Hyundai Blog :: New Hyundai cars, news, dealerships, sales, spy shots, reviews, accessories, parts, tuning

Hyundai reports a 24 percent increase in January 2010 sales. New Tucson sales rev up!

Korean largest carmaker Hyundai Motor reported its US sales soared 24 percent last month, as Japanese rival Toyota grappled with a massive gas pedal recall. According to Hyundai Motor America, total sales for January 2010 stood at 30.503 vehicles as against 24.512 units in January 2009.

The all-new 2010 Hyundai Tucson, which went on sale during the first days of January, has seen an overwhelming consumer response and recorded an incredible 128 percent sales increase, while Hyundai’s sub-compact Accent and Elantra sedan sales increased 61 and 133 percent, respectively.

The top-selling Hyundai model in January was Elantra compact sedan with sales of 7.605 units. It ended the month slightly ahead of the 2010 Santa Fe, which sales soared 43 percent from January last year.

Sonata’s sales slipped 37 percent due to model change. Many consumers are believed to have their purchase delayed until new Sonata hits the showroom floor.

The all-new Hyundai Tucson and 2011 Sonata sedan are starting a wave of new model launches which will bring seven new Hyundai models to the market over a period of 24 months. You can expect to see many exciting Hyundai cars hitting the streets during the so-called “24/7 version 2.0″ product blitz, including a completely redesigned Elantra compact sedan, Veloster coupe and slightly updated Genesis sedan.

[Read the rest of this entry…]

Check out this video to find out how Hyundai’s new 2.4L Theta II engine works!

We are bringing you a very interesting presentation video that showcases exactly how Hyundai’s all-new Theta II gasoline direct-injection 2.4L engine operates. The animated video reveals the benefits of advanced powertrain technology and provides some information on its performance, fuel economy and emissions.

The 2.4L Theta II GDI engine was developed over a 46 month-long period and cost Hyundai $145 million. The state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine, which features gasoline direct injection technology, dual continuously variable valve timing and variable induction system technology, will make its debut with the recently unveiled Sonata sedan.

The Theta II gasoline direct-injection engine in 2011 Hyundai Sonata generates between 198 and 200 horsepower ( depending on trim level) yet delivers an estimated segment-leading 35 mpg on the highway. It can be coupled to six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

The 2.4L GDI Theta II engine is Hyundai’s first production powerplant with gasoline direct injection technology. But this is only the beginning. Hyundai already revealed that it plans to roll out the gasoline direct injection technology across entire engine line-up in the coming years.

Hyundai Theta engine video:

The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata sedan priced from $19.915!

The 2011 Sonata sedan, which made its official inaugural debut at the L.A. auto show a few weeks ago and already received plenty of positive feedback from automotive media, is scheduled to hit the U.S. Hyundai dealerships within a few weeks.

The sixth-generation Sonata incorporates Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture Design” and features state-of-the-art powertrain technology. It also boasts a vast increase in performance and improvement in fuel efficiency. According to Hyundai Motor America, the new Sonata tops the mid-size sedan segment cars in fuel economy with a rating of 35 mpg highway and 24 mpg city.

At the beginning, the 2011 Sonata will only be available with a 2.4L four-cylinder Theta II engine, which features Gasoline Direct Injection GDI technology and generates as much as 200 horsepower. The engine can be coupled to either an in-house developed 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

For the first time, there will be no V6 engine available in Sonata’s US line-up. Instead, Hyundai plans to unveil a turbo-charged Sonata at the end of 2010, as well as a fuel-sipping hybrid version sometime during 2011.

Pricing for the all-new Sonata will start at affordable $19.195 for the base GLS model equipped with 2.4L four-cylinder gasoline engine and coupled to 6-speed manual gearbox. Moving up to the next level (Sonata SE) model will cost you $22.595, while the range-topping Sonata Limited model will be available from $25.295.

2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS ( available with six-speed manual or automatic transmission)

Standard features in the Sonata GLS model 16-inch steel wheels with full covers, bodycolor front grille, chrome window belt-line moldings, metalgrain interior accents, power windows, locks, heated mirrors, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls and remote keyless entry and alarm.

The Sonata GLS also gets MP3 audio system with iPod/USB and Aux input jacks, advanced trip computer with custom settings, integrated Bluetooth with phonebook transfer, daytime running lights and eco indicator.

In addition, Sonata GLS trim also comes equipped with class-leading safety features including ESC/TCS/ABS/TPMS, front active head restraints, 6-Airbags (front, front seat side and curtain airbags)

[Read the rest of this entry…]

Sales report for January 2010: Hyundai manages to increase its overall global sales by more than 50 percent!

The world’s fourth largest automaker, Hyundai Motor Company, has revealed its overall January 2010 sales numbers. The company revealed it recorded a total global sales of 269.841 units, as compared to 179.385 units in January 2009.

In South Korea, where Hyundai holds about 50 percent of the passenger car market, the company increased its sales by 68 percent for a total of 59.774 units. With sales of 15.362 units, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata remained the top selling passenger car in the domestic market, according to the official sales report. Of this figure, 13.928 units were the all-new Sonata model, while the rest of Sonatas sold were previous generation models.

Hyundai has seen a very strong demand form its newly launched models including Sonata sedan and Tucson crossover. It was announced earlier in January, that the number of contracts signed for the new Sonata has already broken the 100.000 orders landmark. The figure equates to more than 1.000 contracts being signed each working day since the vehicle’s October 2009 launch!

In addition to higher domestic sales, Hyundai also experienced growth in overseas sales. According to the company, 66.069 Hyundai cars were exported from Korea, while additional 143.998 units were produced at the automaker’s overseas plants located in the USA, India and Europe. Combined Hyundai overseas sales surpassed the 210.000 units mark in January 2010 - an increase of 45.9 percent compared to a year earlier.

Hyundai’s sister company, Kia Motors, also announced that its sales in January 2010 more than doubled from a year earlier. The second largest automaker in Korea sold a total of 34.007 new cars in the local market, while 129.231 vehicles were shipped to international markets such as USA, Europe, Middle East and others. Overall, Kia’s 2010 January sales more than doubled from previous year.

[Read the rest of this entry…]

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group plans to sell 1 million vehicles in China in 2010!

Last year, Hyundai Motor Company and its affiliate Kia Motors, which both form a Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, sold 4.63 million vehicles worldwide. Out of all vehicles sold, more than 800.000 cars and trucks were sold in China, making it the world’s largest auto-market for the Korean automaker.

Hyundai, which operates two manufacturing plants in China, saw its new car sales increase 93 percent, to 570.309 units, while its sister company Kia Motors managed to increase its sales to 241.386 units (+70 percent when compared to a year earlier).

Overall new passenger car sales n China increased to 10.3 million units in 2009, representing a 52 percent increase over the numbers achieved in 2008. According to leading China newspaper, car sales were boosted by higher demand for smaller cars.

By introducing several new models in 2010, including a revamped Accent hatchback and Elantra sedan, Hyundai hopes it can boost its sales to 670.000 units, up 25 percent, while Kia aims to increase its sales by 40 percent for a total of 300.000 units. If both automakers successfully increase their sales as projected, the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group will sell close to 1 million vehicles in China!

But Hyundai expansion plans do not stop here. The Korean largest carmaker is also planning to enter commercial vehicle market in China by setting up a joint-venture with a local commercial vehicle company.

[Read the rest of this entry…]

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV gets more fuel efficient 2.4L four-cylinder and more powerful 3.5L V6 engines.

Hyundai has officially unveiled the 2010 Santa Fe SUV at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

The most important news about the 2010 Santa Fe are two new engines; the 2.4L four-cylinder and 3.5L V6. Both engines had been tweaked to provide improved fuel-efficiency and more power over the previous offerings.

Available as an entry-level option, the 2.4L Theta II four-cylinder engine replaces previous entry-level unit (2.7L V6). With 175 horsepower and 169lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.4L Theta outperforms the afore-mentioned V6 engine in both, power and fuel economy. According to Hyundai, the 2.4L unit achieves 28 mpg highway and 20 mpg city fuel economy rating with front wheel drive set up.

For those who need more raw power, Hyundai also offers a 3.5L V6 Lambda engine in the 2010 Santa Fe. Its larger and more powerful than the 3.3L unit it replaces yet, it delivers 15 percent better fuel economy.

The 3.5L V6 churns out 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft., which is 34 horsepower and 22 more pound-feet of torque more than its predecessor. The mileage figures for the 3.5 V6-powered 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe are 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

For the 2010 model year, the Santa Fe also received a mid-cycle sheet-metal refreshing. There is a new grille, fascia and fog-lights up-front, new body side moldings, redesigned alloy-wheels and new tail-light design.

The Santa Fe SUV also gets important enhancements inside the cabin. There’s a new touch-screen navigation system, which includes the rear-view camera. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity are now a part of standard equipment.

[Read the rest of this entry…]

NAIAS 2010: Hyundai takes the wraps off its futuristic Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept!

Hyundai has unveiled the Blue-Will hybrid car concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Blue-Will concept sits upon Hyundai’s parallel hybrid Blue Drive architecture, which mates the 152-horsepower, 1.6L four-cylinder engine to continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 100kw electric motor. The lithium polymer battery pack, which is supplied by LG Chem, is fitted together with the fuel tank under the rear seats to maximize luggage space.

Beneath the skin, the concept car features a thermal generator, which recaptures the heat from hot exhaust gases and converts it to electrical energy that helps to power vehicle’s auxiliary systems. The Blue-Will also features fuel-saving low-friction tires (245/40 R20) and a full-length undercover for improved aerodynamics.

Additionally, Hyundai engineers also mounted solar panels to its panoramic glass roof to help cool the cabin and recharge the vehicles batteries.

According to Hyundai, the Blue-Will plug-in hybrid vehicle promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a fuel economy rating of more than 100 miles per gallon!

Hyundai Blue-Will concept car core technologies:- 1.6L GDI (gasolin direct injection) with 152 horsepower

- roof-mounted solar cells

- thermal generator that captures and converts hot exhaust gases into electricity

- lithium polymer (Li-Poly) battery

- drive-by-wire steering

- regenerative braking

Read the official Hyundai Blue-Will press release, after the jump…

[Read the rest of this entry…]

Hyundai extends its innovative Assurance Program into 2010!

Hyundai Motor America has announced it is going to extend its popular Assurance Program through 2010. In addition, the company also decided to expand the program by adding a 24-hour Roadside Assistance and America’s Best Warranty to the mix.

The Hyundai Assurance Program was introduced to the US consumers in February last year, with an aim to protect consumers in the uncertain economic environment. The program enabled Hyundai buyers to walk away from a financing obligation when certain adverse life events occur, providing protection from financial shortfalls that arise from vehicle depreciation (negative equity) up to $7.500.

The Assurance Program, which began as a way to lure the consumers back into showrooms, was slated to stay until the end of 2009, but it has proven to be a huge success, so Hyundai decided to extend it until the end of the 2010.

According to several reports, the Assurance Program has helped the Korean automaker increase its sales and acquire larger market share, while other automakers were loosing ground.

According to John Krafcik, the president and CEO of HMA, the Assurance program represents Hyundai’s complete commitment to the customers, with job-loss vehicle return coverage, five years of roadside assistance, and industry-leading 10-year warranty.

“Hyundai Assurance shows that we are doing things a little bit differently at Hyundai, and this is making a difference in our business results. You can expect more of this in 2010, starting with the all-new Tucson and Sonata,” said John Krafcik.

Read the official press release of the 2010 Hyundai Assurance Program, after the jump…

[Read the rest of this entry…]