How Hyundai works to keep you safe

Yochanaan Coetzee

Hyundai has long been a trusted brand for motorists looking for affordable quality vehicles.

In recent years, it has experienced phenomenal market share growth on the back on a wildly successful model range it introduced from around 2010.

With sharp, sophisticated styling, high levels of standard spec and safety features, Hyundai staked its claim as a major contender against its German counterparts and what it lacked in Bavarian finesse, it made up in Korean consideration and unbeatable value.

Tersius Annandale, Dealer Principal for Hyundai in Windhoek, says safety is central to the automaker's philosophy.

“Customers want a vehicle they can depend on. Not only mechanically day to day, but especially in emergencies,” he said.

“Hyundai spends vast amounts of resources on vehicle safety testing and the development of both active and passive safety systems and we see this investment bearing fruit, as we are not only retaining customers, but gaining many new ones, because of the quality of the vehicles,” he added.

Currently, its Santa Fe, Tucson, i30 and Veloster models all boast full 5-star Euro NCAP ratings and given the vastly different nature of each of these vehicles, this clearly indicates that safety comes standard with every Hyundai.

“Besides the safety systems that are built into every Hyundai, we as a company have safety at the very front of our minds and we take our clients’ safety very seriously. To the extent that we make sure no client’s vehicle leaves our workshop or premises in a condition we do not deem completely mechanically safe,” he added.

While the manufacturer is responsible for the passive safety systems, and the salesperson for familiarizing the customer with the vehicles active safety systems, the onus remains on the driver to make sure they know features their car has and most importantly, that they use them.

“For instance, the use of cellphones while driving is a major threat to road safety these days, but while more and more vehicles are equipped with Bluetooth, we’re still seeing people on their cellphones while driving, which should not be the case,” he explained.

“A lot of the trouble we’re seeing on our roads involves driver behavior, speeding and alcohol. So at the end of the day, road safety depends on us, the drivers,” he says.

Hyundai will be among the marques exhibiting the finest and freshest models at this year’s Namibia Tourism Expo and Annandale says there may be some surprises in store for attendees.

“We’ll be having our latest models such as the new Creta and the Grand i10 on display alongside some of the other fan favourites like the Veloster and Tucson.

“We’re also hoping to have the new Elantra on display there, if it arrives in time, because that is another of our vehicles that offers an excellent package and superior safety systems with our unbeatable 7 year/200 000 km warranty that ensures Hyundai owners have peace of mind, as their vehicles are maintained at the highest level, for longer,” he says.