Kia Recalls 58K Units of 2004-07 Spectra for Fuel Tank Issue

Kia is recalling 58,322 2004-'07 Spectras, primarily in Midwestern and northeastern states, because corrosion from road salt could cause the fuel tank to fall off the vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

NHTSA said prolonged exposure to road salt could cause corrosion of the straps that hold the tank.

"As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may separate, allowing the fuel tank to contact the ground and possibly disrupt the integrity of the tank," the agency said. As a consequence, the agency said, "the fuel tank can fall from the vehicle and strike the ground, which could cause a fuel leak," creating a fire hazard.

Kia dealers will replace the fuel-tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc-coated parts. The recall is expected to begin in June. Owners can contact Kia at (800) 333-4542.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Kia to Unveil Refreshed 2012 Soul Alongside New Rio Sedan in New York

Kia will unveil an updated version of its popular Soul hatchback at next week’s New York International Auto Show. The updated 2012 Soul (2010 model pictured) will debut alongside Kia’s all-new 2012 Rio sedan.

Although Kia is keeping most of the Soul’s changes a secret, we know the 2012 model will arrive with new LED projector headlights that are “slightly bulged giving the overall shape of the Soul a smoother, more streamlined silhouette.”

But most of the changes to the 2012 Soul will focus on the car’s drivetrain. Kia says the 2012 Soul will feature increased power and dramatically improved fuel economy, which should reach 35mpg on the highway.

Although we don’t have word on what engines might power the 2012 Soul, Kia will replace the car’s four-speed automatic and five-speed manual gearboxes with six-speed units.

[Source: Automotive News]

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Hyundai Hires Former GM Exec Shannon as U.S. Marketing Boss

Hyundai has tapped a General Motors veteran as its new U.S. marketing chief, filling a spot that has sat empty for more than seven months.

Steve Shannon was named vice president of marketing for Hyundai Motor America on Wednesday and will officially take his position on April 18, Hyundai spokesman Chris Hosford said.

Shannon, 52, spent more than 25 years at GM and was most recently executive director of marketing for Cadillac. He held that position from 2008 until March 2010 when he was cut in one of several executive shakeups under former CEO Ed Whitacre.

Shannon takes over a marketing department that has overseen memorable campaigns recently, including the Hyundai Assurance campaign that let Hyundai buyers get their money back if they lost their job and the "Hyundai: Uncensored" campaign that captured reactions of consumers impressed by the quality of Hyundai vehicles during test drives.

Hyundai marketers also signed Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges to do voice-overs for all of Hyundai's television ads.

Clever marketing has helped Hyundai boost sales from about 401,000 units in 2008 to more than 538,000 last year and increase U.S. market share from 3 percent to 4.6 percent in the same period.

Shannon's hiring comes after GM nabbed Hyundai's two previous marketing chiefs last year.

First to go was Joel Ewanick, the high-energy marketing executive and brainchild behind the Hyundai Assurance campaign. Ewanick left Hyundai for a brief stint at Nissan last March before being tapped to head GM's U.S. marking department in May. Ewanick's successor at Hyundai, Chris Perry, was then hired by Ewanick last August to lead Chevrolet's marketing department.

Shannon's resume includes leadership roles in marketing with Saturn, followed by senior posts at Oldsmobile, Buick, Saab, Hummer and most recently Cadillac.

Hyundai CEO John Krafcik said in a statement that he's "delighted" to have Shannon on board.

"He's a marketing innovator with strong convictions about serving the customer," Krafcik said in the statement. "At the same time, he's personable, enthusiastic and professional -- a perfect fit for us at Hyundai."

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Hyundai Equus Nabs Five Percent of U.S. Luxury Car Market Share

For all the skepticism surrounding the Hyundai Equus, the Korean luxury sedan appears to be doing well, even exceeding Hyundai’s own expectations.

Hyundai’s Midwestern PR head Dean Bedore gave us some insight into the success of the Equus, noting that it currently has a 5 percent market share of the luxury car segment, while Hyundai itself has the same overall market share. Bedore noted that the only thing stopping Hyundai from selling more of them was a lack of supply.

Equus sales are currently outpacing brands like Rolls-Royce, Maybach and Bentley, along with sports cars like the BMW Z4, Audi R8 and Nissan GT-R. We are well aware of the apples vs. oranges nature of these kinds of comparisons, but we still found it neat that a $58,000 Hyundai is succeeding when even 5 years ago, such a notion would have been unthinkable.

Examples of luxury marques and vehicles that the Equus has outsold include:

· Bentley
· Maybach
· Rolls Royce
· Acura RL
· Audi TT
· BMW Z4
· Mercedes SLK
· Porsche Boxster
· Porsche Cayman
· BMW 6-Series
· Jaguar XK
· Mercedes CLS
· Nissan GT-R
· Audi R8
· Ferrari
· Lamborghini
· Maserati
· Mercedes CL
· Mercedes SL
· Mercedes SLS
· Lexus HS
· Saab 9-5
· Toyota Land Cruiser
· Land Rover LR2
· Acura ZDX
· Mercedes R-Class
· Mercedes G-Class

[Image Source: Autoblog]

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Hyundai Unveils Blue2 Concept in Seoul

Hyundai has pulled the sheets off its Blue2 FCEV Concept at this week's Seoul Motor Show, offering a preview of its plans in the hydrogen-powered alternative fuel race.

Aimed at getting an early foothold in the FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) market, the Blue2 is named to represent Hyundai's Blue-Drive eco brand and the chemical symbol for hydrogen gas, H2.

Power for the Blue2 is provided by a 90kW electric motor and, according to Hyundai, it will return the equivalent of 2.8 l/100km when compared to a regular petrol engine with the same output.

To help it achieve those figures, the Blue2 is also fitted with low rolling-resistance tyres and alloy wheels designed to improve aerodynamic performance.

On the styling front, the Blue2's "Intersected Flow" design represents a significant departure from Hyundai's current "fluidic sculpture" look.

Hyundai describes the new design approach as sporty and futuristic, its exterior designing flowing into the interior, with an asymmetrical dashboard and seats that are designed to allow easier entry and exit - helped further by automatic doors.

Interestingly, Hyundai says the Blue2's styling is also "a blueprint for future sedans." Watch for future Hyundai models to begin showing hints of the Blue2 Concept.

[Source: Hyundai]

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