FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — In an effort to drive sales by enticing buyers, Hyundai announced it has added to its Assurance program by now guaranteeing a year's worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon.

Basically, as gas prices typically grow over the summer months throughout the country, when many people are looking to hit the road, Hyundai is adding this perk to convince shoppers that buying a new vehicle is the right choice.

It covers most models leased or purchased between July 1 and Aug. 31. The gas program is called Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock.

"Hyundai Assurance is a unique platform because it enables us to partner with consumers in ways that address their immediate concerns," said Joel Ewanick, vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America.

"We've extended Hyundai Assurance to cover gas prices just as peak summer demand traditionally strains budgets further, guaranteeing most new Hyundai owners a year's worth of low gas prices. It's another way we show consumers that, in this downturn, we're in this together, and we'll get through it together," he added.

The average U.S. price for regular-grade gasoline closed at $2.64 per gallon on June 29, 59 cents per gallon higher than its price at the end of April according to the Energy Information Administration.

"Our research shows that nearly 40 percent of potential new-car buyers are staying out of the market specifically due to uncertainty around future gas prices," said John Krafcik, chief executive officer and president of Hyundai Motor America.

"With Assurance Gas Lock, we're empowering consumers with gas price stability so they can make a confident vehicle choice. And for those buyers out there driving older gas-guzzlers that qualify for the new government CARS program, we think our fuel-efficient lineup of award-winning vehicles, combined with Assurance Gas Lock, makes Hyundai an unbeatable combination," he continued.

To sign up for Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock, new Hyundai owners simply register their valid Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card, or a Visa or MasterCard check card, at hyundai.pricelock.com.

After enrolling, the consumer will receive a new Hyundai Assurance-branded card to be used for all future fill ups. The consumer is billed $1.49 per gallon of regular-grade gasoline, regardless of the price at the pump, and Hyundai pays the rest.

Officials noted that driver may elect to purchase mid-grade gasoline for $1.64 per gallon, or premium gas for $1.79 per gallon as well, although all eligible Hyundai vehicles are factory-certified for regular fuel.

The card can be used at any gas station in the Voyager credit card network, which covers 93 percent of gas stations nationwide including brands such as Exxon, Chevron, BP, Shell, Mobil, 76, Texaco and many more.

Consumers are eligible to purchase a maximum number of gallons equal to 12,000 miles divided by the EPA combined fuel economy rating for the qualifying model.

Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock is standard on all new Accent (excluding base model), Tiburon, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Entourage, Sonata, Azera, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz models, most of which are eligible for $3,500 to $4,500 in government CARS' vouchers for those consumers with less fuel-efficient trade-ins.

Consumers will be given the option of accepting the full rebate offered on an individual model, or may choose the Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock promotion, reducing the rebate by $1,000.