“The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, our first production vehicle designed in the U.S., now offers greater value in 2007 with a purpose-built unibody SUV platform, bold new styling, more room, choice of fuel efficient V6 powertrains, and loaded with industry-leading standard safety technologies,” said John Krafcik, Vice President of Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “This award recognizes our continuous efforts to position our products at the top of their segments and achieve maximum customer satisfaction and safety.”

Starting at $21,715 including freight, the new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe has a larger, well-crafted interior with optional third-row seat, resulting in a roomier, more exciting and more upscale Santa Fe that delivers the combination of flexible interior packaging and driving agility that American consumers increasingly demand. All Santa Fe models are equipped with segment-leading standard safety technologies, including a total of six airbags, active front head restraints, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Additionally, all Santa Fe models are equipped with factory-installed XM Satellite Radio as a standard feature and includes a three month complimentary subscription.

The FIPA Inter-American Car of the Year Award was established in 2001. Due to the importance of the SUV segment throughout the Americas, the SUV award was added this year, making the 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe the first recipient of the Inter-American SUV Award. Auto journalists from throughout the Americas grouped by FIPA selected Inter-American Car and SUV of the Year. The Nissan Tiida (Versa in the U.S. market) was selected as Inter-American Car of Year 2007 under the following arguments: fun to drive, its quality-price ratio, and, above all, its interior roominess.

In selecting this year’s winner for Inter-American Car and SUV of the year, FIPA member automotive journalists voted on a first round to select 10 finalists, and then selected the final winner. Different from other similar awards, FIPA's selection process of Car and SUV of the Year is highly democratic and non-discriminatory of small countries: voters from all countries agree on one selection and vote all together as one entity. FIPA members consist of 68 automotive journalists from 19 different countries:

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 735 dealerships nationwide.