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First Responder, Henry Rogers, receives a 2018 Hyundai Elantra at Baytown Hyundai for his contributions to the community after Hurricane Harvey

Hyundai Honours Hurricane Harvey Local Hero with the 3-millionth Elantra Sold in the U.S.

2018  Hyundai Elantra
2018 Hyundai Elantra
First generation Hyundai Elantra
First generation Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai, the Korean carmaker, Monday,  marked its 3-millionth Elantra sold in the United States by celebrating the achievement of a local hero in Baytown, Texas, a city near Houston severely impacted by flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Henry Rogers, Paramedic Field Supervisor for Acadian Ambulance, was on the front lines facing the destructive force of Hurricane Harvey by helping, and saving lives of, the most vulnerable for more than 48 hours despite leaving his family and home alone during the storm.

While performing his call of duty and rescuing several victims, Henry’s wife was left to care for their three adopted children and three dogs. When the flooding waters began to enter their home, Mrs. Rogers was forced to place all three children and their dogs on the dinning room table and seek help. A neighbour rescued their children and two dogs but when it came to rescuing Henry’s wife, the water was too high. Mrs. Rogers spent the night on the dining room table with their German shepherd as they waited for help.

Henry was finally able to come home and rescue his wife and dog the next afternoon. Their home and all belongings were devastated by Hurricane Harvey.

In a ceremony at Baytown Hyundai on Monday,  Henry Rogers was presented with a 2018 Hyundai Elantra and an Infinity Audio System for his immeasurable public service role and contribution to the community.

“We humbly mark the 3-millionth Elantra sold in the United States by honouring a local hero for his selfless service and commitment to the Baytown and Greater Houston communities, “ said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate, product and digital planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Local heroes and first responders like Mr. Rogers are a true inspiration to all and a reflection of the best values shared by all Americans.”

In the Houston area, Hyundai has expressed commitment  to helping its customers and dealers recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Hyundai launched a disaster relief programme that provides a $750 discount on all 2017-2018 Hyundai models for customers who had a vehicle damaged in either hurricane. In addition, Hyundai Hope On Wheels donated $200,000 to five Texas-area children’s hospitals and Hyundai Motor America donated $300,000 to the American Red Cross to support the relief effort.

The Hyundai Elantra was first introduced in 1991as a 1.6-liter 113-hp sedan and has become of the best-selling models, known for its significant value advantage in a highly competitive compact car segment. 

In November 2010, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) began production of the fifth generation Elantra. HMMA headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama currently employs approximately 3,000 team members and produces the 2018 Elantra and Sonata sedans as well as the 2018 Santa Fe Sport crossover utility vehicle. 

Now in its sixth generation, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra sports a bold aerodynamic design with a comprehensive suite of safety features, modern interior styling with class-above features and user-friendly technologies. 

The 2018 Elantra now has six different trims to fit every shopper’s personality and pocketbook. The Elantra includes a number of advanced safety technologies that encourage good driving habits such as Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist and Smart Cruise Control, and seven standard airbags including a driver’s knee airbag.

The Elantra distinguishes itself from the compact car class with segment-first premium features such as a hands-free Smart Trunk and Infinity’s Clari-Fi™ music restoration technology. Hyundai is now also offering three years of complimentary next-generation Blue Link Connected Care services for available 2018 models. Blue Link services include Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Monthly Vehicle Health Reports, and Maintenance Alerts.

Hyundai Elantra Accolades and Awards Highlights 

  • 2012 North American Car of the Year
  • 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick
  • 2013 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
  • 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick
  • “Highest-Ranked Compact Car in Initial Quality” – 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey
  • 2015 IIHS Top Safety Pick
  • 2016 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
  • 2016 Ward’s 10 Best User Experiences
  • 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
  • 2017 Ward’s 10-Best Engine – Elantra Eco (1.4L Turbo)
  • “Highest in Overall Owner Experience with Vehicle Technology in the Compact Segment” – 2017 J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Index StudySM

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