S Korea's Hyundai unveils New Sonata

SEOUL, Sept. 17 -- South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. on Thursday held a launching ceremony in Seoul, introducing the new generation of its most popular sedan model, Sonata.

The 2010 Sonata, equipped with the "segment-leading" safety features and fuel efficiency, is expected to further elevate the company's brand values, the company said in a press release.

"The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design," Chung Eui-sun, Hyundai's Vice chairman said at the ceremony, expressing hope that the model would help strengthen its brand power.

Hyundai's new Sonata, which took 4 years and 450 billion won (372 million U.S. dollars) for development, is noted for its new design aesthetic, called "fluidic sculpture," which the company pursues to appeal a "younger and sensuous image."