Autoblog South Korea http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog South Korea http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Why BMWs are cheaper than Hyundais in Korea]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/why-bmws-are-cheaper-than-hyundais-in-korea/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/why-bmws-are-cheaper-than-hyundais-in-korea/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/18/why-bmws-are-cheaper-than-hyundais-in-korea/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Hyundai Equus

Bloomberg reports shifting tariff regulations have upended the traditional automotive pecking order in Korea. Thanks to cheaper import taxes, foreign brands have seen market share jump from 28 percent to 41 percent over the last two years. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi have all capitalized on the shift, with domestics like Hyundai and Kia suffering at the hands of their German rivals.

Taxes on European imports have fallen from 8 percent in 2011 to just 3.2 percent today. Over the next few years, tariffs will all but be eliminated for most imports, and taxes on US-made vehicles are expected to fall to just 4 percent in 2014. By 2016, that number will be zero. Needless to say, Hyundai and Kia are concerned about the shift.

Hyundai has seen profit fall by 15 percent last quarter, and the company says it is on pace to see the slowest sales growth since 2007. The company's shares have fallen by 12 percent. In order to stem the losses, Hyundai has discounted its midsize sedans and started working on diesel engine options.

Why BMWs are cheaper than Hyundais in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audibmwhyundaikiakorean auto marketmercedes Sat, 18 May 2013 08:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573562/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20573562/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/18/why-bmws-are-cheaper-than-hyundais-in-korea/20573562/article-detail.xml 20573562 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-hyundai-equus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-hyundai-equus-628.jpg <![CDATA[South Korea firms up fuel economy regs following Hyundai/Kia debacle]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regs-following-hyundai-kia-deb/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regs-following-hyundai-kia-deb/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regs-following-hyundai-kia-deb/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2012 Kia Soul Eco - profile view

According to a report from Reuters, South Korea's government has drafted strict new rules for automakers to follow when calculating fuel economy. The legislation comes after a major snafu by Hyundai and Kia that resulted in the automakers lowering the estimated fuel mileage of many popular models - some by several miles per gallon, including the Soul subcompact above - and compensating owners in the US and Canada for the reduction.

The new fuel economy rules were announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in South Korea and will see average mileage ratings drop by roughly three to five percent, according to the report. In addition, manufacturers found guilty of overstating mileage figures will be liable for fines of up to $900,000.

These sweeping new regulations will go into effect in the second half of 2013 and, while they won't have any effect on EPA estimates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the United States, they are expected to result in new ratings for the two automakers in their home market of South Korea, where they enjoy a whopping 70-percent market share.

South Korea firms up fuel economy regs following Hyundai/Kia debacle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> calculating fuel economyfuel economyfuel mileagehyundaikiakorean autoskorean governmentministry of tradesouth korea Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553285/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20553285/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/south-korea-firms-up-fuel-economy-regs-following-hyundai-kia-deb/20553285/article-detail.xml 20553285 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-kia-soul-base-eco_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2012-kia-soul-base-eco.jpg <![CDATA[These are the overloaded cars of South Korean workers fleeing North Korea]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/these-are-the-overloaded-cars-of-south-korean-workers-fleeing-no/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/these-are-the-overloaded-cars-of-south-korean-workers-fleeing-no/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/these-are-the-overloaded-cars-of-south-korean-workers-fleeing-no/#comments Filed under: ,

Overloaded South Korean's van fleeing North Korea

Around 175 South Korean workers have been forced to pack up their belongings and leave a group of jointly operated factories in North Korea after tensions continued to escalate between the two countries. The workers piled tools and finished products high onto the roofs of regular passenger cars as they evacuated as quickly as possible.

North Korea says the ongoing talks with its southern neighbor geared toward keeping the factory complex operational were "deceptive" given that the US and South Korean armed forces continue to practice joint drills nearby. South Korea, meanwhile, was concerned that workers could be deprived of food or medicine if the situation continued to sour.

The evacuation has placed the future of factories operated jointly by the two countries into question and marks the most significant casualty of the continued degradation of relations between the neighbors. It is unclear when or if the facilities will reopen.

These are the overloaded cars of South Korean workers fleeing North Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> evacuationkim jong-unkoreakorean flightnorth koreasouth korea Sun, 28 Apr 2013 19:07:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550878/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/these-are-the-overloaded-cars-of-south-korean-workers-fleeing-no/20550878/article-detail.xml 20550878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fleeing-north-korea-628l_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fleeing-north-korea-628l.jpg <![CDATA[South Korean network bans Psy 'Gentleman' video for disrespecting traffic cones]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/south-korean-network-bans-psy-gentleman-video-for-disrespectin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/south-korean-network-bans-psy-gentleman-video-for-disrespectin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/south-korean-network-bans-psy-gentleman-video-for-disrespectin/#comments Filed under: , , ,



South Korea takes the dignity of its traffic cones very, very seriously. As you've likely heard by now, Psy has released his long-anticipated followup to his international hit "Gangnam Style." The new single, "Gentleman," follows the singer as he behaves like anything but. The video has already garnered some 144.6 million views on YouTube, but the South Korean network KBS has banned the clip for one very specific reason. In the first few seconds, Psy walks up and kicks a traffic cone that reads, "No Parking."

KBS has labeled the video inappropriate because of the cone punt, saying, "KBS' standards are very different from the internet, online broadcaster or cable channels. This is because network TV is watched by everyone regardless of gender and age. Infants or children haven't fully developed a standard for judgement and tend to believe and follow what's shown on television."

Think of the children, Psy. You can watch the clip below for yourself. Just don't blame us if you're compelled to direct some violence towards an innocent cone.

Continue reading South Korean network bans Psy 'Gentleman' video for disrespecting traffic cones

South Korean network bans Psy 'Gentleman' video for disrespecting traffic cones originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> psypsy gentlemansouth koreatraffic conevideo Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544633/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20544633/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/south-korean-network-bans-psy-gentleman-video-for-disrespectin/20544633/article-detail.xml 20544633 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/psy-traffic-cone-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/psy-traffic-cone-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai reveals flying car among other wacky concepts [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/hyundai-reveals-flying-car-among-other-wacky-concepts-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/hyundai-reveals-flying-car-among-other-wacky-concepts-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/hyundai-reveals-flying-car-among-other-wacky-concepts-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Hyundai flying car concept

Hyundai has held an IDEA festival for the past three years that gives its engineers a break from seat belts, and electrical harnesses and wheel arch moldings. Each festival serves up a theme for personal mobility, after that there's no limit - competing teams can come up with anything that serves the theme and are encouraged to get creative.

That's how you get concepts like the E4U 'egg car' (pictured); a single-stander mode of transportation that channels Mork from Ork. The oddest thing about the egg is not the yellow shell but the helmet the 'driver' wears. Other ideas included a flying car with 16 (!) rotors, a bicycle that could serve as a spare tire and a car with five joints. Although most appeared totally impractical, all were totally cool.

This year's festival is in the works, the theme being the rather ambiguous "R&D for customers," the point is apparently to come up with concepts that Hyundai customers might actually use. There's a video with scenes of last year's festival and a press release below (our vote goes to the Pandora).

Continue reading Hyundai reveals flying car among other wacky concepts [w/video]

Hyundai reveals flying car among other wacky concepts [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> conceptegg carhyundaihyundai idea festivalidea festivalmobilityvideoyoutube Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540543/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540543/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/hyundai-reveals-flying-car-among-other-wacky-concepts-w-video/20540543/article-detail.xml 20540543 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-idea-festival-05-1366064358_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-idea-festival-05-1366064358.jpg <![CDATA[GM's Akerson mulling South Korea exit options due to North Korean tensions [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/gms-akerson-mulling-south-korea-exit-options-due-to-north-korea/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/gms-akerson-mulling-south-korea-exit-options-due-to-north-korea/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/gms-akerson-mulling-south-korea-exit-options-due-to-north-korea/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Dan Akerson interview on CNBC's Squawk Box - video screencap

Dan Akerson, CEO of General Motors, says his company is making contingency plans to move workers from South Korea should tensions escalate further between that country and North Korea. While speaking in an interview on CNBC's Squawk Box, Akerson said, "We are making contingency plans for the safety of our employees to the extent that we can."

The executive also touched on production. GM has over 17,000 workers across five plants in South Korea, which produce around 1.3 million vehicles per year for export. Those include the Chevrolet Spark subcompact sold in North America. The factories also produce 145,000 vehicles for the South Korean Market.

Akerson says that GM can't shift production out of South Korea quickly, but that if the region continues to destabilize due to North Korean saber rattling, the company may have no choice but to consider shifting its operations out of the region as part of long-term planning. He also makes it clear that any issues in South Korea could have wide-ranging impacts on the global automotive industry as a whole. You can watch the interview for yourself below.

Continue reading GM's Akerson mulling South Korea exit options due to North Korean tensions [w/video]

GM's Akerson mulling South Korea exit options due to North Korean tensions [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cnbcdan akersongeneral motorsgeneral motors productiongmnorth koreasouth koreasquawk boxvideo Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530785/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530785/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/gms-akerson-mulling-south-korea-exit-options-due-to-north-korea/20530785/article-detail.xml 20530785 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/akerson-interview-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/akerson-interview-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai exec admits company studying pickup, no foolin']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/hyundai-exec-admits-company-studying-pickup-no-foolin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/hyundai-exec-admits-company-studying-pickup-no-foolin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/hyundai-exec-admits-company-studying-pickup-no-foolin/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Hyundai Emblem

Automotive News reports Hyundai may be considering jumping into the US pickup market. Lee In-cheol, ice president of international sales, says the company's product planners and engineers are currently trying to determine what size pickup would be best for our market. Currently, the automaker has no plans to build a truck, but Lee says that hasn't stopped US dealers from asking the company to produce one. The US and South Korea signed a free trade agreement that took effect in 2012 that removes the so-called Chicken Tax from South Korean imports in seven years.

That means that Hyundai or Kia could import a foreign-built truck without incurring the 25 percent tax on the vehicle's value after 2021. Even so, Hyundai isn't committed into jumping into the US full-size pickup market. Instead, the company may build a smaller truck designed to compete in emerging markets.

We've been hearing word about Hyundai's pickup musings for years now, including a rumored partnership with Chrysler to produce Ram-based trucks, but so far, nothing has come of it.

Hyundai exec admits company studying pickup, no foolin' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hyundaihyundai pickuppickup Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20525054/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20525054/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/hyundai-exec-admits-company-studying-pickup-no-foolin/20525054/article-detail.xml 20525054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hyundai-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ssangyong gets handsome with LIV-1 large SUV concept]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/ssangyong-gets-handsome-with-liv-1-large-suv-concept/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/ssangyong-gets-handsome-with-liv-1-large-suv-concept/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/31/ssangyong-gets-handsome-with-liv-1-large-suv-concept/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Ssangyong has rolled another SUV out of the concept room and into the Seoul Motor Show called the LIV-1 - which stands for Limitless Interface Vehicle. The large four-wheel-drive machine is going into production according to Ssyangyong's CEO and will slot in between the Rodius and Rexton.

It will surely be toned down from the substantial, and substantially creased, SUV previewed in South Korea with its greenhouse full of glass and slivers for pillars. The "interface" portion of its name is backed up by five displays that include a 10-inch monitor in the center console, two seven-inch monitors in the headrests and a digital dash cluster with Special Sense that allows the driver to arrange the gauges as he sees fit.

Other tech touches include the nano-tube glassware that can remove frost quickly and the fact that the LIV-1 can be controlled remotely by a smart device and can "provide entertainment both within and from outside the vehicle," also via remote. The press release below can tell you more.

Continue reading Ssangyong gets handsome with LIV-1 large SUV concept

Ssangyong gets handsome with LIV-1 large SUV concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> concept carseoulseoul motor showssangyongssangyong liv-1 Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522864/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522864/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/31/ssangyong-gets-handsome-with-liv-1-large-suv-concept/20522864/article-detail.xml 20522864 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ssangyongliv-1concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ssangyongliv-1concept.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai's rakish HND-9 concept has lots of Seoul]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/hyundai-hnd-9-concept-seoul-motor-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/hyundai-hnd-9-concept-seoul-motor-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/hyundai-hnd-9-concept-seoul-motor-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Hyundai HND-9 Concept

Hyundai has unwrapped the HND-9 Sports Coupe Concept at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show. The design study is intended to give the world a glimpse at what Hyundai has planned for the look of its future products - an evolution of the automaker's current Fluidic Sculpture design language.

With classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive proportions, the HND-9 looks great, and engineers graced the concept with a 3.3-liter turbocharged, direct-injection engine good for 364 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission shuttles that thrust to the rear wheels, while touches like butterfly doors give the machine a bit of flair.

Indoors, the HND-9 features seats built with a special mesh that changes colors depending on the viewer's angle. Designers modeled the cabin after a cockpit for a close, sporty feel. You can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Hyundai's rakish HND-9 concept has lots of Seoul

Hyundai's rakish HND-9 concept has lots of Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seoul motor showhnd-9 concepthyundaihyundai hnd-9 conceptseoul motor show Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522218/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20522218/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/hyundai-hnd-9-concept-seoul-motor-show/20522218/article-detail.xml 20522218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hyundai-hnd-9-1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hyundai-hnd-9-1-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kia's promised "four-door coupe" Cub concept... isn't]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/kias-promised-four-door-coupe-cub-concept-isnt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/kias-promised-four-door-coupe-cub-concept-isnt/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/kias-promised-four-door-coupe-cub-concept-isnt/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Kia Cub Concept - front three-quarter studio view

Kia appears to have pulled a quick one on the world with its Cub Concept. As it turns out, the machine isn't the four-door coupe they promised at all. Instead, the little showcar is a five-door hatch with suicide rear doors. That's certainly fine by our reckoning, but it isn't quite what we were expecting to see on display at the Seoul Motor Show. The concept was penned at the company's design studio in Seoul with direction from Peter Schreyer, and it gets its thrust from a 204-horsepower, 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine. With 195 pound-feet of torque on hand, we suspect the Cub would have little trouble hustling down the road.

Indoors, the Cub serves up black leather seats with yellow accents as well as a new Driving Information System that uses a gesture camera to control various operations. Right now, there are apparently no plans to put the Cub into production anywhere in the world, but we wouldn't be surprised to see some of the hatchback's elements make their way to the show room floor.

Kia's promised "four-door coupe" Cub concept... isn't originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seoul motor showcub conceptkiakia cub conceptpeter schreyerseoulseoul motor show Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20521839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20521839/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/28/kias-promised-four-door-coupe-cub-concept-isnt/20521839/article-detail.xml 20521839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-cub-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-cub-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kia confirms Cub "four-door coupe" concept for Seoul]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/kia-confirms-cub-four-door-coupe-concept-for-seoul/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/kia-confirms-cub-four-door-coupe-concept-for-seoul/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/kia-confirms-cub-four-door-coupe-concept-for-seoul/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Kia Cub Concept - shadowy teaser

Kia has announced it is headed to the Seoul Motor Show with a new sedan concept. Details are still scarce, but the Kia CUB Concept should be small, at under 13 feet long and come with coupe-like proportions. Kia wants the vehicle to "appeal to trend-setting urban dwellers," a notoriously car-hungry market. The automaker says the Cub has a cheerful face decorated with two-point LED headlamps just like those found on the Quoris flagship, but the teaser image above looks a bit more sinister than happy to us. Kia plans to give the Cub a proper unveiling on March 28.

Hyundai has also given us a glimpse at what the company has planned for Seoul with its HND-9 luxury sports coupe. You can refresh yourself on that machine by checking out the post here. You can also take a closer look at the brief press release below.

Continue reading Kia confirms Cub "four-door coupe" concept for Seoul

Kia confirms Cub "four-door coupe" concept for Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seoul motor showconceptcubcub conceptkiakia cub conceptseoulseoul 2013seoul motor show Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516579/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516579/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/kia-confirms-cub-four-door-coupe-concept-for-seoul/20516579/article-detail.xml 20516579 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-cub-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/kia-cub-628.jpg <![CDATA[Younger buyers leaving Japanese for South Korean, American brands]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/#comments Filed under: , ,

Young new car shoppers looking at a Ford

Edmunds has taken a closer look at the buying habits of young adults. As it turns out, Gen X and Gen Y buyers are increasingly eschewing Japanese brands in favor of South Korean and American automakers. Five years ago, that wasn't the case, with more than half of all young buyers flocking to brands like Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mazda. But the U.S. has made up quite a bit of ground in recent years by producing inexpensive and fuel efficient small cars that appeal to a younger audience. Likewise, Hyundai and Kia have sharpened their small car games as well, and are now making more credit available to younger customers.

Those efforts have begun to pay dividends. While Japanese brands have seen their share of 18-24 year-old buyers slide by 9.8 percent between 2008 and 2012, domestic automakers have enjoyed a 1.9 percent increase. South Korean brands, meanwhile, have enjoyed the largest jump, with a 6.8 percent increase over the same time period. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Younger buyers leaving Japanese for South Korean, American brands

Younger buyers leaving Japanese for South Korean, American brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> domestic brandsgen xgen yhyundaijapanese brandskiayoung buyers Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20513514/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20513514/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/younger-buyers-leaving-japanese-for-south-korean-american-brand/20513514/article-detail.xml 20513514 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/young-car-shoppers-at-ford-dealer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/young-car-shoppers-at-ford-dealer.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai sketches out HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept ahead of Seoul]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/hyundai-sketches-out-hnd-9-luxury-sports-coupe-concept-ahead-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/hyundai-sketches-out-hnd-9-luxury-sports-coupe-concept-ahead-of/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/21/hyundai-sketches-out-hnd-9-luxury-sports-coupe-concept-ahead-of/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Hyundai HND-9 luxury coupe concept with door open - artist's rendering

Hyundai has dropped a couple of rendered looks at its forthcoming HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept, which will debut at the 2013 Seoul Motor Show. While full details probably won't be released until then, the Korean automaker has said the butterfly-doored machine will bow with a direct-injection, turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine good for around 365 horsepower. The mill is bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission and puts its grunt to the rear tires. While the doors are pure showcar theater, we dig the Aston-inspired long nose and boisterous rear haunches.

Look for the car to receive an actual introduction on March 28, and while we don't expect to see the HND-9 on showroom floors any time soon, some of the creation's design language may make it to production models. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Hyundai sketches out HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept ahead of Seoul

Hyundai sketches out HND-9 luxury sports coupe concept ahead of Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 seoul motor showhnd-9hnd-9 concepthyundaihyundai hnd-9 conceptseoul 2013seoul motor show Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20513133/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20513133/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/21/hyundai-sketches-out-hnd-9-luxury-sports-coupe-concept-ahead-of/20513133/article-detail.xml 20513133 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hyundai-hnd-9-sketch-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/hyundai-hnd-9-sketch-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2014 Hyundai Equus

Hyundai has dropped a pair of videos detailing the facelifted 2014 Equus (a.k.a. Centennial) ahead of the luxury sedan's official debut at the New York Auto Show later this month. New adaptive LED headlamps are matched with redesigned LED taillamps, along with new 18-inch alloy wheels at all four corners (19s are optional). Buyers will get to enjoy a card-type smart key and a shift-by-wire gear change indoors. More importantly, the vehicle's forward cabin is now dominated by a 9.2-inch screen mounted in the center of the dash.

The old analog gauges have also gone by the wayside in favor of a new TFT LCD display. Mechanically, the 2014 Equus will continue to offer a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine or an optional 5.0-liter V8, depending on the market (the US-spec car is currently only available with the V8). The vehicle can be configured with a total of three driving modes, including Normal, Snow and Sport, which can adjust multiple systems, including the vehicle's electronic dampers. You can check out two computer-generated videos of the four-door below.

Continue reading 2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut

2014 Hyundai Equus facelift revealed ahead of NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 hyundai equuscentennialequushyundaihyundai centennialhyundai equusnew yorknew york 2013new york auto showvideo Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499064/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499064/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/2014-hyundai-equus-facelift-revealed-ahead-of-ny-debut/20499064/article-detail.xml 20499064 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-628-1363108112_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/2014-hyundai-equus-628-1363108112.jpg <![CDATA[SsangYong SIV-1 Concept is "Nature Born 3 Motion" embodied]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/ssangyong-siv-1-concept-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/ssangyong-siv-1-concept-geneva-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/ssangyong-siv-1-concept-geneva-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

SsangYong SIV-1 Concept - front three-quarter view

SsangYong is not normally a brand whose styling we're comfortable with, but this SIV-1 Concept represents a marked improvement in the company's aesthetics - even if we're still not in love with its high-waisted look.

This midsize crossover concept is poised to spawn a production model, but unfortunately the Korean automaker isn't providing any details about its powertrain or availability. Instead, SsangYong is only too happy to talk about the four-seat CUV's inscrutable "Nature Born 3 Motion" design philosophy, its interior tech and the "nano tube technology-based high function heat coating" that's been applied to the windows to keep them clear in bad weather.

Check out the rest of SsangYong's Smart Interface Vehicle in our gallery above and read more in the official press release below.

Continue reading SsangYong SIV-1 Concept is "Nature Born 3 Motion" embodied

SsangYong SIV-1 Concept is "Nature Born 3 Motion" embodied originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genevageneva 2013geneva motor showsiv-1siv-1 conceptssangyong Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489647/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20489647/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/ssangyong-siv-1-concept-geneva-2013/20489647/article-detail.xml 20489647 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ssangyong-siv-1-concept-geneva-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ssangyong-siv-1-concept-geneva-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why Toyota Camry's Korea Car of the Year win is a big-time upset]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/why-toyota-camrys-korea-car-of-the-year-win-is-a-big-time-upset/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/why-toyota-camrys-korea-car-of-the-year-win-is-a-big-time-upset/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/why-toyota-camrys-korea-car-of-the-year-win-is-a-big-time-upset/#comments Filed under: , ,

2013 Toyota Camry

The 2013 Toyota Camry is officially the car of the year in Korea. The country's motoring press graced the Japanese sedan with the honor for the first time, officially marking a shift in prevailing Korean attitudes toward Japan and its products. According to industry analysts, buyers in the country are no longer simply choosing their purchases based on whether or not they're made in South Korea, but rather based on quality and personal choice. That's a big jump from a few years ago, when buyers viewed their purchases through a patriotic lens.

The Camry managed to edge out a total of 44 other cars, including hardware from both Hyundai and Kia, to become the first foreign vehicle to take home the Korea Automobile Journalist Association's Car of the Year award. As The Detroit News points out, just 10 years ago, domestic manufacturers held some 99 percent of the Korean car market. But a change in trade regulations has opened up the country considerably, and buyers now have access to a wide range of products from around the globe. As a result, Hyundai and Kia have countered by cutting prices in an attempt to keep their grip on the market.

Why Toyota Camry's Korea Car of the Year win is a big-time upset originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 camry2013 toyota camrycamrycar of the yearkoreakorea car of the yearsouth koreatoyota Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476246/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476246/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/why-toyota-camrys-korea-car-of-the-year-win-is-a-big-time-upset/20476246/article-detail.xml 20476246 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-toyota-camry-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/2013-toyota-camry-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ssangyong SIV-1 Geneva teasers suggest brand starting to find design mojo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/ssangyong-siv-1-geneva-teasers-suggest-brand-starting-to-find-de/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/ssangyong-siv-1-geneva-teasers-suggest-brand-starting-to-find-de/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/12/ssangyong-siv-1-geneva-teasers-suggest-brand-starting-to-find-de/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ssangyong SIV-1 crossover concept rendering - front three-quarter view

To follow Ssangyong's recent concept history from the XUV-1 shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, to the XIV-2 shown at Geneva last year to the e-XIV concept shown in Paris is to trace the evolution of the firm's design growth. The SIV-1 concept coming to this year's Geneva expo caps them all and looks like a leap in confidence for the South Korean brand.

Ssangyong doesn't have much to say about it right now. SIV translates to "Smart Interface Vehicle," and we're told it is a "multi-interface" crossover that has a mobile audio system and four bucket seats. We'll find out more when we get to Geneva next month, but we like what we see so far. You can visit the press release below for a few more official words.

Continue reading Ssangyong SIV-1 Geneva teasers suggest brand starting to find design mojo

Ssangyong SIV-1 Geneva teasers suggest brand starting to find design mojo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genevageneva 2013geneva motor showsiv-1ssangyongssangyong siv-1 Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458608/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20458608/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/12/ssangyong-siv-1-geneva-teasers-suggest-brand-starting-to-find-de/20458608/article-detail.xml 20458608 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/ssangyongsvi-1concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/ssangyongsvi-1concept.jpg <![CDATA[Helicopter crashes on <i>Top Gear Korea</i> set while chasing Corvette ZR1]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/helicopter-crashes-on-top-gear-korea-set-while-chasing-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/helicopter-crashes-on-top-gear-korea-set-while-chasing-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/helicopter-crashes-on-top-gear-korea-set-while-chasing-co/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Top Gear Korea helicopter vs. ZR1 screencap (before crash)

The formula of Top Gear Korea is seemingly about the same as it is everywhere else in the world, including the flagship British original: involve interesting cars in fantastical situations with charismatic hosts. That prescription has proved to be pretty reliable over the years, and has lead to some truly memorable and exciting pieces of television.

Something like that was undoubtedly what the Korean producers were after when they lined up this segment - a drag race between a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and an AH1 Cobra military helicopter. The planners almost certainly did not expect the filming of the segment to go quite as wrong as it actually did, with the helicopter actually crashing into the dirt after the "drag race" had been completed. Thankfully, we're told that no one was seriously injured in the crash, but the footage, in the video below, is pretty damn chilling to watch, nevertheless.

Continue reading Helicopter crashes on Top Gear Korea set while chasing Corvette ZR1

Helicopter crashes on Top Gear Korea set while chasing Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 chevrolet corvette zr1ah1 cobrachevroletchevycorvettecorvette zr1helicopter crashtop geartop gear koreavideozr1 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456212/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20456212/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/11/helicopter-crashes-on-top-gear-korea-set-while-chasing-co/20456212/article-detail.xml 20456212 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/top-gear-korea-helicopter-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/top-gear-korea-helicopter-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Goes Both Ways: Free-trade pact sees South Korean brands losing share at home]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/goes-both-ways-free-trade-pact-sees-south-korean-brands-losing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/goes-both-ways-free-trade-pact-sees-south-korean-brands-losing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/goes-both-ways-free-trade-pact-sees-south-korean-brands-losing/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Hyundai badge

France has been vocal, but not alone, in noting the rise of the South Korean automakers in Europe. The signing of a free-trade pact in 2011 between South Korea and the EU, along with the especially value-conscious buyers in a crisis-stricken Europe, has seen market share increases measuring in the double digits for Hyundai and Kia - analysts expect 14-percent growth for the two in 2012.

A report in Bloomberg has found that there's pain at the other end, too: The pact more than halved import tariffs on European cars headed to South Korea to 3.2 percent, and prices are now close enough to domestic offerings for more South Koreans to pay the premium for foreign luxury nameplates and the cachet they confer. Products sold by the five domestic automakers hogged 92 percent of the market last year, and sales have dropped 5.2 percent this year whereas import sales have risen by 24 percent. This will mark the first year that imports claimed ten percent of the market; compare that to 2002, when domestic market share in the world's 11th largest auto market was 99 percent.

The Germans are at the head of the arrow, counting for 65 percent of imported car sales, but every foreign maker has seen double-digit gains. Analysts think foreign makes could ultimately grab 15 percent of the market.

The US signed a free-trade agreement with South Korea last year after years of back-and-forth negotiations. The import tariff on US cars was halved to four percent, and by 2016 there won't be any tariff at all. The hope is that the deal will quickly mean the US will be able to export and sell more than a miniscule fraction of cars to the Asian nation's buyers; the US Internal Trade Commission predicts a 54-percent climb in exports to the country is possible. A side beneficiary of the deal is the Japanese makers: With no free-trade deal between their home country and South Korea, manufacturers like Toyota and Honda are now looking forward to sending more of their American-made product to the peninsula.

Goes Both Ways: Free-trade pact sees South Korean brands losing share at home originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> exportsfree tradeFree Trade Agreementhyundaiimportskiasouth koreatarifftrade Sat, 29 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410403/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410403/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/29/goes-both-ways-free-trade-pact-sees-south-korean-brands-losing/20410403/article-detail.xml 20410403 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hyundai-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/hyundai-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai working to replace car keys with smartphones]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/hyundai-working-to-replace-car-keys-with-smartphones/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/hyundai-working-to-replace-car-keys-with-smartphones/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/hyundai-working-to-replace-car-keys-with-smartphones/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Hyundai smartphone for car keys

Hyundai is working on technology that may allow you to access your vehicle with nothing more than a swipe of your smartphone. The automaker's i30 Connectivity Concept boasts an embedded NFC tag that allows the user to open the doors with a quick swipe. Drop the phone in the center console, and the driver can pair with the on-board touch screen and start the car. An inductive charging plate takes care of keeping the phone alive without having to fuss with cords or adapters. What's more, Hyundai says that the system can recognize individual smartphones, which means each user can have a customized experience.

Using the company's MirrorLink, the car can automatically sync not only contacts and apps, but also navigation destinations and streaming audio. More interestingly, the system uses technology available right now, and Hyundai says the system will be available on its next-generation of vehicles starting in 2015. While we're all for sending bulky key fobs to the scrap heap, hurdles like previous owner security concerns and the hitch of what happens if your phone dies before you can make it to your car will need to be overcome. You can read the full writeup over at Wired.

Hyundai working to replace car keys with smartphones originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car keysconnectivity concepthyundaihyundai i30 connectivity conceptkeyssmartphonesmartphone for car keys Fri, 28 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412716/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412716/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/hyundai-working-to-replace-car-keys-with-smartphones/20412716/article-detail.xml 20412716 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smartphone-garage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/smartphone-garage-628.jpg -1 2