The Elantra has racked up its most prestigious award yet: The 2012 North American Car of the Year.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Spied! 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Unwrapped Before New York Debut
The first images of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe have officially leaked out, thanks to the fan boys over at Hyundai Blog. First spotted wrapped in camouflage in October, these shots are the first unwrapped images we’ve seen of the 2013 Santa Fe as Hyundai readies it for its debut at April’s New York International Auto Show.
Back in October we brought you these exclusive spy shots 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 wears Hyundai’s trademark fluidic design language. 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 from the Hyundai Blog clearly show what that Santa Fe we spotted in New York was hiding 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 recently-debuted 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Around back, the 2013 Santa Fe gets a rear that at first glance looks like it could belong on the Audi Q7.
The 2013 Santa Fe’s power plants aren’t currently known, and details likely won’t leak out until the official debut in New York. 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.
Source: motortrend.com
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hyundai Planning Major Push on VW Home Turf
Hyundai has made incredible gains in the global market, challenging larger automakers in markets they once dominated. While Volkswagen has globally sold a record number of vehicles in 2011, Hyundai Motors and its Kia affiliate have exceeded VW’s numbers in the United States. According to senior analyst of auto website Edmunds.com Jessica Caldwell, “Hyundai offers compelling design at an affordable price– a win-win for must consumers. Brand exposure has long been the problem for Hyundai, but that has certainly eased.” The South Korean automaker has made some smart moves to gain publicity, including ads aired during the Super Bowl as well as the company’s sponsorship of the World Cup. The pressure on Volkswagen doesn’t end at North America, however, as Hyundai intends to bring the fight to Europe as well. Chief operating officer Allan Rushforth for Hyundai Europe said, “It’s very important for Hyundai to be successful. Europe is a top priority because it affects how the company is perceived elsewhere.” Just as European nations tackle a debt crisis and consumers face austerity measures, Hyundai looks to offer products that mix great value, reliability, European styling and handling. While Volkswagen focuses its attention on challenging GM and surpassing them for the title as world’s largest automaker, Hyundai sneaked up on the German Automaker as Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center of Automotive Management at Germany’s University of Applied Sciences, said, “Hyundai is one of VW’s most serious challengers. The mix of good value, quality and design is a solid basis, and they’ve been getting more innovative every year.” During the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, a video was posted on YouTube capturing a concerned conversation between VW CEO Martin Wintekorn and his associates at Hyundai’s show floor. Upon studying the adjustable steering column inside the Hyundai i30, Winterkorn noted, “Nothing rattles. Why can they do it? BMW can’t. We Can’t.” Winterkorn adds, “It’s become increasingly clear that whoever’s at the front has a lot of opponents. Our competitors are attacking Volkswagen all over the world.” For Hyundai’s European offensive, the South Korean automaker has prepared a $12.4 billion investment, intended for plant upgrades and vehicle technology development. Meanwhile, Volkswagen steels itself against imminent competition by holding onto a 62.4 billion euro budget to invest in factories and new vehicles over the next five years. Source: autoguide.com 
Monday, January 23, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thank you Fernie, for your outstanding review on our dealership!
"I got my new car from here about two weeks ago. The experience was pretty good, the staff continuously made me feel as if they were trying to do everything they could to give me exactly what I was looking for. I ended up ordering my car, through the whole process I thought that everyone was doing their best; at times going above and beyond what you'd expect. I would definitely recommend this place, everyone is friendly and attentive. By the way, I got a Veloster and it is a fabulous car. My mind was blown at how Hyundai is making so many nice cars and this one is simply brilliant. Update 1/19/12: I went for my first oil change and there was a recall on my car (something to do with the software). They had a problem loading the update, but they were very friendly and actually gave a loaner while they made the update. Overall, I am very satisfied with the service I was given and the friendly staff." - Fernie
Thursday, January 19, 2012
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Gets Lifetime Battery Warranty
To further convince customers that Hyundai knows how to build a proper hybrid, the carmaker has announced that its 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sedan will now come with a lifetime battery warranty.
That means Hyundai will ensure that the lithium-polymer battery works for the life of the vehicle. If the battery fails, the company will replace it and take care of any recycling costs. The new warranty replaces the previous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery.
Hyundai says the battery has lasted up to 275,000 miles in company tests, which should be more than enough time for normal motorists. The automaker recently announced a base price of $25,850 for the 2012 Sonata Hybrid.
Source: chicagotribune.com
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Vehicle Special: Fully loaded 2011 Hyundai Genesis
This amazing 2011 Hyundai Genesis is without a doubt a great choice for your next vehicle! This Hyundai is a comfortable ride and equipped with a smooth and powerful engine, luxurious cabin, top crash scores and generous warranty. Plus, it's fully-loaded and had only one previous owner! Click here to learn more.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Hyundai tops in keeping customers
Quality, resale value and ownership costs are key reasons consumers switch vehicle brands, says a new study by J.D. Power and Associates.
According to the report, one in three people who switched brands when buying a new car said their previous brand didn't make the type of vehicle they wanted.
Other reasons for dissatisfaction with a previous vehicle included high prices to own or maintain the vehicle, too many problems with it and insufficient resale value.
"Many automotive brands are expanding their array of models in an attempt to capture more buyers, but this isn't enough in and of itself," said Raffi Festekjian, director of automotive product research. "Manufacturers need to integrate specific attributes and features that delight vehicle owners to maximize their opportunity to both retain customers and conquest from other brands. Manufacturers also must ensure owners are satisfied with the quality, residual values and ownership costs of their vehicles."
Hyundai ranked highest in retaining new vehicle customers and raised its retention rate by four percentage points from 2010 to 64 per cent in 2012. The retention rate is primarily driven by the Elantra and Sonata.
In a tie for second place were Ford and Honda, with a retention rate of 60 per cent. Jeep posted the greatest improvement rate, improving by 17 percentage points to 51 per cent.
Source: calgaryherald.com
Friday, January 13, 2012
Hyundai Gives 2012 Sonata Hybrid Battery A Lifetime Warranty
What happens if the battery in your hybrid car starts to fail?
If your car is still within warranty, you’ll get a replacement battery at no cost to you. If your car or its battery pack are out of warranty, you’ll have a few other options.
But South Korean automaker Hyundai is now so confident that the battery pack in its 2012 Sonata Hybrid will outlive the car that it is offering customers a lifetime guarantee on its lithium-polymer battery pack.
In short, if you buy a 2012 Sonata Hybrid, and the battery pack starts to die, you’ll get a replacement battery pack free of charge -- regardless of its age or mileage.
“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 at Hyundai Motor America. “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.”
According to Hyundai, it has tested both the Sonata Hybrid and its Blue Drive hybrid drivetrain for 300,000 miles or more without “minimal degradation of its output or duration of operation.”
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
That’s not necessarily a new feat. When the city of San Francisco retired the first 15 of its 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid taxis in 2009, they had each averaged around 300,000 miles without a single battery problem.
That’s backed up by anecdotal evidence from Carolyn Coquillette, Prius mechanic extraordinaire at San Francisco’s Luscious Garage. When we visited Coquillette at her specialist garage last year, she told us of Toyota Prius taxis she regularly services with battery packs that have far outlived the 150,000 10-year California-only warranty period given by Toyota.
When Hyundai launched the Sonata Hybrid in 2011, it was the first mass-produced hybrid to use a lithium-ion (lithium-polymer) battery pack. At the time, Hyundai announced it would offer a 100,000 mile, 10-year warranty on the pack. We can only assume an additional year of testing and refinement has given it increased faith in the LG-Chem battery pack.
Hyundai’s new battery pack warranty makes the 2012 Sonata Hybrid a tempting buy for anyone wanting to make the switch from a traditional gasoline car to a hybrid.
But will Hyundai’s faith in its own car steal it the hybrid car crown from Toyota? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments below.
Source: greencarreports.com
Hyundai Gives 2012 Sonata Hybrid Battery A Lifetime Warranty
What happens if the battery in your hybrid car starts to fail?
If your car is still within warranty, you’ll get a replacement battery at no cost to you. If your car or its battery pack are out of warranty, you’ll have a few other options.
But South Korean automaker Hyundai is now so confident that the battery pack in its 2012 Sonata Hybrid will outlive the car that it is offering customers a lifetime guarantee on its lithium-polymer battery pack.
In short, if you buy a 2012 Sonata Hybrid, and the battery pack starts to die, you’ll get a replacement battery pack free of charge -- regardless of its age or mileage.
“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 at Hyundai Motor America. “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.”
According to Hyundai, it has tested both the Sonata Hybrid and its Blue Drive hybrid drivetrain for 300,000 miles or more without “minimal degradation of its output or duration of operation.”
2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
That’s not necessarily a new feat. When the city of San Francisco retired the first 15 of its 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid taxis in 2009, they had each averaged around 300,000 miles without a single battery problem.
That’s backed up by anecdotal evidence from Carolyn Coquillette, Prius mechanic extraordinaire at San Francisco’s Luscious Garage. When we visited Coquillette at her specialist garage last year, she told us of Toyota Prius taxis she regularly services with battery packs that have far outlived the 150,000 10-year California-only warranty period given by Toyota.
When Hyundai launched the Sonata Hybrid in 2011, it was the first mass-produced hybrid to use a lithium-ion (lithium-polymer) battery pack. At the time, Hyundai announced it would offer a 100,000 mile, 10-year warranty on the pack. We can only assume an additional year of testing and refinement has given it increased faith in the LG-Chem battery pack.
Hyundai’s new battery pack warranty makes the 2012 Sonata Hybrid a tempting buy for anyone wanting to make the switch from a traditional gasoline car to a hybrid.
But will Hyundai’s faith in its own car steal it the hybrid car crown from Toyota? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments below.
Source: greencarreports.com
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2013 Hyundai Veloster turbo: Sporty subcompact hatchback
Hyundai's nifty Veloster sporty hatchback gets a welcome power boost with a 201-horsepower turbocharged model for 2013.
The muscular 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine also produces 195 pound-feet of torque from just 1,750 r.p.m. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.
With a curb weight starting at just 2,800 pounds, the Veloster turbo's 14 pounds/horsepower is a better power-to-weight ratio than sporty small cars like the Volkswagen GTI and Honda Civic Si, Hyundai said.
The Veloster turbo will offer a unique matte gray paint, 18-inch alloy wheels, projector headlights, LED taillights, fog lights and ground effect trim. Interior changes include leather seats with "Turbo" stitched into the backs and a black interior with blue accents.
Hyundai's Genesis coupe also gets upgrades for 2013. The power of its 2.0-liter turbo and 3.8-liter V6 engines rises to 274 and 348 horsepower, respectively. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is available in addition to a six-speed manual. The Genesis coupe also offers Hyundai's new Blue Link telematics system.
Visual changes include a new grille, LED taillights and daytime running lights.
On sale this summer!!
Source: freep.com
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Hyundai Elantra wins car of year at Detroit show!
The Hyundai Elantra and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque were named North American Car and Truck of the Year by a panel of independent automotive journalists at the 2012 North American International Auto Show Monday.
The Elantra beat out the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Passat as finalists for the car of the year. The Evoque beat out the BMW X3 and the Honda CR-V. The finalists were named last month.
John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai North America, said Hyundai has sold more than 200,000 Elantras since the new model was introduced.
Krafcik said the award will help to cement Hyundai's reputation for quality and improvement the company has made since it entered North America in 1986.
The Elantra, which was designed at Hyundai's California studio, is a compact car that gets 40 m.p.g. on the highway.
"It's an amazingly competitive segment. To have this honor feels really good," Krafcik said.
Andy Goss, president of Jaguar and Land Rover North America, said the Evoque symbolizes the changes that SUVs and crossovers are going through in the automotive industry as manufacturers adapt to more-stringent fuel economy standards.
"I think it will come as a surprise to some that the North American Truck of the Year is a highly capable, luxury four-cylinder SUV that achieves 28 m.p.g." on the highway, Goss said.
The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards are different from other industry awards because they are given by a jury of 50 veteran automotive journalists, including Mark Phelan, auto critic for the Detroit Free Press. Phelan voted for the Focus and BMW X3.
Most other automotive awards, in contrast, are given out by individual publications or organizations. Before Monday's awards were announced, domestic automakers had won 10 North American Car of the Year awards, European automakers had won four and Japanese automakers had won three. Hyundai won in 2009 for the Hyundai Genesis.
Source: freep.com
Monday, January 9, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Hyundai Motor not planning separate premium brand
Jan 5 (Reuters) - 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.
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: reuters.com
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Truckloads of new 2012 Hyundai Elantras and Sonatas have arrived!
Stop in today and get behind the wheel of one of these great vehicles.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Hyundai, Kia To Expand Hybrids, Electrics With New Investment
Hyundai Motor Group, the company in charge of both Hyundai and Kia, has announced heavy investment into hybrid and electric technology this year.
AsiaOne Business has revealed that the group intends to invest $15.5 billion into facilities, and research and development. Two thirds of this will go towards improving facilities, and a significant proportion of the R&D budget will be focused on the development of hybrids and electric cars. Hyundai Motor will be in charge of future plug-in hybrid and fuel cell development, and Kia will handle "electric drive vehicles", a term broadly encompassing any drivetrain that uses an electric motor for propulsion. The investment is good news for hybrid and EV buyers, as Kia and Hyundai are known for their value for money. The group has the potential to bring down the price of hybrid and electric motoring, just as the good value Hyundai Sonata hybrid and Kia Optima hybrid have done in the mid-size hybrid market. Both undercut competitors like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid Kia has already released an all-electric vehicle in its native Korea, the Kia Ray. Based on a regular gasoline car, the Ray is a tall, narrow city car with an 86-mile range. Kia also previewed the funky electric Pop concept car at 2010's Paris Motor Show. Hyundai-Kia's ultimate goal is to overtake Toyota Motor in sales of hybrid sedans in the U.S. - not an unrealistic target. With Toyota expanding its Prius line and the Korean carmakers pledging high investment in the technology, the extra choice and increased competition can only be a good thing for green-conscious buyers.Source: greencarreports.com
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