Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: KDM Hyundai Tucson iX is a Sexy Utility Vehicle... just ask Britney Spears?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/video-kdm-hyundai-tucson-ix-is-a-sexy-utility-vehicle-just-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/video-kdm-hyundai-tucson-ix-is-a-sexy-utility-vehicle-just-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/video-kdm-hyundai-tucson-ix-is-a-sexy-utility-vehicle-just-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hyundai Tucson iX commercial from Korea - Click above to watch the video after the jump

It doesn't seem that long ago that Beck was singing about picking up his date in a Hyundai. (Check out "Debra" - best song ever). Only he was kidding. And it was funny. Damn funny, actually. But guess who's laughing now? The Korean automaker has gone from punchline to the fourth largest automaker in the world in just a few years, backed by some seriously improved products. And they're keen to point out their newfound appeal with the new iX35/Tucson, the crossover which the capital of Seoul has dubbed the "Sexy Utility Vehicle."

Not convinced? Just check out the music video/television commercial after the jump featuring the latest Britney Spears hit, "If U Seek Amy" (it's not quite as good as Beck, but at least it's got a beat) - who apparently thinks all of the boys and all of the girls want to do naughty things to the latest Hyundai - and a voiceover at the end that we could swear sounds just like Tom Cruise. Oh, and if you're up on your Korean and care to tell us what the text is on about, feel free in the comments section below.


Gallery: KDM 2010 Hyundai Tucson


[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: KDM Hyundai Tucson iX is a Sexy Utility Vehicle... just ask Britney Spears?!

VIDEO: KDM Hyundai Tucson iX is a Sexy Utility Vehicle... just ask Britney Spears?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritneyBritney SpearsBritneySpearshyundaihyundai ixhyundai ix35hyundai tucsonhyundai tucson ixhyundai tucson ix35HyundaiIxHyundaiIx35HyundaiTucsonHyundaiTucsonIxHyundaiTucsonIx35kdmkoreakoreantucsonvideoTue, 01 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/hyundai-kia-overtakes-ford-as-worlds-4th-largest-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/hyundai-kia-overtakes-ford-as-worlds-4th-largest-automaker/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/18/hyundai-kia-overtakes-ford-as-worlds-4th-largest-automaker/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were shocked by the news from around this time last year that the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group had jumped up to 5th in the global standings of the world's largest car manufacturers, you'll be just as surprised by the latest sales figures that place the Korean automaker this year in the fourth slot, leapfrogging past Ford to slot in (significantly) underneath Volkswagen.

The figures come from the Automotive News Data Center, which places Hyundai-Kia's global sales for the first half of 2009 at 2,153,000 units, just edging out Ford's 2,145,000 units so far this year. Of course, these numbers count the Nissan-Renault Alliance as two separate units, with 1.5 million and 1.1 million units respectively, but if combined they'd knock Hyundai (as well as Ford) out of position with over 2.6 million units. After Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen, Hyundai and Ford, French automaker PSA Peugeot-Citroen comes in sixth, just barely ahead of Honda, with Nissan in 8th, Suzuki in 9th and Renault rounding out the top ten. Check out Kia's official press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - First Drive


[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker

Hyundai-Kia overtakes Ford to become world's 4th largest automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaihyundai-kiahyundai-kia automotive groupHyundai-kiaAutomotiveGroupkiakoreakoreanlargestlargest automakersLargestAutomakersrankingssouth koreaSouthKoreastandingsTue, 18 Aug 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Ssangyong preparing to lay off nearly 40% of workforce by end of June? ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/report-ssangyong-prepares-to-lay-off-nearly-40-of-workforce-by/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/report-ssangyong-prepares-to-lay-off-nearly-40-of-workforce-by/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/24/report-ssangyong-prepares-to-lay-off-nearly-40-of-workforce-by/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ssangyong Motor Company is still struggling to gain traction after it ceased production late last year and slipped into receivership earlier this year. It restarted its production lines in February, but even the company director, Lee Yu-Il, says volume is still far too slow. To deal with matters, Gasgoo reports that Ssangyong is letting go of 2,700 workers, representing 37% of its workforce.

Yu-Il said the struggling Korean firm will run out of money at the end of June, and will need 100 billion won ($75 million US) if the company is broken up -- which makes us wonder how much the company needs to stay in business and question who would supply such funds in the face of a 50% drop in sales. With majority stakeholder SAIC refusing to get involved, Ssangyong's future is looking decidedly bleak.

[Source: Gasgoo]

Ssangyong preparing to lay off nearly 40% of workforce by end of June? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaearningsfinancialskoreaKoreanlayoffssaicssangyongFri, 24 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Kia Mohave/Borrego launches in Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/pics-aplenty-kia-mohave-borrego-launches-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/pics-aplenty-kia-mohave-borrego-launches-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/06/pics-aplenty-kia-mohave-borrego-launches-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We've already seen some undisguised pictures of Kia's handsome new midsize SUV, but the vehicle just launched officially in Korea as the Mohave. Official launch means official pictures, and that's what we have here, a ton of really beautiful images of what we'll soon know as the Borrego. Not that Borrego, this one sports a full frame, seating places for seven, and the choice of Kia's strong-like-bull V6 or their first V8. The wisdom of introducing a new body-on-frame SUV at this point, especially in light of the coming new CAFE rules, might be questionable, but the vehicle itself is handsome and it's hard to deny the inherent value that Kia bakes into its cars. We'll check the Borrego out in person when it makes it's US debut at the Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, Carscoop unearthed a lot of great pictures to tide us over.

[Source: Kia via Carscoop]

Gallery: Kia Borrego offical shots

Pics Aplenty: Kia Mohave/Borrego launches in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americanautoborregodebutdetroitDetroit Auto ShowDetroitAutoShowhyundaiimageskiakoreakoreanlaunchmohavenaiasnorthofficalpicturesshotsshowsuvSun, 06 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Production Hyundai Genesis Sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/spy-shots-production-hyundai-genesis-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/spy-shots-production-hyundai-genesis-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/17/spy-shots-production-hyundai-genesis-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



What do you get when you cross a Lexus LS460 and and a BMW 5-Series (plus a healthy dollop of Toyota Crown -Ed.)? You get what appears to be the production Hyundai Genesis sedan. The front end looks as though it was ripped right off of the most expensive Lexus, with a strikingly similar set of headlights, a spot-on grille, and similar brightwork. Only the lower fascia wanders from the LS460. Out back, it appears that Hyundai took a pass on the classic Lexus C-pillar, but the Korean automaker's designers were obviously fond of the BMW 5-Series.

The big difference between the Genesis sedan and the vehicles it borrows from is that Hyundai likely has no intention of charging $60,000 for its RWD 4-door. While we're generally not a big fan of derivative styling, the Genesis looks pretty good for a RWD V8 sedan priced in the $30,000 range.

Thanks for the tip, Jose!

[Source: bobaedream]

Spy Shots: Production Hyundai Genesis Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW 5-SeriesBmw5-seriesHyundai Genesis SedanHyundaiGenesisSedanKoreanRWDspy shotsSpyShotsSat, 17 Nov 2007 07:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2007.5 Chevy Aveo Hatchback]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/09/spy-shots-2007-5-chevy-aveo-hatchback/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/09/spy-shots-2007-5-chevy-aveo-hatchback/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/09/spy-shots-2007-5-chevy-aveo-hatchback/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Chevy Aveo sedan is hitting dealer lots as we speak, so the surfacing of these spy shots showing the five-door hatchback version is well timed. Cheers and Gears pulls what details they can from the heavily camouflaged vehicle, which shows some interesting design details. Look closely and you'll see the one de rigueur design detail showing up on all the fashionable 2007 models: side air vents! Whether they are a portent of a performance version or will be used across the entire lineup of Aveo hatchbacks is not known, but they certainly look like production pieces to us. Stare long and hard at the front and you'll also see the pointed bottom of the new giant grille that was first previewed on recent Malibu spy shots, as well. The rear of the car shows large taillamps with round reverse lights reminiscent of the HHR. From these spy shots, it appears that the Aveo hatchback is going to get divergent styling from its four-door sibling, as well as a sub-$10,000 base price to keep it one of this market's least expensive vehicles. Expect the Chevy Aveo five-door hatchback to debut sometime next year as a 2007 model.

[Source: Cheers & Geers]

Spy Shots: 2007.5 Chevy Aveo Hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Sep 2006 00:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aveodaewoofive-doorkoreanspy picspy picsSpyPicSpyPicsSat, 09 Sep 2006 00:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia Opirus confirmed as next Amanti]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/06/kia-opirus-confirmed-as-next-amanti/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/06/kia-opirus-confirmed-as-next-amanti/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/06/kia-opirus-confirmed-as-next-amanti/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Remember our post about the revised Kia Opirus? The sedan, which is sold in North America as the Kia Amanti, will be arriving in the U.S. some time next year. According to senior vice president Jean-Charles Lievens of Kia Motors Europe, the 2007 Opirus/Amanti will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show this September.

Besides its heavily revised interior and exterior, Kia's flagship will boast a new all-aluminum, 3.8-liter, 266 horsepower engine, replacing the current 200 horsepower one. It's too early to tell what the price may be, though speculation is around $30K, a new high for the Korean automaker.

[Source: Edmunds]

Kia Opirus confirmed as next Amanti originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Aug 2006 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmantiKoreanOpirusSun, 06 Aug 2006 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Auto Show: 2007 Hyundai Elantra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-2007-hyundai-elantra/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-2007-hyundai-elantra/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/12/new-york-auto-show-2007-hyundai-elantra/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The new 2007 Hyundai Elantra is the seventh new product from Hyundai in the last two years. The all-new midsize (that's a new EPA classification thanks to 112.1 cubic feet of interior volume) gets Hyundai's now traditional battery of safety equipment including six airbags, ABS brakes and front-seat active head restraints. The new lines echo the company's recent design philosophy of restrained expression. While some might call that boring, others will see the new Elantra as more mature in appearance than its predecessors. The bigger dimensions allow for an interior that's larger than the inner sanctums of the Civic, Corolla and even the Acura TL. It's clear that Hyundai is aiming the Elantra directly at both Japanese small sedans and will likely undercut them in price by a large margin.

We'll have to wait until later in the day to bring you more specifics on the Elantra's hardware, so in the meantime you can feast on more pics and Hyundai's pre-show press release after the jump.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New York Auto Show: 2007 Hyundai Elantra

New York Auto Show: 2007 Hyundai Elantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Apr 2006 00:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CiviccompactCorollaElantraFocusKoreaKoreanmidsizesmall carSmallCarSouth KoreaSouthKoreasubcompactWed, 12 Apr 2006 00:57:00 EST