Hyundai Sonata receives 5-stars crash rating

As accident rates rise over the holidays, consumers are demanding safer cars

[ClickPress, Thu Jan 26 2006] Juma Al Majid Est, the sole distributor Hyundai in the UAE, has announced that the 2006 Hyundai Sonata has been awarded a 5-stars rating in front and side impact protection by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the USA.

The announcement comes as Dubai Police reported traffic deaths and injuries during the Eid holiday period, showing that at least 4 people have died since the beginning of the New Year. The monthly average figure increased from 17 deaths a month in 2004 to 19 deaths a month 2005. The number of injuries due to traffic-related accidents amounted to 2,457 in 2005.

“Functionality in a vehicle is important, but it is also vital that consumers be aware of how safe the car is, especially in the UAE where it is quite common to see very fast cars on the highway. Often our customers, particularly those with children, will ask us specifically about the number of airbags a car has, as well any additional safety features,” stated Omar Baddar, Manager of Juma Al Majid Est.

Tests such as the NHTSA conduct impact surveys on the driver and passenger side to measure the safety of the vehicle. The results of the tests allow consumers to be more aware of the safety of the vehicle they are thinking of buying. The annual test is conducted on all new and redesigned vehicles, and each car received a different rating depending on the crash collision impact.

The 2006 Hyundai Sonata received a 5-stars rating from NHTSA and was also voted “The Safest mid-size sedan” by the automotive trade magazine, Popular Mechanics.

“Hyundai Sonata is not only equipped with a more powerful 3.3 liter engine that gives you more power output of 173KW and 304 Nm torque, but it is also equipped with ABS brakes, dual airbags, side curtain airbags (optional), child safety locks, cruise control, and rear parking sensors – all of which make the Sonata a functional but safer family car,” commented Baddar.

The all new safest mid-size Sonata was launched in other markets like Saudi Arabia, Korea and Europe in 2005.

“The feedback from these markets is very positive and hence we are expecting the same in the UAE. The new Sonata is now in a luxury segment of the market within a competing price range,” concluded Baddar.

Juma Al Majid Est. is part of the Juma Al Majid Group, one of the most reputed business groups in the Gulf.

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