Hyundai Most Awarded Brand in 2023

Hyundai received the most vehicles awarded across new- and used-car categories in the 2023 Best Cars for Teens by U.S. News & World Report. Four new Hyundai models were featured in addition to two older Hyundai models in the used car category. These awards highlight vehicles that score well in multiple factors including crash prevention, available and standard features, dependability, reliability, and are highly recommended for teen drivers. The Hyundai models were selected for their standard safety features and infotainment capabilities. The list features thirteen winners with selections across multiple categories and propulsions including sedans, crossover SUVs, trucks and more.

The 2023 Best New Cars for Teens

Best SUV for Teens $20K to $25K

2023 Hyundai Kona

Best SUV for Teens $25K to $30K

2023 Hyundai Tucson

Best SUV for Teens $30K to $35K

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

Best SUV for Teens $35K to $40K

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The 2023 Best Used Cars for Teens

Midsize Car: 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Midsize SUV: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

"Safety is one of the most important considerations when selecting a vehicle for a teen driver and Hyundai places safety at the core of everything we do," said Brian Latouf, global chief safety officer, Hyundai Motor Company. "Every 2023 Hyundai comes standard with three key safety systems: Forward Collision Warning/Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist/Lane Following, and Driver Attention Warning. As well as a suite of optional SmartSense safety systems and Hyundai's BlueLink ® telematics technology including Automatic Crash Notification (ACN). We applaud U.S. News & World Report for recognizing Hyundai's commitment in keeping all passengers and road users safe."

"Hyundai swept our 2023 Best Cars for Teens awards, winning the most categories overall and every new SUV category that we evaluated," said Jim Sharifi, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. "Along with strong performance in our rankings, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid all meet the criteria that parents will prioritize most for new drivers. This includes strong performance in crash tests, admirable reliability ratings and the assistance of teen driver controls that will help encourage safe driving habits."

About U.S. News Best Cars

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings of the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars supports car shoppers throughout the entire car buying journey, offering advice for researching cars and finding cars for sale. U.S. News Best Cars had more than 61 million visitors over the past year, with the majority actively shopping for a car. More than 70% of active shoppers reported that U.S. News influenced their car-purchasing decision, saying that they trust our advice to be unbiased and that they would recommend our site to others.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America focuses on 'Progress for Humanity' and smart mobility solutions. Hyundai offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles. Our 830 dealers sold more than 724,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2022, and nearly half were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com.

Fujitsu AI supports Toyota GAZOO Racing

Fujitsu today revealed that it leveraged AI technology to support the development of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's (TGR)(1) new video analysis system, which debuted in competition at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps event, held from April 27 to 29 at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

Fujitsu started sponsorship of TGR, a participant in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)(2), in 2022, supporting the development of TGR's video data analysis system that leverages Fujitsu's AI technology. The newly developed system will allow TGR to adapt to continuously evolving racing conditions based on video data from vehicle-mounted cameras.

The system will also be applied to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to be held in France from June 7 to 11.

In the field of motorsports, Fujitsu aims to develop technologies that not only maximize performance to help teams win in some of the world's toughest races, but also enrich the viewing experience for fans, boost audience engagement, and promote sustainable race management. Fujitsu will further utilize the technology and knowledge gained through this initiative to realize a safe and secure transportation society and smart cities.

Video analysis system to transform "Hypercar" racing

TGR, which competes in the "Hypercar" class, the top-tier category in the FIA WEC, has been increasingly focused on the use of data to maximize performance and win races, collecting real-time data from hundreds of sensors mounted on vehicles and using data delivered to the pits to adapt actual racing strategies. Until now, however, this data-driven approach still relied heavily on time-consuming data reviews and video analysis.

Fujitsu supported the development of TGR's video data analysis program leveraging its AI technology to analyze video data in real time, allowing race crews to rapidly evaluate and adapt racing strategies according to race conditions in which victory depends on split-second decisions and near-instant adaptation to new challenges.

Overview of the new video data analysis program

The new video data analysis program enables TGR to analyze video data of the in-vehicle camera in real time using AI and output data on the situation surrounding the vehicle.

Fujitsu further optimized the AI's configuration parameters to ensure video analysis not only during daytime, but also at night and under bad weather conditions, enabling TGR to use the program during endurance races such as the FIA WEC for real-time race strategies.

(1) TOYOTA GAZOO Racing:

Motorsport division of the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota

(2) FIA World Endurance Championship:

International sportscar championship operated by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Federation of Western Automobiles (ACO) of France

Fujitsu's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030.

Fujitsu's purpose -- "to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation" -- is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.

Fujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$28 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Collaboration

PACCAR and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. (Toyota) announced an expansion of their joint efforts to develop and produce zero emissions, hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks powered by Toyota’s next-generation hydrogen fuel cell modules. The expanded agreement supports ongoing development and commercialized zero-emission versions of the Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 models featuring Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell powertrain kit, with initial customer deliveries planned for 2024.

PACCAR and Toyota have collaborated on FCEV truck development for the past several years, including a successful pilot program which deployed ten Kenworth T680 FCEV trucks at the Port of Los Angeles. The pilot provided both Kenworth and Toyota with real-world feedback that further enhanced the performance and range of the vehicle. Designed for use in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, Toyota's heavy-duty fuel cell electric powertrain kit was recently awarded the Zero Emission Powertrain certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Toyota will begin assembly of the modules in the United States in late 2023.

John Rich, PACCAR chief technology officer, commented, “Having worked extensively with the Toyota team, we are confident that our combined efforts can deliver industry-leading FCEV trucks with all of the quality, reliability and aftermarket support that Kenworth and Peterbilt customers depend upon. This partnership further expands PACCAR’s industry-leading lineup of zero emissions vehicles that enhance customers’ operational efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.”

“We are excited to work with PACCAR to realize a future where Toyota’s industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell technology can power heavy-duty trucks that will travel across highways throughout the U.S. with zero emissions,” said Christopher Yang, TMNA group vice president of Business Development. “This innovative technology enables us to provide our commercial customers with a viable carbon-neutral option to further their business, while also contributing to Toyota’s mission to reduce and ultimately eliminate carbon from the environment.”

PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced powertrains, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility. Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants.

Executive Mobile Office Limousines

Executive Mobile office limousines keep movers and shakers at the top of their game, says Becker Automotive Design. Becker Automotive Design's high-end executive limousines provide utmost comfort, safety, privacy, and productivity to high net worth individuals, worldwide.

The actions and decisions of society's celebrities and global leaders have an outsized impact on people's lives. Aside from the obvious power a president or state governor has, a major company's CEO decides the fate of thousands of employees' livelihoods, while movie or music A-listers shape popular culture and are close to many people's hearts.

Many of these individuals are always busy and on the move, and they often require customized transport solutions to accomplish their goals. While they have access to air transport, such as private jets and helicopters, there is still a huge need for ground transport that takes into account the VIPs' comfort, safety, privacy and productivity.

According to Howard Becker, founder and CEO of Becker Automotive Design, every second counts with those in high stakes positions. Advanced 5G mobile internet allows these movers and shakers to always be on the top of their game as they work and travel. The return on investment has never been higher.

Becker Automotive Design has been producing custom-built, professionally chauffeured custom luxury vehicles, commonly known as limousines, for major figures all over the world for more than 25 years. Its clients include governments in the US and overseas, royal families, famous movie and music personalities, professional athletes, and top business executives. Each custom conversion vehicle is built to spec for each client's needs, who are spread across 25 countries on 5 continents.

Becker Automotive Design's vehicles feature stable high-speed 5G internet connectivity, and are fully equipped to function as an extension of the VIP's office. It can outfit the vehicle with a complete suite of productivity options, allowing clients to use the time they spend in transit to do everything that they can do in their office. Becker works with the client's cybersecurity team to ensure that the vehicle is protected from data breaches or hacker attacks, which is crucial for government functions and major businesses. Becker has created mobile office vehicles that function as executive command units for government leaders worldwide.

Everything included in these executive mobile office SUVs and vans are intended to help the VIP focus on the exceptional work they do. Specially engineered suspension systems ensure that the ride is as smooth as possible, even in the notoriously potholed roads of New York. Becker vehicles utilize electric curtains and acoustic control to prevent visual distractions and allow occupants to concentrate without the stress of hearing road noise or blaring traffic sounds. The high-definition cameras and lighting in the interior allow occupants to attend online meetings, just as they would in their office.

Privacy and comfort serve productivity, and are also major priorities for A-listers. In a regular passenger car, the driver can hear every word of the passengers' conversations. Becker provides an electric partition behind the driver’s seat to ensure the principal's ability to speak and think in privacy. Becker manufactures custom passenger seating with extraordinary comfort to reduce fatigue and improve the VIP’s capacity to focus. Aside from having superior ride quality, Becker vehicles have excellent rear passenger climate control and air filtration systems.

Furthermore, because Becker vehicles carry VIPs, they are built with safety and protection in mind. Options that resist small arms and assault rifle fire are available when required.

Becker says he began in the industry by improving various electronics, music systems, and navigation systems in vehicles of affluent people. Over time, his customers' requested solutions for various needs, such as the ability to work and rest comfortably and discreetly in privacy. This led to the creation and evolution of Becker Automotive Design.

According to Becker, the high cost of its vehicles are a small price to pay for the advantages achieved by the principal’s ability to leverage their transit time effectively. At upwards of $400,000 per vehicle, Becker’s over-engineered features provide greater reliability, safety and comfort than most comparable ground transportation existing today.

“Our clients' time is extremely valuable yet finite, and the productivity increase they get from using one of our vehicles is precious, not only to them, but to everybody that they affect with their good work in life. There's never enough time in the day to do all the things that our very important customers need to do. By creating more time for them to be productive, rested, and relaxed they're able to be much more effective,” he says.