UK: Kia cee'd tops C-segment in Driver Power survey

Kia Motors announced today that its popular cee’d hatchback ranked first in Driver Power’s Compact Family category, beating a competent batch of rivals from Volkswagen, Toyota, Fiat and other notable competitors in the segment.

Driver Power is a car owner reliability and satisfaction survey conducted by renowned car magazine Auto Express in conjunction with the Daily Telegraph. Its purpose is to present the frank and honest views of drivers in the UK. Surveying over 21,400 drivers across the UK, cars are scored on a number of areas including practicality, build quality, reliability, and running costs.

In its Driver Power debut, the cee’d jumped straight into the top ten and is ranked as the 6th best car in the British car market. The cee'd's closest rival, the Volkswagen Golf, found itself in 22nd place overall. Kia, as a brand, ranked 12th overall - a jump of 2 ranks from last year.

"The fact that the Kia cee’d beat the Volkswagen Golf is one of the most significant results in Driver Power’s history," said David Johns, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, on announcing the debut performance of the Kia hatchback in the survey.

[Source: Automotive Journal]

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Kia and Adult Swim build limited-edition Soul

Kia Motors America recently partnered up with Cartoon Network’s "Adult Swim", an animated and live action series for young adults, in building a customized one-off of the Soul bearing the theme of the renowned TV channel. An Atlanta-based graffiti artist “Hense” was commissioned to paint the car, adorned with characters from Adult Swim’s "Aqua Teen Hunger Force."

Enthusiasts can visit this link to enter for a chance to win the special car, starting June 1st. The promotion will end on June 28th.

[Source: Kia BUZZ]

Continue reading to view more images and a special video.

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Hyundai i20 receives 5-stars in Euro NCAP crash tests

The Hyundai i20 has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP, after the first round of tests using the organization's new rating system. Setting a new standard in the supermini segment, the Hyundai i20 five-door model scored exceptionally well in all four categories assessed - adult occupancy, child protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

The i20 scored 88 per cent in the adult occupant protection tests, including the new whiplash assessment. Also, it scored an impressive six out of a maximum seven points in the 'safety assist' category, receiving top marks for its seatbelt reminder and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). The supermini also scored 41 out of 49 points in the child protection tests, which puts the car ahead of even larger cars such the Vauxhall Insignia and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe, stated "This is a proud moment for Hyundai. The i20's five-star rating is recognition of our commitment to providing customers with superior quality and top-class safety. Across our range we offer exceptional levels of life-saving equipment as standard, and we continue to research and develop new ways to protect drivers and occupants of Hyundai cars."

[Source: CarPages.co.uk]

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Korea: Kia unveils facelifted Opirus Premium

Kia Motors has unveiled the Opirus Premium at its flagship showroom in Seoul, South Korea today. The Opirus Premium marks the second facelift since the car's debut in 2003 and a substantial revision in 2006. The automaker's flagship sedan receives both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades for this facelift.

Outside, the Opirus Premium receives a plethora of changes including the new, corporate, "tiger-tooth" grille and a revised front bumper. A revised rear fascia includes a pair of redesigned dual exhausts and new LED taillights. Larger chrome-accented 18-inch alloy wheels, body chrome molding, and LED front/side mirror/rear turn signals round up the exterior upgrades.

The Opirus Premium also gains a host of new interior upgrades including perforated cooled leather seats, cabin mood lighting, available high-gloss piano black trim, and a 3.5-inch color TFT-LCD infoscreen in the dashboard cluster also found in the Equus.

Under the hood, the big change for this revision is a new 6-speed automatic transmission. It is mated to an array of available engines, all of which gain power and fuel efficiency. The 3.3L Lambda V6 now produces 259 horsepower, a 4.9 percent raise, and a 2.2 percent improvement in torque. Its fuel economy is now rated at 10.1 km/L, a staggering 12.2 percent improvement. The more potent 3.8L Lambda V6 churns out 284 horses, while a 2.7L V6 produces 195 horsepower.

The Opirus Premium goes on sale today in South Korea. Prices range from 34.51 million Won for a base GH270 trim, to 54.53 million Won for the range-topping GH380 trim. There are no reports on whether the revision will carry over to North America.

[Source: Kia]

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UK: Hyundai finding success in scrappage scheme

Hyundai Motor U.K. has announced that its dealers have taken 4,000 deposits on new cars during the first week of the apparently successful scrappage scheme in Britain. During the week, dealers even saw a selection of luxury clunkers being traded in including a Jaguar XJ-S (pictured) for an i10 and an XJ6 for an i20. The brand also claimed dealers traded in 34 BMWs, 22 Audis and 32 Mercedes cars and vans. Customers also traded in six Mazda MX-5s, seven MGFs and several Saabs.

Hyundai said total customer orders and deposits during the week reached 5,200. The most common cars to be traded in were the Nissan Micra, over 200, and the Ford Escort with 126.

"We're geared up for scrappage. We took a risk and ordered 3,000 i10s and i20s before the scheme was finalised. We have a boat in this week with another 800 models and another one coming soon so there's no shortage," said a spokesman.

[Source: Motor Trader]

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US: Hyundai and Kia on track to meet 2016 fuel standards

Hyundai and Kia are expected to meet new U.S. fuel economy standards by the end of 2015, according to a company document seen on Thursday.

The U.S. government, under the Obama administration, has recently announced tougher fuel economy standards, which will require passenger vehicles sold in America to achieve at least 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. This has been imposed in order to cut carbon emissions and reduce gasoline consumption.

According to an internal document, Hyundai and Kia plan to increase average fuel economy of their passenger vehicles for U.S. exports to 30 miles per gallon in 2010, 31.5 in 2012 and 35 in 2015, compared with 28.7 in 2007. As part of their plan to embrace the new standards, Hyundai plans to introduce its first gas-electric hybrid version of the Sonata in the U.S. next year. The Sonata Hybrid will use the industry's first lithium polymer battery, developed by LG Chem. LG Chem is also the battery supplier for the upcoming Chevrolet Volt.

[Source: Trading Markets]

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Hyundai named Rising Star of 2009 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Hyundai announced yesterday that it was named the Rising Star of 2009 by the U.S.-based auto industry consulting firm AutoPacific. In this year's edition of AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, Hyundai was named the Rising Star as it received higher scores in 40 of the 48 rating categories in the survey compared to last year.

The survey asked 25,000 motorists who purchased new vehicles between September and December last year questions in 48 categories including performance, safety and comfort.

Aside from being named this year's rising star, the company won two segment awards. The 2009 Genesis won the award for the Aspirational Luxury Car segment, while the Sonata topped the premium mid-sized category. With three awards in total, Hyundai Kia Automotive Group ranked third in terms of the number of awards received.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Kia Sportage Receives Top Ranking in AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUV topped the compact crossover SUV category in the AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). The AutoPacific VSA is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide. Sportage was recognized above other vehicles in the segment for offering superior value and satisfaction.

"Sportage, a staple in the Kia Motors lineup since the brand's inception, offers a high level of value and amenities to those looking for a low-cost option in the SUV segment, and buyers recognize that," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "We take special pride in this recognition as it is a direct reflection of consumer satisfaction and further proof that our commitment to offering vehicles with a superior blend of value, safety and convenience features is resonating with new car buyers."

The AutoPacific VSA establishes numerical satisfaction ratings for the majority of cars and light trucks in the North American market. Owner satisfaction is measured across 48 categories relating to specific areas of a vehicle's operation, comfort, safety and overall purchase or lease experience. The 2009 ratings reflect input from more than 25,000 buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December 2008.

[Source: Kia]

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VIDEO: "Hee-un-die" iLoad commercial in Australia

Brilliant, as the folks at CarAdvice tout. You have to love the Aussie accent at its best. Enjoy, and for the folks in Canada, enjoy your long Victoria Day weekend as well. I know I am.

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

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NA-spec Kia Forte Koup snapped in public

Pictures speak for more than words. OK, we'll add that it's quite the looker. Look for the Forte Koup to start trickling into dealerships this summer.

Continue after the jump to view more images.

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Hyundai Equus VS460 on American soil

Alex Krafcik, whose name questionably harks back thoughts of John Krafcik, the head honcho at Hyundai Motor America, has recently been given the keys to the redesigned Hyundai Equus flagship sedan. The headline is that it has finally landed in America, and Alex was too good to post a stunning, high-resolution bonanza of images on the web. The chrome fiesta going on throughout the car's contrasting black paint may reverberate some shock at first. However, its remarkable stance, even parked on a curb, indicates that the design department has done its job well.

Hyundai recently announced that it will be importing 100 examples of the Equus to America. To gauge reaction for a very likely venture into a separate luxury brand, Hyundai will display these cars in select dealerships across the country.

What are your thoughts on the Equus' chances in North America?

Click on the image to see the Equus in full glory.

[Source: Alex Krafcik: Flickr]

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RECALL: 140000 units of Kia Rondo, Sorento, Sedona, Sportage and Amanti affected

Kia is recalling about 140,000 vehicles from model years 2006 and 2007, due to a defect that may case brake lights to malfunction. The affected models are the Kia Amanti, Rondo, Sedona, Sorento, and Sportage.

In a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Kia explains, "The stop lamp switch in the vehicle may have been damaged in the assembly process. As a result, the stop lamp switch may malfunction, causing one or more of the following conditions to exist: the brake lights may not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed, or may remain illuminated when the brake pedal is released." Both conditions could increase the risk of an accident.

Kia dealers will replace the stop lamp switch in all such vehicles, free of charge. Kia dealers will begin contacting owners this month, but those who wish to make their own repair arrangements may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

[Source: NHTSA]

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Hyundai to bring 100 Equus sedans to U.S. dealers

Hyundai's first genuine foray into the luxury car market with the Genesis has been considerably successful, with more than 6000 units sold throughout this year. The Genesis has also been coveted with a plethora of accolades including the prestigious title as the 2009 North American Car of the Year.

Testing the waters for a premium branch alike Toyota's Lexus and Nissan's Infiniti, Hyundai has already confirmed the arrival of its luxury brand in the near future. To gauge public reaction, Hyundai has announced that it will bring 100 examples of the automaker's Korean-exclusive Equus flagship sedan to America. These will not be on sale, but will be on display throughout dealerships across the country.

According to Oles Gadacz, a Seoul-based spokesman for Hyundai, the automaker believes the introduction of the Equus, "would decisively shift public opinion in our favor," even more than the Genesis sedan and its coupe counterpart. If the public is generally in favor of the Equus, it will likely be the first model in Hyundai's planned luxury brand. The Equus rivals against luxury stalwarts such as the Lexus LS460 and BMW 7-Series. Its expected price in the U.S. will, however, be considerably lower.

[Source: USA Today]

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USA: Hyundai Genesis sales help the environment

Sam Abuelsamid: AutoblogGreen - Last fall, Hyundai announced that for every Genesis sedan sold during the 2009 model year it would make carbon offset grants equivalent to the CO2 emissions of those cars. Six months into the program, Hyundai Motor America is now paying out the first award grants totaling over $100,000. Three grants of $35,000 each are going to programs in Peru, Mozambique, and Kenya.

The Peruvian project is meant to battle deforestation in the Alto Mayo Protected Forest while new trees are being planted in Mozambique to rehabilitate forests that have already been damaged. The Kenyan project will employ over 100 people re-planting trees in a threatened rain forest.

Hyundai is working with CarbonFund.org to identify and fund worthy projects. The program will continue through the 2009 model year and is expected to offset over 93,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading to view the press release.


PRESS RELEASE: Hyundai Grants Pave Way for Emerging Forest Offset Projects

Winners of Three Climate Grants Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Silver Spring, MD – April 28, 2009] Hyundai Motor America (HMA) and Carbonfund.org, in conjunction with the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance, today awarded more than $100,000 in grants to help spur forest-based carbon offset projects globally.

The winners of the $35,000 grants are:

* The Alto Mayo Forest Carbon Project, Peru
As part of the organization's overall climate change strategy, Conservation International's office in Peru is carrying out the Alto Mayo Forest Carbon Project in northern Peru to reduce deforestation in the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, an area that has been threatened by agricultural encroachment, disorganized settlement, illegal logging and the presence of the nearby Northern Interoceanic Highway. The project will also serve as an input to the development of a national Peruvian strategy on reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD).

* The Nhambita Community Carbon Project, Mozambique Envirotrade has developed a business model using the sale of carbon offsets to support the conservation and management of existing forests and the planting of new ones. Envirotrade's flagship Nhambita project has worked with communities for the past six years to rehabilitate and manage the forests on their land and introduce new, sustainable farming practices, which have had a dramatic effect on crop yields such as cashews and fruits, and provide healthy livelihoods for about 1,300 families.
* Kakamega Forest Again Project, Kenya
Making Connections is a company devoted to promoting the environmental basis of livelihoods. The Forest Again Project will reforest 500 hectares of a biologically rich, yet threatened rainforest in Kenya, provide over 100 jobs, and build the capacity of a local community organization (KEEP) to help local people develop non-timber sources of income.
The grants help defray the substantial upfront costs associated with developing high quality multiple-benefit projects and bringing them to the carbon market, such as GIS mapping, project consulting and studies. In addition, the grants help projects achieve validation to the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards, which are rigorous and take into account a project's impact and benefits on the surrounding communities and on biodiversity.

"Our Genesis Forest Project was designed as a sustainable environment initiative and through these grants we hope that our modest investment will pay dividends for years to come," said Justin Osborne, national manager of brand strategy for Hyundai. "We know the grant recipients share our vision for a healthy planet, and we commend them for their dedication to preserving and protecting these important natural resources."

Carbonfund.org President Eric Carlson said, "About 25% of global warming can be attributed to deforestation, meaning reforestation and forest preservation are critical solutions to solving global warming. We're proud to be a partner with Hyundai on the HMA Climate Grant program and helping projects meet stringent third-party standards. Meeting CCB and other standards has helped Carbonfund.org's own projects distinguish themselves as among the highest quality offset projects."

HMA and Carbonfund.org partnered in Nov. 2008 to offset the emissions of all 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedans. The offsetting supports reforestation and conservation of more than 3,000 acres of tropical forest in the Cerrado Region of Brazil, a biodiversity hotspot. Named the Genesis Forest Project, this offset project will in total offset over 93,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Moreover, the project follows the guidelines of the Social Carbon™ methodology, which means the project will be a model for sustainable development in the region. The project will be open to local communities and provide educational workshops to promote utilization of non-timber products. These practices can ultimately reduce pressure on remaining forests by promoting economically attractive alternatives to clearing forest.

"The Hyundai Climate Grant is a symbol of a paradigm shift in which livelihoods, traditionally built upon the consumption of natural resources, can be built upon the restoration and/or conservation of natural resources. Forest Again is a rainforest restoration project that is devoted to promoting sustainable livelihoods in Kenya," said Making Connections Director Mark Lung.

"Through Hyundai Climate Grants, Hyundai and Carbonfund.org are providing important support to these three projects that serve as great examples of how forest carbon offsets can create additional advantages by improving the livelihoods of the rural poor in developing countries and conserving endangered species," said Joanna Durbin, director of the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance, which administers the CCB Standards. "The grants are helping these projects to move towards joining the growing number of projects using the CCB Standards."

ABOUT HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

ABOUT CARBONFUND.ORG

Carbonfund.org is the country's leading nonprofit carbon offset and climate solutions organization, making it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce and offset their climate impact. Carbon offsets enable individuals and businesses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions they are responsible for in their everyday lives by supporting third-party validated renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects where they are most cost effective. Carbonfund.org has over 400,000 individual supporters and works with over 1,000 partners including Discovery, Motorola, Amtrak, Dell, Orbitz, Virgin America, and Staples.

About the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance

The Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA) is a global partnership of leading NGOs and private sector corporations that created the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards to enable identification of projects that adopt best practices to deliver robust and credible greenhouse gas reductions while also delivering net positive benefits to local communities and biodiversity.

ABOUT THE SOCIAL CARBON COMPANY

The Social Carbon Company provides advice and carbon management services using the Social Carbon™ methodology to implement carbon emission reduction projects as an ethical basis for project development. This methodology has rapidly grown across Latin America in recent years and more recently in the U.S. and Europe.

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April: Hyundai and Kia sales fall 14 percent, better than competitors

Kia Motors said Friday that April U.S. sales fell 14.8% to 25,606 vehicles, while Hyundai Motor America sales dropped 13.6% to 39,280 units from last year. April U.S. sales of Kia's Spectra fell 14.8% to 7,165 vehicles, and sales of Hyundai's Sonata dropped 6.9% to 11,001 vehicles from a year ago. Kia is an affiliate of Hyundai Motor America and the sales and marketing arm of Kia Motors Corp. based in Seoul, Korea.

[Source: Fox Business]

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Report: Wagon variant of Hyundai YF Sonata in the works

Those who have long yearned for the comeback of the defunct mid-size wagon era (farewell Dodge Magnum) can now sigh in relief as Hyundai has an estate counterpart of the next-generation Sonata in the works. There is one catch, however - it will initially be sold in the European market, bearing the i40 nomenclature. We're not dismissing any chances of the Sonata station wagon arriving in North America. After all, the Korean brand is known to be all ears to enthusiasts; proven with the reincarnations of the affordable, tuner-friendly, rear-wheel drive sports coupe, and an equally value-conscientious, yet feature-laden, rear-wheel drive luxury car.

Hyundai has announced that the i40 (European name) station wagon will go on sale in late 2009. We speculate that the North American launch date for the sleeker "YF" Sonata will occur in that timeframe as well.

[Image above is a speculative rendering]

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