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The 2011 Hyundai Sonata named top safety pick by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety -IIHS!

The all-new Hyundai Sonata has received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s “Top Safety Pick” award for achieving the highest possible ratings in the Institute’s front, side, rear, and roll-over crash tests.

To qualify for the “Top Safety Pick” award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in front, side, rear, and rollover tests. The vehicle must also be equipped with electronic stability control -ESC.

All Sonata models sold on the US soil is equipped with six airbags; dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags and side curtain airbags. Other standard safety features in the new Sonata include active front-seat head restraints, front-seat seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for five seating positions and a rear-seat Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for child seats.

The Sonata also features state-of-the-art braking package, which includes disc brakes on all-four wheels, ABS, BAS and EBD systems.

The Brake Assist System -BAS provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, while Electronic Brake-force Distribution system -EBD automatically adjusts braking force to front and rear axles.

Every Sonata model also has a life-saving Electronic Stability Control (ESC). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Electronic Stability Control results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.

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Hyundai i45 mid-size sedan to hit the continent “Down Under” in the second quarter of 2010.

Just recently launched Hyundai Sonata sedan received rave reviews from most prominent automotive media in the US. The model has created quite some buzz among Hyundai fans, as well as other automotive enthusiasts.

Hyundai now wants the hype to continue elsewhere in the world, particularly in Australia, where the carmaker has been gaining on popularity. Over the past couple of months, Hyundai recorded a few best-ever sales months ever since it entered the market. And for your record, those impressive sales numbers were achieved without having a brand-new Sonata sedan and Tucson crossover in the line-up.

The all-new Hyundai Tucson was launched in Australia just last week, while new Sonata is going to debut in the second quarter of 2010. Both models adopted Hyundai’s European nomenclature, so they are called the ix35 (Tucson) and i45 (Sonata) on the continent “Down Under”.

The all-new Hyundai i45 incorporates Hyundai’s brand-new styling approach called “fluidic sculpture”. It features modern powertrain technologies and new luxury features, but at the same time remains to be one of the best values for money.

According to Hyundai, the i45 does not differ from US-spec Sonata sedan. It comes available with a six-speed automatic transmission mated to new 2.4L Petrol Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine. It also achieves best-in-segment fuel economy ratings and provides class-leading safety for the driver and passengers.

The main difference between Sonata and the i45 is location where Hyundai builds them. While the US-spec Sonata sedan comes from Hyundai Motor’s manufacturing plant in Alabama, Australian bound i45s are being produced in South Korea.

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Hyundai iFlow concept car set to make its official debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

Hyundai has released the very first teaser image of its iFlow concept car, which is set to make its official public premiere during the opening day of the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

Designed at Hyundai’s European design headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the iFlow the concept car features visionary exterior styling and hints at a possible design direction for a future-generation mid-size Hyundai sedan.

There are no other details about Hyundai iFlow available at this point, but our sources say that the concept car sits on Hyundai’s in-house developed hybrid-drive architecture and features a set of solar panels on its roof.

The iFlow concept is also said to give us a glimpse of the new i40 sedan, which is scheduled to make its production debut in the second half of 2010. The i40 sedan will be marketed exclusively in Europe and will be available as a sedan or wagon type model.

Update: Hyundai today released the official press release about the iFlow concept. You can read it here:

An all-new concept car is set to catch the “i” of visitors to the Geneva Motor Show next month. Hyundai has chosen the event to reveal the i-flow, a stylish saloon that previews the look of its new D-segment contender.

Styled at the company’s European design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, i-flow is expected to attract much attention, thanks to its striking appearance - the latest product of the company’s evocative new form language, “fluidic sculpture”.

The name i-flow reflects the exceptionally aerodynamic shape and the flowing lines of the concept car’s eye-catching styling, and retains the “i” prefix of Hyundai’s established nomenclature.

The i-flow incorporates numerous new technologies from chemical company BASF, ranging from innovative lightweight materials to solar cells, to assist in reducing weight and improving energy efficiency.

More news of Hyundai’s star cars will be published in advance of the show and will be available on the stand. The company’s press conference will take place on Tueasdy, March 2nd.

Hyundai iFlow image:

The 2011 Hyundai Azera unveiled in Chicago. Boasts updated 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines and improved fuel economy.

The 2011 Hyundai Azera made its official debut at the on-going Chicago auto show. For the 2011 model year, Azera received a plethora of styling updates and technical improvements including enhanced V6 engines and new six-speed automatic gearbox.

Speaking of powertrain options, the revised 2011 Azera is available with two updated V6 engines; the 3.3L and 3.8L. Entry-level Azera GLS is available with 3.3L Lambda V6 which generates 260 horsepower and 233 lbs.-ft of torque.

The engine features variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust side. It is also equipped with variable intake system (VIS) that further broadens its power curve to improve Azera’s off-the-line acceleration and passing performance. The 3.3L V6 engine returns 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg when driving on highway.

The 3.8-liter V6 fitted under the hood of 2011 Azera Limited also gets a horsepower bump, again thanks to the addition of variable valve timing on the intake side. According to Hyundai, the updated engine packs 283 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque.  Estimated fuel economy for the 3.8L V6 engine is 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on highway.

The updated 2011 Hyundai Azera also gets standard six-speed automatic transmission, which helps the car to improve its fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. According to Hyundai, the all-new 6-speed gearbox is smaller, lighter and more compact in size than any other six-speed transmission available on the market. It was developed over a four year period in conjunction with Kia Motors.

The 2011 Azera also received a plethora of styling updates. Those are not dramatic, but do help the vehicle to look a bit more premium and modern. Styling alterations include subtly revised front fascia with redesigned front grille, headlights and bumper.

In the rear, the 2011 Azera gains new LED taillights and slightly redesigned bumper with integrated chrome exhaust tailpipes. Modernized 17-inch alloy wheels and revised side repeater mirrors with all-new bright puddle lamps light the way to Hyundai’s refined premium large car with near-luxury attributes.

Interior of the facelifted Azera benefits from aluminum graining added to the center console and a one-touch triple turn signal. All Azeras are also equipped with green “Eco” indicator light that lights up to indicate fuel-efficient driving habits.

According to Hyundai Motor America, the 2011 Hyundai Azera is set to hit the showroom floor in the spring 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to its sales date.

Read official press release of the 2011 Hyundai Azera after the jump…

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This is a guest post written by Blanchard Hyundai dealer, located in Asheville, North Carolina.

Opening the doors of a new car dealership in April 2009 in the middle of the country’s worst economic downturn since the great depression was risky.

We received the news we would be awarded the Hyundai franchise in Asheville, after a year of applications, interviews, and planning, we were excited. At the time we were, Asheville Dodge. Looking at the future of the Chrysler brand, we opted to sell the Dodge franchise to the local Chrysler Jeep dealer and focus completely on Hyundai.

Our doors opened with nothing, but a repainted facility and a quick sign banner stating Blanchard Hyundai was in business. With no previous Hyundai customer base or product recognition in the marketing it was an uphill battle.

We advertised in every media possible: TV, radio, newspaper, internet, giveaways and social media outlet.  Other than the fact we had no factory signage until 6 months after the doors opened, our biggest sales obstacle was educating the consumer about Hyundai.

When I started my career in the late 90’s Hyundai was considered the cheap alternative for the customer who could not afford to buy a Honda or Toyota. Our goal was to introduce the public to the Hyundai of the 21st century.

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Hyundai Mobis, the auto parts making unit of Hyundai Motor Group, and LG Chem announce a joint venture to produce lithium-ion car batteries.

Named HL Green Power Co., the $25 million venture is 51 percent owned by Hyundai Mobis, while LG Chem, the nation’s biggest chemicals maker, holds the remaining stake.

According to Hyundai Mobis, the joint venture is expected to start production in the second half of 2010. The automaker announced it will build a production plant with an estimated production of 200.000 battery packs per year.

By 2014, Hyundai Mobis and LG Chem plan to spend a total of US$39 million to increase the factory’s annual capacity to 400.000 battery packs.

Hyundai will use LG Chem’s lithium-ion batteries in several hybrid vehicles that are scheduled to make a debut during the next two years. At the moment, Hyundai only sells the Elantra LPG hybrid car, which also uses LG Chem battery packs, but they already revealed plans to introduce a Sonata hybrid car by the end of the year.

Hyundai’s sister company, Kia Motors, will also use similar hybrid technology for its up-coming Optima sedan. Kia also sells Forte LPG hybrid car in South Korea since September last year.

LG Chem has also announced a partnership agreement with China’s Chongqing Changan Auto. The company will supply lithium-ion batteries for several Changan’s hybrid vehicles destined to hit the market in the second half of the year.

The Chinese car producer Chongqing Changan has already introduced a CV11 hybrid van, but they also plan to add a hybrid sedan named CV8 to their fast expanding vehicle line-up. [Read the rest of this entry…]

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.

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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: