Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country?

Well, imagine that. People like cheap gas. Enough, in fact, that they're willing to line up in droves just for the privilege of filling up their tanks. As if you needed further proof of this unfailing truth, here are the pictures to prove it. As part of its new Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock promotion, the Korean automaker ran an unannounced campaign in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles where consumers could purchase gas for just $1.49 per gallon.

The catch? There was just one location in each cities where the program was in effect and the location was kept secret until an hour before the promotion began. In a nod to modern social media users, Hyundai sent the information to its Twitter followers (@hyundainews) just before local radio stations announced the promotion city-wide about an hour before it started. Predictably, a mad rush to each location ensued. Nice little PR stunt, no?

Click past the break for the press release and check out the images of the madness shot on location at the Horace Harding BP gas station in New York. Similar scenes were reported in Chicago and LA.



PRESS RELEASE:

FILL UP FOR A $1.49 PER GALLON AT HYUNDAI FUEL FILL UP EVENT IN LOS ANGELES

What - As we head into the July 4th holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel weeks of the summer, Hyundai is inviting the public to purchase gas at $1.49 per gallon between Noon – 2 p.m. local time at the Hollywood 76 gas station in Hollywood, CA.

Why - With gas prices pushing $3 per gallon during peak summer travel months, Hyundai is introducing Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock, a program that guarantees consumers a year's worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon on most Hyundai models leased or purchased between July 1 and August 31, 2009.

Hyundai is debuting the Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock program with the $1.49 Hyundai Fuel Fill Up event, a one-day promotion in the country's three largest cities (Los Angeles, Chicago and New York) where the general public can purchase gas at $1.49 per gallon between Noon – 2 p.m. local time.
Who Los Angeles event attendees will include:

* Monique Kumpis – Manager Experiential Marketing, Hyundai

When - Wednesday, July 1
Noon – 2 p.m. PDT

Where - Hollywood 76 gas station

5890 Hollywood Boulevard (SE corner of Hollywood and Bronson)
Los Angeles, CA 90028

All consumers are asked to enter the station from Bronson street, exit on Hollywood Blvd.