FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA — Hyundai has expanded its North American PR remit with Ketchum, following a competitive review.

The Omnicom Group PR agency, which has worked for Hyundai for 15 years, retained corporate and product duties for Hyundai Motor America. In addition, the agency added PR support for Hyundai's Hispanic market outreach, and for its Genesis luxury brand, the latter via another pitch.

The business remains led by Los Angeles partner and director Kevin Oates at Ketchum West, with additional teams based in Ketchum South and New York. Ketchum's digital, research and sports units also support the business.

"Ketchum continues to provide a superior level of both strategic counsel and execution for Hyundai in the US, and we are not an easy client," said Hyundai Motor America executive director of communications Chris Hosford, who oversees the remit. "They both listen to our needs and are unafraid to challenge even our basic assumptions when they feel that will result in better communications."

Hyundai recently debuted its new premium Genesis G80 marque in the US, after revamping its premium lineup last year.

"While we value our history together, what makes our partnership successful is a constant focus on the future," added Oates. "And with the future of Hyundai in mind, we’re thrilled to extend our work to an all-new luxury brand and new audiences that will help continue Hyundai’s remarkable growth in the US."