language and the year of the car

I have just witnessed an ad for the new Hyundai Sonata. The 2011. I'm sure they are proud to be ahead of schedule here, given that it's only March 2010. What's that about? But really, why aren't the 2012s ready yet?

I was trained quite a while ago to pronounce Hyundai like Sunday. By the car maker. Being Canadian, I of course complied immediately, and was quick to correct other folk not yet aware of this pronunciation subtlety. This was quite a few years ago. I think we're mostly converted now.

Then, on a recent trip to Australia, I discover that the public there has not been similarly educated! They're still saying Hi, Unday. After several attempts to correct them I saw a Hyundai ad on Aussie TV in which the spokesperson also said Hi, Unday.

Which brings me to my points.

1. Let's have the 2011s in 2011. I know the future is now and all that, and I also know that the chances are that the 2011 design cycle started 5 years ago, making them actually 2006's. But I'm willing to accept them as 2010s, no more, and no less. And let's be clear. this is not just about Hyundai.
   
2. The Australian version of the English language is a branch that is straying far from the trunk. There's no way anyone is ever going to rationalize their version with the mainstream. Even a large multi-national corporation knows that it's best not to try.