Autoblog

Hyundai giving $200 a car to children's cancer charity this month

Michael Harley — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hyundai, Earnings/Financials

With National Childhood Cancer Awareness month underway, Hyundai Motor America has announced plans to donate $100,000 to 68 hospitals and non-profit organizations ($6.8 million total) in the form of "Hope Grants." The bulk of the money will be raised by Hyundai's U.S. sales network, now more than 800 dealers strong, who will contribute $200 from the sale of each vehicle in September.

"While we've made progress over the last few decades and now have an 85 percent cure rate, cancer still takes more lives than any other childhood disease," said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "This September, in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Hyundai will shine a nationwide spotlight on this cause and provide more than $6 million in grants for pediatric cancer research and support programs. We love taking on big challenges at Hyundai, and we can think of no more worthy challenge than finding a cure for all forms of pediatric cancer."

Hyundai's Hope on Wheels program has supported the fight against childhood cancer for the past twelve years. By the end of this year, the program will have awarded more than $23 million to hospitals and non-profit organizations across the country. To learn more about the program, or donate directly, visit Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

Continue reading Hyundai giving $200 a car to children's cancer charity this month

Hyundai giving $200 a car to children's cancer charity this month originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai pledges to hit 40 mpg with 2012 Veloster, beat out Honda CR-Z

Chris Paukert — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Hybrid, Honda, Hyundai

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

At a media breakfast in Los Angeles this morning, Hyundai Motor America president John Krafcik let slip that the Korean automaker expects to breach the 40 miles-per-gallon barrier with its forthcoming small sports coupe. Conveniently, if they can reach that performance target, that would best the new 2011 Honda CR-Z, which, despite its hybrid powertrain, achieves just 36/39 city/highway when equipped with a CVT and 31/37 with a manual gearbox. The as-yet-unnamed Hyundai coupe (the nameplates Veloster and Tiburon are still up for discussion) will achieve those figures with a conventional four-cylinder engine, eschewing the added cost, complexity and weight of a gas-electric system.

Likening the forthcoming model to a long-distance runner, Krafcik promises that not only will this Hyundai best the Honda in fuel economy, it will also deliver better performance as well as added utility (read: rear seats and better access). Given that it won't have the cost penalty of a hybrid drivetrain (a 140-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine is expected), we'd be surprised if it doesn't come in at a lower price-point, as well.

In addition to sipping gas, Krafcik emphasized to Autoblog that a key mission for the affordable coupe will be enticing the world's young and increasingly auto-ambivalent consumers with additional technology - all Velosters will come with a large screen on the dashboard as standard equipment, presumably to manage connectivity features in addition to more traditional vehicle functions.

With 40 mpg practicality and superior utility, it would appear that the Veloster not only has a shot at taking on Honda's CR-Z, but also more conventional economy cars like the Ford Fiesta, perhaps trading a bit of practicality in favor of edgier coupe styling and (hopefully) greater performance.

Gallery: Hyundai Veloster - Spy Shots

Hyundai pledges to hit 40 mpg with 2012 Veloster, beat out Honda CR-Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai CEO reveals reason for Equus, explains why it's no VW Phaeton

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Luxury

2011 Hyundai Equus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik is rarely one to hold back his opinions, and today's topic of discussion is marque's upcoming Equus luxury flagship. Hyundai has moved up in the automotive ranks so quickly over the past 15 years that many people have wondered if the brand is overreaching with the Equus.

Krafcik addresses the obvious comparison to the U.S. market failure of the Volkswagen Phaeton. The way Krafcik sees it, VW skipped a few pricing steps going straight from the Passat to its ill-fated Phaeton range-topper, noting that there was a much larger gap between the Passat and the Phaeton than there will be with Hyundai because they've taken the trouble of bringing the Genesis sedan and coupe to market - the former of which verified that consumers are willing to pay $40,000+ for a Hyundai.

Of course, that's no guarantee that consumers will pay $55,000-60,000 for an Equus but it seems more plausible than $80,000+ for a Phaeton. Krafcik also addresses the fact that each Equus buyer will get an Apple iPad with the owner's manual. As he explains it, the tablet PC is meant to provide a more useful resource for people to figure out how to use all the technology in this flagship, hopefully avoiding the pitfalls of some other luxury machines.

The iPad will also have an application that allows owners to schedule service appointments. When the appointed time arrives, Hyundai will send a driver to the Equus owner's home or office with a loaner, and then return the Equus when the work is done. As Krafcik sees it, other luxury automakers have spent millions of dollars to gussy up their dealerships - building things like coffee bars, fancy seating areas and water features. Problem is, nobody really wants to visit their dealer even with those added niceties, so Hyundai plans to remove it from the equation with its pick-up and delivery service. In other words, the ultimate luxury is never having to take your car to the dealer at all. Fair enough.

The Equus goes on sale this Fall.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Hyundai CEO reveals reason for Equus, explains why it's no VW Phaeton

Hyundai CEO reveals reason for Equus, explains why it's no VW Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Design/Style, Luxury, South Korea

When the Volkswagen Phaeton launched here in the States, nobody liked it. Well, that's not true. Every journalist we know who drove the mighty VW went on and on about how it's probably actually the greatest car in the world (especially all decked out with a W12 engine) and how the HVAC system is a full generation ahead of the competition (you can't beat in-car radiators!) and how the seats so awesomely massaged their fat butts. That said, it was still a terrible car in terms of branding, marketing, etc. And now we have no Phaeton.

Then came the Hyundai Genesis. The big sedan version with the Tau (whatever that means) 4.6-liter V8. "Hmmm," our motor-mouthed brethren chimed. "Hyundai might just be on to something here." Lots of good ink got spilled in the Genesis's general direction and the Mercedes-Benz lookalike Korean luxury car got picked as the 2009 North American Car of the Year. It even appears to be selling. How things change.

Well guess what? Kia wants in. AboutCAR caught a glimpse of the proposed Kia K9 at a design conference in Seoul. Standing next to the proposed super sedan is Peter Schreyer, best known for designing the original Audi TT, he is now Kia's chief of design. Should the K9 show up, expect it to arrive in the U.S. with a Genesis-sourced chassis and a big fat V8. Other parts of the world will get other engines. Will it work? As Hyundai America CEO and President John Krafcik told us at the LA Auto Show when he was asked which he liked better, the new Sonata or Tucson, "I just really love my Genesis." And there you have it.

[Source: Aboutcar.co.kr]

Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata coming to Detroit Auto Show

Chris Shunk — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata spy shots - Click above for image gallery

Back in June, we reported on a news story in the Montgomery Advertiser saying that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata would be unveiled in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It appears that Hyundai may be holding off the introduction of its bread and butter sedan for a larger audience in Detroit. Inside Line is reporting that the Sonata will bow in the Motor City, giving Hyundai a big-league entry at the North American International Auto Show.

When describing the design direction of the new Sonata, Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik told IL the 2011 model would be "bold, so bold." Judging from the many spy photos we've seen, we're thinking that could be an apt description. We see well-sculpted sheetmetal punctuated with a four door coupe-like roof line, but we'll have to wait until the covers come off to hand down a verdict..

Hyundai is also rumored to be using direct injection technology to power the four cylinder Sonata. The mooted 2.2-liter powertrain is expected to produce in the neighborhood of 200 horsepower while also improving fuel economy versus the 2009 model by 5% to 10%. Hyundai has been on a roll of late with its successful launches of the Genesis Coupe and Sedan, and if it can pull off a showstopper at the Detroit Auto Show with the 2011 Sonata, the Korean automaker will officially be on fire.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata - spy shots

[Source: Inside Line | Images: Sammy_R-Gti of assayyarat.com]

REPORT: 2011 Hyundai Sonata coming to Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entourage dead, Hyundai says no to badge engineering

Michael Harley — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Plants/Manufacturing, Hyundai, Kia, Earnings/Financials

When Hyundai dealers complained about not having a minivan in 2006, the automaker reached into the corporate pool and re-badged the Kia Sedona, turning into the Entourage. The timing was poor, as minivan sales plummeted across the board. Last year, sales were down 50% on the Entourage to just 8,400 units (Kia sold 27,000 Sedonas in the same period). It was a brutal lesson, but Hyundai's U.S. CEO John Krafcik says the company learned "why you don't do badge engineering." Needless to say, the plug is being pulled on the Hyundai Entourage later this year. With its sales wounded by the dismissed Hyundai, the Kia Sedona will continue to grace showrooms. For now, at least.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Entourage dead, Hyundai says no to badge engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai CEO says early Genesis Coupe sales numbers are "simply smoking"

Michael Harley — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res gallery

"Simply smoking." Those are the exact words that John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai USA, used to describe early sales of the automaker's new Genesis Coupe during a recent interview with Motor Trend. The highly-anticipated two-door is selling better than the Genesis Sedan, which arrived on the market last year, even though Hyundai has focused more advertising dollars on the larger luxury sedan.

Still a newcomer, the Genesis Coupe is offered in turbocharged 2.0-liter and normally-aspirated 3.8-liter trim. The bulk of the cars on dealer lots have been the V6 models, with the late-to-arrive four-cylinder variants (including the Track model and next year's R-Spec model) yet to make a significant impact on sales. Seemingly undeterred by its $27,500 sticker price, Krafcik says that more than 50 percent of the 3.8-liter buyers are driving home in the loaded Grand Touring model (the entry-level 2.0T starts at just $22,000).

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: Motortrend]

Hyundai CEO says early Genesis Coupe sales numbers are "simply smoking" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: Hyundai CEO Krafcik calls on auto industry to set example with reform

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai

Hyundai America CEO John Krafcik delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Chicago Auto Show media preview where he called on the industry to dramatically change the way it does business. According to Krafcik, for decades, extravagance has been the name of the game in the car biz - just as it has been in most of corporate America. In the past six months, however, things have started to change, with automakers cutting back on the overblown productions at auto show press conferences and in many cases eliminated such conferences altogether. But Krafcik doesn't think the swing has gone far enough.

That's just one small part of the problem, though. Krafcik acknowledged that the industry as a whole is seen as slow and unresponsive as well as wasteful. He called on voluntary limits to executive compensation that are tied to some multiple of what the average worker gets paid. "What if our industry was the first to exercise a more inclusive form of capitalism that voluntarily restrained executive compensation to a reasonable multiple of average employee salary? And what if our industry adopted a uniform code of conduct regarding gifts, meals and business entertainment?"

Krakcik wants his industry to be more modest and humble. Instead of fighting everything that needs to be done, he believes the auto industry must take the lead in re-shaping corporate America.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chicago 2009: Hyundai CEO Krafcik calls on auto industry to set example with reform originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Krafcik named CEO of Hyundai America

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Hyundai

Hyundai is once again shuffling the deck at its U.S. operation. Since 2003, four different backsides have sat in the CEO seat. Finbarr O'Neill, Bob Cosmai, Steve Wilhite, and Jon Eun Kim were not able to gain enough ground towards the brand's goal of selling 1 million units by 2010, so now it's time for John Krafcik to try his hand. Krafcik will move up from his VP of Product Development and Strategic Planning position where he helped shape Hyundai's most recent successes. He played a role ensuring the Genesis and Santa Fe would resonate with the American market, and his reward is the new title of acting President and CEO of the U.S. unit for Hyundai. In the past, individuals named as "acting" executives had the probationary title removed within just a few months. While Hyundai no longer thinks it will shift 1 million cars by 2010, Krafcik will try to keep the dealer body pleased with stable upper management and continuing to release world-class product at more reasonable prices than the competition.

[Source: Automotive News ,sub req'd]

Krafcik named CEO of Hyundai America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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