Beware Hyundai: Nissan and Toyota entering South Korea by 2009

I immigrated to Canada 7 years ago with my parents from South Korea. During my years in South Korea, I clearly remember that import cars were second to scarce. I would regularly pass by residential parking lots labelled "No Import Cars". Patriotism, perhaps? 7 years later, the scenario is completely different. Import cars are rapidly becoming cheaper...

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New York: 2009 Kia Optima

The string of Korean debuts continues in New York with the debut of the 2009 Kia Optima. Making its world debut in the Big Apple yesterday, the Optima receives extensive exterior changes, minor interior revisions, and new engines. The front fascia now incorporates Kia's new corporate look, but we question the existence of the two center bulges on the...

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New York: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

New York brought many acclaimed wonders into the world like the Yankees, CBS, and bagels. And then, came the Genesis Coupe. The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe made its official debut at the New York International Autoshow today. It seems as if the telephone was a technological marvel when the first spy shots of the car appeared onto the web. Was it worth...

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Double Bonanza: Five Hyundais given Best Bets by The Car Book

Double bonanza indefinitely. Following Kia's recent acceptance of "Best Bets" from The Car Book 2008 for seven cars, Hyundai is the next in line to be the recipient of the award for five of its models. The Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson, and Entourage each took home a Best Bet distinction for its class.The Car Book selects the car to receive the award...

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China: Hyundai vows to improve image, confirms luxury brand

For those who plead Hyundai to introduce a luxury brand for countless years, the wish has been granted - that is, if you reside in China. As a chiefly move to improve the image of the brand in the country, Hyundai will launch a premium brand as early as 2010. "We are refurbishing our brand image in China," says Young-Key Koo, chief representative of...

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Speculation: 2009 Kia Optima

In an earlier post, we revealed the first images of an undisguised prototype of the refreshed 2009 Kia Optima. The front fascia was the most striking change of all, as the soft curves of the current model have been booted for sleeker and sharper lines that Schreyer has become fond of. We have seen a similar change undergoing in the Spectra department.From...

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TCB Exclusive: 2009 Kia Spectra (TD) information

The slew of news tips and informations we get from our readers is undoubtedly the backbone of our posts. Last time, GreyhoundBoy87 sent us the first undisguised shots of the revised Kia Optima. This time, an avid reader of TCB named Gabriel Joo sent us an e-mail containing exclusive information of the next-generation Kia Spectra. This information is...

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Spied: 2009 Kia Optima (Facelift)

Didn't I mention that Kia was on an ever-growing roll recently? GreyhoundBoy87 sent me the first shots of the upcoming refreshed Optima undisguised today, and the first impression is mighty good. The Optima, known as the Magentis or the Lotze in other markets, was released as a MY2006.5 model. The facelift imaged here will be the car's first substantial...

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Seven Kia models given Best Bet by The Car Book 2008

Kia has been on a roll recently around the world with record sales posted in various markets, namely Europe and the US. Partial credit can be given to the automaker's award shelf, which has seen a surge lately with accolades from various publications. Today, Kia has announced that 7 of their models have been given "Best Bet" distinctions by The Car...

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Geneva: Kia Soul Concepts (Burner/Diva/Searcher) w/VIDEO

Before Kia guns the official release of the production Soul, the automaker decided to unveil a trio of concepts that give us broader hints on the upcoming car at the Geneva Motor Show. At the 2006 North American International Autoshow, Kia took the wraps off the Soul Concept which was the first iteration of the design. The trio of concepts, named Burner,...

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GM Korea launches Cadillac BLS

GM Korea has released plans to commence sales of the re-engineered 2008 Cadillac BLS in the Korean market as early as tomorrow. The premium sports sedan is Cadillac's smallest offering in the current Cadillac line-up, and it targets the would-be BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class consumers. The BLS made its first unveiling at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show...

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Kia Rondo named Best Value by Edmunds.com

The 2008 Kia Rondo was named a “Best Value” by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com in their annual list of Best Family Cars. Parents cited the optional third row, allowing seating for seven, as just one of the reasons the Rondo is a good choice for families.“The best thing about Parents Magazine’s recognition is that real parents who drive Rondos everyday...

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