2004 SEMA Show: Hyundai glitters under Las Vegas lights




Hyundai`s presence in enthusiast circles continues to grow after four strong Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) shows. At this year`s show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Hyundai`s crop of custom vehicles demonstrates the tremendous head-turning potential of Hyundai`s growing product lineup, which features seven all-new product introductions in the next 24 months, beginning with the all-new Hyundai Tucson.


The Hyundai delegation features concepts from renowned tuners like American Products Company, Axis Sport Tuning Inc., Heavy Inc., K-Daddyz Kustomz, Rick Dore Kustoms, Street Concepts, and Troy Lee Designs.


Hyundai is participating in its fifth SEMA show, and over the past five years, Hyundai sales have increased at record-setting pace. Each year, the assortment of aftermarket performance parts and appearance accessories available for Hyundai vehicles expands to meet the increased demand. Hyundai`s growing street credibility, made possible by Hyundai`s growing product lineup, reinforces the importance of SEMA Show as one of the most significant industry events for Hyundai.


This year, Hyundai focused its tuners on the Hyundai Tiburon sports coupe, which has been freshened and repackaged for the 2005 model year. Five entrants sported everything from a new supercharger for the V6 engine, to a radical convertible concept developed from a stock Hyundai Tiburon GT.


Three new Hyundai Tucson SUVs were also at the show - the first custom Hyundai Tucsons displayed anywhere. Concepts ranged from mountain biking to racing themes, demonstrating the extremes of this vehicle`s advertising slogan, `Perfect for whatever, whenever.`


The Elantra sedan, Hyundai`s best-selling model in the U.S., is increasingly being discovered by visionary tuners looking for something new. One Elantra was displayed in the Hyundai booth to showcase its potential for eye-catching modifications.


The Santa Fe SUV, an unconventional vehicle by traditional tuner standards, has nonetheless proven to be one of the biggest attractions to the Hyundai booth in past years. One promising custom Santa Fe was on display as well.


`Hyundai vehicles offer an outstanding platform for tuning, with sleek stock appearance and great styling, high-quality engineering, robust product quality, and a growing number of readily available tuner parts,` said John Krafcik, vice president of product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. `SEMA Show is an opportunity for Hyundai to showcase its products to thousands of aftermarket companies that drive cutting-edge vehicle customization.`


Hyundai honored the top vehicles in a variety of categories with awards, creating competition among the tuners. Awards were determined prior to the show and displayed in the booth. Hyundai also gave away posters of several of its most impressive custom vehicles.