Cars are expensive–there’s no doubt about it. Besides purchasing a house, the decision to buy a new car is usually one of life’s greatest financial undertakings, especially for first-time buyers. However, in tough economic times when the future of one’s job might be uncertain, this decision becomes significantly more stressful. However, Kansas City new car dealers understand this predicament, and at least one is taking steps to relieve some of the pressure.

Hyundai Motor America recently announced that it will extend its Hyundai Assurance program in to 2010 and expand it to include free roadside assistance. Considering Hyundai won several awards for its marketing efforts in 2009, the decision to continue the successful program isn’t much of a surprise.

Hyundai’s assurance program, which began in 2009, was the first of its kind for automakers. Due to the economic climate, the program allowed customers who recently purchased a vehicle like the Kansas City Hyundai Elantra to alleviate themselves of the financial obligation if they lost their job and were unable to pay.

The company credits the program for its 14.3 percent increase in sales last month while almost every other automaker saw a decrease. In fact, through November, the company’s market share improved faster than any other company’s in 2009. The assurance program is really a mutually beneficial arrangement between the automaker and consumers, who clearly appreciate a company that understands their situation.

However, as if this deal wasn’t good enough, Hyundai added free roadside assistance, which, for drivers like me, is a lifesaver. This aspect of the program offers a similar suite of services that drivers typically receive from AAA Motor Club. These include lockout assistance, flat tire replacement, battery jump starts, towing, and even gas delivery should drivers run out. The roadside assistance is free for five years.

With incentives like these, purchasing a new car doesn’t seem so intimating. So despite the economic downturn, now appears to be an opportune time to step into that new Kansas City Hyundai Santa Fe. What do you have to worry about–running out of gas? Hyundai’s new roadside assistance package has you covered.