TheCarBlogger: Latest Hyundai News & Kia News

Kia Builds 1 Millionth Vehicle at Zilina, Slovakia Plant

2012-01-26T23:56:00.000-05:00

The 1 millionth vehicle rolled off the assembly line at Kia's Zilina plant in Slovakia just a little over five years since the factory opened, marking a significant landmark for the South Korean automaker.
The milestone model was a white, diesel-engined Cee’d SW that was handed over to a Slovakian children’s charity called the Red Nose Clowndoctors (no connection with Adult Swim's Children's Hospital…).

“Kia Motors Slovakia has achieved an important milestone in its history with the production of the millionth car. We decided to donate it to an organisation which will bring pleasure to children during their stay in hospitals,” said Eek-Hee Lee, President and CEO of Kia Motors Slovakia.

In addition, Kia said that the Cee’d SW is also the 600,000th version of the Zilina factory’s first car. Today, the plant also produces the Kia Sportage SUV and the Venga mini MPV.

Last year, the Zilina factory produced 252,000 cars and 359,000 engines, recording a 10 percent and 12 percent increase respectively over 2010.

The soon-to-be replaced Cee'd topped the list with 103,000 units in 2011, representing 41% of the overall production. It was followed closely by the Sportage with 101,000 units or 40% of total production, the Hyundai ix35 (which was manufactured up to June 2011) with 36,000 units and the Venga with 11,000 units.

[Source: Description]

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Spied Undisguised!

2012-01-25T19:40:00.001-05:00

Uncamouflaged images of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have finally hit the web. These two snap shots of the 2013 Santa Fe give us our first preview of what we can expect from Hyundai when the new Santa Fe debuts at the New York International Auto Show in April.

Back in October, spy shots emerged of a camouflaged 2013 Santa Fe rolling around the streets of New York. From what we could tell, the new Santa Fe would be bigger than the outgoing model, and would receive an all-new exterior design. The camouflaged mule also gave us a slight glimpse of the 2013 Santa Fe’s new grille which looks to be very similar to Ford’s old tri-bar grille.

These spy shots clearly show what those photos hid under all that camo. Up front, the 2013 Santa Fe gets a chrome three-bar grille in a trapezoidal opening reminiscent of the Veloster’s. The new Santa Fe also gets new headlights that follow the same design language of the refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Around back, the 2013 Santa Fe boasts a stylish tailgate and tapered tail lamps, the latter bearing some resemblance to those used on Audi’s Q5 and Q7 SUVs.

The 2013 Santa Fe’s engine choices aren’t currently known, and details likely won’t leak out until the official debut later this year. We’re expecting the next-gen Santa Fe to make full use of Hyundai’s gasoline-direct injection four-bangers, and possibly the 293-hp 3.3-liter GDI V-6 from the recently-introduced Azera. Rumors are also floating around that the 2013 Santa Fe may get a version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that’s currently found in the Veloster Turbo and Sonata to help it go head-to-head with the EcoBoost-equipped Ford Explorer.

Kia Recalls 146K Optimas, Rondos for Airbag Issues

2012-01-22T23:48:00.000-05:00

Kia has announced that it is recalling 145,755 vehicles in the United States. The two models affected are the 2006-08 Optima sedan, specifically those manufactured between September 29, 2005 and January 29, 2008, and Rondo MPVs built between September 13, 2006 and March 21, 2008, for issues with the cars’ supplementary restraint system.

The problem concerns the clock spring in the airbag assembly, which can apparently become damaged over time. Failure of the clock spring contact assembly, will result in high resistance in the airbag electrical circuit, meaning that in the event of an accident, the airbag will fail to deploy, likely resulting in greater risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Kia says it will be notifying owners of the affected vehicles, suggesting them to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer who will replace the airbag clock spring assembly. Kia says the recall is expected to begin in March 2012 and concerned owners are encouraged to contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

[Source: Kia]

Kia Opens First 'Red Cube' Showroom in UK

2012-01-19T22:56:00.001-05:00

The first of Kia’s new global standard 'Red Cube' showrooms in England has opened at Arnold Clark Northwich in Cheshire.

"The Red Cube concept has been created to deliver the most complete visual representation of Kia’s design-focused brand strategy and, while the new showrooms will only open at major new-build sites many of the concept’s elements will soon be found at all Kia showrooms in the UK," the automaker said.

Built on an existing four-acre site in a high-traffic location, the new-look showroom features strong red cladding, distinctive side-return architecture and a clean, impressive interior.

Simon Hetherington, dealer development director at Kia Motors (UK), said: “This is a dramatic new look for Kia across the globe and I am proud that the UK has one of the first such new showrooms to open in Europe. We do not expect all of our dealers to invest in such buildings, but many of the elements contained in Red Cube can already be found in about one third of our 170 UK dealerships and by the end of this year almost all of our dealers will have adopted our new brand identity."

“The Red Cube gives us real stand out at new build and landmark sites and I would expect another five or six such showrooms in the UK over the course of the next year,” he added.

The Northwich showroom took 16 weeks to build and is the group’s eighth Kia dealership across the country.

[Source: Kia Motors UK]

Kia's "Male Fantasy" Super Bowl Commercial to Feature Supermodel Adriana Lima

2012-01-17T22:39:00.000-05:00

In terms of prime time viewing, it often doesn’t get any better than during the Super Bowl. As a result companies want to make every second of air time count during the commercial breaks, often leading to some of the most inventive ads of all time.

This year, Kia is pulling out all the stops, thanks to a commercial which Michael Sprague, head of Kia’s US marketing and communications calls “the ultimate man’s dream.” It’s all part of a plan for Kia to boost its image into a more upscale, edgier brand.

Essentially, the ad incorporates a Kia Optima tearing around a race track, while scantily clad supermodel Adriana Lima and mixed-martial arts fighter Chuck Liddell do what they do best, as Mötley Crüe rock on stage, performing Kickstart My Heart.

The 60-second commercial will first be seen in movie theaters beginning on February 3, while 15-second teaser ads will also air beforehand. In an attempt to maximize the ad’s potential Kia will also leverage both the Twitter and Facebook followings of the stars featured in the commercial.

[Source: USA Today]

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Confirmed for New York Debut

2012-01-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

It's no secret the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (MY2012 pictured) is coming, but now Hyundai has confirmed it will debut at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April.

We've seen the spy shots, and while nothing has been confirmed, we can see the styling direction Hyundai is likely taking with the new Santa Fe. The updated crossover will sport Hyundai's latest 'fluidic sculpture' design, with a swept-back front-end design and strong side character line. Inside we are likely to see Hyundai's Blue Link telematics service and available touch-screen navigation.

Powertrain-wise, Hyundai might take the downsizing route many competitors have taken, by only offering four-cylinder engines. A naturally aspirated four-cylinder will likely be the base engine, with an optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder replacing the current V-6. While this scenario could happen, we are more likely to see a four-cylinder as the base engine with an optional V-6 engine for higher trim models. Both engine options will probably be connected to a six-speed automatic, with front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations.

Hyundai Tops Customer Loyalty Study by JD Power

2012-01-14T23:14:00.000-05:00

Hyundai has a customer retention rate of 64 percent – a four percent increase from 2010 – according to the latest JD Power and Associates study. The Sonata and Elantra are credited for Hyundai’s increased retention rate from third to first place.

“Hyundai’s increased retention rate is shaped by its expanding model lineup, as well as the fact that perceptions of the brand’s quality and appeal have continued to improve during the past decade,” said Raffi Festekjian, director of automotive product research at J.D. Power and Associates, in a press release.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

Ford and Honda, which tied for the top spot in 2010 with 62 percent customer retention, slipped to a second-place tie in 2011, with 60 percent customer retention. Jeep had the highest gain in customer improvement, jumping 17 percent to 51. BMW, Kia, Toyota, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Cadillac round out the top 10.

The study also found that 19 of the 33 brands ranked had improved customer retention rates compared to 2010, the other 14 declined. Overall the average customer retention rate for the U.S. market was up one percent to 49. Saab (7 percent), Suzuki (20 percent), and Dodge (21 percent) were at the bottom of the list. Suzuki had the highest decline – seven percent – in the study.

One-third of new car buyers who changed makes said their previous brand didn’t make the type of vehicle they wanted, according to the study. Other reasons consumers gave for switching brands included “dissatisfaction with the previous vehicle, including the vehicle costs too much to own or maintain; there are too many problems with the vehicle; and the vehicle didn’t retain sufficient resale value.”

Customer retention is defined as consumers who previously bought or leased a new car and replaced it with another new car from the same brand.

[Source: JD Power and Associates]

More Photos of 2013 Kia cee'd Released Before Geneva Debut

2012-01-13T23:41:00.000-05:00

When Kia announced the 2013 Cee'd earlier this week, they only included one photo of the front. Now Kia fans have found a couple more showing the side and rear views.

To refresh your memory, the Kia Cee'd is a Europe only model. It shares its platform with the Hyundai i30.

Notable features include the H-shaped grille, chrome windows moldings and LED infused headlamps. Inside, the dashboard is oriented towards the driver and materials are more refined.

Unconfirmed reports state the Cee'd will receive the new 1.6-liter GDI turbo engine which was recently announced in the Hyundai Veloster turbo producing 201 hp (150 kW).

The 2013 Cee'd makes its market debut in the second quarter 2012.

MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

[Source: Kia]

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo in Forza Motorsport 4 [w/VIDEO]

2012-01-12T21:45:00.000-05:00

You can’t yet get your hands on a real life Veloster Turbo right now, since it’s just made its motor show debut in Detroit, but you can take it for a spin in the virtual world. Yes, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo will come to a console near you via Forza Motorsport 4, and all you have to do is download the free Hyundai Veloster Bonus Pack on Xbox Live.

What’s more, the pack not only gives you access to the 201 hp street car, but also to the Rhys Millen Veloster Rally Car, packing 500 hp.

We’ll remind you that in the metal, the Veloster Turbo is powered by a brand new Hyundai engine, the 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI unit that in the US version of the car puts out 201 hp and (264Nm) of torque from 1,750-4,500. Hyundai says the engine is available with either a six-speed manual or an optional automatic with wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Despite being a nimble little car, it’s also going to be economical, as Hyundai expects it will do 38 mpg highway.

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

[Source: Hyundai USA (YouTube)]

Hyundai Offers Lifetime Battery Guarantee for Sonata Hybrid in US

2012-01-11T10:39:00.002-05:00

Hyundai announced this week that it has bolstered its warranty package on its Sonata Hybrid model to include a Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee.

This broadens the benefits offered under Hyundai Assurance and covers the battery in all 2012 editions of the model throughout the life expectancy of the vehicle. Officials contend it goes “thousands of miles beyond” the average new-car ownership period.

Explaining the coverage in more detail, basically if the lithium polymer battery technology in the Sonata Hybrid stops working, the battery is replaced for free, and Hyundai will also take care of the cost to recycle the old battery.

The automaker said it put the Sonata Hybrid and its Blue Drive hybrid drivetrain through more than 300,000 miles of tests, finding only “minimal degradation of its output or duration of operation,” something it argues gives owners confidence in what they’re buying.

“The Hyundai brand was built on outstanding quality backed by the industry’s best protection program which we call Hyundai Assurance,” said Michael O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning.

“Expanding Hyundai Assurance to include Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee was another opportunity for us to demonstrate our confidence in the durability of our product, and pass that peace-of-mind on to our owners,” he added.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Elantra Named 2012 North American Car of the Year

2012-01-10T00:36:00.000-05:00

The Hyundai Elantra edged out the Ford Focus and Volkwagen Passat Monday to win the 2012 North American Car of the Year award.

The prestigious industry award was announced at the start of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Fifty automotive journalists voted on the winning vehicles from a group of finalists, and the vehicles must be all new or substantially changed to be eligible. Organizers accept no advertising, though automakers capitalize on the marketing value of the honors.

John Krafcik, Hyundai's North American chief executive, said the award won't help the compact's sales much because the company already is selling as many Elantras as it can make at its factory in Montgomery, Ala. But the award should help solidify the brand's image in the eyes of the American public, especially in the highly competitive compact car segment.

"It should be helpful for our brand going forward," he said.

The company is looking at ways to boost production at the Montgomery plant, but Krafcik said Hyundai plans to focus on maintaining quality at the factory before deciding on any increases.

Hyundai sold more than 186,000 Elantras last year, nearly a 41 percent increase over 2010 figures.

[Source: Description]

OFFICIAL: 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Produces 201-HP

2012-01-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

For many, there is only one problem with the Hyundai Veloster: it’s slow. Funky asymmetrical design aside, the interesting new Hyundai product left enthusiasts wanting and so to solve that issue the Korean automaker has unveiled a new turbocharged model today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

FULL ARTICLE AND MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

With a twin-scroll turbo mated to a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder output is rated at 201 hp at 6000 rpm and a significant 195 lb-ft of torque at just 1750 rpm. That’s a serious jump over the standard car’s 138 hp and just 123 lb-ft of torque. With that power (and more standard equipment) comes several hundred pounds of extra weight, putting the Veloster Turbo at 2,800 lbs. More than a MINI Cooper S but less than a Civic Si, Hyundai can still boast a better power to weight ratio than either of those cars.

As for fuel economy, the use of direct injection helps deliver a projected 27/38 rating with the six-speed manual. No numbers for the dual-clutch six-speed automatic are yet available.

In the transmission department both a six-speed manual and six-speed dual-clutch automatic are available, with wider gears for the manual, so as to cope with the added power, while the auto-box gets closer gears to help keep it in the ideal power range.

In addition to power Hyundai has also tuned the car’s intake and exhaust notes and has firmed up the steering to improve driver feel. The car also looks noticeably sportier thanks to 18-inch wheels and it’s quite a lot meaner too, thanks to a large, monotone flat-fronted grille and a complete ground effects kit that ends out back with a large diffuser and two center-exit exhaust pipes. To help the car stand out further are Turbo-exclusive LED daytime running lights, as well as an optional Matte Gray paint – the first matte paint finish offered by Hyundai.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

Hyundai Not Planning Separate Luxury Brand for Now

2012-01-04T12:38:00.002-05:00

Hyundai Motor's vice chairman said the South Korean automaker had no immediate plans to launch a separate premium brand in a bid to bolster its brand image, brushing off speculation that such a move was on the cards.

The South Korean automaker does not plan to rival the likes of Toyota's Lexus "for the time being," Kim Yong-hwan told Reuters on Thursday.

Another Hyundai Motor executive told Reuters earlier that the company considered launching a separate premium brand, but decided not to do so because of the high costs, including those related to new dealerships.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

Hyundai and affiliate Kia Motors, which together rank fifth in global car sales, have been outperformers especially during the global financial crisis.

Hyundai has tried to transform its image as a maker of value-for-money vehicles into one that evokes "new premium" at affordable prices, under the slogan "New Thinking. New Possibilities."

Hyundai said last month that it hired former BMW designer Christopher Chapman as chief designer of its U.S. design center, saying he will be responsible for new vehicle and concept design for Hyundai.

"(The recruitment) has nothing to do with a separate premium brand," Kim told Reuters.

Hyundai's sibling Kia Motors enjoyed huge sales growth and brand enhancement, driven by the design improvements led by former Audi/Volkswagen designer Peter Shreyer.

Kim also said the automaker had no plan to build a new auto manufacturing plant in the United States. Speculation has been rampant that the automaker may build its second U.S. plant because of its stretched production capacity.

Hyundai and Kia were among the biggest gainers in the United States in 2011, posting sales rises of 20 percent and 36 percent, respectively.

[Source: Yonhap News]

Autobytel Names Hyundai Veloster 2012 Car of the Year

2012-01-03T23:53:00.000-05:00

Full Article HERE

Hyundai and Kia Selling More Luxury Cars than Ever in Europe

2012-01-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

The profitability of Hyundai and Kia, collectively Hyundai Motor Group, is fast improving in the European market as the company is selling record numbers of large luxury vehicles there, market observers said Sunday.

In 2009, the automotive group sold 579,780 vehicles in Europe,

79.5 percent of which were small or medium-size cars. The company’s sales rose to 620,372 units in 2010, but the proportion of small and medium-size vehicles dropped 3.7 percentage points to 75.8 percent.

Sales of small and medium-size vehicles further shrank in the first 11 months of last year to 70.5 percent out of 642,449 vehicles sold during the cited period, meaning the company is selling more large vehicles, the observers noted.

A group official said the sales of large vehicles will help improve the group’s profitability.

"The Tucson (sold as the ix35 in Europe) and the Sportage, both produced at our European plant, led the sales increase," the official said. "We expect sales of large vehicles to further increase with the launch of the Optima early this year, also raising our profitability."

[Source: Yonhap News]

More Spyshots of 2013 Kia K9

2012-01-01T23:49:00.002-05:00

MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

Hyundai Launches Interactive Veloster Billboard in Times Square (w/VIDEO)

2011-12-29T22:45:00.000-05:00

The New York Times Square billboards draw 1.5 million impressions a day in one of the world’s most iconic locations for exposing brands. Hyundai is taking advantage of the with a new interactive racing game billboard galled ‘Hyundai Race.’

Visitors to Times Square can play the high-quality racing game featuring the new Hyundai Veloster on the big screen and simulate real driving experiences.
Click here for the Top 10 things you need to know about the Hyundai Veloster.

“Hyundai Race” is controlled by tilting a smart phone, just like turning the steering wheel when driving a car. Players can easily download the controller for “Hyundai Race” from the App Store. Then, by connecting to the free Hyundai WiFi network in Times Square, players can control their vehicle on the big screen just as if they were playing a racing game on their smart phone. When players finish the race, their score will appear on the billboard and show their ranking among other players.

Hyundai Race will be available in Times Square until the end of the year – so if you’re in the area – check it out.

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

Hyundai Veloster Wins 2011 Good Design Award

2011-12-27T23:16:00.000-05:00

It appears telling Hyundai’s designers to go crazy on the unconventional Veloster has paid off, as the three-door “coupe” has been named a Good Design Award winner by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.

The annual Good Design Awards are sanctioned by the Chicago Athenaeum in conjunction with The European Design Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. Design has always been regarded as a highly specialized field with its own unique visions, and the Good Design Award was invented to recognize the world’s most exceptionally-designed products.

The awards, presented since 1950, are bestowed on a range of products from electronics to medical items to tools, and the Veloster was one of 19 winners from the transportation category for 2011. Judging was handled by an international jury of design experts.

“With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle,” said Scott Margason, product planning director for Hyundai Motor America. “Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that Good Design is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”

The other car winners from the transportation group are the BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible, BMW 1 Series M, BMW ActiveE, Kia KV7, Kia Rio five-door, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mercedes CLS-Class, Mercedes SLK-Class (the SLK55 AMG was given a separate award too), and the new Volkswagen Beetle. Interestingly, a tire – the Nexen Winguard Sport performance winter tire – was also among the class winners.

[Source: Hyundai]

Autobild Ranks Hyundai First in Annual Quality Report

2011-12-26T22:15:00.001-05:00

German auto magazine Autobild has ranked Hyundai first place in its acclaimed annual Quality Report for the second year in a row.

Autobild's 2011 report checked 20 car brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Toyota before tapping Hyundai for having the best Winterkorn-scaring, overall quality and offering excellent customer satisfaction. AutoBild compiles the list, which is widely used to determine brand quality in the automotive industry, by examining feedback from car owners, maintenance requirements, warranties, recall information and detailed tests of the car and its durability.

The latest top rating is expected to further raise the company's global brand image as Hyundai plans to redouble its efforts to analyze the driving environments facing drivers, the company said, adding such measures can help the company improve its competitive edge.

Japanese carmakers Honda, Mazda and Toyota all tied for second place, with German carmakers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz jointly coming in sixth place.

[Source: Autobild]

Hyundai-Kia on Target to Produce 3 Million Cars Overseas in 2011

2011-12-25T23:47:00.000-05:00

The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group is expected to see its annual production at overseas plants exceed 3 million vehicles by the end of the year for the first time, the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association said on Sunday.

It is also forecast that the group's overseas production will surpass domestic production next year.

The KAMA said that the group produced 2.88 million cars at its overseas plants for the first 11 months of this year, up 21.8 percent over the same period in 2010. If this pace keeps up, the figure will exceed 3.05 million by the last day of the year. It hit the 1 million mark in 2006 and passed 2 million last year.

With the expansion of its overseas plants, the group saw its overseas production outpace its exports from home for the first time in the second half of this year. As of November, 2.88 million cars were manufactured in its plants overseas, compared to 2.85 million produced domestically for export, and the trend is likely to continue.

The KAMA forecast that overseas production by Hyundai and Kia will rise 9.8 percent on-year to 3.35 million cars in 2012.

[Source: The Korea Herald]

Hyundai Nabs BMW Designer Chris Chapman

2011-12-23T21:40:00.002-05:00

On the heels of BMW and Audi, Hyundai continues to find ways to compete with the finer European brands; first they open a design center in California like BMW, and now they have just tapped Chris Chapman from BMW.

Hyundai’s head of design, Suk Geun Oh said of Chapman: “With over 22 years of experience in the industry working on esteemed automotive brands, Chris provides a level of talent that will help further our design portfolio…we are thrilled to have Christopher Chapman as chief designer for Hyundai and look forward to continuing the strong momentum of our vehicle designs.”

The change comes after a strong wave of Hyundais, which pulled prospective Lexus customers away from the Japanese marque and into the emerging premium South Korean offerings. As cars are the second largest investment the average person makes over a lifetime, the decision often is based on design and other right-brain variables: Hyundai is not resting on their laurels.

Chapman may have worked for BMW most recently (the 1er, X5 and X3), but he was also successful in the early nineties, winning best in show at the ‘93 Tokyo Motor Show for the Isuzu XU-1 concept.

Kia Rumored to Produce GT RWD Sedan-Based Coupe and Sportwagon

2011-12-22T23:07:00.001-05:00

Kia's ascent from an inexpensive maker of bland products to a company that aspires to compete with the heavy weights in the mainstream segments continues with the South Korean firm now planning to introduce its first-ever rear-wheel drive model based on the GT concept we saw at the Frankfurt Motor Show this past September.

But the sedan model, which is expected to make its appearance in production form as early as 2013, may not be alone if we are to believe a report from Edmunds' Inside Line.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

Citing company insiders, the report says that Kia is also considering adding an even sportier two-door coupe version as well as a more practical station wagon model to the range of the production GT.

According to the unnamed insiders, Kia sees the GT range as being a "more affordable alternative" to the Audi A5 and A7 models.

The Frankfurt Show GT concept sported a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine delivering 390HP and 534 Nm (393.8 lb-ft) of torque, matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

The production version of the GT sedan, along with the station wagon and coupe models if they receive the green light (remember, this remains a rumor without official confirmation), will share a common platform and other hardware with a Hyundai model, possibly the Genesis sedan.

[Source: Edmunds: Inside Line]

Kia Unveils Ray EV, Only for Korea

2011-12-21T23:47:00.000-05:00

Kia has recently unveiled South Korea’s first electric vehicle, the Ray EV, with the car only destined for the domestic Korean market. The car, which comes with a driving range of up to 139 km (86 miles), shares the production line with the combustion-engined model it is based on, a first in the world of EVs.

The electric version can be distinguished from the petrol one by a few exterior details, such as a flap in the front grille, which hides the charge inlet for the slow recharge mode, while the place of the fuel filler cap has been replaced by a cover for the fast recharge mode. In addition to that, we have a new aerodynamic design for the 14-inch alloy rims and ‘Zero Emissions EV’ decals on the front doors.

Kia is planning to produce 2,500 units of the Ray EV next year, which will be offered to government departments and public offices under the carmaker’s eco R&D program.

SPECS AND MORE PICTURES AFTER THE JUMP

DIMENSIONS
Length 3593 mm Width 1595 mm
Height 1700 mm Wheelbase 2520 mm
Kerb weight 1185 kg

POWERTRAIN
Electric motor 50 kW
Max power 68 ps Max torque 167 Nm (17.0 g/km)

BATTERY
Power 330V Lithium ion polymer
Capacity 16.4 kWh
Charge time 6.0 hrs (slow) / 25 minutes (fast)

PERFORMANCE
0-to-100 kph 15.9 sec (to 62 mph)
Max speed 130 kph (81 mph)
Max range 139 km (86 miles)

Hyundai Elantra in the Runnings for 2012 North American COTY Award

2011-12-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

The finalists for the 2012 North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year Awards have been named. The overall winners will be announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Competing for the car title are the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Volkswagen Passat, while the three truck finalists are the BMW X3, Honda CR-V and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

The awards are voted on by 50 automotive journalists from Canada and the United States. To be eligible, a vehicle must be all-new or substantially changed. The top finalists were selected from an initial list of 17 cars and seven trucks.

Last year’s winners were the Chevrolet Volt and Ford Explorer.

Hyundai i-oniq Concept to Debut in Geneva

2011-12-16T22:38:00.000-05:00

Hyundai will preview the next phase of its vehicle styling with a new concept car scheduled to debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Hyundai released a teaser sketch today of the i-oniq concept car that will be introduced in Geneva and said it hints at the future direction of the brand's "fluidic sculpture" styling.

The sketch shows the silhouette of a long hood and a fastback-style passenger cabin.

The car was designed at Hyundai's European research and development center in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

"Two strong arched curves define the silhouette of i-oniq, creating a playful contrast between the sharp character lines and soft but muscular features," Thomas Bürkle, Hyundai's European design chief, describing the i-oniq, said in a statement.

A spokesman from Hyundai Motor America declined to elaborate on the vehicle.

Hyundai has applied the "fluidic sculpture" styling to nearly its entire vehicle lineup. The swoopy lines and dramatic surface treatments of the corporate look have helped Hyundai shed its legacy of hum-drum styling and boost sales of vehicles like the Sonata and Elantra.

[Source: Hyundai]

Kia Rio Wins COTY Honors by Australian Carsguide

2011-12-15T19:37:00.000-05:00

Kia's baby Rio has swept aside the best new cars launched in Australia in the past 12 months to take overall honours as Carsguide's 2011 Car Of The Year.

"After a rigorous selection, testing and deliberation process, I'm pleased to announce Kia Rio Si Hatch a worthy winner," said Carsguide Managing Editor, Ged Bulmer. "Car of the Year is a natural extension of our efforts to educate, inform and entertain our readers."

Paul Gover, Carsguide Senior Motoring Reporter and one of Australia's most experienced automotive journalists, added: "The Kia Rio Si Hatch is only the second Korean brand to win the award since its inception in 2007.

"This just a wonderful result for Kia, not only in Australia but as a global company," Kia Motors Australia President and Chief Executive Officer Mr Chongwoo (Charlie) Kim said. "Kia is committed to delivering our customers the best _ and best value _ cars in the market.

"This prestigious award is confirmation that our goals are worthy and achievable."

Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Mr Tony Barlow, described the win as an outstanding recognition of the journey Kia is on, both with its brand and its models.

[Source: Carsguide]

Hyundai to Debut Indian-Developed Compact SUV Concept for India Next Month

2011-12-13T23:40:00.000-05:00

Pictured: Daihatsu's compact SUV, Terios

As part of its efforts to expand portfolio and match up with the changing dynamics of the Indian auto market, Hyundai Motor India will debut a compact SUV concept car at the Delhi Auto Expo in January.

It is not clear if the company will look to take advantage of lower tax rates on models that are shorter than four meters. “The details of the car will be worked out at a later stage,” a Hyundai spokesperson said by phone on Wednesday.

In the 2006 Union budget of India, then-finance minister P. Chidambaram gave special benefits to small cars to boost local production and promote India as a global small-car manufacturing hub.

The budget proposed an 8 percentage point excise duty reduction to 16% for cars shorter than four meters and with gasoline engines smaller than 1.2-liters or diesel engines smaller than than 1.5-liters.

The Hyundai spokesperson said the company will also showcase its Veloster at the expo to gauge interest in the car for the Indian market.

[Source: Indiatimes]

Hyundai and Kia Sales Soar in Russia

2011-12-11T22:45:00.000-05:00

Hyundai and Kia became the top-selling foreign automotive brands in the Russian market in November.

The Association of European Businesses announced on Thursday that Hyundai sold over 17,000 units in Russia last month, while demand for Kia’s vehicles saw it shift more than 15,000.

The sales figures by the Korean automakers nudged Chevrolet, which usually holds the No. 1 spot for foreign vehicles in the country, to third place for the month.

In the first eleven months of the year, Hyundai has seen sales spike 89 percent in Russia compared to the same period last year, while Kia's sales there have jumped 47 percent.

Hyundai 1.6-liter Gamma GDI Engine Named One of Ward's 10 Best Engines

2011-12-09T19:50:00.001-05:00

Following in the footsteps of Hyundai's Tau V8 engine, the 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine, which debuted on the all-new Accent, has been named one of the Ward's 10 Best Engines by WardsAuto World.

"Hyundai spent three years on the list with its excellent Tau 5.0-liter V-8, but 2012 brings evidence the auto maker can deliver world-class small engines as well," writes WardsAuto World Executive Editor, Tom Murphy. "The new 1.6-liter DI Gamma four-cylinder is powering entry level vehicles such as the Hyundai Accent and demonstrates its versatility in the Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe. Mated with an excellent six-speed manual transmission for our evaluation, this package makes the Accent an easy pick for B-class car shoppers. Priced a shade above $14,000, the Gamma-equipped Accent is an excellent value that will surprise and delight any first-time buyer."

The Hyundai Accent is available with the 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine paired with a proprietary six-speed automatic or manual transmission. This combination results in best-in-class fuel economy of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway and best-in-class 138 horsepower.

"Gasoline-direct-injection technology allowed Hyundai engineers to create an engine that is powerful, fuel-efficient and has reduced emissions," said Hyundai American Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) Powertrain Director, John Juriga. "Despite its small size, it generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway."

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Hyundai India to Hike Car Prices by Next Month

2011-12-08T19:56:00.003-05:00

Hyundai Motors India has announced today that it will hike car prices by 1.5 to 2 percent from next month. The firm has blamed the high inflation and steep depreciation in the value of rupee for this increase. The announcement from Hyundai came in the aftermath of decision of a number of leading car makers in India including Toyota, GM and Ford to hike the price of their cars from January.

Arvind Saxena, director of marketing and sales for Hyundai India, said, "The price increase will come into effect in January, 2012. We are in the process of working out the specific increase on the various models. Broadly, the increase will be 1.5 to 2 per cent across all models.”

In the month of November 2011, the company sold a total of 57,080 units of its cars in the Indian market, registering a sales surge of 28.15 percent.

Hyundai is currently the largest car exporter and second largest car maker in the Indian auto market.

[Source: India Today]

2013 Kia K9 Spied

2011-12-07T19:13:00.003-05:00

ONE MORE SPYSHOT AFTER THE JUMP

Hyundai Elantra Sales Soar to Record Heights in the U.S. and Canada in 2011

2011-12-06T18:50:00.003-05:00

While the economic climate may not be ideal, Hyundai is enjoying a success this year in North America as it has eclipsed the 600,000 annual sales mark for the first time in its 25-year U.S. history.

Leading the way in both Canada and the USA, is the redesigned Elantra that saw its sales increase by 43 percent, from 151,735 deliveries in 2010 to 216,331 this year, setting an all-time record for the model series.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

"[The] Elantra has been an absolute phenomenon in the compact car segment," says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America President and CEO. "In November, Elantra retail sales were up 37 percent, in spite of significant competition from all-new entries such as the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus and Honda Civic."

The new Elantra has also proven to be successful in Canada. Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp, commented: "The Elantra continues to fuel record sales in Canada. The Elantra's Fluidic Sculpture design, advanced safety features and fuel efficiency make it the perfect car in our market."

Hyundai's future plans for the Elantra include the presentation of a two-door coupe model that one of our readers recently spied in California and which is expected to launch next February at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

Kia Picanto Beats Fiat 500 and Ford Ka in Auto Express Comparo

2011-12-05T17:50:00.000-05:00

Small, fuel-efficient city cars account for a significant share of the U.K. car market. 45 percent of such sales are accounted by three-door models. Popular British auto mag Auto Express has evaluated three prominent entrants in this segment - Kia Picanto, Fiat 500, and Ford Ka.

Granted, we haven't driven any of the three cars featured in this city-car comparison ourselves. However, the verdict did evoke a certain power to surprise as Auto Express crowned the Kia Picanto 3-door as the winner, championing the Fiat 500 and Ford Ka. Hit the link below to read how it all unfolded.

[Source: Auto Express]

Consumer Watchdog Calls Out on Hyundai's 40-MPG EPA Claim for Elantra

2011-12-02T19:34:00.000-05:00

Right when it looks like Hyundai can do no wrong, we have this: A consumer protection group is asking the United States Environmental Protection Agency to look into claims that the Elantra has exaggerated fuel economy numbers.

FULL ARTICLE AND OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE AFTER THE JUMP

Consumer Watchdog sent the EPA a letter citing a litany of public criticism of the compact Elantra's real-world fuel economy, and asking the EPA to "re-test the 2011 and 2012 Elantra models in its own facility, to seek an explanation for the MPG disappointments of so many Elantra buyers."

Except that many Elantra buyers are actually satisfied with their mileage. When we asked Hyundai for a response to the allegations, its public relations staff pointed us to a J.D. Power APEAL study showing that, "Elantra owners are the happiest in the entire compact segment competitive set in terms of fuel economy."

Hyundai did note that real-world fuel economy results often differ from EPA label values, but stopped short of writing the whole thing off as "your mileage may vary." According to Hyundai, when Consumer Reports put the Elantra through its tough city cycle test regimen, the results were consistent with other compact cars, all of which underperformed compared to the EPA test. Hyundai said the Elantra achieved 20 mpg, which was higher than Honda Civic at 19, Ford Focus at 18, and Chevrolet Cruze at 17. "These results show rank-order consistency with the EPA results of Elantra (29), Civic (28), Focus (28), and Cruze (22)," said Hyundai.

PRESS RELEASE:

Consumer Watchdog Urges EPA to Re-Test Elantra 40 MPG Claim, Hold Hyundai to Account

12/1/2011

Washington, D.C. -- As automakers make their annual pitch for holiday sales, Consumer Watchdog has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to investigate Hyundai's high mileage claims for its popular Elantra model (29/40 MPG city/highway, 33 MPG average).

The Elantra has attracted an unusual number of consumer complaints about real-world MPG averaging in the mid-20s, far from Hyundai's stated average of 33, said Consumer Watchdog.

"Gasoline remains well above $3 a gallon and MPG is a key factor for car buyers, who expect to match the window-label MPG if they drive carefully," said Judy Dugan, research director for Consumer Watchdog. "A loss of 6 or 7 miles per gallon, a conservative average for the Elantra based on tests and complaints, adds up to real money for drivers."

The letter said, in part:
"As the holiday season commences, automakers are touting discounts and year-end deals; record-high gasoline prices for the season will make MPG a significant part of their red-bow advertising. ...

"This makes the accuracy of EPA MPG estimates all the more important, to prevent any maker from marketing autos on a stated city or highway MPG that substantially misstates the result that drivers will get on the road. In general, the new EPA MPG estimates seem to comport closely to real-world results. ...

"However, a notable exception to this rule has caught the attention of Consumer Watchdog. For the two most recent model years, Hyundai Motors has actively marketed its base models of the Elantra on their very high 29/40 MPG, and 33 MPG average, leaving a trail of disappointed drivers. An Edmunds online Town Hall discussion on the Elantra attracted scores of drivers who can't, no matter how hard they try, duplicate such numbers. One very public example of this was USA Today tech writer Jefferson Graham, whose Sept. 22 article on his new Elantra expressed his disappointment that he averaged only 22 MPG, a gap that no "break-in" period seems likely to fill.

"Additionally, while Motor Trend named the 2011 Elantra Car of the Year in its class, the magazine's on-road testers achieved only a very disappointing 26.5 MPG average, bad enough to get special note in the review. Consumers Union found similar fault in with the 2012 Elantra, a redesign. While CU's highway mileage was 39, its city mileage, with experienced drivers who know how to drive a low-mileage auto, was only 20 MPG--very far from the listed 29 MPG. ...

"Gasoline prices remain at record high levels for this season, making efficiency a top purchasing issue for consumers. Neither Hyundai for any other car company should be allowed to misrepresent its efficiency standards or dupe consumers into buying its cars. We ask you, through prompt re-testing and action as needed, to send a message to the company and the auto industry that MPG misrepresentation will not be tolerated."

See the complete letter at: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/ltrepaelantra11292011.pdf

Consumer Watchdog asked the EPA, if re-testing finds flaws with Hyundai's original EPA-mandated tests, for fines against Hyundai and owner compensation.

"The popularity and increasing sales of the Elantra make it all the more important that drivers get the same or nearly the same results as the EPA mileage," said Judy Dugan, research director of Consumer Watchdog. "EPA's current MPG testing model has been close to real-world results for other high-efficiency models, so at the very least Hyundai has some hard explaining to do about the Elantra's shortfalls."

Hyundai Breaks All-Time November Sales Record in America

2011-12-01T23:50:00.000-05:00

Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 49,610 vehicles in November, a 22 percent total sales increase and 24 percent retail sales increase compared with the same record-setting period a year ago. The Sonata has also exceeded 200,000 annual U.S. sales for the first time ever.

The company attributed the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, including Black Friday, as an important factor in them breaking their all-time November sales record. Hyundai predicts a strong December finish to this record-breaking year with vehicle availability at the highest levels for the year.

Year to date, Hyundai sales are up 21 percent versus 2010 in total, with sales to retail customers up 30 percent. Sales to fleet accounts represent 11 percent of the total sales year-to-date and 10 percent for the month of November. Thirty-six percent of Hyundai vehicles sold in November achieved 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

SALES CHART BY MODEL AFTER THE JUMP

Kia Tops Two Segments in Australia's Best Car Awards

2011-11-30T22:55:00.000-05:00

Kia's Australian arms received an emphatic stamp of approval from the country's leading motoring clubs with a double dip of wins in the annual Australia's Best Cars awards.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

The Sorento SLi diesel AWD backed up from its success last year to record back-to-back wins in the Best SUV Over $40,000 (AUD) category while Kia's all-new baby Rio Si was victorious in the Best Light Car Under $20,000 (AUD) section.

"The Kia Rio delivers well beyond its price point and diminutive small car origins," the judging panel said. "The feeling of quality fit and finish is evident even over nasty, uneven road surfaces where you would expect a small car to develop any number of rattles and squeaks. There are none in the Kia."

The judges also praised the little Rio's on-road performance, pointing out that it equalled or bettered all-comers for performance, ride, handling and braking, "most certainly benefitting from a concerted local effort to tune and recalibrate the suspension to suit Australian conditions and Australian roads."

The Sorento won praise for its all-round ability, strong diesel engine and impressive build quality which the judges believed would lead to improved resale values over the coming years.

Kia Motors Australia President and CEO, Mr Chong Woo (Charlie) Kim, said the recognition of the motoring clubs was a wonderful endorsement for Kia's continuing quest to provide better and safer cars.

"It is very pleasing and humbling to have industry leaders prepared to tell the market about the strength of your products," Mr Kim said. "It is even more so when the awards are so strongly based on functionality, safety and engineering excellence."

[Source: Kia]

Hyundai Predicts Slower Growth for 2012

2011-11-29T21:50:00.001-05:00

Hyundai's U.S. sales boss said global production constraints will slow the company's rapid U.S. growth in 2012.

Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales for Hyundai Motor America, says Hyundai is planning to increase production for the United States by 8 percent next year.

That's far below the 21 percent U.S. growth Hyundai posted in the first 10 months of 2011. The U.S. industry grew 10 percent in the same period.

"Our growth curve will slow down a little bit, but it's a function of global capacity constraints," Zuchowski said at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.

Most of 2012's planned growth will come from sales of new products such as the Veloster sporty coupe, which went on sale in October, and the redesigned 2012 Azera large sedan, which arrives in February, Zuchowski said.

Although the 2012 production increase will be modest, any increase in vehicle availability should be welcomed by dealers.

Hyundai inventories stood at a 26-day supply on Nov. 1, the third-lowest of any brand in the United States and less than half of the industry's 57-day supply.

[Source: Automotive News]

Hyundai Eon Pitted Against Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

2011-11-28T18:00:00.005-05:00

Our friends over at Zigwheels.com recently published a comparison of the two hottest cars in the Indian market today. The long-time (and equally long in the tooth) best selling Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 faces a serious threat for the first time with Hyundai's Indian-exclusive Eon. The Eon has drawn great praise from the media for its segment-leading modern style, but the real question is whether such beauty is skin-deep. As well, does the Eon have what it takes to topple the perennial leader?

Hit the source link to find out.

[Source: Zigwheels.com]

Hyundai UK Names Tony Whitehorn As New CEO

2011-11-25T19:23:00.000-05:00

Hyundai UK's managing director Tony Whitehorn has been appointed president and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK.

President of the Korean firm, Mr Han, made the announcement today at Hyundai Motor UK’s annual dealer conference, held at the ICC in Birmingham. It’s the first time in the history of Hyundai Motor Europe that a managing director has ever been promoted to president and CEO level.

Whitehorn said: ‘I am delighted to be asked to become the new president and CEO of Hyundai here in the UK. Not just because it’s a real honour, but mainly because it underlines the fact that the company is maturing in its development as a global player and localising.

‘Hyundai is becoming stronger across the globe because it recognises the regional variations. That’s why we have seen the introduction of cars being specifically designed and produced for the European market.

‘The benefits of this bespoke approach have been obvious to all and this new role for me is another significant step in the localisation of Hyundai in the market place.’

[Source: Hyundai]

Kia Rio Awarded Five-Stars in EuroNCAP Crash Tests

2011-11-24T15:17:00.000-05:00

The new Kia Rio has been awarded the maximum five stars for accident safety by Euro NCAP.

The redesigned Rio hatchback achieved high scores for Adult Occupant Protection (92 percent), Child Occupant Protection (84 percent) and Safety Assist Equipment (86 percent), and Kia also received praise from the testers for fitment of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard in all European markets.

"Kia was the first Korean manufacturer to achieve EuroNCAP's top score with cee'd in 2007*, and this latest result is further proof of Kia's ongoing commitment to vehicle safety," comments Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.

"From the very start of Rio's development, Kia's engineers were dedicated to creating a car that would offer owners a fun driving experience, as well as the reassurance that they and their families would be protected by the very best safety technology in the event of an accident

[Source: Kia]

Guangzhou 2011: Beijing Hyundai BHCD-1 Concept

2011-11-23T00:15:00.000-05:00

Hyundai launched its new Shouwang brand with the BHCD-1 concept car at the 2011 Guangzhou Auto Show on Monday.

The brand is intended solely for the Chinese market and will be manufactured under the carmaker's joint venture with local partner Beijing BAIC. This close cooperation has, however, sparked concern in some quarters about the risk of the Korean company's technology being leaked to China.

But the Korean carmaker got off to an emphatic start this week by unveiling the BHCD-1 in southern Guangzhou and showing Chinese customers that they can expect something completely different.

FULL ARTICLE AND MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

Previously, Hyundai tweaked domestic models like the Avante and Sonata and then introduced them to China, but the BHCD-1 signals the company's intent to create totally new content for the world's fastest-growing car market.

The concept car's specifications including engine, horsepower, fuel efficiency and size have yet to be unveiled. Its launch through the joint venture is seen to align with the wishes of the Chinese government, which has been demanding that foreign automakers entering the local market develop independent brands and transfer green car technologies.

Beijing BAIC has reportedly played only a minor role in developing the BHCD-1, but some insiders have questioned the wisdom of sharing new technological developments with a Chinese automaker that is still playing catch-up in the industry.

"As Chinese businesses' learning ability has been rapidly growing, a crucial thing that matters in the long term will be to protect our own technology," said Lee Hang-koo at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade.

Earlier, Hyundai accepted China's demand that it build an R&D center with its second plant in Beijing in 2006. It also had to delay breaking ground on its third plant in China for one year because the government requested the sharing of auto engine design technology.

Hyundai Named Official Vehicle Partner of the Grammys

2011-11-21T10:58:00.003-05:00

Hyundai has inked a three-year partnership with the Recording Academy to become its “Official Vehicle Partner.” The multi-year partnership gives Hyundai the role of exclusive vehicle partner of the Grammys as well as original music projects. The company will focus its marketing on the 2012 Veloster throughout this partnership.

Steve Shannon, VP marketing at Hyundai Motor America, said in a statement that the multi-year partnership involves Hyundai commissioning original works of art and new music projects.

Hyundai will also get star billing as “Official Vehicle Partner” of both the Grammy Awards and Grammy Week. The automaker will run two 60-second spots on the Nov. 30 CBS Grammy Nomination Show. Hyundai says the two spots comprise content from the Re:Generation project plus behind-the-scenes video assets.

At the 54th Annual Grammys at Staples Center on February 12th (airing on CBS), Hyundai will have vehicles around the red carpet leading up to the venue. The automaker's vehicles will also chauffeur stars to the awards ceremony, and be on display at the "Grammy Celebration" after-party.

[Source: Mediapost.com]

2012 Kia Rio Awarded Continental Irish Car of the Year

2011-11-20T09:50:00.000-05:00

The 2012 Kia Rio has been voted Continental Irish Car of the Year 2012 by the Irish Motoring Writers' Association. It marks the first time that a Korean car brand has taken the title in the 35-year history of the awards.

The results were: 1. Kia Rio, 181 points; 2. Ford Focus, 176 points; 3. Peugeot 508, 165 points.

Presenting the award to James Brooks, managing director of Kia Ireland, Paddy Murphy of sponsor, Continental Tyres Ireland, said: "The Rio's victory is a measure of the progress which Korean manufacturers have made on the car market in a very short time."

Awards were made in five categories: Continental Irish Small Car of the Year -- Kia Rio; Continental Irish Compact Family Car of the Year -- Ford Focus; Continental Irish Family Car of the Year -- Peugeot 508; Continental Irish Executive/Luxury Car of the Year -- Range Rover Evoque; Continental Irish Performance Car of the Year -- Mercedes-Benz SLK.

The Kia Rio succeeds the Nissan Juke which took the title last year. The Continental Irish Van of the Year 2012 title was awarded to the Volkswagen Crafter.

[Source: Kia]

LA 2011: 2012 Hyundai Azera Unveiled

2011-11-18T00:10:00.000-05:00

The Hyundai Azera was one of the first cars that proved the South Korean manufacturer was making a worthy effort to move up market. However, the brand’s other well-received models such as the Genesis, the Sonata and the new Veloster overshadowed its sales and awareness. Despite this, Hyundai continued to sell the Azera so in order to keep up with the times, Hyundai has just revealed the all-new 2012 Azera today at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Captivating much of the same “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, the new Azera gives up its anonymous looks of the previous generation for something that looks like a larger Sonata, and that’s a good thing.

Powering the all-new 2012 Azera is Hyundai’s Lambda II 3.3L GDI V6. With the help of direct injection, extraordinarily high-pressure fuel injection and Hyundai embracing the classic saying, “there’s no replacement for displacement,” the Azera churns out 293-hp and 255 lb-ft of torque.

Mated to Hyundai’s in-house six-speed automatic that now comes with an “Active Eco” mode, allowing it to achieve a projected 20/29 mpgs city/highway, a 5% boost over the outgoing model.

The 2012 Hyundai Azera is set to launch in February of 2012 with pricing to follow closer to that date.

Los Angeles 2011: Kia Gets Ready to Race with World Challenge Optima SXs

2011-11-17T00:10:00.000-05:00

It was only two seasons ago that Kia threw its hat into the motorsports ring with its Forte Koup tuned by Kinetic Motorsports. Now, after its first-ever championship in the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, the Korean brand is looking to up the ante with not one, but two Optima SX sedans built and developed by Kinetic Racing for the 2012 Pirelli World Challenge.

FULL ARTICLE AND MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

Based off of the 2012 Optima SX, Kia’s two new racecars will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder. Exact power figures are still forthcoming, but in production spec, that engineis good for 274 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Kinetic will develop and build the specialty Optimas to compete in the Grand Touring Sport class of the World Challenge, an SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned race with world-class drivers and race-prepped versions of production cars. Race locations for the 2012 season include Road Atlanta, the street circuit in Long Beach, California, and Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

Kia’s foray will mark the first time any Korean vehicles have been entered in the World Challenge series. The automaker will also continue its racing efforts with the Forte Koup, and a variant of the 2012 Rio5 hatchback for the new B-Spec showroom stock class. And, to top things all off, a tricked-out Optima Hybrid will serve as the U.S. Touring Car Championship official safety car starting March of next year.

[Source: Kia]

Hyundai Releases Video Teaser of 2012 Azera

2011-11-15T23:49:00.000-05:00

Hyundai has just dropped teaser of the new 2012 Azera , which will make its world debut at the 2011 LA Auto Show later this week.

The YouTube video description reads:

Here’s a visual treat. An appetizer of sorts, for the North American public reveal of the 2012 Azera at the Los Angeles Auto Show. See great shots of this spacious V6 sedan that’s big on quiet, comfort and smooth power. The details are impressive and include: leather seating surfaces, 19-inch alloy wheels, 9 airbags, 29 MPG Hwy and 293 hp—standard.

[Source: Hyundai]

Kia Picanto Three-Door Wins iF Product Design Award

2011-11-13T22:56:00.000-05:00

Just months after its launch, the Kia Picanto three-door, available exclusively in Europe, has been honoured with the coveted iF product design award 2012. This award recognises design quality alongside a number of other criteria, including workmanship, innovation and eco-friendliness.

The Picanto’s commendation is Kia’s fourth iF product design award in three years, following prizes for the Europe-only Venga, Sportage, and Optima . Additionally, the brand has won the red dot design award four times in recent years.

“Receiving the iF product design award for the new Kia Picanto is a great success for our design team and it is welcome recognition of our brand’s design-oriented strategy,” said Kia’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. “The second generation Picanto displays a very purposeful, self-assured design, and its sportiness is particularly underscored by the three-door version.”

[Source: Kia]

Spied: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

2011-11-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

Days ahead of its scheduled debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra has been spied by a reader of Automotive.com in an Orange County parking lot, not too far from Hyundai's American headquarters in Southern California.

FULL ARTICLE AND ONE MORE SPY SHOT AFTER THE JUMP

The heavily camouflaged two-door variant of the Elantra retains most of the sedan's swoopy shape and design. The elongated doors are there, as well as the even more rakish slope of the roofline. The test mule also rides on unique alloy wheels.

Hyundai's answer to the Honda Civic Coupe will be powered by the same 148 horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Elantra sedan. Equipment is expected to be the same as that of the four-door. A six-speed manual transmission is expected to be available across all trim levels.

Keep your eyes open for more information when the Elantra Coupe is scheduled to be unveiled on November 16, at 10:30 am Pacific time.

[Source: Automotive.com]

Hyundai Releases More Official Shots of 2013 Genesis Coupe, Confirms the Leaked Image Was Not a Photoshop

2011-11-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

There we have it folks. We knew it all along and many of our readers probably did too: the leaked official shot of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe we posted earlier this week was REAL. The confirmation comes from Hyundai itself as the company posted three official shots of the new coupe today on its official worldwide Facebook page - one of which was not surprisingly the debated picture itself.

For those of you who missed the hooplah, we posted a leaked official image (found after the jump) of the 2013 Genesis Coupe last week. The image then spread like wildfire throughout the web, landing in sites like Autoblog and Jalopnik. All was swell until somebody at Hyundai USA told the Jalops that the image was fake.

"UPDATE: Hyundai sent us a note to let us know the image is actually a photoshop, even if it looks like other images of the car we've seen." - Jalopnik

Really, Hyundai USA? Common sense dictated that we keep our position regarding the image's authenticity. However, the news began making its rounds across the web that TheCarBlogger had disseminated a fake image and called it real. Heck, a Jalopnik reader even took generous time to mark the evidences of the image being a photoshop in the image below. Props to him.

Fast forward a few days later, as we promised, and Hyundai has now posted the image in question on their official worldwide Facebook page. The logical sequence of action for us now is to ask the folks in Fountain Valley why they decided to call the image fake. We will follow up with (hopefully) a response from the company via Twitter.

[Source: Hyundai Worldwide (Facebook)]

MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

Hyundai Stops Marketing Accent, Elantra Base Models

2011-11-10T00:10:00.000-05:00

The days of the crank windows are coming to a welcomed close. While the starting prices of the 2012 Hyundai Accent and Elantra are technically $12,445 and $15,195 respectively, finding such low-priced base models at your local Hyundai dealership would be a difficult endeavor these days.

Because of the limited supply of base models, Hyundai has stopped marketing its base prices of the 2012 Accent and Elantra on its website. It’s also due to limited interest in those base vehicles by dealers and car buyers alike, said Miles Johnson, a Hyundai spokesman.

The lowest-priced Accent shows up as $14,195 on Hyundai's website today. The manual-equipped GLS trim now adds Comfort Equipment Package automatically. This package adds air conditioning, iPod connectivity, power windows and mirrors, 172-watt stereo system and cloth door inserts.

Similarly, the 2012 Elantra now starts at $16,445 on Hyundai's website for the manual-equipped GLS trim with Comfort Package, which includes cruise control, air conditioning and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

With this move, Hyundai hopes to reduce bridge the gap between advertised rates and actual prices that customers end up paying. Edge guards, rust protection, and pinstripes, however, are at your dealership's discretion - beware.

[Source: Kicking Tires (Cars.com)]

2013 Kia Ray Officially Unveiled

2011-11-09T00:01:00.004-05:00

We all knew it was coming. The Soul couldn't possibly have been Kia's best rendition of the box car. The company released the first official images of the Ray today, weeks ahead of its scheduled public unveiling later this month in Korea.

FULL ARTICLE AND ONE MORE OFFICIAL IMAGE AFTER THE JUMP

Code-named "TAM" during its testing stages, the Ray features a quirky door configuration derived from that of the Daihatsu Tanto. It consists of a conventional hinged design for the driver-side passenger door and for added convenience, a sliding door for the passenger side.

The Ray sports the usual visual cues found across the Kia range, such as the tiger-nose corporate grille and LED-accented headlights. Gloss black accented alloy wheels and LED taillamps round up the exterior highlights of the Ray.

The Ray will be powered by a three-cylinder 1.0-liter engine. It has not been announced whether it will be direct-injected.

According to various news sources, the Ray will be sold exclusively in its home market of South Korea. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

[Source: Kia]

Hyundai Releases First Official Teasers of 2013 Genesis Coupe, Confirms Nov. 12 Launch

2011-11-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

Say it ain't so. Hyundai has announced today on their Korean corporate blog that the 2013 Genesis Coupe will make its world debut this coming Saturday, November 12th in Korea. Confirming the reports we posted last month, Hyundai stated that the launch of the new Genesis Coupe will take place at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, South Korea - home of the F1 Korean Grand Prix.

If the announced venue for the car's launch rings a bell to anyone, that might be because the leaked official image we first posted contains the 2013 Genesis Coupe photographed at the aforementioned F1 Korean Grand Prix circuit. Despite what Hyundai USA might have said to Jalopnik, we don't need Sherlock to figure out that the image was not a fake or a photoshop. We hope we weren't the only ones who fell for those "official" words.

Keep checking TheCarBlogger as we bring you a stream of spy shots regularly throughout the week leading up to the launch day of the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

[Source: blog.hyundai.com (Korean)]

ONE MORE IMAGE AFTER THE JUMP

Spy Feed: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe (NEW SHOTS)

2011-11-07T21:15:00.000-05:00

LATEST UPDATE: 8 NEW images of U.S.-spec 3.8L V6 GDI model with 19-inch alloy wheels (silver exterior) undisguised on the streets [9:15 PM - Tuesday, November 8th]

As we draw closer to the official unveiling of the refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe this coming Saturday, we expect plenty of spy shots of the car to stream in from South Korea. We will update this Spy Feed with such pictures as they become available, so we suggest you bookmark this page to keep up with the latest and greatest. These pictures should be suffice to explain why the leaked official shot we posted earlier isn't a photoshop. Good one, Hyundai.

MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP.

Consumers Digest Awards "Best Buys" to Four 2012 Kias

2011-11-06T23:48:00.000-05:00

Consumers Digest recently named four Kia vehicles "Best Buys" – the 2012 Kia Optima, 2012 Sorento, 2012 Soul and 2012 Sportage. This latest recognition comes on the heels of Kia Motors America (KMA) announcing the company's best-ever October sales and setting its 14th consecutive monthly sales record.

"Kia's design-led transformation continues to attract new customers to Kia showrooms with stand-out design, fuel efficiency, a host of standard amenities as well as residual values that continue to outpace the industry," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. "Receiving four 'Best Buy' designations from Consumers Digest reflects the increasing awareness and consideration for the Kia brand, which we expect to continue with the 2012 Rio 5-door and Soul, now arriving in showrooms."

All vehicles selected as a "Best Buy" by Consumers Digest deliver the most value for the money in their respective classes based on purchase price and ownership costs relative to subjective factors, such as comfort, performance and utility.

[Source: Kia]

EXCLUSIVE: First Official Image of 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Leaked!

2011-11-04T10:43:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: So apparently our friends at Hyundai USA dropped a note to Jalopnik saying the image is fake. Well, we'll just say this is about as real as it gets. Next week, you'll find out anyways. We repeat: this ain't fake.

THECARBLOGGER EXCLUSIVE: The cat is finally out of the bag. We bring you the first official image of the refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. What do you think of the new front fascia? Drop us a note in the comments section after the jump!

Stay tuned, as we also have the first camo-free shots of the new interior coming soon. If you are an editor of a car site and would like a non-watermarked version of the image above, shoot us a request in the SEND US A TIP section. Thanks.

Facelifted 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to be Unveiled on November 12th in Korea

Hyundai Drops the 5.0L V8 into the RMR Genesis Coupe: SEMA 2011

2011-11-02T01:14:00.002-04:00

So, what's missing from the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (other than a little bit of history, that is) to enable it to play in the big boys league? Why a V8 powerplant of course, and who better to make the transplant than Rhys Millen and his performance shop.

Making its world premiere today at the Las Vegas 2011 SEMA Show is the RM500 Genesis Coupe complete with Hyundai's most powerful stock engine under its hood, the 5.0-liter Tau V8.

FULL ARTICLE AND LINK TO MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

“From the moment I saw the Tau V8 engine in the Genesis R-Spec and Equus, I knew it would be a perfect fit for the Genesis Coupe, adding even more performance and power to the dynamic coupe,” said Rhys Millen, owner, Rhys Millen Racing [RMR].

Even though RMR's goal was to keep everything else as sleek and stock as possible, the tuning firm couldn't resist some mild modifications to the 5.0-liter mill that gained a titanium tip exhaust, oil cooler and rear differential cooler for an extra 20 horsepower boost, lifting output to 449-horses.

The RM500 also debuts a new line of RMR products for the South Korean maker's rear-wheel drive coupe including a comprehensive but not over-the-top, carbon-fiber aero package comprising of a front lip, spoiler, rear diffuser, side skirts, fog light ducts and grill, plus new 19-inch alloy wheels and Brembo carbon ceramic rotors with Brembo six and four piston calipers.

The only changes to the interior include an RMR suede trim package and Sparco accents.

MORE IMAGES HERE

Kia Brings Surfer-Friendly Rio and Hockey-Themed Forte to SEMA 2011

2011-11-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

Kia Motors has released the first images of a pair of radically tuned cars that will make their debut today at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. Both the Rio 5-Door Surf and the Forte 5-Door Hockey were built in partnership with Antenna magazine.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP.

Starting with the 2012 Rio, the surf-themed tuning project features a sunset-metallic golden-brown paint along with a custom body kit with a front splitter made of wood that matches the surfboard on the roof, and rear fascia with center-mount exhaust. A set of 17-inch three-piece gold wheels and a Thule roof rack that holds the surfboard complete the look.

As for the interior, Kia says that the Antenna-tuned Rio gets custom seats, dash and door panels upholstered in brown and beige plaid waterproof bathing suit fabric, a wood grain center console, and headliner upholstered in dark brown suede with a towel holder.

However, one of the most intriguing features of the surf-themed Rio is hidden in the boot as Antenna modified the rear hatch area to hold a retro gaming console that plays 80’s-style arcade games, a retro-looking record player, mood lighting, and shelves to hold various items such as sandals and clothing.

Antenna's second project car is the hockey-themed Forte five-door hatchback. On the outside, the car gets an aviator gray exterior paint with 18-inch blue wheels, custom body kit and front bumper sourced from the two-door Forte Koup with carbon fiber accents and LED lights, quad tailpipes, a carbon fiber roof and a lowered suspension.

Naturally, the Forte study features a custom hockey stick holder that stretches from the boot through the center of the vehicle into the cabin. The rear seat bench was replaced with a pair of bucket sport seats while other highlights include the rubberized flooring designed to simulate the floor outside a skating rink, custom drink holders and a pair of 7-inch TV monitors that are integrated into the front headrests and wired to a PS3.

In addition, Antenna fitted a mini air hockey table on arms that slide out for game play into the trunk area.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

Facelifted 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe to be Unveiled on November 12th in Korea

2011-10-31T10:41:00.002-04:00

According to industry reports from South Korea, the highly anticipated refreshed Hyundai Genesis Coupe will make its world premiere on November 12th at the annual Korea Speed Festival, held at the Taebaek Racing Park in Kangwon, South Korea.

Motorsports officials in the country have confirmed such reports, adding that the Festival will be hosted by Hyundai to showcase its in-house racing-spec Genesis Coupe cars as well.

Although this has not been confirmed by Hyundai yet, the company's domestic marketing head Kim Sunghwan hinted last week of a "mid-November" release for the new Genesis Coupe.

Spyshots have indicated that the new Genesis Coupe will sport significant exterior and interior changes. Major powertrain improvements are expected, including the possibility of the direct-injected 5.0L V8 found in the Genesis Sedan R-Spec. Whether that would fit under the hood of its 2-door sibling remains to be seen.

More details will be posted as soon as they become available.

[Source: Autotimes.co.kr]

Hyundai and Kia Expect to Sell 7 Million Cars in 2012: President

2011-10-29T23:50:00.000-04:00

The new design language of both Kia and Hyundai has left its mark on the global automotive market, and together with their more affordable vehicles is securing them a more and more sales every month.

The combined force of the two South Korean automakers makes them a force to reckoned with, as they are now the fifth biggest group in the business. As a result of the strong demand for their lineup, the group has shifted their 2011 sales target from 6.33 million to 6.6 million according to Reuters, and is looking to a brighter future.

As a result, the group expects to sell about seven million vehicles globally, instead of the previous 6.5 million target, according to a statement made by president of Hyundai Motor said on Tuesday.

Yahoo News quotes one analyst specialized in the automotive industry as saying that the estimate is conservative. "I expect Hyundai and Kia will be able to achieve sales of 7.2 million vehicles next year, with Hyundai's China plant starting production and Kia introducing a third shift at its Slovakia plant," says the analyst from Korea Investment & Securities.

[Source: Reuters]

Hyundai and Kia Dominate AJAC's 2012 Canadian Car of the Year Category Awards

2011-10-28T22:02:00.006-04:00

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) announced today that the Hyundai Accent, Elantra and Veloster were named Best New Small Car under $21,000, Best New Small Car over $21,000, and Best New Sports/Performance Car under $50,000, respectively. With three wins, Hyundai took home more AJAC Canadian Car of the Year category awards than any other manufacturer.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

"For three Hyundai products to be named the best new vehicles in their categories is a testament to the tremendous quality and value to be found in our showrooms," noted Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

The Accent, Elantra, and Veloster were among the 60 new models tested across 11 categories during an intensive one-week event known as Test Fest. AJAC jurors evaluate each new vehicle based on a broad list of characteristics including quality, refinement, dynamic performance and fuel economy among many others. The regimented testing method employed by AJAC for their Car of the Year awards is among the most thorough and transparent in the world.

"Throughout 2011, Hyundai has been creating headlines as a result of continuing sales records," added Kelleher. "These AJAC awards will help show even more Canadian consumers that Hyundai needs to be on their shopping list."

[Source: AJAC]

2012 Kia Rio Sedan US Pricing Announced

2011-10-26T05:15:00.003-04:00

Kia has announced that the 2012 Rio sedan will start from $14,150, which buys a Rio LX with a six-speed manual transmission, while upgrading to an LX with a six-speed automatic transmission bumps it up to $15,210. For those who want a little more, top-trim Rio SX sedan starts at $18,210.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

Just like its 5-door counterpart, all Rio sedans are equipped with a direct-injected 1.6-liter inline-four engine, which is rated at 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The car returns 30/40 mpg (city/highway) for both the manual and automatic transmissions, and from early 2012, the Rio sedan will be the first non-hybrid or luxury vehicle available with Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology. This tech helps further reduce fuel consumption when the car is stopped by shutting the engine off, and turning back on once the brake pedal is released.

All trims (LX, EX, SX) come standard with air conditioning, USB and auxiliary jacks, 15-inch wheels, and hill-start assist. Opting for the SX trim level gets you 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, LED headlights and taillights, power folding outside mirrors, rear back up camera, and Kia’s UVO voice-activated infotainment system.

For comparison, the Rio 5-door starts from $14,350, which is just a $200 price bump compared to the sedan. The SX hatchback commands $18750, which is $500 more. Being made up of 85 percent recyclable materials, the Rio (sedan or 5-door) is a good way to go green without spending a lot of green.

[Source: Kia]

Hyundai Confirms Luxury 'Genesis' Brand for Australia (and likely elsewhere)

2011-10-25T10:39:00.006-04:00

The astronomical rise of Hyundai as of late has lead to speculation for some time that the next stage in their evolution is a proper luxury brand to take on Infiniti and Lexus. Now, it has been confirmed that Hyundai will be launching the ‘Genesis’ brand within two years.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

Not to be confused with the rear-wheel drive Hyundai Genesis line, the Genesis brand will be a range of cars from Hyundai offering real competition for the luxury brands from Nissan and Toyota, but with a dose of Hyundai pricing and warranty thrown in to the mix.

Hyundai’s product manager in Australia – Roland Rivero - has come out and confirmed that the Genesis brand is in the making and will initially – at least in Australia – offer two RWD cars.

The starting point will be a sedan and coupe aimed at the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class and Audi A4, and it will be a completely new model, not a tarted-up version of an existing Hyundai. Benchmarks for the Genesis Sedan/Coupe are said to be Infiniti’s G37 and BMW’s 3-Series Coupe.

Also in the mix is a bigger Genesis model aimed at the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class, featuring RWD and a 10-speed auto-’box and both a big V6 and a 5.0 litre V8 on offer.

Rivero also says that Hyundai is planning to start initially with the two models mentioned but that if all goes well Hyundai will look at extending the Genesis brand.

Hyundai is already out-doing the established Japanese makers on their bread and butter cars, and the news that they are going to go upmarket with a luxury brand will send shivers down the spines of execs at Toyota and Nissan.

Of course, this could all be a specific plan just for Australia, but it seems highly unlikely Hyundai are going to produce a range of luxury cars for a relatively small market like Australia, and nowhere else.

[Source: Drive Australia]

ARK Peformance Hyundai Veloster Revealed Before SEMA Debut

2011-10-24T23:48:00.001-04:00

ARK Performance has been hard at work on their SEMA 2011 Project Hyundai Veloster, and now finished photos of the vehicle have popped up online at Veloster.org. The theme of the project was to build a rally-inspired Veloster, featuring a custom twin-scroll turbo setup giving it 210-hp while its bright green and flat gray paint scheme gives it the aggressive look it needs.

FULL ARTICLE AND MORE IMAGES AFTER THE JUMP

ARK fabricated the custom turbo kit and intercooler system and also outfitted the Veloster with a six-piston brake kit, eight-point chromoly rally-style roll cage, and DTP track coilover system. Additional suspension modifications include front and rear upper sway bars, camber arms and control arms, ARK’s GRIP dual exhaust, downpipes and test pipes.

For the inside, ARK turned to JPM Coachworks to outfit the Veloster with Alcantara interior upgrades on the seats, shift boot, dashboard, headliner, doors and visors. A custom stereo install featuring Image Dynamics components was also done thanks to Adam Perry.

ARK focused on the aesthetics, transforming the subtle Veloster to one mean looking machine thanks to their CFX Designs line of accessories. ARK outfitted the Veloster with their own front and rear wide fenders, front lip, side skirts, rear bumper and grille. In the rear is an ARK SFX rear wing while OneEighty supplied the project with new headlights, taillights and fog lamps. The wheels are Advan’s RZ in Gunmetal wrapped with Nitto NT05 rubber. The custom paint on the body was done by Beyond Autobody.

Stay tuned for more information and pictures to come when we begin our coverage of the SEMA Show on November 1st.

[Source: Veloster.org]

Kia Brings Back NBA All-Star Blake Griffin in New Optima Ad [VIDEO]

2011-10-23T00:04:00.001-04:00

Kia has brought back NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, who was featured in the Kia Optima ad, where, during the 2011 NBA Sprite All-Star Slam Dunk contest, he leaped over the car to score a dunk.

Kia is launching a new spot, "Time to Shine," a 30-second ad wherein Griffin, who plays for the L.A. Clippers, appears to be towed by a speeding Optima (he’s wearing inline skates) to a 45-degree ramp that hurls him into the air, through which he soars head over heels, catches a basketball shot from a canon, then dunks the ball through a 45-foot-high hoop.

FULL ARTICLE AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

Unlike the original spot, however, there's (obviously) a lot of graphical manipulation in this one. The ad ends with "Kia Optima and Blake Griffin: Taking things to the next level."

Kia says the ad, via David&Goliath, started on www.youtube.com/Kia before making its small screen debut on Friday via a media buy on prime time, late night and cable programming.

Kia says Griffin is the only current professional basketball player who has a global marketing relationship with an automaker. Griffin will continue to be featured in upcoming Kia broadcast commercials throughout the fall.

In his role as a global spokesperson for Kia Motors, Griffin is both in the company's advertising materials as well as at events, and he makes public appearances on behalf of the brand, He also is involved in exclusive product promotions, social media engagements and philanthropic initiatives on behalf of Kia.

In June this year, Kia signed Griffin to the global spokesperson role in a multiyear deal. Kia said videos of the original dunk went viral.

[Source: Kia]

Hyundai Leads KBB's Brand Loyalty Rankings...Again

2011-10-22T20:40:00.000-04:00

Kelley Blue Book has announced its Brand Loyalty list and Hyundai has maintained its No. 1 spot on the list for Q3 2011, marking its second consecutive quarter on top.

FULL ARTICLE AFTER THE JUMP

For Q3 2011, Hyundai’s brand loyalty was at 48 percent, with Toyota nearly closing in at 47.9 percent and Subaru at 45.9 percent.
The top five was closed off by Kia in the fourth spot at 45.3 percent and Ford in fifth at 45.2 percent.

“Hyundai owners truly love their cars, so it’s no surprise that their support has pushed us to the top of kbb.com’s brand loyalty rankings,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “From all-new models like the 40 mile-per-gallon 2012 Veloster, to popular models such as Sonata, Elantra and Accent, we continually offer our customers more reasons to remain loyal to our vehicles and our brand.”

KBB said that while Hyundai continues to lead in brand loyalty, it dropped 4.4 percent from the previous quarter.

“Hyundai’s decline can be attributed to cooled interest in the Sonata and Elantra models,” KBB said in a statement.

[Source: Hyundai]

Kia Moves Venga Production from Czech Republic to Slovakia

2011-10-21T00:34:00.000-04:00

Kia Motors said on Thursday that it has begun assembly of the Venga small MPV at its factory in the city of Zilina in Slovakia, which also builds the Cee'd family of C-segment models and the Sportage SUV.

Up until now, Kia produced the B-segment MPV at sister company's Hyundai Motor other European plant in the Czech Republic.

To accommodate production of the Venga, Kia Motors invested more than €40 million (US$55.3 million) into modifying the assembly lines of the Zilina plant, while also adding a third shift and a second engine shop, which resulted in the employment of 1,000 new staff bringing the total to 4,000 employees.

Kia said that in the first half of 2012, it will employ over 1,000 more workers in all areas of the facility from quality inspectors, welders and assembly operators.

[Source: Kia]

Hyundai Veloster Turbo Rated at 204 HP

2011-10-20T00:14:00.000-04:00

Hyundai has revealed official details of its upcoming Veloster Turbo model, which is listed with a rating of 204 horsepower. A significant increase over the 138-hp of the standard model the Gamma 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gets a twin scroll turbocharger and direct-injection. Full power comes on at just 6000 rpm, with a significant 195 lb-ft of torque at just 1750 rpm.

In addition Hyundai has announced details of a Euro-market 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel with 150-hp and 282 lb-ft of torque.

Details of both engines were revealed at the company’s 11th Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference in Korea. The exact power output numbers for the North American market have not yet been revealed.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Launches Eon to Compete with Maruti Suzuki in India

2011-10-18T00:47:00.000-04:00

The game is on for Hyundai in India as the South Korean automaker launched its all-important new Eon city car on Thursday. The five-door hatchback is Hyundai's smallest model and it will be built and marketed in India where it will go up against the best-selling vehicle in the country, the Maruti-Suzuki Alto.

At 3,495mm long, 1,500mm tall, 1,550mm wide, and with wheelbase length of 2,380mm, the Eon is slightly more compact than the i10 hatchback (3,585mm long).

It was designed at Hyundai’s Namyang R&D center in South Korea and features the latest interpretation of the company's 'Fluidic Sculpture' styling language.

The five-seat model is motivated by a 0.8-liter three-cylinder petrol engine rated at 56HP and 74.5Nm that returns an average fuel consumption of 21.1km/lt (49.7mpg US or 4.7lt/100km). A standard five-speed manual gearbox transfers power to the front wheels.

Buyers in India can choose from six trim levels with prices at New Delhi showrooms ranging from 269,999 rupees (US$5,515) for the base model to 371,869 rupees (US$7,595) for a top-of-the-line variant.

Hyundai said it estimates to sell around 150,000 units of the Eon per year in India.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Hurricane SC Edition: SEMA 2011

2011-10-14T00:54:00.002-04:00

As usual, Hyundai is hitting this year's SEMA show with a vengeance, having already announced a "rally-ready" Veloster and another Veloster by PM Lifestyle. Today, the Genesis Coupe joins the party with a special Hurricane SC edition.

As you might have guessed, the SC in the name refers to a supercharger. In this case, it's a liquid-to-air intercooled Magnuson unit co-developed with Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) to deliver over 450 horsepower from the standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine.

The supercharger isn't just for show, according to HATCI senior engineer David Dutko. "The HATCI and Magnuson supercharger demonstrates the high-performance potential of Genesis Coupe's V-6 engine – the car was engineered to handle this kind of extra power," said Dutko. "Our HATCI engineers have been working for years with Magnuson to ensure high engine output is available on future Hyundai vehicles." Interesting.

Other tweaks to the Hurricane SC include a full exterior Rhys Millen Racing body kit, 19-inch Enkei wheels with Hankook tires, a high-flow exhaust and intake, and LED headlights and tail lights. A Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes, lightened flywheel, and additional cooling capacity boost performance further. Inside, the car gets a Lexicon audio system, Katzkin leather and suede seats, and other upgrades.

The car will make its debut at the 2011 SEMA show November 1-4 in Las Vegas.

Hyundai Veloster PM Lifestyle Concept Teased Before SEMA Debut

2011-10-13T00:44:00.000-04:00

It's getting to be that time of year again: custom, sometimes ridiculous, sometimes awesome cars are being prepped for their appearance at SEMA. As usual, Hyundai is hitting the show hard, and the latest addition to the fold is the Hyundai Veloster PM Lifestyle concept.

The purpose is to show off the aftermarket potential for the Veloster, as the company thinks people that like to tweak their vehicles are a key audience for the car. So what is PM Lifestyle doing to the Veloster?

Adding a host of bolt-on performance mods, including a cold air intake, new exhaust, coilover suspension, nitrous kit, bigger brakes, and more. Inside, the custom Veloster will get Peanut Butter leather seats and upholstery, a custom stereo, a Panasonic Toughbook laptop, and harness belts. The exterior will get a custom paint job, lots of carbon fiber parts (hood, trunk, mirrors, diffuser), a body kit, and new HID and LED lighting.

The car will make its debut at SEMA next month before heading off on a three-year tour for the Universal Technical Institute as a demo car.

[Source: Hyundai]

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Spied in NYC

2011-10-04T00:10:00.000-04:00

Our colleagues at Motor Trend posted the latest spy shots of the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe today, this time caught testing on the streets of New York City. Although the thick camouflage hides much of the car’s bodywork, we can winnow out a few major design elements of the company's most anticipated crossover.

The length of the prototype seen here betrays the fact that it likely contains three rows. Moreover, the three-bar chrome grille that peeks out from beneath the camo looks strikingly similar to the grilles seen on the Hyundai Genesis and Sonata. The upward-sloping C-pillar design is a radical departure from that of the current iteration.

Previous rumblings have suggested that a new version of the Santa Fe would most likely go on sale by the end of 2012, with its official unveil coming as early as the Los Angeles or Detroit auto show.

Head over to Motor Trend for the full shots!

[Source: Motor Trend]

ARK Performance and Hyundai team up for Turbocharged Veloster at SEMA

2011-10-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

Everyone is gearing up for the next biggest show: the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas. And to prove this, people from ARK Performance have decided to trick out a new 2012 Hyundai Veloster.

According to some opinions, the Veloster could use a couple extra horses and that’s one of the many things ARK Performance has done.

Taking the stock 1.6L four-banger, which is rated at 138hp and 123 lb-ft of torque, they added a series of modifications from a turbocharger and an intercooler kit to a completely new exhaust, all made from ARK Performance. The result is a bump in power to 210-hp.

To compensate for that increase, ARK Performance also fitted their own suspension and brake upgrades.

“The Hyundai Veloster is an ideal car for enthusiasts with its distinctive design and dynamic architecture,” said Ted Lee, owner, ARK Performance Inc. “At SEMA, our ARK Performance Veloster will bridge the realm between an affordable sports car and an extreme motor sports vehicle. From the first Tiburon, to the Genesis Coupe, and now with the Veloster, ARK Performance continues to uphold the torch as the pioneer of aftermarket performance manufacturing for Hyundai.”

[Source: Hyundai]

Report: Hyundai Developing 10-speed Automatic Transmission

2011-09-30T00:10:00.004-04:00

How much is too much when it comes to gears? Cars like the BMW 5-Series come with eight forward ratios now, which is already a lot, but you can count on someone trying to outdo that. That someone is Hyundai, which is reported to be developing a 10-speed automatic transmission. Yes, 10.

Bloomberg News reported Park Seong Hyon, president of Hyundai Motor Group, the umbrella company of Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp, saying that they’re developing the said 10 speeder for future luxury vehicles starting in 2014.

These could possibly including the next Hyundai Genesis and Equus luxury sedans. ZF is rolling out a 9-speed auto in 2013, and this one will retake the lead, if no one else joins the race.

Automakers are increasingly using transmissions with more gears to cut fuel consumption and emissions, and this piece of news signals that the Korean carmaker is firmly on the path of developing its own transmissions, instead of picking one off the shelves of ZF, BorgWarner or Aisin.

The 6-speed slushbox servicing the current Sonata and Tucson is an in house effort, and earlier this year, Hyundai launched an self developed 8-speed auto for the 2012 Genesis and Equus sedans. But 10?

[Source: Bloomberg]

Hyundai Genesis and Elantra Win 2011 Motorist Choice Awards

2011-09-29T04:30:00.003-04:00

Intellichoice and AutoPacific honored both the Hyundai Genesis and Elantra with 2011 Motorist Choice Awards in the Luxury Lifestyle and Value categories, respectively. Now in its sixth year, the Motorist Choice Awards recognize vehicles that deliver a compelling combination of high consumer satisfaction and lower-than-expected ownership costs over time.

“The Motorist Choice Award methodology is designed to help consumers identify vehicles that speak to their hearts and their wallets,” said Tyler Schulze, vice president and general manager of IntelliChoice. “The 2011 award winners all share a connection with buyers from both a satisfaction standpoint and overall value as compared to their peers. Based on this compelling combination, we are pleased to recommend these vehicles to consumers as a guide for good purchase decisions.”

The sixth annual Motorist Choice Awards were co-developed by AutoPacific, known for its vehicle satisfaction rankings, and IntelliChoice.com, the online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, to recognize the vehicles that delivered both the highest vehicle satisfaction and the lowest cost of ownership. This year, IntelliChoice and AutoPacific continued categorizing the winners into a collection of 15 popular lifestyle segments that shoppers could easily identify with.

“With power and technology features rivaling more expensive vehicles in the luxury segment, Genesis is a great option for car buyers seeking quality and reliability,” said Scott Margason, director Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Additionally, with class-above interior volume and excellent 40 mpg highway fuel economy, Elantra certainly brings outstanding value to the mid-size segment.”

This is the second year in a row Hyundai Genesis has received a Motorist Choice award.

[Source: Hyundai]

Kia to Add Third Shift at Zilina Plant

2011-09-28T00:47:00.000-04:00

A third production shift will be introduced at Kia's European production facility in Slovakia, recruiting 1000 new employees in order to keep up with rising demand. Recruitment will be completed by December 2011, allowing three-shift operations at Zilina in the first quarter of 2012.

"The creation of the third shift at Zilina is the latest step in Kia’s long-term process of building cars locally to best meet local consumers' needs and tastes," commented Paul Philpott, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe. "Strong demand for all our models and especially our new Sportage compact SUV, made here in Europe, means we need to significantly increase production at our Slovakia facility."

The Zilina plant represents an investment of over 1 billion Euro and is designed for maximum flexibility in order to accommodate new models and respond to market trend fluctuations. The Kia Sportage, Venga MPV and cee'd family can be manufactured simultaneously on each of the final assembly lines.

Kia manufactured over 729,000 vehicles outside Korea last year, with production in Europe, China and the USA accounting for 2.1 million units, 34.2 per cent of the global total. Sales have risen 18.7 per cent in Europe this year, 24.4 per cent in China and 36.9 per cent in the USA. The increased US demand prompted a third shift at Kia's West Point, Georgia plant, building the Kia Sorento and Optima.

In Zilina, the 1000 jobs will cover all stages of the manufacturing process, mainly requiring skilled candidates with a technical background. It is expected that several thousand new jobs will be created at component suppliers across the Slovak Republic as a result.

[Source: Kia]

2012 Kia Rio 5-Door US Pricing Announced

2011-09-27T04:19:00.001-04:00

Unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and 2011 New York International Auto Show, respectively, the all-new 2012 Rio 5-door hatchback now comes to the US market sporting a base price of $13,600 for the manual gearbox model, not including a $750 destination and handling fee that brings the total to $14,350.

The model fitted with an automatic transmission will set you back $15,450, and in the top level trim, the five-door hatchback costs $18,750 including destination.

Available in three trims – LX, EX and SX – the 2012 Rio is offered with a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder with the option of either a six-speed manual transmission (LX only) or efficient six-speed automatic.

Starting with the LX trim, standard features include body-colored door handles and side mirrors, rear wiper and washer, multi-reflector headlamps and 15-inch steel wheels with 185/65R15 tires and a standard rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics.

Moving to the EX trim brings additional standard conveniences, including power door locks with keyless entry and a chrome front grille surround, adding to Rio's sophisticated and sleek look.

Finally, the SX trim offers standard 17-inch wheels with 205/45R17 tires, fog lamps, LED accent lights and rear combination lamps, dual chrome exhaust tips, power-folding outside heated mirrors with turn signal indicators and, unique for the Rio 5-door, projector headlamps.

[Source: Kia]

Car and Driver Pits 2012 Hyundai Sonata Against Accord, 2012 Passat [VIDEO]

2011-09-24T00:19:00.000-04:00

So the folks at Car and Driver recently published a comparison test featuring the long-in-the-tooth "perennial 10 Best Award winner" Honda Accord. But it didn't go home with a victory in this test. Admittedly, it was pitted against two other forces well reckoned with in the mid-size segment - the Hyundai Sonata and the newly redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So who took the crown? Find out after the jump.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Hyundai Veloster U.S. Deliveries Begin

2011-09-22T06:22:00.003-04:00

Hyundai announced today that deliveries of the Veloster have finally initiated in America. Today, Daniel Jenkins took delivery of the first 2012 Veloster sold in the United States, becoming the first buyer of the innovative three-door coupe.

The car was delivered to Jenkins at Henderson Hyundai in Henderson, Nevada right after it rolled off of the truck.

[Source: Hyundai Like Sunday]

Hyundai's Sub-i10 Maruti 800 Rival to be Called "Eon": India

2011-09-21T01:17:00.001-04:00

Hyundai is ready to roll out a small car in India that sits below the i10. Called Eon, the affordable five-door hatch will be Hyundai’s weapon against India’s best seller, the Maruti 800 as well as high spec versions of the Tata Nano.

These sketches show that although the Hyundai Eon will be a bargain basement model, design is still very much on the agenda. We can see the company’s Fluidic Sculpture design in full play here – familiar cues include Hyundai’s hexagon grille, long headlamps and wavy surfacing on the profile.

The rear end is also unmistakably Hyundai with those long vertical lamps. With such sophisticated design, this is a cheap car that doesn’t look cheap.

The same goes for the interior, which is dual toned and equally curvy. The design, which directs one’s eyes to the centre console, is also in line with Hyundai’s latest products.

Reports from India are speculating that the Eon, codenamed HA, sits on a new platform that’s not shared with the i10. Apparently, it will be powered by a 814 cc SOHC 3-cylinder petrol engine with 56 PS and 75 Nm. The speculated ex-showroom price is 2.5 to 3 lakh rupees.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Unveils All-New i30 Hatchback Before Frankfurt Debut

2011-09-15T18:43:00.000-04:00

The upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show will host the world premiere of the totally redesigned Hyundai i30 hatchback that will go against the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf in Europe.

The compact-sized i30 brings a fresh design with a more unique feel than the outgoing model of the same name, which in the States, is offered only in station wagon form as the Elantra Touring.

The exterior styling follows the Fluidic Sculpture design language of the recently launched i40 series (available in both sedan and station wagon formats) with a large hexagonal front grille, wraparound headlamps, a bulging belt line and pronounced front wheel arches.

The interior design is also modeled after Hyundai's latest creations such as the Veloster featuring a pair of deep-set gauges and a prominent center console.

The new i30 will launch as a five-door hatchback with a choice of fuel-efficient four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.

[Source: Hyundai]

More Images of Kia's GT Concept: Frankfurt 2011

2011-09-14T22:57:00.000-04:00

Apparently, the release of the first official batch of photos of Kia's Frankfurt Motor Show-bound concept car couldn't keep the floodgates from opening as today, a fresh group of pictures were posted online.

Aside from providing us with a better view of the exterior and a first look at the interior design, the new images also reveal that Kia's so-called four-door coupe concept is aptly named GT.

While Kia is keeping most details under cover, the South Korean car manufacturer has disclosed that the concept motivated by a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 delivering a little under 400-horsepower and close to 400 lb-ft of torque, with power channeled to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for more details as they become available next week.

Kia Optima Named "Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K" by Esquire

2011-09-13T18:23:00.000-04:00

With U.S. production of the car now underway, the 2011 Kia Optima was named "Most Gorgeous Car Under $20K" by prominent men's lifestyle magazine, Esquire. Along with the recognition, the Optima was one of only nine finalists in "The 2011 Esquire Design and Technology Awards" after editors applauded its "clean and inspiring" design that provides a refined and upscale feel at an extraordinary value.

"Esquire defines and shapes men's style and fashion in today's contemporary culture, and this recognition further validates the Optima's tremendous value proposition with its unmatched combination of world-class design, advanced technology, and fun-to-drive performance," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communication, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The stunning design and value of the Optima has significantly increased awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand and with demand continuing to outpace supply we are looking forward to the first U.S.-built Optimas arriving in showrooms in the coming weeks."

Read More Here

[Source: Kia Motors America]

Kia, Hyundai August Sales Continue Upward Trend (USA)

2011-09-09T22:49:00.000-04:00

The Koreans keep topping the charts every month, so it comes as no surprise that August sales kept up the relentless pace. Sales were up 26.9 percent for Kia compared to last year, while Hyundai saw a 9 percent increase in year-over-year sales.

Hyundai: 58,505 Units, Up 9 Percent

Car buyers flocked to Hyundai dealerships with fuel efficiency on their minds, as 35% of vehicles sold in August were models rated at 40 mpg highway. Now in its second full month on sale, the new Accent subcompact saw in increase in sales at 38 percent, moving 5,289 vehicles off the lot compared to 3,844 sold last year in August. The best-selling Sonata’s 20,682 units fell a tad below last year’s 21,399 vehicles sold, while the Elantra stayed consistent, selling 15,054 in August compared to last year’s 15,181 units. The Genesis continues to perform well with 3,243 sold, while the luxurious Equus (at 297 units) paces well ahead of its first full-year sales target. The aging Azera didn’t fare as well, falling behind at 89 units. But that may soon change when the all-new Azera debuts at the Los Angeles Auto show later this year.

Kia: 41,188 Units, Up 26.9 percent

There’s nowhere to go except for up for Kia, after its entire lineup received a makeover that transformed all its vehicles into a hot commodity. The Korean automaker reported a 26.9 increase over the same period last year, and a 39.4 increase in year-to-date sales. Kia moved 41,188 cars off the lot in August compared to 32,465 last year, with the midsize Sorento SUV leading the way with 13,573 units sold for the month. The urban-oriented Soul came in second, selling 6,885 units, while the Forte and new Optima rounded out the top sellers at 6,677 and 6,157, respectively. Last year in August, the Optima sold only 1,714 examples. Surprisingly, people are still buying the Borrego – only 9 of them, that is, and the Sedona minivan also continues to stay toward the bottom of the list, selling only 3,011 vehicles in August. If Kia continues its path up the high road, it will shatter its previous best-ever annual sales record in less than 9 months. With the refreshed Rio arriving in showrooms this month, and the recently launched Optima Hybrid added to the lineup, that record looks like it may about to be shattered.

[Source: Hyundai/Kia]

Hyundai Elantra Ties for First Place in Kelley Blue Book Compact Shootout

2011-09-08T00:11:00.000-04:00

Hyundai’s 2011 Elantra came out on top in Kelley Blue Book’s 2011/2012 Compact Sedan Comparison Test. Tying for first place with the Honda Civic, the Elantra beat out the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus in kbb.com’s thorough vehicle comparison, scoring 7.5 out of 10 possible points in the overall ratings.

“When the 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited sedan showed up for our test, it arrived as a gut-shot to the entire compact sedan class. It started with the all-new Elantra shape, a small-sedan variation of the look that we already love on the Genesis and Sonata. It continued with a leather-lined, feature-filled interior that would have been considered excessive in a car from the next class up,” said kbb.com experts. “At $22,830, the Hyundai Elantra Limited was the least expensive compact sedan in our quartet. The Chevy Cruze LTZ had a nervous breakdown. We spotted sweat on the Ford Focus SEL's lip spoiler. And even the 2012 Honda Civic was having trouble catching its breath.”

During the comprehensive testing of the compact vehicles, the kbb.com editors gave each model an overall rating as well as specific ratings based on interior, exterior, performance, comfort/convenience and value.

“The 2011 Elantra stands out in the compact category, offering innovation, content and style -- characteristics often missing from this competitive segment,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We are thrilled that kbb.com recognizes that standard 40 miles-per-gallon highway fuel economy, remarkable luxury and convenience features, and advanced design can be found in a compact sedan at such an accessible price point.”

The 2011 Elantra sets the bar in the compact sedan category offering a “class-above” midsize car interior volume, modern design, outstanding fuel economy, and loads of comfort and convenience features, all at an attractive starting price. Elantra also continues to lead the industry in standard advanced safety technologies including a new Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system to optimally manage Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

For the entire comparison test, including full editorial commentary and reasoning behind each of the editors’ picks, visit the Big Things From Small Cars story at kbb.com.

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Kia Begins U.S. Production of Optima

2011-09-07T00:06:00.000-04:00

There’s no doubt Kia is on a roll lately, and now that term can be applied literally, as the first U.S.-built 2012 Kia Optima rolled off the line today at Kia’s Motor Manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia.

More than 3,000 jobs were created when a third shift was added at the plant for Optima production, with an expected 7,500 supplier jobs added within the area.

Kia’s only North American plant is a powerhouse that recently built its 300,000th vehicle (a silver Sorento SX) less than two years after it opened. KMMG also currently builds the platform-mate Hyundai Santa Fe, and the division’s best-selling Sorento SUV, which was recently reported to have sold a cool 13, 573 units in August. The Optima sedan sold 6,157 units, but with more being produced at the Georgia facility, it could mean potentially higher sales for the sedan, as well.

[Source: Kia]

Hyundai Brings Shopping Tools to Facebook

2011-09-02T08:09:00.006-04:00

The power of marketing via social networking giants such as Facebook and Twitter has increasingly been realized and exploited by car makers. According to CNET, Hyundai is the latest company to hop on the bandwagon, and the company is bringing along a few new perks to the game as well.

CNET has learned that Hyundai will be adding four new car-buying tools to its Facebook fan page that will let car buyers crowdsource their friends' opinions on prospective vehicles. Car manufacturers spend a good amount of time and effort trying to drive traffic to their Web sites, but rather than chase traffic, Hyundai is bringing its Web site content to a social network where many of its customers go every day.

Hyundai's new Facebook-based features are expected to launch this week, and will include a model selector, vehicle configuration, vehicle comparison, and dealer locator tools. Facebook users will be able to visit Hyundai's fan page, select and configure a vehicle, and post the model to their wall. The photo will contain a list of options, and Facebook users will be able to solicit feedback from their friends.

In a take on "hot or not," shoppers comparing a Hyundai vehicle against another model can post the comparison on their wall, according to an insider familiar with the project, but it's not clear if there will be a vote-tallying mechanism. However, opinions in the comments will definitely let you know which way the audience is swaying.

Several manufacturers have tools that let you post a photo of a vehicle you configured on their Web site to your Facebook page, but Hyundai is the first manufacturer to add shopping tools to its Facebook fan page. Since most consumers tend to ask their friends' opinions on what car they should buy, Facebook-based shopping tools seem like an obvious marketing move.

Hyundai Named Most Improved Manufacturer in Britain

2011-09-01T08:45:00.000-04:00

Auto Express, a prominent British car mag, has named Hyundai as the most improved car manufacturer, following ten years of Driver Power surveys, which saw more than 300,000 owners submit surveys about the cars they own.

Over the ten year period, Hyundai has gone from being one of the poorest performing manufacturers for customer satisfaction to the one the five best brands. In the last ten years, their customer satisfaction rating has gone from 78.12 per cent in 2002 to 86.34 per cent in 2011. Making the largest jump of any car manufacturer. Hyundai has also risen from 28th to fourth place in the best manufacturer results.

The Hyundai i30 is rated fourth in the Top 50 cars of the last ten years. In 2010, the Driver Power survey saw it named the most satisfying car in Britain.

Acting Editor for Auto Express, Graham Hope, commented: "No brand has taken such a massive leap over the past decade as Hyundai. Its range now is unrecognisable from 2002, and our readers regularly tell us that they are both pleased and proud to own a Hyundai, which is reflected in its meteoric rise up our Driver Power ratings. And the company looks set to achieve even greater things in the years ahead."

Hyundai UK's managing director, Tony Whitehorn, said "We are delighted to win this award. It confirms just how far we have come in a short space of time and that we now have a range of cars people can be proud to have on their driveways. With even more desirable products just around the corner, this really is a very exciting time for the brand."

[Source: Auto Express]

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Undisguised!

2011-08-29T23:35:00.000-04:00

The highly anticipated refresh of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been finally unleashed by the latest spy shots we bring you today that have taken the automotive web by storm. These images, taken in a Hyundai factory in South Korea, reveal a distinct new look for the 2013 Genesis Coupe, one that mimics the new corporate look seen on the Veloster and Elantra.

While we can't make final judgments on the design without having seen the car in person, it isn't exactly looking favorable from these spy shots. The new LED taillights and alloy wheels certainly are a step in the right direction, but the front end will definitely take some time to get used to. Rest assured though, we're definitely optimistic about what will be under the hood.

We should see the regular turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 3.8-liter V-6 options remain, with the V-6 getting the same 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque bump in output applied to the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan.

This represents a significant increase of 27 horsepower and 25 pound-feet of torque over the outgoing V-6 model, brought about by the addition of direct injection and a higher compression ratio. Only modest gains are expected for the 210 horsepower and 223 pound-feet of torque four-cylinder model.

Stay tuned for more information in the lead up to the car's official debut marked for next year's Detroit Auto Show in January.

Kia Brings Back Hamsters for New 2012 Soul Campaign [w/VIDEO]

2011-08-26T00:14:00.000-04:00

While the Kia Soul received a facelift for 2012, the popular hamsters the company uses to promote it are also up to new adventures. This time, the company prepared a new 60-second spot featuring the "Party Rock Anthem," by electro-pop group LMFAO.
The "Share Some Soul" clip is set in a dark, futuristic videogame world in which the hamsters turn a fierce battle between alien robots and humanoids into an interstellar dance party.

Beginning mid-September, consumers will be invited to participate in a LMFAO-inspired "shuffle" dance video submission contest hosted on the Kia Soul YouTube and Facebook channels for a chance to win cash and other surprise prizes.

Available in three trims – Soul, Soul+ (plus) and Soul! – the 2012 Soul's exterior design has been updated with subtle changes to the front and rear fascias to project a wider stance, while new headlamps, taillights, side mirrors and wheels project a more modern look.

All Soul models also are improved with redesigned and upgraded interiors, significantly better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities, a more refined ride and many new standard features, including a tilt and telescoping steering column, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

The 2012 Soul now delivers 164 horsepower (up 22 hp) with a new 2.0-liter engine, and 138 horsepower (up 16 hp) with a 1.6-liter engine that adds GDI technology. Both these units are now available with new efficient six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Pricing for the 2012 Kia Soul starts at $13,900, and at $15,700 for the Soul A/T. The Soul sport model is no longer offered.

[Source: Kia]

All New Kia Forte to Debut Next Year

2011-08-25T23:48:00.000-04:00

The 2013 Kia Forte will be an all-new model, following closely after the changes introduced in the 2011 Hyundai Elantra.

Sharing the same platform as that car, look for an improved ride quality, plus the Forte is expected to get a new design closer in keeping with the larger Optima sedan.

As for engines, look for the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder from the Elantra with 148-hp. Both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic will be offered. In terms of fuel economy, look for fuel economy that could even exceed the 29/40-mpg rating of the current Elantra. The 2013 Kia Forte could even get a stop-start system that will arrive in the all-new Rio later this year.

[Source: Automotive News]

2012 Hyundai Veloster Official Pricing Announced (USA)

2011-08-23T22:46:00.000-04:00

We won't have to wait until the end of the week to find out the full pricing of the 2012 Veloster as Hyundai has just released detailed information. The three-door sports hatchback will be offered in the States in a single trim level, with the six-speed manual model priced at $17,300 and the six-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) version at $18,550. Neither price includes a $760 freight charge, which lifts the cost to $18,060 and $19,310 respectively.

Standard features include a multi-function seven-inch touch-screen display, Gracenote display technology with voice recognition and Pandora internet radio capability, 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires, ESC with TCS and Vehicle Stability Management, ABS with EBD, Six airbags, air conditioning and more (see the list below).

If you're willing to spend another $2k, Hyundai offers a Tech package that adds among other features, 18-inch wheels, a chrome grille surround, a panoramic sunroof, leatherette seat trim and alloy pedals.

Along with pricing, the South Korean automaker announced fuel economy figures for the Veloster that is powered by a 1.6-liter four-pot generating 138-ponies. The manual model is rated at 28mpg city, 40mpg highway and 32mpg combined, while the dual-clutch automatic transmission version, 29mpg city, 38mpg highway and 32mpg combined.

Sales of the new Hyundai Veloster will begin in September.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Veloster Commercial Gets Banned in Holland [w/VIDEO]

2011-08-21T23:49:00.000-04:00

We love a good ad, especially when it’s got humor in it, but a line has to be drawn when it comes to violence, especially in the car industry, where you have to bring products to a wider audience without offending them.

When we first watched this little video for the innovative Hyundai Veloster three door, we gasped for air and ROTFL-ed a tad, but after the commercial created a stir across the Internet, we were forced to reconsider.

Featuring the ‘anything goes’ attitude you’d expect from something made in Holland, Hyundai highlights the differences between their three-door coupe and the competition, here in the form of the all-new Ford Focus. Yet the Dutch authorities banned this particular ad.

The ad revolves around the Grim Reaper and his efforts to take the soul of a young woman. As she exits the back of a five-door silver 2012 Focus and... gets hit. This where the controversy kicks in - most people should and are repulsed by the sight of her getting run over, but we get what Hyundai was trying to do - you need strong imagery to get a strong message across.

What message? Well, the Veloster has only three-doors (four if you count the hatch), one for the driver and two on the passenger side, the safe part. Buy a Veloster so your girlfriend won’t get killed? Not so fast - why would you let your girl sit in the back and why wasn’t she looking?

Either way, the Reaper ends up being hit by the car instead of our female protagonist.

We refuse to consider the door configuration as being a safety feature, but it still is a cool looking car.

Kia Previews RWD 4-door Coupe Concept for Frankfurt

2011-08-20T07:43:00.003-04:00

Kia plans to unveil a new sports sedan concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Not only does it wear surprisingly aggressive bodywork, the concept car features rear-wheel drive.

With a long nose and sweeping, fastback roofline, we think the Kia concept looks remarkably like the Audi A7 or Aston Martin Rapide. In place of mirrors, the concept car has small video cameras mounted on stems protruding from the front fenders. Its door handles meet at the B-pillar, suggesting that the rears open suicide-style.

Like the aforementioned European cars, the Kia concept is a four-seat affair. The company pitches it as a “sleek and muscular” sports sedan, further hinting that Kia may intend this concept car to take on Europe’s luxury brands. If sold here, the sports sedan would also be the only rear-wheel-drive Kia sold in the U.S.

“This concept car is roaring with energy and ready for take-off,” said Kia chief design officer Peter Schreyer. “We are ready to fast forward to an all new chapter.”

We hope to learn more about the as-yet unnamed Kia concept, including whether it is heading for production, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

[Source: Kia]

Hyundai Issues TSB for 2011 Sonatas Pulling Left

2011-08-18T22:41:00.002-04:00

Hyundai Motor America said its U.S. dealers will fix a steering problem found in some 2011 Sonata sedans after more than 4,000 owners complained about the car's steering system.

Drivers have complained that the 2011 Sonata is prone to drifting or pulling to the left while being driven.

The company suspects that about 41,000 Sonatas with 18-inch wheels could be affected by the problem, Hyundai spokesman Jim Trainor said. He said the fix is a service campaign, not a recall.

Hyundai said it has received or tracked about 4,000 complaints--representing about 3 percent of the nearly 150,000 Sonatas built from September 2010 through April 2011, Trainor said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 198 complaints about the 2011 Sonata's steering, many of which described vehicle tracking problems seemingly similar to the one being addressed in this campaign.

Consumers can set up an appointment with a dealer to inspect the Sonata's wheel alignment and tracking, Trainor said. If necessary, the dealer will install new front suspension struts and perform a wheel alignment, both for free.

Last year, Hyundai recalled about 138,000 2011 Sonatas for a different steering problem. The recall followed a probe by U.S. safety regulators into customer complaints that a steering shaft could potentially become detached from the steering wheel.

[Source: Hyundai (Photo: Road & Track)]

EXCLUSIVE: U.S.-Spec 2012 Hyundai Azera Spied

2011-08-13T08:24:00.006-04:00

TheCarBlogger is bringing you exclusive, first spy shots of the U.S.-spec 2012 Hyundai Azera. Announced by Hyundai via Twitter to bow at this year's Los Angeles International Auto Show in November, the all new Azera is the long-awaited replacement to the oldest model sitting in Hyundai's American line-up today.

The prototype in our latest shots, snapped in South Korea, sport "Azera Limited" badges which confirm its American destiny. It also wears new 19-inch alloy wheels that we've never seen on Azeras/Grandeurs in other markets, and we assume these will be for the North American market only. According to the photographer, no differences were noted elsewhere, exterior and interior-wise. Minor equipment adjustments and suspension tuning for our tastes are also in the running for tweaks Hyundai is expected to add for the North American model.

The front-wheel drive Azera will bridge the gap between the Sonata and rear-wheel drive Genesis sedan, with styling to reflect that positioning. The Azera features a more tame exterior design than the Sonata but has a little more flair than the up-market Genesis. Still, the Azera adheres to Hyundai’s latest design language.

No official word on engine choices but the Toyota Avalon-rival is expect to offer buyers a choice of two V6s – a 3.3L unit and a direct-injected 3.8L expected to produce upwards of 300 horsepower. Both engines will be backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai Dropping Free iPad for 2012 Equus

2011-08-12T00:14:00.000-04:00

One of the Hyundai Equus' prime marketing points (though the car would sell itself without it, in our estimation) is going away: the free iPad owner's manual will no longer be included with the car, according to a report.

Ads for the Equus have touted the free iPad with installed interactive Equus owner's manual app pretty heavily, but starting with the 2012 model year, the Equus will no longer come with a free Apple slate, says USA Today's Drive On. Instead, Hyundai will revert to the standard paper-based solution.

The Equus owner's app will still be available for download should an owner already have an iPad, however.

We're not all that sad to see the iPad go. It was a neat feature, and definitely a good marketing tactic, but it's the incredible value and excellent execution of the Equus that makes the car so impressive.

[Source: USA Today]

First Official Image of Redesigned 2012 Hyundai i30

2011-08-11T00:35:00.000-04:00

Hyundai has published the first official rendering of its upcoming all-new i30 C-segment hatchback, which will be unveiled in the flesh at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September.

The all-new i30, designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, is built to be a next evolutionary step in Hyundai's design credo of 'fluidic sculpture'.

Designed to use flowing lines inspired by nature and modern architecture to give a constant and recognisable three-dimensional presence to Hyundai's vehicles, 'fluidic sculpture' has been the company's primary design ethos since the launch of the ix-onic concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.

"When designing the new i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary," claimed Hyundai's chief designer Thomas Bürkle. "From the rendering, you can see how we managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions. In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models."

Currently, the company is keeping the specifications of the revised i30 under wraps, with details on engine choices expected to be revealed a the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. Pricing has not been confirmed, but is expected to be on a par with the current generation i30.

[Source: Hyundai]

Kia to Unveil V8 RWD Sports Car Concept in Frankfurt

2011-08-10T00:07:00.000-04:00

During the past few years, Kia has completely transformed its image from a manufacturer of affordable, but rather unexceptional, cars to that of an automaker that offers a stylish and coherent range, thanks in no small part to the hiring of ex-VW Group designer Peter Schreyer. Now, however, it is moving in uncharted waters if a recent report from What Car is accurate.

According to the British magazine, the Korean automaker wants to further improve its image with a halo car that will signal the firm’s intent to make sportier vehicles. And it plans to do so by unveiling a V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sports coupe at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Kia’s boss Hank Lee said that that the V8 coupe to be shown in Frankfurt is just the first of a series of concepts, as another study is being prepared for the NAIAS show in January. Both concepts will be based on Kia’s upcoming large sedan for the North American market.

One of the two concepts is rumored to spawn a production model that could make it into the market as early as 2015.

The magazine added that Kia is also mulling a smaller and more affordable sports car to rival models like the VW Scirocco, the Mazda MX-5 and Renault's Megane Coupe.

[Source: What Car]

Limited Edition Hyundai Genesis Coupe GT for Germany

2011-08-08T00:06:00.000-04:00

The German division of Hyundai has just unveiled a limited edition Genesis Coupe GT developed specifically for the local market. Wearing a price tag of EUR41,990 (about $59,800 at the current exchange rates), the car will come in a limited number of units. In fact, only 50 cars will be available for the interested German customers only.

The special edition was inspired by the Hyundai Schuhmann Motor Sport Team that raced a Genesis Coupe at the 24-hr endurance race at the Nürburgring in June, sporting a silver and blue livery.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe GT comes equipped with a 3.8 liter V6 engine with a total output of 303 horsepower and 361 Nm (266 lb.ft.) of torque. The unit propels the GT from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.3 seconds and allows it to go on to a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).

A bespoke stainless steel quad-exhaust has also been fitted, while the suspension is lowered by 30 mm. The car sits on unique OZ Ultraleggera 19-inch wheels in Matt Graphite Silver, which are also equipped to the limited edition Genesis, and that are wrapped in Dunlop Sport Maxx GT tires.

[Source: Hyundai]

First Street Shots of US-Spec 2012 Kia Rio

2011-08-05T00:10:00.000-04:00

More images after the jump!

[Source: PrideClub.kr]