Three models of Korea's leading automaker Hyundai Motor Co. have been named the best residual value cars in their segments by a U.S. automotive guide, the company said Tuesday.
Hyundai said its Avante, or Elantra, topped the mid-compact segment to receive the 2013 Residual Value Award by the Automotive Lease Guide, outshining the Honda Civic, the Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Corolla. The Avante won the honor for three consecutive years, the company added.
The Grandeur, which was launched in the United States last year under the name of Azera, claimed the full-size car category for the first time, stopping the Nissan Maxima's four-year winning streak.
The new Santa Fe Sport became the top mid-size utility vehicle for residual value, defeating the Subaru Outback, which had won the segment for three years in a row.
For the brand's overall residual value, Hyundai ranked second with the three awards, after Honda Motor Co.
"It shows that Hyundai cars have higher preference and residual value in North America," said Hyundai in a statement. "The honor will help us raise our brand image and boost sales of the Azera and Santa Fe." (Yonhap)