Jim Pattison celebrates 50 years in car business

ONE DEALERSHIP in 1961 has grown into 18 in 2011.

Before he opened his first car dealership in Vancouver close to 50 years ago, Jim Pattison was already turning a profit buying and selling cars.
“When I was at John Oliver high school, there were 1,800 kids and only two cars were driven by kids,” he recalled during an interview with Black Press.
“I was one of them, driving a ’37 Austin two-seater convertible. My dad helped me get it. It was financed through the Consolidated Finance Company, and my dad co-signed for it. I sold it after I graduated from school, and made a slight profit on it.
“That’s how I paid my way through university,” Pattison said, “buying and selling cars.”
Pattison’s first dealership opened in 1961 at the corner of 18th Avenue and Cambie Street
in Vancouver – a General Motors franchise that not only was the start of the Jim Pattison Auto Group, but the beginning of the huge Jim Pattison Group of Companies that today employs more than 33,000 people and has $7.2 billion in sales annually.
“Everything we have started with that business at 18th and Cambie,” Pattison said. “We
bought a three-pump Home Oil gas station, with a small showroom, with a $40,000 loan from the Royal Bank. We sold 25 cars in the first month.” Roughly a decade later, General Motors offered the Pattison group a second franchise.
“There was a problem with a dealer in Coquitlam, and they asked us to help out. We acquired a Chevrolet franchise, and opened on Kingsway in Burnaby,” he said.
“Then 1979, maybe 1980, Toyota came to us and offered us three dealerships in the North Shore, New Westminster and Surrey.”
Today, the Jim Pattison Auto Group has grown to include 18 locations in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island, including Jim Pattison Hyundai in Nanaimo. New Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Volvo, Scion, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles are sold
under the Pattison name, as are used cars through the company’s Cars Unlimited brand.
“It gives you more opportunities,” Pattison said, explaining why the auto giant sells numerous different brands. “Each manufacturer has certain advantages to suit different customers.” Pattison sees no reason why the company can’t continue to grow.
“As cities get crowded, there will be more people using transit, and they will be using their cars less,” he said. “But people will still want their own transportation,
to go their different ways.”

2011 HYUNDAI SONATA NAMED A BEST FAMILY CAR BY KIPLINGER’S PERSONAL FINANCE

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 04/29/2011

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata, with its class leading 35 mpg standard highway fuel economy, all four cylinder engine lineup and class above interior volume, was selected as one of the 2011 Best Cars for Families by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.  Sonata joins a list of eight other vehicles deemed the most family friendly by Kiplinger’s extensive evaluation.

“Hyundai’s Sonata beat out the midsize sedan competition to earn Kiplinger’s Best New Car award this year for an innovative redesign that’s parent and kid-friendly,” said Jessica Anderson, associate editor, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.  “The turbocharged Sonata SE 2.0T has the most horsepower in the segment and nimble handling for Mom or Dad. The back seat fits two child car seats easily, plus it has decent legroom and cup holders in the rear armrest.”

Each of the vehicles on Kiplinger’s list has a sticker price below $35,000 and respectable fuel economy. All were required to do well in Kiplinger’s road tests, have plenty of cargo space (for strollers and other gear) and have received positive reviews from parents. All vehicles also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick designation, meaning they earned the top rating not only for front, side and rear crash tests but also for roof-strength rollover tests, and have standard stability control. Traction control and six airbags are also standard on each.

“The 2011 Sonata is a smart buy for families looking for class-leading comfort, an EPA designated large volume interior and advanced standard safety technologies,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Couple that with a four-cylinder engine lineup producing impressive fuel economy with the power of a V6, and the Sonata is the perfect midsize sedan choice for parents and their kids.”

For more information and the complete list of Kiplinger’s 2011 Best Cars for Families, visit: www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/best-cars-for-families-2011.

It's here! Our first new Hyundai Hybrid Sonata! Come and see it before its gone!

It's here! Our first new Hyundai Hybrid Sonata! Come and see it before its gone!

ECO Hyundai’s Blue Drive Project

ECO Hyundai’s Blue Drive Project

ECO-FRIENDLY FINALLY GOT ECON-FRIENDLY

The elite don’t have a monopoly on the environment. Nor do they have a monopoly on our responsibility to take care of it. We all have to do our part. That’s why Hyundai is taking strides toward making environmental efficiency more affordable. Over the next few years, Hyundai will introduce hybrids and other high-efficiency, low-emission models that cost far less than you’d expect. Our goal is to provide the best price-to-MPG ratios of any car company out there. After all, we can’t all afford the ultra-expensive eco-machines, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to drive a little greener.

More videos quizes…

http://bluedrive.hyundai.com/BlueDrive.asp

Cool Video Hyundai Genesis Coupe on the race track.

Cool Video Hyundai Genesis Coupe on the race track.

Click here for more Genesis Videos and Gallery http://alturl.com/9qv7g

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE EVOLVES TO FEATURE ALL-NEW GUARANTEED TRADE-IN VALUE

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 04/20/2011

Renewing its industry-leading focus on consumer protection, Hyundai today announced the introduction of the all-new Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee. The Guarantee is a direct result of Hyundai’s sensitivity to consumer preferences and is made possible by the strength of Hyundai’s residual values, now among the highest in the industry.

This newest addition to the Assurance suite of programs eliminates concern about depreciation by giving Hyundai owners a guaranteed value for their vehicle in months 24 through 48 of ownership. The program will be applied to all new vehicles purchased on or after May 1, 2011 at no additional cost to consumers. Because of the exceptional quality of its vehicles, Hyundai offers more car for the money now, and more money for the car later, under this guaranteed trade-in program.

All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the complimentary Hyundai Assurance program, which currently includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and now Trade-in Value Guarantee.

More http://alturl.com/qzg26 

HYUNDAI ASSURANCE EVOLVES TO FEATURE ALL-NEW GUARANTEED TRADE-IN VALUE

SONATA HYBRID, ELANTRA, VELOSTER AND ACCENT TO CAPITALIZE ON RISING FUEL PRICES

SONATA HYBRID, ELANTRA, VELOSTER AND ACCENT TO CAPITALIZE ON RISING FUEL PRICES

All Four Models Achieve Best-In-Class Standard 40 Miles Per Gallon on the Highway

NEW YORK, 04/20/2011
The summer of 2011 could see gas prices approach $4.00 per gallon nationally according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, driving demand for high-content, fuel efficient vehicles to an all-time high. This trend will help Hyundai Motor Company’s quartet of new 40 mpg standard highway cars – the Sonata Hybrid, Elantra, Veloster and Accent – build momentum. These cars make Hyundai the only manufacturer with four models achieving 40 mpg on the highway – no asterisks required. By the end of 2011, Hyundai Motor America expects to lead the industry in sales of 40 mpg highway fuel economy rated vehicles, with more than 200,000 units sold. This will represent more than 30 percent of Hyundai Motor America’s total anticipated sales.

Hyundai plans to answer consumer demand by offering even more 40 mpg highway models over the next several years. In addition to the new Sonata Hybrid, Elantra, Veloster and Accent, Hyundai will introduce one more 40 mpg highway car and another achieving 40+ mpg in the next couple years. These additional models will further the company’s 40 mpg highway sales volume growth as it steams toward its stated goal of an EPA fleet average of at least 50 mpg by 2025.

“Sonata Hybrid, Elantra, Veloster and Accent are tapping into a newfound consumer demand for high-content, fuel efficient cars,” says Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “These vehicles achieve 40 mpg highway without any additional cost or sacrificing content for a high fuel economy package, making them more attractive to general car buyers.”

More http://alturl.com/7ydmw

HYUNDAI REVOLUTIONIZES THE SUBCOMPACT CAR WITH THE ALL-NEW ACCENT

HYUNDAI REVOLUTIONIZES THE SUBCOMPACT CAR WITH THE ALL-NEW ACCENT AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Advanced Technology, Modern Design, Roominess and 40 MPG

NEW YORK, 04/20/2011

Hyundai Motor America introduced the all-new 2012 Accent with best-in-class standard fuel economy and power at the New York International Auto Show today. This marks the U.S. debut of the latest version of the popular subcompact sedan and the new top-of-the line, more functional Accent five-door.

The 2012 Accent is slated to hit dealerships this summer.  Accent redefines expectations in the subcompact category by offering the company’s distinctive and upscale “Fluidic Sculpture” design, best-in-class standard fuel economy, exceptional roominess and a full complement of standard safety features. Despite surprising technology and a significant increase in safety features, Hyundai will hold the line on pricing from the prior generation to continue delivering unmistakable value to customers.

“The 2012 Hyundai Accent reinvigorates the subcompact segment, similar to what the game-changing Sonata and Elantra have done in their categories,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Accent’s class-leading standard fuel economy is another showcase of Hyundai’s dedication to improving fuel efficiency with advancements to traditional gasoline powered vehicles and is the fourth nameplate in Hyundai’s lineup delivering 40 mpg on the highway.”

More http://alturl.com/5axwg

2011 HYUNDAI EQUUS EARNS IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK”

2011 HYUNDAI EQUUS EARNS IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 04/18/2011 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2011 Hyundai Equus a “TOP SAFETY PICK”— achieving the highest rating of “Good” in all crash test categories including front, side, rollover and rear crash protection.  Additionally, in order to be considered for an IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK,” a vehicle must also feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Equus also passed the Institute's roof strength test for rollover protection, withstanding a force equal to 4.87 times the car's weight. Vehicles with a strength-to-weight ratio of four or higher earn a “Good” rating in the Institute's test. By comparison, the current federal standard is 1.5 times weight.

“The award from IIHS means the Equus affords buyers state-of-the-art safety for protection in most crash situations,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “This recognition confirms that the Equus truly is a desirable luxury vehicle with quality engineering and world-class safety features.”

As the company’s flagship rear-wheel-drive sedan, Equus features Hyundai’s newest safety innovation, the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system. VMS governs ESC, the electronic parking brake, smart cruise control, the collision warning sensor and the seatbelt tensioning system for optimal safety. The seatbelt tensioning system in the Equus works through sensors, which detect critical driving situations and retract the seatbelts accordingly to prevent passenger movement. The Equus’ dynamic safety package is further enhanced by the Lane Departure Warning System and driver’s knee airbags.

Other safety features include nine standard airbags (advanced dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver knee airbag, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags), electronic active front head restraints with power controls, electronic seatbelt pretensioners and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Hyundai’s award-winning Tau 4.6-liter provides the power that keeps Equus safe at speed. Later this year, Equus gets a boost to 429 horsepower with the introduction of the all-new 5.0-liter Tau.

First look video: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

First look video: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai winning award after award from consumers and critics

Awards & Accolades

How a revolution in quality takes shape…and pays off

Since its inception in Canada in 1983, Hyundai has been known for building affordable cars that offer great value. Equally important is our unwavering commitment to quality, and this commitment has been paying off with Hyundai winning award after award from consumers and critics alike for the quality of its vehicles. In fact, Hyundai now consistently ranks among the industry's top performing automakers in product quality.
But don’t just listen to what we have to say. See what the experts think…

Recent Awards

2011 Equus – Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
2011 Elantra – Top 10 Green Cars for 2011 – Kelley Blue Book
2011 Elantra – One of the 10 Best Interiors – Ward’s
2011 Sonata – 2011 Ukrainian Car of the Year – Autocentre
Hyundai brand – Third among non-premium nameplates in vehicle dependability – J.D. Power
2011 Sonata – International Car of the Year – Road and Travel Magazine
2011 Sonata – Special Total Value Award – Strategic Vision
2011 Genesis – Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
2011 Santa Fe – Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
2011 Sonata – – Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
2011 Tucson– Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
2011 Sonata – All-Star – Automobile Magazine
2011 Sonata – Top Pick for 2011 – Canadiandriver.com
2011 Genesis– Top Pick for 2011 – Canadiandriver.com
2011 Tucson – Top Pick for 2011 – Canadiandriver.com
2011 Sonata – 5-star overall crash safety rating – Australasian New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)
2011 Elantra – Residual Value Award, Mid-Compact Segment – ALG
2011 Sonata – One of Car and Driver’s 10Best – Car and Driver
2011 Sonata – 2011 Mid-size Car of the Year – Auto123.com
2011 Sonata – Best Buy – Consumers Digest
2011 Sonata – Best Car to Buy – TheCarConnection.com
2011 Tucson – Best New SUV / CUV under $35,000 – Automobile Journalist’s Association of Canada (AJAC)
2011 Tucson (ix35) – 5-star safety rating – Australasian New Car Assessment Program
2011 Sonata – NHTSA 5-star Crash Rating – The 2011 Sonata has been awarded an overall 5-star crash safety rating from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)^.

^{^Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). The 5-star rating applies to all the trim levels of the 2011 Sonata produced after July 2, 2010.}
2010 Tucson (ix35) – 5-star safety rating – Euro New Car Assessment Program
Hyundai brand – Top five most-considered brands – Kelley Blue Book
Hyundai brand – Top Ranking in Quality Report – Auto Bild
2010 Genesis – 2010 Total Quality Award Winner in near-luxury car segment – Strategic Vision
2010 Genesis – Canadian Driver 2010 Top Pick – CanadianDriver.com
2010 Accent – "Highest Ranked Sub-compact Car in Initial Quality in the U.S." in J.D. Power and Associates – 2010 Initial Quality Study^sm
2011 Sonata – First-ever “President’s Award” – AutoPacific
2010 Tucson – Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
2011 Sonata – Winner of “Intermediate Car Match” – Sympatico.ca Autos
2010 Genesis – Winner of "Aspirational Luxury Car Class" – AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards
2010 Tucson – Winner of "Compact Crossover SUV Class" – AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards
2010 Elantra Touring – Top 10 Coolest New Cars under $18,000 – Kelley Blue Book
2010 Genesis – Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
2011 Sonata – "The 2011 Hyundai Sonata ranks 1 out of 8 Family Sedan Cars" – USA Today
Hyundai Brand –The most improved Brand in 'Automotive Brand Indicator' – Kelley Blue Book
Hyundai Brand –Number 1 in Brand Loyalty – Kelley Blue Book
Hyundai Brand –Number 1 in Brand Loyalty Index – Brand Keys
2010 Elantra –One of the Top Recommended Vehicles for 2010– Edmunds.com
2011 Sonata –No. 1 Mid-Size Sedan in a comparison test – Car and Driver
2011 Sonata –No. 1 Mid-Size Sedan in a comparison test – Edmunds.com
2011 Sonata –Top Safety Pick – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
2010 Elantra Touring –Top 10 Family Cars – Kelley Blue Book
2009 Genesis – "Most Appealing Midsize Premium Car in the U.S" - J.D. Power and Associates
2009 Genesis – 2009 Canadian Car of the Year – Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)
2009 Genesis – 2009 North American Car of the Year – North American Car of the Year (NACOTY)
2009 Genesis – 2009 Best New Luxury Car under $50,000 – Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)
2009 Genesis – 5-star crash test rating, highest government ranking, for frontal and side-impact crash tests – NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

MODERN, SOPHISTICATED HYUNDAI ELANTRA MAKES WARD’S 10 BEST INTERIORS LIST

MODERN, SOPHISTICATED HYUNDAI ELANTRA MAKES WARD’S 10 BEST INTERIORS LIST

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 04/11/2011

The all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited, with its emotional design and numerous luxury features, was named to Ward’s 10 Best Interiors list. This honor further demonstrates that a car achieving 40 mpg standard highway fuel economy is not only practicable but fashionable as well. In one of the most competitive years for the award, Ward’s editors evaluated 51 vehicles that were all-new or featured significantly upgraded interiors. This year’s 10 Best Interiors list represents a broad cross section of the industry, from utility vehicles and minivans to small cars and high-end premium sedans.

“Proving economy cars ‘ain’t what they used to be,’ the Hyundai Elantra Limited delivers enough flair to suggest the South Korean automaker is finding its own unique interior design language,” said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief, Ward’s AutoWorld. “The instrument panel of the Elantra displays a curvaceous sensuality, with a belt drawn tightly around the climate controls; the center console then widens as it flows down to the gear shifter.”

The 2011 Elantra represents a modern approach to the traditional compact sedan segment featuring a sleek style, advanced safety features, “class above” interior volume and standard 40 mpg highway fuel economy. Inside the Elantra, customers find Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the instruments and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats help fuel economy and the environment, being made of lightweight, environmentally friendly foam. Heated seats are available in the front and the rear, a segment first.

“The sophisticated interior of the Elantra is designed to bring new life to the compact car segment combined with the ultimate in functionality for the driver,” said Chris Zarlenga, design manger, Hyundai America Technical Center. “Being named to Ward’s 10 Best Interiors, alongside vehicles like the Audi A8 and BMW X3 xDrive35i, shows that compact cars can provide an engaging experience as well.”

Ward’s editors picked the winning interiors using the same methodology employed for the annual Ward’s 10 Best Engines program. Scoresheets are completed for each vehicle driven based on materials, ergonomics, safety, the human-machine interface, comfort, fit-and-finish, overall value and aesthetics. Following the evaluation, Ward’s editors have extensive discussions to determine the winners.

The Ward’s 10 Best Interiors competition takes the place of the Interior of the Year program that dates back well before 2005, when Ward’s acquired the Auto Interiors Conference. The 2011 interior winners will be honored in a special ceremony at this year’s conference May 17 at The Henry Ford hotel in Dearborn, Mich.

Hyundai has helped retire over 6,500 older vehicles

In August 2009, Hyundai Canada launched the Clean Air Commitment

and became the first automotive OEM to offer an incentive on top of the

government’s Retire Your Ride program. Through the Clean Air

Commitment, Hyundai has helped retire over 6,500 older vehicles from

the roads today and helped put individuals into more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly

new Hyundai vehicles.

In little more than 2 years, Retire Your Ride has exceeded its targets by removing over 132,000

high-polluting older cars from Canada's roads, and over 5,000 tonnes of smog from Canada's air.

Additionally, Retire Your Ride has trained and audited over 350 auto recyclers across Canada in

best practices for recycling vehicles in the most environmentally sustainable manner - diverting

hazardous materials from Canada's soil and water.

Although the chance for the public to participate in RYR ended March 31, 2011; its legacy will

continue. In a recent survey, 92% of recyclers participating in RYR indicated that they are

applying these higher environmental standards to all vehicles they process - leaving a long lasting

positive environmental impact.

HYUNDAI #1 IN CAR SALES IN CANADA

HYUNDAI #1 IN CAR SALES IN CANADA

First quarter sales results place Hyundai first among combined sedan, coupe and wagon segments

MARKHAM, Ontario (April 5, 2011) – On the strength of strong new models such as the Sonata and

Elantra, the passenger car line-up of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. has landed at the top in terms of

overall sales volume for the first quarter of 2011. Hyundai’s year-to-date passenger car sales of

18,704 units surpassed second-place Toyota (including its Lexus and Scion brands) by 219 units and

third-place GM by 1,645 units.

Hyundai Canada offers a complete passenger car line-up ranging from the Accent subcompact to the

Equus full-size luxury sedan, including the rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe.

“There were three main reasons why our car sales did so well last quarter: Accent, Elantra and

Sonata,” said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Canada. “The Accent has delivered

value and fuel economy to help it become the best-selling subcompact for 2 years in a row. The

Elantra sedan is still all-new in Canada’s critical compact segment and the nameplate has vaulted

into the number-2 spot. And with unmatched style, safety and best-in-class fuel economy the Sonata

has become the best-selling intermediate car in the country. Three cars in Canada’s three biggest

segments and all are at or near the top of the sales charts.”

Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham Ontario, is a subsidiary of

Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai

Auto Canada and are sold and serviced through more than 195 dealerships nationwide.