SEOUL, Korea, Oct. 12, 2004 -The Hyundai Kia Automotive Group announces the appointment of Chung Soon-Won to the position of vice chairman and ceo of Rotem Co. Ltd. He will also concurrently serve as vice chairman and ceo of WIA Corp.

Rotem is Korea’s leading supplier of locomotives and rolling stock as well as defense systems. WIA, another Hyundai affiliate, specializes in the manufacturing of automotive transmissions, transaxles, machine tools and aerospace parts.

Chung Soon-Won previously served as president of Hyundai Motor with responsibility for planning and administration. He is being replaced by Lee Sang-Ki who formerly held the title of vice chairman of Hyundai Hysco, a manufacturer of cold rolled steel products.

Meanwhile, Kim Pyung-Kee, the president and ceo of WIA retains his title while assuming the new title of president and ceo of ROTEM.

The new organizational structure which bridges ROTEM and WIA aims to improve synergies between the two companies.

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group which includes Kia Motors Corp. and over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Employing nearly 50,000 people worldwide, Hyundai Motor posted US$21.94 billion in sales in 2002. Hyundai motor vehicles are sold in 166 countries through 4,504 dealerships and showrooms. Further information about Hyundai Motor Co. and its products is available on the Internet at http://www.hyundai-motor.com

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