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Hyundai offers iPad with 2011 Equus purchase

Automaker Hyundai is offering its owner?s manual in the form of an Apple iPad?not just an application, an actual tablet?to 2011 Equus buyers.

The interactive touch-screen device will come with instructions and information that customers would not normally see reading an owner?s manual. This iPad platform was designed to include searchable and interactive features.

?We will have an iPad [preloaded] with features like the owner?s guide and scheduling applications,? said Jim Trainor, national manager and product public relations at Hyundai, Fountain Valley, CA.

Hyundai Motor America is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Its vehicles are sold and serviced through close to 800 dealerships nationwide.

Equus offers entertainment, connectivity and driving experience technology. The vehicle has a 385-hp V8 engine and a 6-speed ZF transmission.

The ultimate driving experience
Via the iPad, Equus owners can view tailored show-room salons, at-home test drives and valet-service appointments scheduled online. At the scheduled time, a valet service will deliver an Equus to their home or office for a personalized experience.

Here is a screen shot of Hyundai's showroom salon concept:

The dealership?s maintenance program is another feature that has been upgraded.

Rather than driving to a dealership for the service appointment, an Equus owner can use the iPad to have their vehicle picked up from home or their business, where a complimentary loaner car will be dropped off.

Once the service is complete, the customer can once again use the iPad to schedule a pick-up time and location for the car to be delivered.

While the marketing strategy for this iPad feature is still not determined for its release this summer, the target audience will be all buyers of the Equus.

?We?re really working hard on the customer experience,? Mr. Trainor said. "Part of what we?re doing is offering the iPad where you can read the owner?s manual.

"This is one of the many steps that will be taken to improve the customer experience and highlight the great price, product and over-all customer ownership of the Equus,? he said.