Hyundai Motor Company’s mid-size sedan, all-new Sonata, has won the first Middle East Motor Awards 2010 (MEMA) for best car-in-class. The award was presented on October 14th during the opening ceremony of the 10th International Motor Show Sharjah in UAE. The MEMA is administered by twelve automotive experts from nine Middle Eastern countries that together represent the Middle East automobile industry.

The judges evaluated models - launched at least in five Middle Eastern nations within the 12 month period - on ten criteria including superior performance, technology, practicality and value. In particular, the jury focused on whether the car satisfies regional customer requirements.

Each vehicle underwent thorough road and track tests as well as comprehensive competitor comparisons. Sonata bested other cars in its segment such as Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Taurus, thanks to its superior performance, safety and comfort.

This marks the first car of the year awards given out by the Middle Eastern auto industry.

Sonata has been earning steady recognition in the Middle East since the beginning of this year. Sonata won the Car of the Year title from Sports Auto and Gulf Auto based in Saudi Arabia in May and June respectively. In July, Sonata and Tucson received the Car of the Year award from Syria–based publication Auto Sports.

Sonata sales from January to September 2010 in seventeen Middle Eastern countries are up 103 percent compared to the same period in 2009. Hyundai Motor will maintain the sales momentum by continuing to listen to customers and swiftly dispatching quality experts to the region.