Hyundai’s California team presented the new Ioniq, both the EV and hybrid to WAPA members for the June meeting. A special treat was an up close and personal glimpse of the 2018 Sonata, two lucky WAPA attendees won a raffle to attend the Hyundai media launch next month in La Jolla CA.
Summer was in full swing for a picture perfect day at George Washington’s River Farm, south of Alexandria to enjoy the presentation and luncheon. John Shon Manager Product Planning for Hyundai Motors America’s California office presented the details of the new Ioniq model lineup as well as a current view of the hybrid and electric vehicles in today’s marketplace.

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid presented to WAPA members.
Ioniq Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
The Ioniq was shown to be eco-friendly as it is built with recycled and sustainable materials, then operationally as all three models are more efficient than the competition. The Ioniq is currently available in a hybrid nationwide, an electric only in California, and 4th quarter 2017 a plug-in hybrid will be available. Ioniq has Hyundai specific drivetrain technology that steps up to the next level in this market segment. WAPA members got to drive two full electric and two hybrid models giving them an opportunity to compare the similarities and the differences of each. While a new 2018 Sonata was on display, it was not available for members to drive.

Alvin Jones of Planet Vehicle will attend the ’18 Sonata media drive in La Jolla CA.
Two WAPA Members Won Trips to Sonata Media Launch
Jim Trainor, Hyundai’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, thanked WAPA members for attending with a raffle for two media trips to the upcoming 2018 Sonata Launch in La Jolla California. Two WAPA Past-Presidents, Alvin Jones of Planet Vehicle, and Ted Orme were selected by a random drawing.
Thank You To All Who Attended
WAPA Thanks, Alex Nunez of Ketchem, Hyundai’s agency for arranging this event, Laura Sisson, and John Harper from Drive Shop for handling the logistics.