitment and compassion for children's health," said Ruth Eisen, Executive Director and Associate General Counsel for Hyundai Motor America.  "Hyundai and I are honored to have been a part of the 2012 Walk Now for Autism Speaks and to help increase research for, and awareness of, autism to better the quality of life of the kids and families dealing with autism every day."

Hyundai's participation at the Walk for Autism Speaks is part of its larger corporate social responsibility program that runs under the mantra of "doing good things together."  Hyundai is committed to being a responsible member of the community and giving back to its neighbors while focusing on health and education for children nationwide.

"We are so proud to have company sponsors like Hyundai involved with Autism Speaks," said Matt Asner, Executive Director for Autism Speaks Los Angeles.  "They are leading the way in corporate social responsibility, showing families like the ones we serve at Autism Speaks that they are here for us, and support us, and support autism awareness in our community."

For more information about Hyundai Motor America's CSR initiatives, please visit http://www.hyundaiusa.com/new-thinking/csr.aspx.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, 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 800 dealerships nationwide.

ABOUT AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism advocacy organization, dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. www.autismspeaks.org

ABOUT AUTISM
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism now affects about 1 in every 88 American children, including 1 in 54 boys. Autism is a complex condition that affects a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America