Autoblog

Hyundai Sonata successor to seek evolution, not revolution

Michael Harley — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Design/Style

Hyundai hit a home run with its current-generation Sonata midsize sedan, so don't expect the Korean automaker to make revolutionary changes when its replacement comes out for the 2015 model year. The four-door sitting in showrooms today was launched in 2010 with radical new lines that marked a big departure from its rather bland predecessor. Even with stiff competition from the Honda Accord, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry - all newer designs than the Sonata - sales have been strong. Consumers embraced its new design language, taking home a record 230,605 units last year.

"I think we found a design language that works, the 'Fluidic Sculpture' stuff, so I would say (the new styling) is not pulling back in any way. It's more continuing to refine on that same trajectory that we're on," John Krafcik, Hyundai U.S. CEO, told WardsAuto in a recent interview. Consumers don't seem to be fazed by the its age either. "A lot of consumers are just entering (the) midsize (segment) for the first time. They don't see (the Sonata) as a three-year-old car. They see it as, 'Whoa, that's a pretty good-looking midsize car,' so it's doing quite well," added Krafcik.

Sonota sales have been down over the last few months, but Krafcik says that is a reflection of the automaker's decision to increase production of its Elantra compact at the Montgomery, Alabama, plant - where both are built - and a limited supply of its mid-grade GLS Sonata model.

Hyundai Sonata successor to seek evolution, not revolution originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai mulling four-door coupe model, V8 or V6 turbo for next Genesis Coupe

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Hyundai

Hyundai is showing no signs of slowing down, with plenty of new product in the pipeline. This, according to a recent Automobile magazine interview with John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Krafcik admits the Korean automaker is considering adding a four-door coupe to its lineup, possibly sharing some design elements of the HCD-14 Concept (shown above in Detroit). The brand's flagship Equus luxury sedan will receive a mild refresh, bowing at the New York Auto Show, and an updated Sonata is expected to follow on its heels. The executive dismissed suggestions of an upcoming current-gen V8 Genesis Coupe, saying the present platform cannot accommodate a V8, but an eight-cylinder engine or a turbocharged V6 is a possibility for its eventual successor.

Check out what the CEO had to say about Audi, why the new Honda Accord has Hyundai reconsidering a technology, and read a followup on the company's fuel-economy fiasco in the full interview at Automobile.

Hyundai mulling four-door coupe model, V8 or V6 turbo for next Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai breaks all-time sales record

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hyundai

Less than a week into the month, and Hyundai has already announced that it has set an all-time sales record for the year in the US. Beating last year's best-ever total of 645,691, Hyundai's record-setting numbers are up eight percent through November, and it has broken monthly sales records in every month so far this year excluding June and October, which includes an all-time monthly record set in March of 69,728 units.

Helping to improve Hyundai's sales this year, new models like the Veloster and Azera have posted massive increases over 2011, while the Accent, Elantra and Tucson have all seen pretty big gains, too. John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, gave a brief statement about the momentous occasion in the press release we've posted after the jump.

Continue reading Hyundai breaks all-time sales record

Hyundai breaks all-time sales record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Krafcik: 90% of Hyundai owners satisfied with fuel economy reimbursement program

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hyundai

Hyundai (and sister company Kia) found itself in a bit of hot water recently over false fuel economy estimates on the window stickers of its cars. To remedy this, the automakers will be compensating some 900,000 owners based on their vehicles' odometer readings, and the companies will add an additional 15 percent over the dollar value. In simple terms, this means that for someone who has driven 15,000 miles, a 1-mpg fuel economy reduction would result in a reimbursement of $88.

As part of its Los Angeles Auto Show press conference, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik updated us on the progress of its reimbursement program, stating that about 90 percent of owners are happy with the process.

"I can tell you that 90 percent of those people who have visited our dealerships for verification of their odometer reading are really satisfied with the reimbursement program."

"Our Hyundai dealers are focused on doing a great job of explaining the reimbursement program to those owners, and they are pulling out all the stops to delight them. It's difficult to put a number on satisfaction for programs like this one, but right now I can tell you that 90 percent of those people who have visited our dealerships for verification of their odometer reading are really satisfied with the reimbursement program. That's a great result. In fact, it's a higher level of satisfaction we've seen compared to any other dealers service campaign we've done."

The Hyundai Accent, Elantra and Veloster will see their highway fuel economy numbers drop from 40 miles per gallon to either 37 or 38 mpg highway.

"This whole episode has obviously been a really difficult one for all of us at Hyundai," Krafcik stated. "We've had a goal of being a fuel efficiency leader in this industry, and while this situation seems to work against that cause, I'm telling you, it's actually strengthening the collective resolve we all have to do a great job here."

Hyundai has long apologized for this situation, citing "human errors" and "honest mistakes" being made during in-house fuel economy testing. "We're treating this like the serious matter it is," said Krafcik, "and we're treating each customer like we would want to be treated. We're owning this issue, we're letting folks know we care, and we're making it right for them - again, for as long as they own their cars."

Krafcik: 90% of Hyundai owners satisfied with fuel economy reimbursement program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai working on "Fluidic Precision" design for next Sonata

Scott Burgess — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Hyundai, Rumormill, Design/Style

Hyundai North America CEO John Krafcik recently told Automobile magazine that it's popular "fluidic sculpture" design language won't stand still as it evolves with Hyundai's lineup in the coming years.

"You'll see even more maturity with the new Santa Fe, and future cars will feature something we're internally calling Fluidic Precision, where the forms might be a little less extroverted," Krafcik said. "You'll see that with the next Sonata, the design of which has just been frozen."

Krafcik also confirmed that Hyundai will introduce an all-wheel-drive version of the Genesis sedan in its next iteration, which will likely be shown as a concept vehicle later this year. Furthermore, Hyundai is considering upgrading the Genesis coupe to take on the likes of the the BMW 3 Series.

And while most automakers decline to discuss future products, Krafcik pulled the Hyundai's curtain back just a little. We're more than likely going to see a premium crossover in Hyundai's future lineup, but not likely to see a convertible, minivan or pickup truck.

Hyundai working on "Fluidic Precision" design for next Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai scrambling to keep U.S. market share but lacks inventory

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Hyundai owns five percent of the U.S. retail market share, but it's trying to maintain that number with razor-thin inventory levels. According to The Detroit Free Press, the situation has forced the automaker to cut back on fleet sales and pump out every vehicle it can from its Alabama assembly plant, which is prepping a third shift in the fall.

How constrained is Hyundai's vehicle supply? Looking at the traditional measure of dealer inventory in "days supply," Hyundai tracks absurdly low, at just 25-27 days, or less than one month's supply of vehicles, according to the report. The new 2012 Azera has just 12 days inventory available. The Freep says that despite its five-percent share, for every 1,000 vehicles sitting on all dealer lots across the U.S., only 25 are Hyundais. Yet the company still expects to sell 700,000 units this year, some 100,000 more than it did in 2011.

John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's president and CEO, has said consistently that despite rumors of a second U.S. assembly plant, his company has no current plans to build one. Hyundai's South Korean parent has capped global production this year to focus on quality.

"We're still the leanest company in the industry," Krafcik tells the newspaper.

Hyundai scrambling to keep U.S. market share but lacks inventory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai pondering new large crossover?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hyundai

According to a report in Ward's Auto, the pale fortunes of the soon-to-depart Hyundai Veracruz aren't stopping Hyundai from considering another dedicated seven-seat crossover. Although the new Santa Fe will usher in a long-wheelbased sibling that can seat seven, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik advises Ward's to "stay tuned for future details on a potential premium crossover" that could be a dedicated - read: Veracruz replacing - CUV for seven.

The question is, what does "premium" mean? The word was applied to the Veracruz but customers didn't exactly buy it, cross-shopping the Veracruz with mass-market competitors. Ward's uses a barn-sized brush to lay out the competitive set for this future CUV, from the $18,995 Dodge Journey(!) to the $46,250 Audi Q7. That's a boggling range, the prime takeaway being that whatever it is will be obviously more "premium" than the Veracruz. According to Ward's, "Hyundai has expressed a desire to use the rear-wheel drive platform underpinning its premium Genesis and Equus sedans for other models, possibly CUVs."

Just as important for the moment is that Hyundai believes there's a fight it can still win in the arena of large crossovers.

Hyundai pondering new large crossover? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could the Hyundai Veloster go topless? [w/poll]

David Kiley — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Hyundai, Design/Style

The Hyundai Veloster has been a bit polarizing since it went on sale last year. And the debate could get more animated if the Korean company does what we think it's thinking about doing.

At a recent gathering of reporters and Hyundai executives in Ann Arbor, MI, where the annual Rolling Sculpture Car Show takes place every summer, we asked Hyundai Motors America chief John Krafcik what he planned to bring this year (the college town is also home to Hyundai America Technical Center). Last year, they showed off the new Veloster.

Redone Azera? New Santa Fe? Neither seems appropriate for the tone of the event. So, we threw this out: "How about chopping the top off the Veloster and see the reaction?"

Krafcik and PR man Jim Trainor started trying to make poker faces, indicating to us that we may well have stumbled on to a future project, Rolling Sculpture or no. But we aren't sure.

Some thought the Veloster was an answer to a question that nobody had been asking, but the unique coupe is proving to be a great sales and image success for Hyundai. Krafcik has shown a great instinct for design and engineering the Hyundai lineup to successful heights: redesigns of the Sonata, Elantra, Accent and now Santa Fe. He also had a lot to do with the cleanup of the Azera, and, of course, the Genesis and Genesis Coupe. A former product development executive at Ford, it's hard to think he would not be the current product development chief in Dearborn had he stayed, and not been scooped up by Hyundai a decade ago.

Hyundai's sales have been supply constrained on many of its models, including the Veloster. Given a finite supply of Veloster models that it can source from Korea, Krafcik plans to emphasize production of the upcoming Turbo model. That strikes us as a smart move.

We're excited about the turbo, but we couldn't resist asking a rendering artist to imagine the Veloster sans roof. What do you think? Is topless a good thing in this case?

View Poll

Could the Hyundai Veloster go topless? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai to halve fleet sales, aims for 100,000 more retail units

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:43:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hyundai

A sale is a sale, right? Well, at least in the automotive world, that's not entirely true. A sale to a regular consumer is, generally speaking and for a number of reasons, much more attractive to an automaker than a sale to a fleet company (sales to companies or the government, for instance).

With that in mind, it's not surprising to hear Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik tell Automotive News that his company is looking to cut its fleet sales in half to about 32,000 units while simultaneously increasing retail sales by 100,000. If Hyundai manages to achieve those goals, it would post a 10-percent sales increase in 2012.

Hyundai to halve fleet sales, aims for 100,000 more retail units originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai downscales vehicle buy-back promise

Chris Tutor — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hyundai, Earnings/Financials, Luxury

Back in April, Hyundai launched the Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee ensuring every new Hyundai's resale value two to four years down the road. Unfortunately for most folks still shopping for a Hyundai, that program has now ended. Keyword being "most" since Hyundai will no longer ensure the value of their mainline cars, but well-heeled buyers of the Genesis and Equus models can still sleep well knowing their high-end Hyundai will depreciate at a rate comparable to their neighbor's Toyota Avalon.

"It was a marketing program and we wanted to bring a spotlight on the strength of our residual values, and it did its job," John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America tells Automotive News.

Residual value consulting agency ALG says the data seems to back that up. Residual value of the Equus is third best in the premium-lux market behind the Lexus LS460 and the Jaguar XJ and the Genesis sedan is second only to the Nissan Maxima among full-sized cars.

Hyundai downscales vehicle buy-back promise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CEO Krafcik says to expect more family vehicles from Hyundai, not trucks

Chris Shunk — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Truck, Crossover, Hatchback, Hyundai, South Korea

Hyundai has been hitting on all cylinders of late, adding the Elantra Coupe and Hatchback, the Veloster Turbo and the upcoming Azera. That's a lot of new metal for one calendar year, and it appears the Korean automaker is just getting warmed up.

Fox News reports that Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik hinted to a new entry into the six- and seven-passenger crossover segment. The affable exec pointed out that Hyundai needed to do a better job of attracting families to the brand, adding "it's probably fair to say we need more presence in the six and seven passenger crossover segment where we have the Veracruz now."

Hyundai is also expected to unveil a new Santa Fe at the New York Auto Show, so the automaker's CUV offerings are definitely looking up. As we reported back way back in June of 2010, we expect Hyundai to eventually offer a long-wheelbase three-row version of the new Santa Fe to replace the slow-selling Veracruz, though the automaker has yet to confirm this development.

But while Krafcik hints that some new CUV metal is coming, fans of the Italic H shouldn't hold their breath in anticipation of a pickup truck. Krafcik reportedly told Fox News that the automaker could build a truck if it wanted to, but the brand will instead focus on more efficient vehicles.

CEO Krafcik says to expect more family vehicles from Hyundai, not trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Did Hyundai pull MPG claims from Super Bowl ad due to watchdog group pressure? [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Hyundai has been targeted by Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit advocacy organization, over the automaker's 40 mpg fuel efficiency claim on the Hyundai Elantra. The group says Elantra owners have seen fuel economy averages of 18 and 19 mpg instead of the the 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway reported by Hyundai and the Environmental Protection Agency. As such, the group has sent letters to both Hyundai CEO John Krafcik and President Eok Jo Kim warning that if the automaker advertised the 40 mpg claim in the company's Super Bowl spots, Consumer Watchdog would release a retaliatory video of its own. The group has since followed through with that threat.

The Elantra spot scheduled to run during tonight's game, "Victory Lap," makes no mention of fuel economy whatsoever, focusing instead on the sedan's winning the 2012 North American Car of the Year award. When Hyundai previewed its first three Super Bowl spots on January 30, the automaker's official announcement indicated that this was the intent all along:

Finally, to round out the game-day lineup, Hyundai will celebrate its 2012 North American Car of the Year victory for Elantra with a new 30-second spot called "Victory Lap." The Elantra earned the prestigious award from a jury of 50 independent automotive media in early January.

Earlier today, we erroneously stated in this post that the ad running this evening was changed to not reflect the fuel economy numbers. Hyundai emphatically denies that any changes were made along the way.

In an email to Autoblog, Jim Trainor, Hyundai's senior group manager for product public relations, writes:

We never removed a fuel economy claim from our Elantra Super Bowl spot. It is, and always was, a focus on the North American Car of the Year award bestowed on Elantra. No group "made us" change our commercial and no outside group is going to dictate to us what the content of our commercials will be. The commercial you will see today is exactly how we meant it and exactly what it has been from the start.

Click past the jump for a look at the Elantra Super Bowl spot, the Consumer Watchdog clip about the vehicle's mileage claims and a press release from the non-profit.

In a related note, Popular Mechanics just-published real-world fuel economy test of two cars boasting 40 mpg EPA highway ratings is a very timely and interesting read. PM's test subjects?The Ford Focus SFE and the Hyundai Elantra.

Ultimately, when you get past all the noise, it's important to remember that "your mileage may vary" is a mantra for a reason.

Continue reading Did Hyundai pull MPG claims from Super Bowl ad due to watchdog group pressure? [w/video]

Did Hyundai pull MPG claims from Super Bowl ad due to watchdog group pressure? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford denies starting search for Mulally successor

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

There's little question that bringing Alan Mulally on board at Ford was the smartest move the company made in decades, nor is there much debate that credit for the company's salvation is largely due to his office. But could his number be up?

Having joined Ford in 2006 as an outsider from aerospace giant Boeing, Mulally (pictured above, left) has been on the job for over five years now. And while he's showing no signs of slowing down, sources indicate he is unlikely to stay on the job beyond another year or two.

The question, then, is who might replace him. Citing internal sources, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Ford has begun putting together a short-list with four candidates: two internal and two external. However, TheDetroitBureau.com has offered a rebuttal saying that the Blue Oval denies beginning such a search.

Either way, at some point, a search will need to begin. Mulally's case notwithstanding, cases of successful hires from outside the business to the top of a major automaker like Ford have been few and far between, but the company could be forced by shareholders to consider outside candidates as well as internal promotions.

The list, according to the WSJ, currently includes Mark Fields (pictured above at right), currently Ford's President of the Americas; Joe Hinrichs (second from right), head of Ford's Asian operations; John Krafcik, a former Ford engineer who now runs Hyundai in America; and Phil Martens, Ford's former product development chief who now runs aluminum manufacturer Novelis.

Again, for its part, Ford denies that it has begun searching for Mulally's successor, but prudent management could very well dictate that it must begin looking - whether the much-lauded executive is ready to retire or not.

Ford denies starting search for Mulally successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even with thin inventories and growing demand, Hyundai not looking for second U.S. plant

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Earnings/Financials

Why is this man smiling? Well, it could be because hotcakes only wish they were selling as well as Hyundais. Or perhaps that grin says he knows something we don't - like when and where his company plans to build a second North American assembly plant.

Yet Hyundai CEO John Krafcik told reporters last week that the Korean-based automaker has no plans to expand its U.S. production, which is currently running at literally 110 percent. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama has the capacity to build 300,000 Elantra and Sonata models, a number that's been boosted by another 30,000 units this year by way of increased efficiencies. (Hyundai is also getting Sante Fe crossovers from corporate cousin Kia, which operates a plant in Georgia).

Despite the boost in production, Hyundai inventory levels dipped to an extremely low 21 days supply this summer, even as sales continued to grow. Hyundai has already blown past its 2010 numbers, and year-to-date sales are up 21 percent.

This leads Edmunds AutoObserver.com to conclude that it isn't necessarily buying Krafcik's no-new-factories line. "It seems inevitable Hyundai must address its stretched-to-the-max production," says the report, which predicts that Hyundai will announce a plan for U.S. expansion early next year.

Even with thin inventories and growing demand, Hyundai not looking for second U.S. plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai CEO downplays Corvette competitor, warns of CAFE loopholes

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Hyundai

Like nearly every other automaker these days, Hyundai is keenly focused on bringing fuel-efficient vehicles to market. That apparently means the automaker doesn't currently see a need for a halo sportscar to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette, though it recognizes it would be an exciting addition to the lineup. Hyundai's North American CEO, John Krafcik tells Ward's Auto that even though such a model would would be a fun addition to the family, a range-topping sports car would also probably be a poor investment that wouldn't serve the brand properly.

Krafcik is clearly focused on building more fuel efficient machines, and he argues that vehicles like the new Veloster coupe can provide sort of reverse halo from the bottom-up, not unlike the way the CTS has been the star of the Cadillac lineup for some time. This strategy seems like a smart move ahead of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements waiting just a few years down the road.

Every automaker has a reason to be concerned about CAFE, but as Krafcik points out in an interview with Ward's Auto, loopholes exist in the legal requirements that may allow car companies to switch up their product strategy without aggressively pursuing more fuel-efficient products. Larger vehicles are subject to less strict requirements, and Krafcik argues that some smaller vehicles will likely fall by the wayside as an unintended consequence. This sort of thinking could allow a few manufacturers to skirt around the more strict CAFE requirements. An example of this is the decline of the compact pickup truck, which has given way to the less-restricted full-size.

Hyundai CEO downplays Corvette competitor, warns of CAFE loopholes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Hyundai Veloster [w/video]

Chris Paukert — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai, First Drives

And Now For Something Completely Different...

To hear John Krafcik tell it, the 2012 Veloster is just another Hyundai. Allow us to rephrase that. According to the company's North American CEO, the searing Vitamin C orange coupe shown here is something we should've seen coming, the predictable end result of the relentless innovators at his Korean employer.

Yet to be fair, even now, "innovation" isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Hyundai. But perhaps it should be. After all, this is the same company that's led the way with radical customer relations plans like Hyundai Assurance (income loss payment coverage and buy-back, guaranteed trade-in values, etc.) and brash products like the 2011 Sonata, which passed on cylinders five and six in favor of forced induction - to say nothing of its unique hybrid variant and brave aesthetics. From marketing to product, Hyundai has rather quietly built a solid case for itself as an innovator.

And yet... even though we knew it was coming, we still weren't prepared for the Veloster. Aggressive family sedan styling aside, we haven't seen Hyundai allow its design team to so comprehensively stretch its creative legs as we have in this little four-door coupe. Did we say four-door? Indeed we did. Following hatchback naming conventions of three- and five-door bodystyles, this tangerine bolide is actually a four-door. It's got a conventional, longish driver's side door and a traditional lift-up hatchback. But stroll over to the passenger's side, and things get deeply funky - there's a second aperture behind a subtly shorter front door. We've seen similar setups like this in the past, a rear-hinged demi-door to ease access to a tight back seat, but this isn't a suicide solution. The Veloster employs a normal front-hinged rear door, albeit one with the handle hiding in the gloss black C-pillar.

Continue reading 2012 Hyundai Veloster [w/video]

2012 Hyundai Veloster [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Veloster to start at $17,300, undercuts Honda CR-Z by $2,000 [UPDATE]

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai

It's a great time to be a fan of small cars, and Hyundai is nearly ready to add its 2012 Veloster into the marketplace. If you've been waiting for this one to appear in your local showroom, we've got some news for you. Hyundai Motor America President and CEO John Krafcik just tweeted that it's going to cost you $17,300 for a Veloster. Full pricing is due later this week, but that base price undercuts the Honda CR-Z, arguably its most natural rival, by over $2,000, while offering more room and the promise of 40 miles-per-gallon on the freeway.

While you're waiting for our first drive review, check out our First Ride of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, where Krafcik himself piloted us around for a few miles. Is a base price of $17,300 enticing? Let us know what you think in Comments.

UPDATE: Hyundai has released full pricing/specifications on the 2,582-pound 2012 Veloster. Pricing is $17,300 plus $760 for destination charges. Major options include the paddleshift dual-clutch gearbox at $1,250; Style package with 18-inch alloys, panoramic roof, premium audio and leatherette ($2,000); and Tech Package with unique 18-inch alloys, navigation with rearview camera, proximity key and pushbutton start ($2,000 and requires Style pack). Quoted fuel economy figures are 28/40/32 mpg with the six-speed manual and 29/38/32 with the dual-clutch. Deliveries commence in September. Check out the official release after the jump with all the details.

Continue reading Hyundai Veloster to start at $17,300, undercuts Honda CR-Z by $2,000 [UPDATE]

Hyundai Veloster to start at $17,300, undercuts Honda CR-Z by $2,000 [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Ride: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

Michael Harley — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Hyundai, Design/Style

CEO Takes Us For A Spin In This Innovative One, Two, Three-Door

2012 Hyundai Veloster - Click above for high-res image gallery

"How about a ride in the Veloster?"

While the experience falls seriously short of taking a few orbits in the Space Shuttle, those seven words were enticing enough to motivate us to cross the dreaded Los Angeles basin during rainy rush-hour traffic last week. The Veloster is Hyundai's latest addition to a rapidly expanding lineup that now encompasses everything from the modest $12,000 Accent to the Lexus-fighting $58,000 Equus. The new hatchback - uniquely configured with one driver door and two passenger doors - is parked on the low end of the model range, promoted as a compact coupe offering fun-to-drive chassis dynamics, a long list of standard innovative technology and hybrid-beating fuel economy in one cool-looking package.

Hyundai isn't letting anyone drive the Veloster yet, but like proud parents, they are more than willing to show us around the car, from top to bottom, and take us for an extensive drive around the block - as passengers.

However, this isn't just a simple low-level meet-and-greet, as our host will be John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Understandably, we had a slew of questions swirling around our minds before our ride: How comfortable is the cabin? Do tall adults fit in the second row? What does the engine sound like? How does it handle? Lastly, why does everyone keep comparing the new Veloster to the old Honda CRX?

Continue reading First Ride: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

First Ride: 2012 Hyundai Veloster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai taps ex-GM exec Shannon for top marketing post

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, GMC, Hyundai

It took seven months to find the right candidate, but it appears Hyundai has found their new marketing boss. Automotive News is reporting that the Korean automaker has hired former General Motors marketing exec Steve Shannon to run its U.S. operations. Shannon had been away from GM since March, 2010 when he was cut as part of a larger marketing shakeup lead by former CEO Ed Whitacre. Shannon's last role at GM was head of Cadillac marketing.

Hyundai's move to hire an ex-GM guy comes after The General hired away two of the automaker's best and brightest. Former Hyundai marketing boss Joel Ewanick now heads GM's marketing department. Ewanick then hired away Chris Perry from Hyundai to run marketing for Chevrolet.

Hyundai U.S.A. CEO John Krafcik appears plenty pleased with his new hire, calling Shannon a "marketing innovator with strong convictions about serving the customer."

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Hyundai taps ex-GM exec Shannon for top marketing post originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai CEO Krafcik warns against price war, short-term thinking

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Hyundai, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Hyundai Motor America President and CEO John Krafcik believes that some automakers are starting a price war, which would be an unwise move that focuses solely on short-term sales.

General Motors had strong sales in January 2011, but its 23-percent gain was due to increased incentives and price-cutting. After GM made its move, Toyota followed suit.

Krafcik says that Hyundai, whose incentive spending is among the lowest in the industry, has no plans to join in this game. Heavy incentive spending leads to sharp up and downswings in an automaker's accounting ledger. Hyundai sales rose 24 percent in 2010 and Krafcik expects to see improvements in 2011. While some automakers are fiddling with the radio, Krafcik is paying attention to the road in front of him.

[Source: The Economic Times]

Hyundai CEO Krafcik warns against price war, short-term thinking originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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