Exams, Exams, Exams

To put a long story short, exams are commencing for me this week. Some of you readers might know that I'm a Grade 8 student currently. For others, surprise! As a student who aims to improve on every aspects of his life (school, TheCarBlogger, etc.), I will be studying throughout this week and partly next week. The first exam starts this Monday, and the final exam will be held on Tuesday, June 10.

Final exams are worth considerably for the term average of students. Thus, I will post less this week due to the event and I would like to make a sincere apology to those who visit TheCarBlogger daily. Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget that the stream of posts will kick off again next Tuesday.

William Lee
Editor-in-Chief: TheCarBlogger

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Hyundai i10 scores 4 stars at EuroNCAP

Hyundai i10 has scored 4-star crash rating in the Euro NCAP safety ratings. Hyundai’s new subcompact failed to achieve the highest 5-star rating, but this is still on par with it’s main European rival, Renault Twingo.

For the frontal impact test, the passenger compartment remained stable in the impact. Protection of the driver’s chest was rated as weak owing to the extent to which it was compressed during the test. Structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury to the knees and femurs of the front seat passengers.

For child protection, the i10 scored maximum points for its protection of the 3 year dummy. The passenger airbag can be deactivated by means of a switch, allowing a rearward-facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. However, information provdided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag is not sufficiently clear. No clear warning is given of the dangers of using a rearward facing child seat in that seat without first disabling the airbag.

The Hyundai i10 is already on sale in Europe.

[Source: EuroNCAP]

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Kia Sorento is Top Ranking Midsize SUV by AutoPacific

The 2008 Kia Sorento is the top ranking midsize SUV in AutoPacific's 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. In this segment, the Sorento received a higher rating than the Hummer H3, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro and Nissan Xterra.

"Sorento's recognition by AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Awards shows that you don't have to spend a lot to be satisfied with your new vehicle purchase," said Tom Loveless, vice president, sales of Kia Motors America (KMA). "In these difficult economic times, it is good to know that you can still purchase an SUV with great amenities, options and standard safety features, and be satisfied with your decision."

The 2008 VSA are based on survey responses from more than 34,000 vehicle owners who purchased a new 2008 model year car or truck between September and December 2007. Respondents rate 46 attributes for importance in the purchase decision and satisfaction after purchase.

[Source: Kia]

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UK: Hyundai appoints new marketing director

Hyundai has appointed Andrew Cullis as its new UK marketing director.

Cullis has more than 18 years experience in the motor industry, encompassing a range of roles, and will be responsible for implementing the Korean brand's marketing strategy in the UK. He joins Hyundai from Citroen, where he was head of product and brand strategy and he previously held various posts at Vauxhall Motors over a 16 year period.

"I am delighted to be joining Hyundai, the world's sixth largest car manufacturer, at a pivotal point of its development here in the UK and across the world," said Cullis.

[Source: Motor Trader]

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Hyundai i30 heading to China

To reach this year’s production and sales targets, Beijing Hyundai has decided to produce another new model of Hyundai in addition to the Elantra in the second half of 2008. Sources said that the Hyundai i30 will be made in the second plant of the joint venture later this year.

When its construction is completed later this year, the second plant of Beijing Hyundai will have an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. Hyundai aims to sell 100,000 Elantra units in 2008, thus meaning the new plant’s capacity will be used for the production of a new C-segment Hyundai.

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Korea: Six months waiting list for Kia Morning

As prices at the pump rise, tiny cars known as subcompacts have grown ever more popular in Korea. Through April this year, Kia Motors has sold over 33,000 units of the Morning (Picanto). That’s a growth of 300 percent from the same period last year. Kia says the fuel-efficient subcompact car has been so popular that it has over 32,000 units on back order, meaning a wait of up to six months for many buyers.

GM Daewoo’s Matiz has also seen a steady rise in sales with more than 5,000 of the cars sold since March and another 5,000 on back order. The two models are currently the only subcompacts made by Korean automakers for domestic sale, putting demand far above supply.

[Source: Chosun Ilbo]

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Priced: Hyundai Genesis V6 starts at $33K , V8 at $38K

Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for its new flagship, the all-new Genesis sports sedan, starting at $33,000 for a well-equipped 290-horsepower V6 and $38,000 for the 375-horsepower V8 model.

While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Lexus ES, Chrysler 300 and Cadillac CTS, Genesis’ performance capabilities and luxury features are comparable to sedans costing tens of thousands of dollars more. With base prices of $33,000 for a well-equipped 3.8-liter V6, and $38,000 for a 4.6-liter V8, Genesis makes a premium driving experience accessible to a wide range of customers. Genesis goes on sale at Hyundai dealerships in July, delivering the kind of value equation American car buyers have come to expect from Hyundai.

NOTE: The above is an excerpt from the press release

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading to view the full press release.

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ANNOUNCES ALL-NEW FLAGSHIP GENESIS SEDAN PRICING

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF., 05/28/2008 Hyundai Motor America has announced prices for its new flagship, the all-new Genesis sports sedan, starting at $33,000 for a well-equipped 290-horsepower V6 and $38,000 for the 375-horsepower V8 model.

“When we first showed the production Genesis earlier this year, we committed to deliver the interior package of flagship European luxury sedans, world-class driving dynamics, and pricing comparable to entry-level premium brand vehicles,” said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America “Today, we’re delivering on a key part of that commitment, with a very well-equipped Genesis sedan priced below the most basic Infiniti G35 or BMW 3-Series.”

While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Lexus ES, Chrysler 300 and Cadillac CTS, Genesis’ performance capabilities and luxury features are comparable to sedans costing tens of thousands of dollars more. With base prices of $33,000 for a well-equipped 3.8-liter V6, and $38,000 for a 4.6-liter V8, Genesis makes a premium driving experience accessible to a wide range of customers. Genesis goes on sale at Hyundai dealerships in July, delivering the kind of value equation American car buyers have come to expect from Hyundai.

Genesis is built on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture, with an advanced five-link suspension at all four corners. It offers two powertrains, the 290-horsepower Lambda 3.8-liter V6 engine mated to an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, and Hyundai’s all-new Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. Both deliver outstanding fuel economy. The Tau produces 375 horsepower using premium fuel and 368 horsepower using regular unleaded, leading all competitors in specific output (horsepower per liter), while also outperforming all V8 performance sedans with a projected fuel economy estimate of 17 city/25 highway. Genesis 3.8 achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 18 city/27 highway, which outperforms the V6 engines in many smaller, mid-size cars (e.g., Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion) on the highway. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, Genesis showcases features such as XM NavTraffic, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Lexicon® audio systems and electronic active head restraints.

Genesis 3.8 – Standard Equipment

All Genesis 3.8 models come very well-equipped, including a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine, Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with ShiftronicTM, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/55R17 tires. Additional standard equipment includes advanced front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags, electronic front head restraints, fog lamps, automatic headlights, dual power heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, power seats, cruise control, Hyundai’s signature white and blue interior lighting with electroluminescent cluster, proximity entry with electric push button start, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, dual front fully automatic HVAC, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM (3-month subscription) with iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and floor mats.

Genesis 4.6 – Standard Equipment

The Genesis 4.6 builds on the standard equipment found on the Genesis 3.8, adding a 4.6-liter DOHC V8, ZF six-speed automatic transmission, unique 18-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels with P235/50R18-inch tires, chrome lower bodyside moldings, ultra-premium leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped dash and door trim inserts, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, power tilt and telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, Lexicon 15-speaker surround sound audio system, six-disc CD changer, illuminated scuff plates, wood-trimmed leather steering wheel, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers with auto defogger windshield.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

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USA: Kia to produce small cars in Georgia plant

Hyundai announced that its subsidiary, Kia, will build compact cars at the automaker's new plant in West Point, Georgia. According to executives, rising demand for fuel-efficient cars prompted the decision.

"We have plans to have the Georgia plant produce small cars," Hyundai Vice Chairman Kim Dong-jin, said in a news release. "The market environment changed rapidly, like higher oil prices, environmental issues. We have a strong presence in the small-car segment."

Kia executives in 2006 announced they would build a $1.2 billion plant at West Point, near the Alabama line in west-central Georgia. Slated to open in late 2009, it is expected to generate 2,500 new jobs and produce around 300,000 vehicles a year, officials said.

The plant will be Kia's first in North America. Hyundai currently has a plant in Montgomery, Alabama; it assembles the Sonata and Santa Fe. It is not confirmed whether the next-generation Sorento (XM) is still scheduled to be assembled in West Point as well.

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Kia Cee'd production surpasses 200,000

Kia announced on Monday that sales of the Cee'd, the automaker's first model built at its Slovakia factory, surpassed 200,000 vehicles in the 18 months since its introduction. The historic car, a Dakar Yellow Kia pro_cee'd 3-door, is destined for a customer in Germany. The car rolled off the line last Friday.

"This is another truly significant day for Kia," said Bae In-kyu, chief executive officer of the South Korean carmaker's Slovakia unit, in a statement.

The Slovakia plant was reaching its full capacity by producing 19,300 units of the Cee'd model last month, Bae said. Kia Motors aims to sell 150,000 units of the Cee'd this year.

[Source: Kia]

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Brunei: Hyundai releases H-1, i30, and i10

Setia Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Brunei Darussalam, is introducing three new vehicle models: Hyundai H-1, Hyundai i30, and Hyundai i10.

The H-1, known as i800 or Starex in other markets, is powered by a 2.5CRDI diesel. It is coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Other standard equipment include a CD player, dual front airbags, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The i30 hatchback (pictured) is powered by a 1.6L gasoline engine, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The European-designed hatchback comes equipped with a factory-fitted CD player with MP3, 16-inch alloy wheels, and blue interior lighting. The i10 replaces the Atos in Brunei. It comes standard with fog lights, airbags, and a factory-fitted CD player. It is propelled by a 1.1L gasoline engine that is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The i10 is also the first car in its segment to be available with a sunroof.

All three vehicles are already available in the Brunei market.

[Source: Borneo Bulletin Weekend]

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New images of 2009 Hyundai Genesis (USDM) Pt.II

As the sale date of the Hyundai Genesis is nearing rapidly, Hyundai has commenced test drive events of the car for media publications and released a cornucopia of new images for the fans. Part One of the stream of new images showcased the base 4.6L Genesis in dark red. The sequel to it (this post) highlights a fully-loaded 3.8L Genesis in an attractive, dark blue guise. And yes, this one wears the ravishing 18-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels. Continue reading to view more images.

[Source: Hyundai]

NOTE: We won't blame you if you haven't noticed (you'll need a keen eye to spot this). Hyundai has canned the 3.3L trim for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Thus, the Genesis is now standard with a 3.8L 290 horsepower. The 4.6L V8 remains. For proof, you can check the official press release of the Genesis here. We think it's a good move on Hyundai's part. What do you think? Drop a comment after the jump.

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New images of 2009 Hyundai Genesis (USDM) Pt.I

Motor Trend just published its first drive of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Along with the positive article came the images - new ones we have not seen from Hyundai yet. The model in the spotlight is a 4.6L trim, and judging by the wheels, it is the base 4.6L model. One image also shows the dash without the navigation screen, which is also something Hyundai did not show before.

The Hyundai Genesis is slated to go on sale this summer. We can expect prices to be released very soon. You can view the 17 additional images after the jump.

[Source: Motor Trend]

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Kia releases image, details on 2009 Soul

In my mailbox today were the official details and an image of the 2009 Kia Soul. Along with the British preliminary press release of the production car, Kia released the first official image of the automaker's answer to the Scion xB. The production car is the result of two concept cars that preceded it: Kia Soul Concept in 2006, and the near-production trio (Burner, Diva, and Searcher) last March.

The Soul is scheduled to make its debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show this October. Production is set to commence in Korea in September. According to the British press release, the UK-spec Soul will appear in showrooms in early 2009. The Soul is slated to arrive in the US too, but we can only take wild guesses regarding its sale date.

[Source: Kia]

Continue after the jump to view two more images.

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Canada: Kia to offer Sirius satellite radio

Kia Canada has announced it has signed a long-term exclusive agreement that will make Sirius Satellite Radio a factory-installed option for Kia vehicles, beginning in June 2008. The service will be available as a factory option on most of Kia’s 2009 models including the Borrego. All equipped vehicles will include a three-month subscription.

“This partnership with Sirius furthers Kia’s commitment to offering vehicles that are exciting and enabling,” said Jay Chung, president of Kia Canada. “With Sirius in their vehicles, Kia drivers will enjoy a wide range of exclusive programming and commercial-free music.”

[Source: CanadianDriver]

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India: Hyundai plans to roll out $3500 car by 2012

Hyundai announced on Friday that it plans to roll out a $3500 car in India by 2012.

"It will take at least 4 years to develop the car and we think we will be able to introduce this car by 2012 for Indian market," Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and CEO H.S. Lim told reporters here on Friday. He stated that it will not compete with the Tata Nano, which goes for 1 lakh rp. or $2500. The low priced car is in the process of evolution stage at its research and development centre in Korea, he said.

Lim also said the company would introduce several new models in 2008 for the Indian market including the LPG variants of Santro and Accent, a CNG Accent, and the long-awaited i20. Hyundai recently reported record profits in the country, with the i10 (pictured) making a major contribution.

[Source: The Hindu News]

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GM mulls selling Chevrolets in Korea

GM is considering launching the Chevrolet brand in South Korea to win more sales in the country's fast-growing imported-car market, a company executive said Friday. The comment was made by James Raymond, GM's Asia-Pacific executive director of sales and marketing, at a press conference in Seoul. GM entered the South Korean market with the Saab and Cadillac brands a decade ago.

GM cars, however, have remained unpopular in South Korea, despite the imported-car market's seven-fold growth over the past seven years, because of poor customer service and bulky design. Last year, Saabs accounted for a meager 0.59 percent of South Korea's 50,000+ market for imported vehicles. Analysts say that Chevrolet cars will cannibalize sales of GM Daewoo. If launched, Chevrolet plans to market models such as the Corvette, Tahoe, Camaro, and Malibu (pictured).

Many GM Daewoo models are sold around the world as Buicks (China), Pontiacs, Chevrolets, and Holdens (Australia). The Winstorm, for example, is sold as the Chevrolet Captiva in Europe and Holden Captiva in Australia.

[Source: Trading Markets]

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe & Sedan parked side-by-side

Thanks to JayChun, we have a batch of photos of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Sedan alongside each other for the first time. Snapped at a Hyundai event, the two highlights of the event were the Genesis kins. A Hyundai Elantra Touring was also displayed at the event.

The Hyundai Genesis is slated to go on sale this summer with prices ranging from a tad under $30 000 to the low $40-s. The Genesis Coupe, on the other hand, is scheduled to arrive in showrooms spring of 2009 as a 2010 model. Prices for that are just pure speculations at this point, but we suspect it will start from just under the $20-s mark and top off in the mid to high $20-s. Continue reading to view more images.

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Official: Subaru arriving in South Korea

Kolon Motors, one of the official dealers of BMW cars in South Korea, is set to launch the Subaru brand in the country.

Subaru's line-up at launch will consist of the Impreza Sedan and Hatch, Legacy, and Forester. The Impreza was already available through select dealers via importation, albeit garnering dealer mark-ups that increased the prices in excess of 60 million Won ($57 284 USD).

Kolon Motors stated that it will launch the Subaru brand later this year. Nissan and Mitsubishi are also scheduled to debut in South Korea in September. Honda has already made its mark in import sales, taking the top rank in import sales with the CR-V. Toyota stated earlier that it will launch with the Camry and RAV4 in 2009. Prices of the Subaru vehicles will range from around 20 million Won ($19 094 USD) to 50 million Won ($47 737 USD).

[Source: MoneyToday]

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GMDAT to move J300 production overseas

GMDAT (GM Daewoo Auto & Technology) announced plans to reduce productions in Korea and move them overseas. They said Monday that the production of the J300, code-name for the next-generation Lacetti, will be carried out in GM's San Luis Potosi plant in Mexico and its Shangai plant in China from the end of next year. Until now, the Lacetti - known in China as Buick Excelle and the US as Suzuki Forenza or Reno - was produced exclusively in GMDAT's Gunsan plant in South Korea.

The initial manufacturing of the J300 will commence in the Gunsan plant from October this year with an estimated production number of 150 000 units. Next year, it will be shared by GM's plants in Mexico and China.

The cars produced in Mexico will be sold in North America as a Chevrolet. It will play a possible role as the replacement of the Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan (pictured). The cars produced in China will be sold in China. The two plants combined are speculated to produce 150 000 units annually.

[Source: Chosun Ilbo / Image Credit: Brenda Priddy & LeftlaneNews]

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USA: Hyundai Santa Fe and Entourage awarded "Best Cars for Retirees" by Forbes

Hyundai Santa Fe and the Entourage were recognized by Forbes.com as two of the “Best Cars for Retirees” based on features that help mature drivers stay behind the wheel longer.

In order to determine the list of “Best Cars for Retirees”, Forbes factored in NHTSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-test ratings, AAA’s suggestions from "Smart Features for Mature Drivers" guide, and additional features that appeal to mature drivers.

According to Forbes, “The Hyundai Santa Fe was chosen specifically for its driver lumbar support to help ease back discomfort, and Hyundai Entourage was chosen based on its power-adjustable foot pedals that help drivers remain a safe distance from steering wheel-mounted airbags.”

“Santa Fe and Entourage are great examples of Hyundai’s continued commitment to providing affordable vehicles with standard life-saving technologies and convenience features,” said Mike Nino, Manager of Product Development at Hyundai Motor America. “These vehicles combine the safety and comfort drivers are looking for with sophistication and style.”

[Source: Hyundai Motor America]

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Korea: Power outage affects production in Sohari plant

Kia announced on Friday that a power failure disrupted production at its local plant which could result in a production loss of at least 1,000 vehicles.

"Production at our Sohari plant in Gyeonggi Province was suspended because of a power outage. Day-shift staff couldn't produce any vehicles and that will be the case for night-shift staff as well," said Kang Hyun-geun, a company spokesman.

Daily output at the plant is about 1,000 vehicles. The value of possible losses is not available yet, the spokesman said. The company said it expects to resolve the power outage problem within the day and will make a public disclosure once production resumes. The Sohari plant produces Kia's compact car Pride (Rio) and the Carnival (Sedona) minivan.

[Source: Trading Markets]

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India: Hyundai reports sales increases in April

While Hyundai sold only 22 units in Japan last month, Hyundai India reported a net increase of 47.8% in the cumulative sales of its vehicles. Hyundai is India’s second largest car manufacturer and one of the largest exporters of passenger cars from India.

The total sales for the month of April were reported to be 40 001 units against 27 069 units in the same month in 2007. The domestic car sales last month was 21 501 units and 18 500 units were exported.

“HMIL sales for April had been robust with a very healthy growth and we feel that the budget has been a contributory factor. The i10 too has done exceedingly well to establish itself as a major player in this segment with domestic sales alone accounting for over 50,000 units in just six months which is the fastest ever for any model and with the highest growth rate in this segment things are looking good for HMIL,” commented Arvind Saxena, Senior VP for Marketing and Sales.

Hyundai marks its strong presence in the small car market with the i10, Santro and Getz. It has made India as its export hub for the small car segment.

[Source: CarTradeIndia]

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Hyundai Genesis @ a parking lot

Thanks Josh for sending these images in! What we have are some amateur (good looking ones) images of the Hyundai Genesis parked at a lot in the US. The model spotted here sports the 18" hyper-silver finish alloy wheels, indicating that this is the flagship trim of the Genesis.

The Hyundai Genesis is slated to go on sale this summer. Pricing is to be announced closer to the sale date. Continue reading to view more pictures.

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