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- Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 leaves show stand for snow mound
Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Hyundai
Hyundai HED-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been nearly two years since the Hyundai HED-5 concept bowed at the Geneva Motor Show, but in late 2008, the Korean automaker announced that a production version of the compact crossover would arrive in 2010. And here it is.
Spied while testing in Northern Scandinavia, Hyundai's unnamed answer to the Opel Zafira gets substantially toned down from its conceptual predecessor, although shades of Hyundai's new "Fluidic Sculpture" design language are peering through the camo.
The hood's squat proportions are balanced by the acres of windshield, and if there wasn't enough glass up front, Hyundai has seen fit to add a set of small windows aft of the A-pillars. Even with the camouflage covering much of the rear hatch, it's obvious that the mini-'ute is destined to provide plenty of cargo space, and judging by the size of the rear doors, back seat passengers won't be wanting for legroom.
Although the original HED-5 concept was powered by a 2.2-liter diesel putting out 212 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque, when Hyundai announced production plans for the crossover, it mentioned a new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine. When it eventually makes it to markets abroad, expect either the 115-hp 1.7-liter diesel from the ix35 concept or a 136-hp 2.0-liter oilburner to be available, along with a few choice gasoline powerplants. No word on U.S. availability, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the production version on the show stand in Geneva next month.
Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 leaves show stand for snow mound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera frolics in the snow
Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai
2012 Hyundai Azera - Click above for high-res image gallery
In its current form, the Hyundai Azera (known as the Grandeur outside the U.S.) has been around since 2005, and despite the new Sonata's push upmarket, Hyundai apparently still sees the need for another model to slot in between its new Camcord competitor and the Genesis Sedan.
Although a refreshed Grandeur was revealed for other markets late last year, judging by these latest spy shots, Hyundai is hard at work on a more thorough makeover, complete with an even more coupe-like roofline, Sonata-inspired fascia and chrome strip extending its way atop the front fender.
The four-wheel independent suspension is sure to remain, and Hyundai is likely to continue offering a choice of V6s - a 263-hp 3.8-liter or a 234-hp 3.3-liter - each mated to a six-speed automatic. We'd expect a small bump in output when the all-new Azera debuts late next year as a 2012 model.
[Images: CarPix]Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera frolics in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Consumer Reports gets first drive impressions of 2011 Hyundai Sonata
2011 Hyundai Sonata SE - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai won't be giving the American automotive media its first crack at driving their new 2011 Sonata until next week. However, new Sonatas have apparently already started rolling off the trucks into Hyundai dealers across the country. Unlike the rest of the media horde (Autoblog included), when the folks at Consumer Reports want to test a new vehicle, they actually go out and buy one.
Such was the case last week when they purchased one of the first examples of Hyundai's stylish new mid-sizer. CR tested a base GLS model Sonata and felt that while it does handle better than the 2009 equivalent, it still isn't quite up to the standard of the sportiest examples in the segment including the Ford Fusion and Mazda6. There is, however, a more aggressive SE model which CR hasn't tried out yet, so this might not be a truly apples-to-apples comparison.
CR's testers did feel the interior was an improvement over the outgoing model with higher quality materials and a particularly roomy rear seat. We'll have our own first hand impressions by the end of next week.
[Source: Consumer Reports]Consumer Reports gets first drive impressions of 2011 Hyundai Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Video: Brett Favre talks blueberries, fishin' rodeos and the moon for Hyundai commercial
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Celebrities, Humor
Brett Favre for Hyundai - Click above to see full video after the jump
What do blueberries, fishin' rodeos, the moon, and 400-pound linemen that run 4.3-second 40s have in common? They're among the wide range of things Brett Favre discusses in this locker room interview shot for an upcoming Hyundai Super Bowl commercial. Used to hype Hyundai's 10-year warranties, it's a funny look at what the NFL might be like in the future.
The year is 2020 and a gray-haired Favre fields questions from reporters about how things have changed during his 29 seasons in pro ball. While holding the 2020 MVP trophy, Brett echos some of the sentiments he's put out there in the past few seasons while being traded from the Pack to the Jets, retiring, and ending up in Minnesota, where he almost made it back to today's big game. Follow the jump to see a hilarious five minutes from the four-hour shoot, most of which will end up on the cutting room floor by game time.
[Source: Hyundai Motor America]Video: Brett Favre talks blueberries, fishin' rodeos and the moon for Hyundai commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Hyundai reportedly considering restart of Canadian assembly plant
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Canada
According to figures from Desrosiers Automotive Consultants, Hyundai commands about 7.5 percent of the automotive market in Canada, which compares rather well with figures of 7% for Honda and 10.1% for Toyota. If Hyundai can manage to match Toyota for Canadian market share, the Korean automaker has said it will consider restarting its plant in Bromont, Quebec, in order to meet demand.
It would seem that Hyundai has reason to be optimistic that it will hit the 10-percent market share goal in Canada. Last year, Hyundai sold 103,000 vehicles in the Great White North, and January sales of 6,084 units outperformed 2009 results by 32 percent. In contrast, sales for both Honda and Toyota were down last year.
Further, Hyundai has a number of new products on the horizon, including the all-new 2011 Sonata midsize sedan - which will also be the automaker's first-ever hybrid offering - and Elantra compact. According to Canoe.ca, Hyundai Canada President and Chief Executive Steve Kelleher says he expects the company's auto sales to rise between 3% and 5% this year.
[Source: Canoe.ca]Hyundai reportedly considering restart of Canadian assembly plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Video: Hyundai Super Bowl commercials focus on Favre and paint
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hyundai
Hyundai Super Bowl commercials - Click above to watch both videos after the jump
The Super Bowl is still a few days away, but Hyundai has decided to reveal both commercials it will be airing during the game. One is called "10 Years/Favre" and features none other than Brett Favre, the aging-though-still-excellent quarterback who didn't make it to Miami this year after his Vikings lost to the Saints in the NFC Championship game. The commercial fast forwards 10 years where a 50-year-old Favre is accepting an MVP award and still pondering retirement. The point: 10 years from now your Hyundai will still be under warranty (at least the powertrain).
The second commercial, called "Paint," highlights the 14-step painting process for the new 2011 Sonata. It ends with the bold proclamation, "Better paint quality than Mercedes CLS550." Both commercials are voiced by actor Jeff Bridges, which must've cost the Korean automaker a pretty penny along with signing the NFL's most durable quarterback. Oh, and then there's the actual cost of buying a commercial spot during the Super Bowl, and Hyundai bought two. Who had a good 2009? Hyundai did. Follow the jump to view both commercials for yourself.
[Source: Hyundai]Continue reading Video: Hyundai Super Bowl commercials focus on Favre and paint
Video: Hyundai Super Bowl commercials focus on Favre and paint originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Hyundai prices the 2011 Sonata starting at $19,915
2011 Hyundai Sonata SE - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai's all-new 2011 Sonata goes on sale at dealers all over North America in the next few weeks and now it has an official price tag. The "fluidic design" challenger stakes a claim in the biggest segment in the U.S., starting at $19,195 (plus $720 for destination and delivery) for the GLS sedan with a six-speed manual transmission. That's $500 more than the base 2010 model, but $200 less than the current class champion, the Toyota Camry.
At launch all Sonatas are powered by Hyundai's new direct injected 2.4-liter inline-four, paired with either manual or automatic six-speed gearbox. The GLS and Limited are rated at 198 horsepower while the dual exhaust on the SE rounds it up to a nice round 200 hp. A maxed-out Limited with navigation will set you back $28,115, including D&D.
The Sonata Limited is the first entrant into the mid-size segment to get leather covered heated seats front and rear, and the manual transmission GLS also tops the segment in fuel economy for non-hybrids with a rating of 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. We'll have our first opportunity to drive the new Sonata next week and we'll finally find out if the dynamics live up to its new styling. Make the jump for the full breakdown.
[Source: Hyundai]Continue reading Hyundai prices the 2011 Sonata starting at $19,915
Hyundai prices the 2011 Sonata starting at $19,915 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: Hyundai nearly quadruples profits in fourth quarter
Filed under: Hyundai, South Korea
2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery
2009 was a tough year for nearly every automaker doing business in the U.S., but somehow Hyundai made the near total collapse of auto sales look like no big deal. Actually, we know how Hyundai pulled a Houdini-style miracle: Improved product and quality. And after taking a look at the Korean automaker's fourth quarter earnings report it appears that all that hard work paid off.
The New York Times reports that Hyundai made 945 billion won ($819 million), nearly four times the 243 billion won ($210 million) it made in Q4 2008. Hyundai essentially matched the $845 million that it made in Q3 2009 in part because of sales revenue that rose 9.3 percent year over year. Even more impressive is the fact that Hyundai pulled off a very solid profit in a down market while the Korean won increased by 35 percent versus the U.S. dollar.
Hyundai is likely pretty happy with its 2009 performance, yet the Korean automaker wants more in 2010. Hyundai is forecasting a sales increase of 11 percent versus 2009, with predicted sales of 3.46 million cars, trucks and commercial vehicles - not unreasonable when you consider the potential for the U.S. auto industry to improve a bit in 2010 combined with compelling new product like the 2011 Sonata.
Mitsuru Kurokawa at IHS Global Insight in Tokyo thinks Hyundai will make gains due to Toyota's recent problems, adding "they've got a lot going for them: a broad compact-car lineup, attractive prices for the quality they offer and clever marketing."
[Source: The New York Times]Report: Hyundai nearly quadruples profits in fourth quarter originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Hyundai matches incentives for Toyota customers from Ford, GM
Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Hyundai, Toyota
Mired in what is officially a nightmarish recall fiasco, Toyota's getting gang-tackled as it wraps up a really bad week. General Motors, smelling blood in the water, is offering incentives specifically targeting Toyota drivers through the end of February. Likewise, Ford is adding $1,000 to the trade-ins of any Toyota, Lexus, or Scion (as well as Acura and Honda, for good measure). Rental fleets are yanking Toyotas from circulation. The House of Representatives will officiallygrandstandhold a hearing next Friday. Consumer Reports is temporarily withholding its "Recommended" status on recalled models until the matter is sorted out.
And now, here comes Hyundai, leaping into the scrum from the top rope like Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka.
The Detroit News reports that like GM and Ford, Hyundai's now offering $1,000 to customers who trade their Toyota in for a Sonata, Elantra, or Elantra Touring. Unike GM and Ford, Hyundai is only running the incentives through next Monday. Meanwhile, Chrysler could reportedly follow suit next week. Honda, for its part, has flatly stated that it is staying out of the feeding frenzy, and won't be targeting Toyota customers with specific incentives.
[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Images]Hyundai matches incentives for Toyota customers from Ford, GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Spy Shots: Rakish new 2011 Hyundai Elantra caught winter testing
Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai
2011 Hyundai Elantra spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai is busy turning over its product lineup with significant redesigns already done or slated for some of its most important models. The 2011 Sonata has already had its coming out party, and the 2011 Elantra will follow shortly with a design seemingly inspired by its big bro based on these spy shots. The most telling design cues are the steeply raked front windshield that meets the hood way out in the middle of the front wheels (cab forward, anyone?) and the sloping roofline that together create a coupe-ish profile. And though the front and sides are obscured by camouflage, we're betting what's underneath is just as curvacious as the Sonata's sheetmetal.
As for what will power the next-gen Elantra, Hyundai has a slate of capable four-cylinder engines ranging in size from 2.0 to 2.4 liters of displacement. There's even a 200-horsepower, direct-inject version of the 2.4-liter engine that will power the Sonata, but unless it's detuned for duty in the Elantra, we can't see that mill being used in this pint-sized application. Fortunately, we already know what the interior will look like thanks to earlier spy shots.
Check out the gallery below for a complete set of 2011 Hyundai Elantra spy shots.
Spy Shots: Rakish new 2011 Hyundai Elantra caught winter testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - It's On Like Donkey Kong: Jilted Hyundai Genesis Coupe buyer jilted again, lawyers up
Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Hyundai, South Korea
This ended about how we predicted. You all no doubt remember McFly, the guy that won a legit eBay auction for a slightly used Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T for $16,125. Problem was that the seller - Glenn Hyundai of Lexington, KY - felt the car was worth more ($19,700) and refused to sell it to McFly. They claim they set a reserve price (even though they didn't) and wouldn't budge. End of story, kind of.
See, the internet got a hold of the McFly's tale of woe, and few things excite people (us included) more than tales of bald-faced greed mixed with dishonest car dealers. Not surprisingly, the story took off like wildfire and Glenn Hyundai soon found itself inundated with phone calls, emails, faxes - you name it. The onslaught became so bad that Glenn Hyundai got in touch with McFly and told him that if he would call off his dogs (remove his forum posts, plead with Gencoupe.com forum members to stop harassing the dealership, somehow get Digg.com to do... exactly what we're not sure, etc.) they would presumably sell him a Genesis Coupe for $16,125.
Why do we say presumably? Because we never knew the details of the agreement McFly worked out with Glenn Hyundai. Or, as McFly puts it an updated post, "For the record I have not shared any part of the verbal agreement." Despite this agreement never being finalized, some felt that McFly's saga was over (while some nearly broke their hands patting themselves on the back). We ourselves were reluctant to think or declare anything until McFly had the Genesis Coupe in hand. Guess what?
No Genesis Coupe 2.0T for McFly. He's claiming that Glenn Hyundai has breached the "verbal agreement" he reached with them. He's refusing to give any details of said verbal agreement, but maintains that Glenn Hyundai owes him a Gen Coupe for $16,125. Also, McFly's retained a lawyer. Also-also, he's contacted Hyundai USA but received no response. We'll keep you updated. Thanks to Bora for the heads up!
[Source: Gencoupe.com]It's On Like Donkey Kong: Jilted Hyundai Genesis Coupe buyer jilted again, lawyers up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Hyundai dealer auctions Genesis Coupe for $16k, doesn't want to honor deal *UPDATE
Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Hyundai
File this one under the dangers of mixing traditional Brick & Mortar business practices with the immediacy and transparency of the internet. Glenn Hyundai of Lexington, Kentucky placed a slightly used Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T on eBay Motors. There was no reserve, and a gencoupe.com forum member named McFly made a bid of $16,125 and won the auction (here's a PDF of the auction in case the eBay link goes dead).
Not a bad price, especially as the Gen Coupe in question had less than 5,000 miles on it and costs over $22,000 when new. McFly then secures financing from his bank to pay for the Coupe, makes the necessary travel arrangements to go pick up his car (he doesn't live in Kentucky) and calls the dealer to put down a deposit with his credit card. This is when things begin to go bad. We'll let McFly take it from here:
Make the jump for the rest.I talk to the front desk secretary, ask her how to make my deposit for an Internet Sales deal I have, and she immediately transfers me to Eric Manley. I talk to Eric briefly and he laughs at me over the phone, "Sorry buddy but you're not getting it for that price, he says." I tell him it's a deal that I have worked out with the Internet Sales guy, and I'm ready to make the deposit. He laughs at me again, and says, "sorry buddy, not for that price." It's obvious that this guy knows nothing about it, but it's odd that he won't let me make my deposit. He's clearly either confused or not the right guy.Continue reading Hyundai dealer auctions Genesis Coupe for $16k, doesn't want to honor deal *UPDATE
Hyundai dealer auctions Genesis Coupe for $16k, doesn't want to honor deal *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales
Filed under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, South Korea
While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.
These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.
If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below.
[Source: Ward's Automotive]Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Hyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video?
Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Hyundai, Kia, South Korea
Hyundai Steel - Click above to view video after the jump
Most of the big automaker players have gotten out of the steel-making business, but according to Automotive News, the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is just getting into it. More to the point, Hyundai and Kia have bought into a $5 billion steel mill operated by sister chaebol company Hyundai Steel. The mill's aim is to "boost synergy effects among affiliates by creating a circular production and recycling link between steel manufacturing, steel processing and car making."
With an in-house operation, the two companies can be more assured of getting the quality and quantity of high-tensile steel that they need to build their cars at more stable prices. Hyundai's stake in the plant is 12.6 percent, Kia's is 21.4 percent, and between them, they'll use 50 different types of steel from among the 225 types manufactured at the environmentally friendly plant. The other steels will reportedly be used for ships and electronics.
The first blast furnace was lit last week and will be able to provide four million tons of steel annually. The second furnace is expected to be finished early next year, and will provide the same amount again. Even so, Hyundai said it will need steel from other sources.
Remember when the word "Hyundai" meant "Excel," and not "juggernaut?" While you ponder that thought, be sure to click on the jump to watch an amazing so-bad-it's-good promotional video from the folks at Hyundai Steel.
[Sources: Automotive News - sub req'd; Hyundai Steel]Continue reading Hyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video?
Hyundai-Kia stamps out own steel plant... celebrates with awesomely bad video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Detroit 2010: Hyundai plugs in the Blue-Will
Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Hyundai, Electric
Hyundai Blue-Will Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
As promised, Hyundai brought its Blue-Will Concept along for the festivities this week at the Detroit Auto Show. There's not a whole lot more to say - the car was first debuted back in April at the Seoul Motor Show and we've heard all about its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Still, this is the Blue-Will's U.S. introduction and therefore is the first time we've personally laid eyes on the car.
To recap, the Blue Drive architecture that Hyundai unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show is a strong parallel system, that is capable of driving the vehicle under electric power alone, using the internal combustion engine or some combination of the two. The electric motor/generator is rated at 100 kW and Hyundai claims a range of 40 miles on an single electric charge
Want to know more? Check out our high-res image gallery of live photos below and click past the break for the press release.
Continue reading Detroit 2010: Hyundai plugs in the Blue-Will
Detroit 2010: Hyundai plugs in the Blue-Will originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Detroit 2010: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe shows mild freshening, new engines
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Hyundai
2010 Hyundai Santa Fe - click above for high-res image gallery
The 2010 edition of the Hyundai Santa Fe isn't getting a full redesign, but a visual refresh does provide a few hints of the "fluidic sculpture" design language that debuted last month on the new Tucson and Sonata. The new hood features a pair of ridges extending back from the grille to the A-pillars as well as sculpted bars in the grille similar to the Sonata. The lower front fascia also gets some new forms that evoke a similar look to the Tucson.
However, the most important upgrades to the Santa Fe are under the hood and will no doubt help Hyundai maintain and advance its lead in the CAFE race. The old 2.7-liter and 3.3-liter V6 engines have been sent off to the scrap heap in favor a pair of engines that provide better performance and efficiency. The base setup is the same 175 horsepower 2.4-liter inline-four found in the new Tucson while the optional engine is a re-vamped 3.5-liter Lambda V6 now with 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are mated up exclusively with six-speed transmissions but only the four gets a manual option.
The four bumps the EPA numbers from the 18/24 mpg of the old 2.7-liter to 20/28 while the 3.5 improves on the 17/24 mpg values of the 3.3 to 20/26 mpg.
[Source: Hyundai]Continue reading Detroit 2010: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe shows mild freshening, new engines
Detroit 2010: 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe shows mild freshening, new engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Hyundai recalls 65,000+ 2006-2009 Azera sedans over seatbelt issue
Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hyundai
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall campaign directed at certain model year 2006 through 2009 Hyundai Azera sedans. All affected Azera models were manufactured between September 27, 2005, and October 1, 2008 - in total, 65,226 vehicles are subject to the recall action. The Azera was previously dinged by NHTSA last April as part of a multi-line recall over faulty taillamps.
According to NHTSA, the wiring harness for the front right seat belt tension sensor may become damaged after repeated use over time. If the sensor wiring is broken, the airbag will not deploy in the event of a serious crash or collision - understandably putting the seat occupant at risk of injury. Hyundai will notify owners, inspect vehicles, and make repairs free of charge under the terms of the recall that is scheduled to officially begin next month. In the meantime, owners may contact Hyundai Customer Service at 1-800-633-5151, contact the NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit www.safercar.gov. Press release after the jump.
[Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]Continue reading Hyundai recalls 65,000+ 2006-2009 Azera sedans over seatbelt issue
Hyundai recalls 65,000+ 2006-2009 Azera sedans over seatbelt issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Hyundai Equus on track for States in 2010, name still undecided
Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Luxury, South Korea
Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai spokesman Dan Bedore has confirmed to Autoblog that while a version of its home-market Equus is on the way to North America in 2010, the Korean automaker still hasn't decided what the car will be named when it arrives. The high-end sedan may carry the horse-inspired KDM appellation, or perhaps even its Middle East moniker, Centennial, but other nameplates remain under discussion. And although Bedore declined to offer any specific possibilities, when pressed, he did admit that the company hasn't ruled out anything with the word "Genesis" in its title, a move that would seemingly be appropriate given that the model has more than a few Genesis Sedan genes in its genetic blueprint. Such a strategy would also seem to be consistent with a rumored plan to separate Hyundai's pricier offerings within brand showrooms. Genesis Prestige or Genesis Supremacy, anyone?
The rear-drive, V8 luxury sedan is on track for arrival in the second half of this year, and while it will be essentially identical to the Korean Equus, small visual differences like alloy wheel patterns and perhaps the absence of the domestic car's prominent hood ornament (shown above) are also likely. No word yet on specific changes to the car's underpinnings, but Bedore tells us that we "can expect some adjustments to things like suspension damping and steering tuning for the U.S. market."
A Korean-spec Equus will be on display at next week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but no further announcements regarding the car are scheduled.
Hyundai Equus on track for States in 2010, name still undecided originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Toyota, Hyundai refute report of discontinued models
Filed under: Car Buying, Hyundai, Toyota
2010 Toyota Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery
In a U.S. News and World Report story distributed via Yahoo dubbed "The 10 Best Discontinued Cars," author Rick Newman spoke with an unnamed analyst at Kelley Blue Book in an effort to help new car shoppers find exceptionally deep discounts on new cars. Here's where it gets hazy: As part of that process, Newman sought to:
"...identify models likely to be discontinued over the next couple of years. For some of these models, the manufacturers have confirmed that the car is being axed; others made the list because of strong indicators that they're being discontinued, such as manufacturing changes or declining shipments to dealers."
Note the word usage of "likely" and "next couple of years" coupled to that very misleading title. To Newman's credit, he notes "unconfirmed" when discussing vehicles that haven't been officially killed off, but to our eyes, the title is misleading and the execution of the list itself strikes us as disingenuous, particularly as it mixes vehicles that have already been officially nixed (Honda S2000, Mercury Sable, Pontiac G8, Saturn Sky, Volkswagen Jetta GLI) with end-of-life models that are likely to be replaced or die out in due time (Chevrolet Colorado, Lexus SC430), as well as nameplates that have been facing declining or slow sales (Toyota Matrix and FJ Cruiser, Hyundai Veracruz). We spoke with Curt McCallister, Toyota's Midwest Public Relations Manager about the fate of the Matrix and FJ Cruiser, and he offered us the following guidance:
"There are no plans to discontinue either model. The Yahoo story is erroneous in that it was based on conjecture from unnamed analysts from Kelley Blue Book. The reporter (Newman) was informed of the factual errors in his story, multiple times yesterday. He was also questioned on why we weren't allowed to confirm or deny these assumptions. It was poor reporting that unfortunately has an Internet reach."
Click through to the jump for the rest of the story, including a comment from Hyundai.
[Source: U.S. News and World Report via Yahoo]Continue reading Toyota, Hyundai refute report of discontinued models
Toyota, Hyundai refute report of discontinued models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Top 20 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2009
Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota
Click above to view list after the jump
Mouse over the clock in the lower right-hand corner of your PC. Alternatively, if you're a Mac user, look at the little iCal widget down at the bottom of your screen. Whoa, look at that! It's 2010. January 6th, to be exact. And that means the final sales tallies of all automakers for the year-that-was are in. As you may have noticed yesterday, none but Subaru, Kia and Hyundai are likely to be entirely pleased with their YTD performances, falling as they did compared to sales in 2008.
Wouldn't you know, though, that not one of those three upwardly trending automakers earned a single spot on the Top 10 Best Selling Vehicles chart? To see a Korean automobile on the list, you need to expand the search to the Top 17. This fact reminds us yet again that by and large the American population tends to be a rather predictable bunch.
Think you can guess what the best-selling vehicle of 2009 was? We won't lie... you probably can. In fact, it's been the same vehicle for the past 28 years straight. Want to know what it is? Find out, along with the rest of the Top 20, after the jump.
[Source: Examiner.com]Continue reading Top 20 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2009
Top 20 Best-Selling Vehicles of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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