Frankfurt Preview: 2010 Kia cee'd (Facelift)

Kia Motors has released the first pictures of new cee'd, revealing an updated look incorporating the new 'family face' of the brand. This mid-life revision unusually includes sheet metal changes to the bonnet plus alterations to the bumper, grille and light clusters. There have been some enhancements to the interior too in terms of specification and design. These include a more intuitive centre console and upgraded audio system including Bluetooth connectivity.

Paul Philpott, Managing Director Kia Motors (UK) Limited commented; "Since its launch just over a year and a half ago, cee'd has been instrumental in placing Kia firmly as one of the top five global automakers.

"(The) cee'd has been one of the first Kia models customers have bought for emotional rather than practical reasons. Now we have other aspirational cars in the range, such as the new Soul, we are establishing a clear image as a design led brand. With more new introductions due early next year, Kia offers one of the youngest product ranges available," he stated.

The revised cee'd will be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show alongside two all-new Kia models.

[Source: Kia]

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Kia Sets To Launch Forte Koup in Late Summer

Kia Motors America has announced that it will launch the all-new 2010 Forte Koup later in summer 2009. According to the company, the 2010 Forte Koup will be available in two trim levels, EX and SX.

The 2010 Forte Koup is powered by a two-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 156hp of power and 144lb-ft of torque, featuring continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection. The SX variant features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173hp of power and 168lb-ft of torque.

The 2010 Forte Koup is available with four transmission options: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive for EX models, while the SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and Sportmatic.

[Source: Trading Markets]

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Hyundai Green Lights Veloster Production For 2011

In an exclusive interview with Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik, Inside Line (Edmunds) has garnered a cornucopia of information on Hyundai's upcoming front-wheel-drive Tiburon replacement. According to Krafcik, the compact sport coupe will look 70-80 percent like the Veloster Concept that made an appearance at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The CEO also hinted that the new coupe will have a revolutionary bodystyle.

"It might be doors or a unique roof or something with the hatch. But it won't be like anything out there before in the small car segment," stated Krafcik.

The upcoming sports coupe is also said to be smaller than the Kia Forte Koup. Comparing its size to the Accent, Krafcik stated, "Think of it like a four-passenger Honda CRX. It'll be a little car you can take out and wring its neck and still get good mileage. Fun and economical, with a great power-to-weight ratio." He also revealed that the coupe will be powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder with direct injection producing 140 horsepower. In addition, Krafcik touted fuel economy figures of "over 40 MPG." The coupe will also feature a standard in-dash screen.

The forthcoming compact sport coupe is currently without a name at the moment. Krafcik stated that candidates in the running include "Veloster" and "Tiburon". He also announced that it will arrive in Hyundai dealers by the end of 2011.

[Source: Inside Line:Edmunds]

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Hyundai Begins Accepting Cash for Clunkers Trade-ins

After months of debate and rounds of legislation, the wait has ended. Consumers can finally take advantage of the government's "Car Allowance Rebate System" (CARS), and Hyundai is leading the way. Katherine Michon of Arlington, Virginia was the first to trade-in an eligible clunker for a new Hyundai, replacing her 15 mile-per-gallon 1995 Ford Explorer with a 26 mile-per-gallon Hyundai Elantra Touring, at Alexandria Hyundai in Alexandria, Virginia.

Hyundai buyers will receive the full rebate allocated under the CARS program (also known as "cash for clunkers") when an eligible trade-in is exchanged for a qualifying Hyundai model. Hyundai is the first automaker to extend the government incentive to consumers, accelerating its implementation by several weeks by backing dealerships with short-term cash advances as the government organizes the rollout of the program industry-wide.

[Source: Hyundai]

Read more for the full article.

In May, Hyundai research showed that 11 percent of car buyers delayed their purchases until the CARS legislation was resolved. "We appreciate what Washington has done getting the program completed, but it's clear that the wait has left many potential car-buyers on the sidelines," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "We thought it was imperative to get funding to our dealers so that they could implement the program right away and satisfy the demand they've been hearing from consumers."

Under the CARS program, consumers qualify for a $4,500 rebate on the purchase or lease of new vehicles that achieve 10 miles per gallon more than a trade-in car or five miles per gallon or more than a trade-in light truck. New vehicles that achieve between 4 to 9 mpg more than a trade-in car, or 2 to 4 mpg more than a trade-in light truck qualify for a $3,500 incentive.

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Spy Feed & Info Hub: 2010 Hyundai Sonata (YF) - Update 2

NEW! More spyshots emerge from the web, including the first undisguised image of the headlights assembly. Source: YFlove.net & Reporterpark.com (06/29/2009)

Editor's Note: "Spy Feed & Info Hub" is a new feature we will implement for posting spy shots of upcoming cars. It will allow us to post images as they surface the web and consequently, update you with the latest spy shots more frequently. Each future car will get its own spy feed, complete with regularly updated spy photos and substantial, detailed information.

Hyundai Motor will officially unveil the long-awaited replacement for the Sonata, code-named "YF", in September of this year. The new Sonata is set to be a revolutionary redesign for the mid-size sedan, incorporating a more modern, sportier design that radically deviates from the current generation's more conventional style. It will also be equipped with the company's latest powertrain technology that will achieve class-leading performance at no compromise of efficiency.

The all new Sonata (YF) sets to shake the mid-size sedan segment with its polarizing new design. The sleek, rakish lines of the exterior evoke a four-door coupe alike the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Volkswagen CC. Hyundai announced that the new Sonata will be the first car to incorporate the brand's new "Fluidic Sculpture" corporate design theme, thus finally calming the quarrel surrounding the company's lack of a genuine brand identity to this date. The automaker even stated its hopes to replicate the immense impact made by the first-generation Ford Taurus when it debuted in 1985 with its futuristic, timeless styling.

Read more for the full, in-depth article and a gallery of spy shots.

The redesigned Sonata also hopes to lead the mid-size car segment with new, innovative powertrain technology. As gas prices will likely continue escalating into the future, Hyundai will focus more on its 4-cylinder engine line-up and the upcoming Sonata will be no exception. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, the new Sonata will sport an updated 2.4L Theta II 4-cylinder engine with GDI (gasoline direct injection) technology. Mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission, the new engine will achieve a staggering 200 horsepower (up from the current 174). Hyundai hopes to achieve class-leading fuel economy with its new powertrain as well. Alongside the 4-cylinder, Hyundai will also offer an upgraded version of its Lambda V6 for North American markets. The 3.5L Lambda II V6 will reportedly produce over 270 horsepower. The new Sonata will also be available with a range of diesel and LPG engines in some markets. According to an insider, the 2.2L R diesel engine will not initially be available and will bow later.

Hyundai has high hopes for the upcoming Sonata as it will also pack an abundant list of standard features and segment-first options as well. A striking example is the optional panoramic sunroof that is a first for the mid-size car segment in the Korean market. Judging by spyshots, the new Sonata will also be available for the first time with 18-inch alloy wheels. More details on the Sonata's equipment will be released closer to its official launch this fall.

Hyundai plans to launch the Sonata in a plethora of markets around the world, with Korean sales commencing this September. The automaker will release the new sedan for the North American market in February of 2010. The Sonata will also roll out in European showrooms later into 2010 as the "i40". Exclusively for the European market, Hyundai will sell a station wagon variant alongside the sedan. Hyundai is also preparing for the launch of a gas-electric hybrid version of the new Sonata, which will go on sale in various markets including North America next summer.

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Kia Announces 11 Models Eligible for "Cash for Clunkers"

Kia Motors America announced today that 11 models in the brand's line-up qualify for the U.S. Government's Car Allowance Rebate System, better known as "Cash for Clunkers". All eligible models qualify for a rebate of up to $4,500. Under this new buyer incentive program, consumers can purchase a new, more fuel efficient Kia vehicle when they trade-in a less fuel efficient car or truck of any eligible make or model.

Qualifying Kia models for the CARS program are: Borrego (V6 models only), Sedona, Sorento (2WD LX 3.3L V6 only), Sportage, Forte, Optima, Rio, Rio5, Rondo (4-cyl. models only), Soul, and Spectra.

For more information including eligibility requirements for trade-in cars, read our previous post on Hyundai's involvement with the CARS program or stop by Kia's information page linked below.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

Read more for the official press release.


PRESS RELEASE:

KIA MOTORS SUPPORTS CAR ALLOWANCE REBATE SYSTEM WITH 11 ELIGIBLE MODELS

Full Array of Vehicles Qualify For NHTSA New Buyer Incentive Program

IRVINE, Calif., June 25, 2009 – – In support of the recently signed Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) by the U.S. government, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that consumers in need of a new vehicle will be able to choose from a total of 11 eligible Kia models that qualify for up to a $4,500 rebate. Under this new buyer incentive program consumers can purchase a new, more fuel efficient Kia vehicle when they trade-in a less fuel efficient car or truck of any eligible make or model.

“Consumers have the opportunity to not only purchase a new car with a significant rebate, but also reap the benefits of modernized safety features, advanced technology as well as increased fuel economy,” said Tom Loveless, vice president of sales, KMA. “There has been no other time in recent history when such an extensive national buyer incentive program has been implemented, and Kia Motors is pleased to provide consumers with a comprehensive selection of vehicles that are praised for their style, quality, value, fuel efficiency and long list of standard safety features.”

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines indicate that consumers may earn $4,500 with the purchase of a new car with an increase of 10-plus miles per gallon (mpg) or may earn $3,500 with an increase of four-plus mpg when they trade in a car or SUV with less than 18 mpg combined. For SUVs, five-plus mpg may earn $4,500 and two-plus mpg may earn $3,500.

In accordance with the NHTSA, retailers that are enrolled in the program will process transactions using program guidelines and apply appropriate credits at the time of purchase. The following details the official government criteria for trade-in rebates:
# Trade-in vehicles have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date of trade-in
# Trade-in vehicles must have a federal combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 mpg or less
# Eligible vehicles must be in driveable condition and have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year
# Vouchers are not necessary; dealers will apply a credit at the time of the purchase

Additional information is currently being developed by the National Highway Transportation Authority and will be available on its Web site as it becomes available. For more information visit www.cars.gov, the official and only Web site for the program.

Kia Motors Product Line

Kia Motors America offers a dynamic and diverse product line to meet the needs of all lifestyles. The vehicle line features the stylish and all-new Forte compact sedan, highly personalizable Soul, functional Rondo CUV, award-winning Sedona minivan, purposeful Optima midsize sedan, versatile and compact Spectra, and sporty yet fuel-efficient Rio and Rio5 subcompacts. The vehicle line also features the affordably luxurious Borrego, rugged Sorento and value-packed Sportage SUVs. The all-new 2010 Forte Koup will further complement the lineup when it arrives in dealerships in late summer.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline “The Power to Surprise.”

Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

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