2012 Hyundai Veloster Named
2012 International Sporty Coupe of the Year
- Most Personalilty -

by Road & Travel Magazine

Sponsored by

For Immediate Release

DETROIT, January 9, 2012 - The International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) jury announced today the winner of the 2012 International Sporty Coupe of the Year, the all-new Hyundai Veloster.

2012 Hyundai Veloster - Read Review
2012 International Sporty Coupe of the Year
- Most Personality -

The ICOTY jury, made up of nationally-renowned automotive journalists selected the 2012 Hyundai Veloster as the most emotionally compelling sporty coupe for the new model year. “The Veloster is one of the most exciting and fun vehicles we’ve seen pass through the sporty coupe category in a long time. The ICOTY jury agreed that the new Veloster had the most personality and will bond effortlessly with active and fun-loving consumers in both mind and spirit,” said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY founder and executive producer.

“Conceived to attract new, youthful drivers to the Hyundai brand, Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design that combines the best characteristics of both a coupe and hatchback,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The unique personality of the car is attracting many different types of shoppers and we’re honored that the ICOTY jury agrees.”

The 16th annual ICOTY presenters included Courtney Caldwell, Editor-in-Chief, Road & Travel Magazine; Denise McCluggage, famed auto journalist and author; Ken Gross, auto writer for Playboy and Hemisphere’s magazines; and Martha Hindes, auto writer. Bridgestone sponsor and OE president Mike Martini co-presented the award with the jury.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bridgestone for their continued support of ICOTY. Their belief in ICOTY’s pioneering mission to honor vehicles that connect with consumers on an emotional level has allowed the ICOTY jury to honor dozens of vehicles throughout the years with designs that leave consumers feeling passionate about their vehicles again,” adds Caldwell.

“It’s our honor to sponsor this award recognizing the excellence in innovation by auto manufactures, and we appreciate the longstanding partnerships, both in the showroom and on our highways, we’ve enjoyed with them. We congratulate Hyundai on their prestigious award and look forward to creating world-class products for OEM’s in the years to come,” said Michael Martini, President Bridgestone’s OE Division, of BATO.

Hyundai's CEO and president, John Krafcik; Mike O'Brien, VP of Corporate and Product Planning; and Steve Shannon, VP of Marketing, accepted the award on behalf of Hyundai Motor America.

SEE ALL 2012 INTERNATIONAL CAR OF THE YEAR WINNERS

About ICOTY
The ICOTY Awards were founded in 1996 by Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine. Its unique and pioneering theme was created by Caldwell to recognize automakers that successfully designed their vehicles to consumer lifestyles eliciting an emotional connection to, and passion for, the cars they own and drive, which translates into consumer loyalty. Today, many automakers use the ‘emotional connection’ theme in their national marketing and advertising campaigns to connect with consumers.

Media Contact: Courtney Caldwell
Phone: 248.561.5660 EST
Email: icotyawards@gmail.com