Hyundai's Alabama Plant Rolls Out One Millionth Sonata

Hyundai marked an important milestone today at its Montgomery, Alabama plant. Its one millionth Sonata — a Silver 2012 2.0T Limited — rolled off the line at the Montgomery plant Friday morning.

"I am so proud of everything our team members have accomplished in the past six years, eclipsing 1,000,000 total vehicles manufactured in November 2009, producing more than 300,000 vehicles in 2010 and now our 1,000,000th Sonata," president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) Young Deuk Lim said in a written statement.

The Sonata is Hyundai’s top seller in America. Earlier this month, Hyundai announced an all-time sales record for both the month of June and in the first half of the year.

HMMA has produced three different vehicles since its opening in 2005: the Sonata, Santa Fe and Elantra. The plant has about 2,500 employees and has built more than 1.4 million vehicles.

[Source: Hyundai]

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Redesigned 2012 Hyundai Azera to Make U.S. Debut at L.A. Auto Show

Hyundai’s upscale 2012 Azera sedan will debut at the Los Angeles auto show this November. The redesigned Azera will feature the brand’s “fluidic sculpture” design, a vast improvement over the tame current design...

“We’re in the final stages of ride/handling tuning for the 2012 Azera, and it’s dialing in nicely. Look out for it at the LA Auto Show,” said John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Both powertrain specifics and pricing details for the 2012 Azera have not been announced, but a new 3.3-liter direct injection V6 engine is expected to be implemented. Power is likely to be around 300-hp mated to a front-wheel drive system. Hyundai is hoping the FWD setup will appeal to buyers in cold-weather states where the Genesis’ rear-wheel drive system can be a deal breaker. Pricing will likely be around $26,270, above the Sonata ($20, 455) and below the Genesis ($35,050).

Hyundai is excited about the Azera redesign, and expects the vehicle to sell very well. The Korean automaker has said the potential exists to sell 18,000 to 20,000 units annually after the redesign.

[Source: Automotive News]

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Report: Next Hyundai Genesis to be Available with AWD

Hyundai has just confirmed that the next generation Hyundai Genesis will receive an option for all-wheel drive, after seeing that nearly half of BMW sedans in the US are ordered with AWD.

“We do have a plan to fix that (the current lack of an AWD option for the Genesis sedan) with the next major model change,” said Hyundai’s CEO, John Krafcik...
Additionally, since the new 5.0L V8-powered R-Spec model has just been released, a source within Hyundai said that the offering of two distinct V8s—the standard 4.6L and the top-end 5.0L—is an “unusual practice.” Hyundai has an initiative to simplify the number of buildable configurations, mostly to keep customers from getting confused, something that we’ve seen with other cars such as Volkswagen and Chevrolet.

It is unconfirmed, but the source said that the next generation’s Genesis may consolidate its V8 options by offering only a 5.0L Tau V8, but one that is detuned for the base V8 model and one that is the normal 5.0L Tau V8 found in the current Genesis R-Spec.

[Source: Inside Line]

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Facelifted in South Korea (UPDATED)

New images added after the jump!

Hyundai has blessed the South Korean market version of its Sonata mid-size sedan with its very first mild facelift. Just don’t blink because you may very well miss it.

The light cosmetic surgery on the outside brings a revamped front grille with a little bit less chrome on top and around the sides, plus new LED taillights at the back, reshaped mirror casings and a fresh choice of alloy wheel designs including a set of 18-inch multispoke rims.

There are some mild tweaks inside, namely the new trim options, higher quality materials, the addition of LED spot lights and improved standard equipment throughout the range.

In South Korea, while the Sonata continues with the 165-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit, matched to a manual gearbox or an automatic transmission, for the 2012MY, Hyundai replaced the 2.4-liter gasoline engine with the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot rated at 271-horses.

Hyundai did not say when or if the styling changes will pass on to the international market version of the Sonata, but we promise to act surprised if the U.S. model receives a similar refresh within the next 12 months.




[Source: Hyundai]

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Kia "TAM" Box Car Interior Spied for the First Time

More images after the jump!

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Kia Sweeps Design Awards in New Automotive Brand Contest

Kia Motors is one of the big winners at the first ever Automotive Brand Contest which was organized by the German Design Council. The judge panel declared Kia Motors the worthy winner in four categories. Three kia models were picked as winners for the exterior category, including the compact Sportage SUV, the forthcoming Rio (on sale from September 2011) and the all new Kia Optima (above). Kia was also ranked ‘Best of Best’ in the brand design category, where strategy and focus of the brand’s overall design is rated.

Peter Schreyer, Kia’s chief designer said, “We are all exceedingly proud that Kia Motors has done so well in this new competition, which is very important within the automotive industry. By changing our basic design focus, we have given our brand a face, a distinctive identity.“

[Source: Kia]

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Kia Reunites Joyride Characters for 2012 Sorento Ad (w/VIDEO)

Though not as successful as their music-loving hamster counterparts, Kia’s oddball cast of life-size children's characters from last year’s Joyride commercials are back for a new advertising campaign.

Muno, Sock Monkey, MR. X, the vintage robot and teddy bear will star in two new 30-second TV spots for the 2012 Sorento CUV. As with the original campaign, "Joyride 2" was created by David&Goliath, KMA's advertising agency of choice. The first commercial begins airing today and will be followed up by the second spot next month.

"The Sorento has been Kia's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. every month since arriving in showrooms in January 2010 thanks in large part to the immense popularity of the original 'Joyride Dream' campaign," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing & communications, KMA.

"In just its second model year, the 2012 Sorento delivers significant performance and efficiency improvements as well as new convenience features that meet the ever-changing needs of today's consumers, and bringing back the popular 'Joyride' crew allows us to continue our momentum in a fun and entertaining way," Sprague concluded.



[Source: Kia]

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Hyundai Overtakes Honda, Toyota for Top Spot in Brand Loyalty

Kelley Blue Book announced today that Hyundai has taken the number 1 spot in brand loyalty, beating out Honda and Toyota, on kbb.com for Q2 2011. Automakers have struggled recently to retain loyal customers due to the economic downturn and consumers becoming more aware of issues such as fuel prices and safety recalls.

Hyundai has remained successful through aggressive marketing campaigns combined with innovative product redesigns like the successful Sonata and Elantra. In the second quarter of 2011, Hyundai’s brand loyalty was at 52.3 percent while Honda followed with 49.7 percent and Toyota came in third at 47.7 percent. Kia and Mini are the only two brands that have gained loyalty year-over-year, thanks to attractive redesigns and additional models within their respective lineups coupled to aggressive marketing campaigns.

“Hyundai’s product renaissance is benefitting the company not just by attracting an all-new customer base, but by helping them to retain current loyal Hyundai owners, as well,” said Arthur Henry, market intelligence manager for Kelley Blue Book. ”This latest brand loyalty analysis from kbb.com is a testament to the power of attractive vehicle designs and intriguing marketing in the minds of in-market car shoppers as they consider their next vehicle.”

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

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Hyundai and Kia Boost U.S. Sales Target for 2011

Yesterday, Hyundai Motor Group said it is expecting to raise its U.S auto sales by 18.2 percent this year to 1.06 million vehicles, an improvement from a previous target of 1.01 million.

Hyundai would to sell 624,000 units and Kia with 433,000 in the U.S. Both South Korean automakers are experiencing fast growth in the U.S market with a combined share reaching 10.1 percent as of May from 7.7 percent in 2010 and 3.3 percent in 2001. The launch of the Hyundai Veloster and the Kia Rio subcompact in the U.S are to help maintain the sales momentum of both companies.

Chung Mong-Koo, charman of the Hyundai Motor Group, announced the sales increase while visiting the U.S, which may be linked to the possible construction of a second plant to meet booming demand in the world’s second- largest auto market.

[Source: Reuters]

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Kia Posts 17.4% Global Sales Growth in June

Kia Motors Corporation announced today its global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles for June 2011, recording a total of 216,106 units sold. This figure represents a year-on-year increase of 17.4%.

In June, Kia posted strong double-digit year-on-year sales increases in all of its overseas regions – 38.0% in North America (52,121 units sold), 26.6% in China (33,749 units sold), 24.8% in Europe (44,422 units sold), and 10.0% in general markets* (43,614 units sold), while sales in the home market of Korea declined by 5.0% (42,200 units sold).

Cumulatively, through the first six months of 2011, Kia’s global sales have increased by 19.8% year-on-year to reach 1,204,117 units. North America has experienced the highest gain to date in 2011 of 41.5% (278,199 units sold) while the remaining regions have all shown strong cumulative year-on-year sales increases: 19.0% in China (203,440 units sold), 17.2% in Europe (228,130 units sold), 14.8% in general markets (246,003 units sold) and 8.8% in Korea (248,345 units sold).

Kia’s best selling model in overseas markets for the month of June was the C-segment Cerato (known as ‘Forte’ in some markets) with 38,119 units sold. The Sportage compact CUV was the second best seller with 30,226 units delivered, while the B-segment Rio, Soul urban crossover vehicle and Sorento mid-size CUV followed with 19,520, 18,054 and 17,886 units sold, respectively.

Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation, Thomas Oh, said, “Our June results are quite encouraging as we surpassed the one million unit global sales mark, putting us well on track to exceed our annual target of 2,345,000 vehicles set at the start of 2011. In the second half of the year, we look forward to the all-new Picanto A-segment and all-new Rio B-segment vehicles arriving in showrooms around the world, in addition to the start of production of the all-new Optima for North American consumers at Kia’s U.S. plant in the state of Georgia.”

[Source: Kia]

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Argentina Agrees to Import Hyundai and Kia for Peanuts

Argentina’s exports for imports saga continues, with South Korean carmaker Hyundai agreeing to export peanuts, wine, biodiesel and soy flour to offset the US$91 million (€64 million) it added to Argentina’s growing trade deficit in 2010. Partner company / subsidiary Kia has agreed export white goods and plastics for their contribution.

The South American nation’s US$6 billion (€4.19 billion) trade deficit has already led to one Porsche distributor agreeing to export wine and olive products, while similar deals have been struck with carmakers Chery, GM, Peugeot-Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Fiat and Ford.

Soaring consumer demand for foreign goods, which is up some 38% year-to-date for the January to April period, has resulted in these highly protectionist policies with the Argentine government flat out refusing imports from parties that don’t agree. An undisclosed source in the motor industry told the Financial Times:

“In December, they told us and all the other car importers to reduce imports by 20 per cent compared with 2010. [When they want to enforce things] they simply give a call to customs and say, from now on, don’t let any vehicles come in.”

Hyundai is expected to earn a surplus of US$55 million (€38 million) in 2012, thanks to the US$157 million (€110 million) deal it’s made with Argentina’s federal government in Buenos Aires.

[Source: Financial Times]

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Kia Produces 300,000th Vehicle at West Point, Georgia Plant

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) celebrated production of the 300,000th vehicle today at its West Point, Georgia plant.

Mass production of the Kia Sorento CUV began at KMMG on Nov. 16, 2009, and the crossover is the Kia brand's best-selling vehicle in the U.S.

Since opening, KMMG has added two shifts and completed the hiring process for nearly 1,000 new team members, bringing the total number of jobs created at the plant to more than 3,000. The critically-acclaimed Optima midsize sedan will be added to the production line later this year, and the plant has begun a series of expansion projects to increase its annual capacity to 360,000 vehicles in 2012.

"The completion of our 300,000th vehicle in less than two years is another historic milestone for KMMG, and the success of the plant is attributable to each team members' commitment to outstanding quality," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and KMMG. "Now, with three full shifts of production and the upcoming addition of the Optima, our production goals will continue to be very aggressive."

Vehicle number 300,000 was a silver Sorento SX that will now be allocated to one of KMA's more than 730 dealers nationwide.

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Ga. At full capacity, the plant will have the ability to build 360,000 vehicles annually from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.

[Source: Kia]

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Kia Most Improved Brand in ALG Perceived Quality Study

ALG, a company best known for predicting residual values on vehicles in its automotive lease guides, also conducts ‘Perceived Quality’ studies. And the findings of its most recent one (Spring 2011); indicated that of all automakers that sell cars and trucks in the U.S., the most improved in the mainstream category was Kia Motors.

“For Kia, the consumer quality recognition is the payoff for a recent revolution in product quality and design supported by aggressive marketing campaigns,” declared Eric Lyman; ALG’s Director of Residual Value Solutions.

Other brands that reported notable gains in perceived quality included Land Rover; largely fueled by the growing popularity of the Ranger Rover Sport and new Evoque models.

In terms of the top five automakers in the mainstream category, there were few surprises: Honda, Toyota, Ford Trucks, Subaru and Nissan were ranked in that order as delivering the best in perceived vehicle quality. In the luxury category Lexus ranked first, followed by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Acura.

[Source: Kia]

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Kia's Chief Designer Schreyer Confirms Roadster in Plans

A veritable avalanche of rumours has beaten down on the net these last few weeks about Kia’s plans for marketing a roadster shortly. Today, Peter Schreyer, the Korean manufacturers chief designer and man behind the Audi TT, confirmed his desire to develop such a model – but not for another year.

He says he wants to create “some sort of roadster or convertible” but “a car like that needs to make money, and this is not so easy,” hinting at the monumental task ahead of him.

Before embarking on this adventure, Schreyer says he needs to “do his homework” and revamp the Sedona and Rondo, the only two models that haven’t undergone his brand of shock therapy that is in part responsible for the company’s recent success.

[Source: Automotive News (Image: Auto Express)]

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Hyundai Best Selling Passenger Car Brand in Canada

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. announced today that after the first six months of 2011 the company is Canada's best-selling passenger car brand. Further, its 2011 year-to-date sales have increased 10.5% to 68,721 units.

In the month of June Hyundai sold 13,435 units, representing a 16.8% increase over the same month last year and setting a new company record for the month. The company has now achieved 30 consecutive months of year-over-year sales growth. Hyundai also remained the best-selling import company for the second consecutive month in June.

"Hyundai's sales in June epitomized the company's performance in the first half of 2011," said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "Hyundai vehicles are really resonating with Canadian shoppers with an unmatched combination of quality, design and value. Consumers are also recognizing that Hyundai offers tremendous fuel economy. They notice that we offer fuel-saving technologies as standard equipment, unlike some of our competitors that add thousands of dollars in extra costs for a special 'eco' trim. Consumers in the compact and subcompact segments want to save money on fuel, and at Hyundai, best-in-class fuel efficiency is standard with the Elantra and Accent."

Kelleher added that in response to growing consumer interest in fuel efficient vehicles, the company will begin announcing the percentage of total sales that are of vehicles with fuel efficiency ratings better than 5.0 L/100 km (40 US miles per gallon). "Hyundai is dedicated to leading the industry in fuel efficiency by implementing the latest in fuel saving technology into its vehicles. Where cars that consume less than 5.0 litres of fuel per 100 km used to be reserved for a select few subcompacts, Hyundai today offers a subcompact, compact and intermediate sedan that surpass the new threshold for excellent fuel economy."

In June, no less than 33.2% of sales were from Hyundai vehicles that consume less than 5.0 L/100 km. The Sonata Hybrid intermediate sedan, Elantra compact sedan and Accent subcompact consume fuel at a respective rate of just 4.6, 4.9 and 4.8 L/100km on the highway.

[Source: Hyundai Canada]

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Kia Motors America Announces Record June Sales and Best-Ever Quarter in Company History

Kia Motors America's (KMA) unprecedented sales growth continues as the brand reports the best quarterly sales performance in company history – 140,330 units – on the strength of all-time record June sales. The June total of 45,044 vehicles represents a 41.2-percent increase from the same period a year earlier. KMA's year-to-date sales are up 44.1 percent over 2010 thanks to solid sales performances by the U.S.-built(1) Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle and the Optima midsize sedan. The results mark the sixth-consecutive quarterly sales record for Kia in the U.S. Kia's funky Soul remains tremendously popular and posted its best-ever sales of 11,314 units in June.

"Kia has experienced extraordinary momentum and by achieving our sixth straight quarterly sales record it is clear that our fresh lineup continues to attract new consumers to our showrooms as a result of Kia's aggressive product-led transformation," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "Soul's best-ever monthly sales result and the launch of Kia's first hybrid in June further validates Kia's strategy of bringing the most innovative, functional, and fuel-efficient products to market. These products are designed to meet and exceed the expectations of today's consumers at a tremendous value, and with exciting new products like the significantly enhanced 2012 Soul coming this summer and two all-new Rios this fall, we are well positioned to continue our growth into the future."



[Source: Kia]

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