Award caps record year for Hyundai Motor America and Elantra
*Bold Fluidic Sculpture design
*Best-in-class standard fuel economy on all models
*Highest owner satisfaction with real world fuel economy of all compact cars
*Mid-size interior room in a compact class footprint
*Elantra is built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra took top honors in the most exclusive award in North America when it was named 2012 North American Car of the Year.
A jury of 50 independent North American journalists evaluated each of the new cars introduced last year and chose the 2012 Hyundai Elantra as the winner.  The award was announced at a news conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, which marks Hyundai's second win.  The Hyundai Genesis was named North American Car of the Year in 2009.
"Elantra speaks to the success of our bold design and great fuel economy", said John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer, Hyundai Motor America.  "In a year with some truly breakthrough competitors, we are honored that the jury recognizes Elantra's far-reaching impact on the industry".
The jurors considered more than 50 new vehicles, before selecting the top three cars and top three trucks.  The Volkswagen Passat and Ford Focus were the other car finalists.
This is the 19th year of the awards, which were inspired by the prestigious European "Car of the Year".  The jury is administered by an organizing committee and funded exclusively with dues paid by the jurors.  Jurors judge the car on a number of factors including innovation, impact on the industry, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and and value for the dollar.
Elantra exemplifies Hyundai's emotional "Fluidic Sculpture" design principles.  "Fluidic Sculpture"considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion.  Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.
Along Elantra's sides are Sonata's flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door.  These lines,  along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package.  Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body.  The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29).
Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face.  The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions.  Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design.  Elantra was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.
40 MPG POWERTRAIN
Elantra's standard economy is EPA-rated at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission.  These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles.  Elantra's strong EPA ratings are backed up by the highest owner satisfaction with real-world fuel economy in the compact class, according to data from J.D. Power and Associates.
Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV).  Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon an several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA.  The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles.  The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments.  Outside of these "green" states, the ELantra is available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).
MARK ON THE MARKET
Most importantly, Elantra is driving traffic to Hyundai showrooms.  Elantra's record 186,361 sales helped Hyundai achieve its record sales of 645,691 units in the U.S. in 2011.  Hyundai Motor America posted a 20 percent increase over 2011 total sales.

Ann Arbor, Michigan, November 11, 2011- The Center for Automotive Research in partnership with Hyundai Motor America today annouced the findings of a study quanitfying-for the first time-teh automaker's impact on the U.S. economy. Conducted by CAR's Sustainability and Economic Development Stradegies group and commiossioned by Hyundai, the economic impact study finds that Hyundai's U.S. operations and dealerships have contributed more than 94,000 private sector jobs and in excess of #7 billion to the country's Gross Domestic Product in 2011. Included in the analysis were Hyundai's manufacturing and supplier, research and development, engineering, heardquarters and dealerships operations, amoung others.
"The importance of this study is directly related to the importance of foreign direct investment and operations in the sustainability of the overall automotive industry in the U.S.," said Kim Hill, director of the Sustainability and Economic Stradegies group at CAR, and the study's lead. "While the domestic auto industry restructured and contracted in recent years, international manufacturers have continued to expand their U.S. operations. Hyundai's growth, and the expansion of it's product development and manufacturing capabilities in the U.S., has outpaced the industryand other major manufacturers. When taken together with it's sister company Kia, Hyundai accounts for more than one third of the South Korean direct investment and capital spending in the U.S."
According to the study, of the total 94,000 jobs created by Hyundai, approximately one third, or 33,000, is supported by the automaker's direct employment in it's manufacturing-related activites in the U.S. Associated wages and salaries are estimated at $2.4 billion. Hyundai's dealerships support the remaining 61,000 jobs with associated wages and benefits estimated at $3.5 billion.
"The study confirms that Hyundai's expanding U.S. operations are creating and retaining jobs, therby having a significant on the country's economy," said Hill. "U.S. auto industry jobs that are related to Hyundai tend to be very well comensated, leading to higher than average household spending and tax payments impacts."
"Hyundai is proud of our American success story, and of what our growth and job creation have meant to the U.S. economy, automotive industry and American automotive workers," said John Krafcik, president and cheif executive officer of Hyundai Motor America. "With the majority of vehicles Hyundai sells in the U.S. now produced here, we are primed for continued investment and employment in the U.S."

Hyunai Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, Equus, Tuscon and Santa Fe Acheive Highest Safety Ratings


Six Hyundai models, the all new Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, Eqqus, Tuscon and Santa Fe, achieved the 2012 Top Safety Pick honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on "good" ratings in Institute tests. Winners must also have available Electronic Stability Control, a crash avoidence feature that significantly reduces crash risk.
"Safety has always been a top prioity at Hyundai, so we are thrillerd to see six of our models on this important and prestigious list," Mile O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Having led the industry in standardizing Electronic Stability Control for the mid-sized sedan segment back in 2005, Hyundai is committed to developing and providing the best in both passive and active safety technologies."
The IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings help consumers pick vehicles that offer a higher level of protection than federak safety standards require. In 2010, the Institute toughened the criteria for Top Safety Pick by adding a requirement that all qualifiers must earn a "good" rating for performance in a roof strength test to assess protection in a rollover crash.
"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," says Institute president Adrian Kund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."

It's fair to say that we were suprised by the Hyunadi Sonata. Granted, the previous Sonata was a competent offering, but it was not exactly a standout. With the new Sonata, however, staff members started tossing aorund phrases like "best-in-class". Against sucj stalwart competitors as the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry--and solid challengers like the Nissan Altima, the Ford Fusion, and the Chevrolet Malibu--that was a very big claim. The best way to find out for sure whether the Sonata was deserving of such enthusiasm was to spend a year with one in a Four Seasons test.
The Sonata comes in 3 flavors: GLS, SE, and Limited. We chose the midlevel SE, which is also supposed to be the slightly sporty version. For the SE, there's only one pewertrain: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. You might think the six-speed manual would be available on the SE, but it can be had only on the base GLS. We added the navigation and sunroof package (which also includes an upgraded audio system) and a cargo net, bringing the total price to a still very reasonable $25,965.
The navigation system proved to be a key addition, and it garnered lots of praise for it's ease of use. "I drove a Honda Accord recently," said senior web editor Phil Floraday, starting off our logbook," and the first thing I noticed in the Sonata is how much more intuitive the infotainment and climate controls are." He argued that, given the relative parity amoung so many cars in this class, infotainment systems now take center stage, particularly for today's tech-obsessed buyers.
If its in-car technology make Hyundai seem very au courant, so, too, does the Sonata's all-four-cylinder engine lineup. After we got our Sonata, Hyundai brought out a turbocharged version--rather than a V-6--- and a hybrid as well. Should we have waited for the turbo? Well, the turbocharged engine, a 2.0 liter, provides considerably more power and torque: 274 hp and 269lb-ft (versus the 2.4 liter SE's 200 hp and 186lb-ft). And the 2012 model does so with a minimal fuel-economy penalty of only 2 mpg in the city and 1 mpg on the highway (2011 Sonatas had slightly lower EPA ratings). But numbers don't tell the whole story. "After driving the Sonata 2.0T, I'd say we picked the right one," argued Zenlea. "The turbo, much like the most powerful, front wheel drive mid-sized cars, has more torque than it can put to the ground."
And it's not as if we were unhappy with the standard, 2.4-liter engine's ability to motivate this swoopy sedan. Our 8.3 second 0-to-60-mph time is only OK, but the car feels faster in real-world driving. "Nicely peppy," wrote cope editor Rusty Blackwell, who thought the 2.4 "doesn't feel base-level at all." Tingwall agreed, saying "I'm constantly impressed with how strong and smooth the power delivery is with this engine."
Strong and smooth, perhaps, but not silent. This four-cylinder is direct injected., which aids efficiency but makes for a noisey engine. More than one driver thought that the engine's gravelly idle soudned almost like that of a diesel, although most were not botherd by the powerplant's patter once underway. What was also diesel-like, at times, was the fuel eonomy. One staffer averaged 36.6 mpg on a five-hour drive from Chicago. Another reported getting 33 mpg on a trip to New York and 36 mpg on the return. Everyone appreciated the long highway cruising range, which could exceed 500 miles. In all, we averaged 28 mpg over 26,679 miles.

An extra tall sixth gear aids the cause of highway fuel economy, and the six-speed automatic was mostly well-behaved--Tingwall credited it with "some of the smoothest gearchanges in the mid-sized segment"--with one exception. On a few occasions--low traction, big throttle opening--the engine would bang off the rev limiter beofre the transmission shifted into second gear.
The standard-fitment Hankook Optimo all-season tires appear to have been chosen for their low rolling resistance, because they didn't come across as a particularly sporting choice. They were quick to protest during enthusiastic cornering. Nor were the brakes the stuff of enthusiast's dreams.
Although the Sonata in SE trim might not be a road-burning sport sedan, it's firmer suspension earned good reviews. We found it to be nicely poised through high-speed curves. "You acn plant the Sonata in a bend and it feels like a car with much more sporting credentials," said Tingwall. That the Sonata managed this without gearing a single complaint about ride quality over our horrendous local roads indicates that Hyundai has struck an ideal balance in suspension turning for this car. The turning of the electric power steering, however, is not quite there yet, although satisfying all drivers may be impossible. To wit, various staffers described the steering as "delightfully weighted" and "better than most," yet also "springly" and "ponderous and uncommunicative."
There was no such disagreement about the Sonata's more practical attributes, such as the spacious interior and the rommy trunk. Regarding the latter, the only disaparte comments had to do with what we put in it: a kiddie pool, a partially disassembled motorized wheelchair, a TV satallite dish and two kitchen garbage cans, or luggage for four people. The last was for a group of triathletes who were traveling with bikes, helmets, sleeping bags and a small cooler in addtion to their duffel bags. "I was certain that I needed a vehicle utility for this trip," recounted Tingwall, "but the Sonata was surprisingly comfortable and roomy. Interior space is very generous, with plenty of legroom for four adults."
What about reliability, a prized quality among buyers of mid-sized sedans? Well, aside from a slightly alarming four recalls, we had only one problem: a mild but persistent rattle in the sunroof. It eventually was found to be severly out of adjustment. We did have one expierience with Hyundai road side assistence, when managing editor of digital platforms Jennifer Masaros had a tire go flat. She reached a pleasent, well spoken women on the phone and got a text message with and ETA from the responding local service company before she'd even hung up. The driver arrived within ten minutes and immediatly got to work; he'd even diagnosed the cause. Misaros was taken aback: "If this is any indication of the level of service Hyundai owners recieve, I'm thouroughly impressed."
Actaully, we were quite impressed with the Sonata overall. "Hyudai has finally gone from catching up to the competition to raising the bar with the Sonata," said Floraday. "In a segment where progress is often measured in baby steps, the Sonata seems to have made a giant leap,"echoed Zenlea. "The last generation brought respectability. This one joins the best in class." We should point out that the Sonata is also the newest car in it's class. Staying on top won't be easy but if Hyundai can do it, this time we won't be surprised. 

Hyundai Motor America today annouced sales of 49,610 vehicles in November, a 22 percent total sales increase and 24 percent retail sales increase compared with the same record-setting period a year ago.
"The Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, including 'Black Friday' proved to be a very strong selling period and helped us break our all-time November sales record." said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president of national sales. "With vehicle availability at the highest levels for the year, and with positive demand signals and improving consumer confidence, Hyundai is positioned for a very strong December finish to this record breaking year."
Year to date, Hyundai sales are up to 21 percent verus 2010 in total, with sales to retail customers up 30 percent. Sales to fleet accounts represent 11 percent of the total sales year-to-date and 10 percent for the month of November. Thirty-six percent of Hyunai vehicles sold in November acheived 40 MPG fuel ratings.
The award-winning Hyundai Accent and Elantra continue to deliver a strong one-two punch in the sub-compact and compact car segments with sales increases of 16 percent and 44 percent, respectively, over the same period last year. Tuscon and Veracruz, part of Hyundai's crossover line-up, registered sales increases of 35 and 36 percent respectively.
"Improving consumer demand and increased product availability at Hyundai dealers nationwide drive a positive December outlook for us," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's president and CEO. "While our 35 days-supply level today is low by most standards, it's the best we've seen at the start of the month for some time. Accent, Elantra, and Veloster remain in short supply, but healthy dealer stocks on all other Hyundai models should allow consumers a great opportunity to find just the car they're looking for in December."

The all new 2012 Hyundai Veloster earned the title of "Best Economy Car" in Bloomberg's recent "Best Drives of 2011." The velostar is an innovative compact coupe that features ground breaking design, with a unique third door for easy rear-seat access, Hyundai's Blue link telematics system, Pandora internet radio with seven-inch touch-screen display and a new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine that can be mated to either Hyundai's first EcoShift dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. The Veloster is also one of the four Hyundai vehicles that archive 40mpg on the highway, along with the Accent, Elantra, and Sonata Hybrid.
In the third annual roundup of the year's best vehicles compliled by Bloomberg.
Veloster drew praise from the editors for "amenities like touch-screen navigation, automatic everything, Bluetooth and a rear-view camera."
"Hyundai has four models which hit the 40 mpg mark, only one a hybrid. That's progress for the people," said Jason Harper, Bloomberg's auto critic. "Most of us want a nice-driving, good-looking automobile that won't sledgehammer us into debt. Hyundai has gotten in the habit of over-delivering very good cars at underwhelming prices. The Veloster is the most out-and-out fun."
Joining the Veloster as "Best Drives of 2011" are the Range Rover Evoque, the Lamborghini Aventador, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the Overall 2011 Winner, the Audi  A7.
As expected for the winner of the "Best Economy Car" segment, the Veloster combines it's dynamic design, wealth of technology and outstanding fuel efficienct with great value--The Velostar starts at $17,300 (plus frieght).
"We recognize the Bloomberg's reporters and readers are amoung the most financially savvy and astute car buyers in the world," said Scott Margasonm director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With this in mind, it's a tremendous honor that the publicationappreciates all of the Veloster's outstanding qualities in the compact coupe segment, from the telematics' benefits of Blur Link to a fun, yet fuel efficient 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine that yeilds outstanding fuel economy, combined with an affordable sticker price."

    It doesn't take an auto insider to see Hyundai Motor America is on a roll.
Through October, South Korea-bases Hyundai has sold more cars in America than it did it all of 2010. It's retail sales are up 31 percent this year, it's market continues to grow and more people than ever are considering a Hyundai as they shop for cars. Every month is a new sales record for the brand. It's getting kind of redundant after eight months in a row.
"Our goal is to build great cars," John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said Friday at the company's sprawling Technical Center in Superior Township, near Ann Arbor, as he reviewed the automaker's success in 2011. "The brand is really growing, it's strong."
And the company expects to continue to grow, despite problems with keeping enough inventory on hand at dealers and finding capacity at factories. It's adding more cars to its lineup and providing innovative customer service prgrams, such as it's guaranteed residual value plan that allows customers to know what their car will be worth three years from now.
But is Hyundai getting so big that it needs to expand its manufacturing? Krafcik declined to comment whether Hyundai is considering building another factory in North America, despite presistent prodding from the press. "Hyundai's philosophy has always been to build vehicles where we sell them," he said. "There is no big annoucement today."
Leaving everyone to speculate on what that means exactly. (My take is that eventually Hyundai is going to have to expand in America, so poloticians around the country should put on their Sunday best)
But it's the smoothness with which Krafcik deflects the question that is impressive. He has a way with the autmotive press. He's relaxed around us and accessible. He rarely presents a product and then dashes off to more important people. He confidently represents his brand with pride and an enthusiasm that seems sincere. Krafcik mirrors the brand. There's a lesson for American automotive CEO's in there somewhere.
But true confidence in the automotive world stems from good products. And Hyundai has been on a run with a string of successes, including the stylish midsized Sonata and it's compact little brother, the Elantra.
The automaker recently added a redone subcompact Accent and the quirky three-door Velostar to it's lineup to attract more customers.
"They just keep building good cars with lots of features at a very competitive price," said Dan Sullivan, an automotive analyst at AutoPacific Inc., as he looked at the refreshed Hyundai Azera large sedan, which will be featured at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.
A report released Friday by the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor and Hyundai examined the carmaker's impact on the U.S. economy.
Hyundai contributes more than 94,000 U.S. jobs- 33,000 directly- and $7 billion to the gross domestic product in 2011. Certainly not the kind of numbers Detroit carmakers contribute to the GDP, but nowadays, every little bit helps.
"While the domestic auto industry restructured and contracted in recent years, international manufacturers have continued to expand their U.S. operations, " said Kim Hill, director of the Sustainability and Economic Stradegies group at CAR ina statement."Hyundai's growth and the expansion of it's product development and manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. have outplaced the industry and other major manufacturers.
And next year it will conribute a little bit more.
There's every reason to think Hyundai will continue to grow. No one thinks otherwise.

Nissan Launches Facebook Photo Contest for Fans to Win a Trip to Allstate BCS Championship Game.
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) and 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard today announced the Innovate The Heisman Pose contest, challenging college football fans to take the iconic symbol of gridiron greatness to the next level. Launched on the brand's U.S. Facebook page, fans are asked to submit photos of themselves doing the Heisman pose in the funniest or most creative situation for a chance to attend college football's biggest game.
On grand prize winner, as determined by Desmond Howard and a panel of Nissan executives, will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to the Allstate BCS Championship game.  Three runners up will receive a trip for two to the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (2nd Place), Allstate Sugar Bowl (3rd Place), or Discover Orange Bowl (4th Place).
"When I crossed the goal line that day in 1991 and struck the Heisman pose, I had no idea fans would still be emulating it 20 years later,"  said Desond Howard.  "To this day, people ask me to strike the pose for photos.  After all these years, I'm happy Nissan is giving me the opportunity to turn the tables and see what innovative ideas fans will create."
Interested applicants can enter their photo on the Innovate The Heisman Pose tab of the Nissan Facebook page found at http://www.facebook.com/nissan.  The contest opens November 21, 2011 and submissions will be accepted through 9:00 AM EST on Wednesday, December 14.
"Nissan is proud to be official partners of both the Heisman Trophy and the Bowl Championship Series, so we wanted to bring those two partnerships together in a fun and engaging way for our Facebook community," said Erich Marx, Director Social Media & Interactive Maarketing.  "We're excited to join forces with Desond Howard, who isn't only a college football legend, but also created one of the sport's most iconic images when he struck his famous Heisman pose."
The 2011-2012 college football season marks the sixth year of Nissan's sponsorship of the Heisman Trophy and partnership with Sports Illustrated to co-host the Sports Illustradted Heisman Tour Presented by Nissan, a 10-stop national tour and interactive fan experience at the season's marquee matchups.  Additionally, this season Nissan brought 11 former Heisman Trophy winners together under one roof in the Heisman House, creating a series of 45-second spots airing each week before ESPN's Saturday Night Football on ABC.
The Nissan Innovate The Heisman Pose contest is open to all residents of the Continental United Sates, ages 18 and older that are available to travel to the BCS Bowl Games January 1-10, 2012.  For full contest details and rules, please click on the Innovate The Heisman Pose Tab on Nissan's Facebook page.

Hyundai's 2012 Tucson CUV has been placed on Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Award's Top 10 list.  The automotive-information resource reserves this list for vehicles expected to best retain their value over the next five years.
"Hyundai's year-over-year gain in average residual value of 4.5 percentage points was one of the best in the industry," said Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for Kelley Blue Book.  "Among this year's top 10 model winners, the Hyundai Tucson is holding its value exceedingly well, gaining more than 10 percentage points from last year with a 60-month residual value of 45.3 percent.  With Hyundai's improvements in styling and performance that results in more consumers shopping for Hyundai vehicles, this brand is clearly one to watch."
Depreciation is generally a car owner's primary ecpense.  Kelley Blue Book's annual Best Resale Value Awards are designed to help buyers informed decisions with this in mind.
"The Tucson does and excellent job of artfully combining state-of-the-art safety features, design and affordability, allowing it to retain a high calue throughout the course of ownership," said Mike O'Brien, vice president of product and corporate planning for Hyundai Motor America.  "Hyundai is proud to offer its Trade-In Value Guarantee as part of Hyundai Assurance, and is made possible due to the strength of Hyundai vehicles' residual values, like the Tucson."
The carmaker's Trade-In Value Guarantee is intended to eliminate concern about depreciation by guaranteeing value for vehicles between 24 and 48 months of ownership.

A decade ago, Hyundai was regarded as a manufacturer of inexpensive vehicles, which lacked quality.  Currently, Hyundai's are still a good value; however, they have made great strides in the quality arena.  On November 10, Hyundai Motor America announced that its upward momentum in quality was continuing with the industry's biggest long-term gain in ALG's Fall 2011 Perceived Quality Study (PQS).  Hyundai earned the No. 9 spot moving up nine spots from 18th place over the past three years.  Twice a year, ALG surveys approximately 3,000-4,000 U.S. consumers to gauge perceptions of a number of mainstream and luxury automotive brands for its PQS.  "Hyundai has made impressive efforts to improve brand perception and we can see that it has truly paid off in the mainstream", said Eric Lyman, Vice President, Residual Value Solutions, ALG.
Hyundai's ongoing success is largely attributed to the positive reception of the newly redesigned Elantra and Accent models, as well as the all-new Veloster, all three of which have received significant consumer interest and positive reception since their respective launches.  "Hyundai continues to impress car shoppers with the level of quality throughout the lineup from the entry level Accent all the way to our flagship Equus sedan", said Frank Ferrarar, executive vice president, Customer Satisfaction, Hyundai quality and brand preception will continue to grow."
23 brand that were in the survey in the Fall of 2008 currently still populate the survey today.  Of those auto makers, four have made large jumps in terms of their rank withing to the rest of the mainstream sector.  This group was led by Hyundai, which moved up from 18th place to 9th place, a gain of 9 spots over the past three years.  Ford Cars and Ford Trucks moved from 15th to 7th and 8th to 3rd, respectively.  And last but not least Kia jumped from 23rd (last among those still in the survey) to 18th since 2008.  These auto makers can find comfort in knowing that their efforts to improve brand perceptions have paid off.  Ram Trucks and Fat were not included in the survey in 2008.
On the other hand, brands that saw downward movement in the survey over the last 3 years were Smart, Scion, Mitsubishi, and Mini.  Worst of the bunch is Smart moving from 17th place to 23rd (last).  Scion, Mitsubishi, and Mini each saw drops of 3 spots.

Find big door on driver side, two smaller ones on the passenger side.
The most exciting car yet from South Korean automaker Hyundai is the 2012 Veloster, on sale since September.
The Veloster (ve-LOS-ter) is an oddball, three-door hatchback that fills a niche not apparent to most folks.  The small car has a big door on the driver side and two smaller ones on the passenger side.  The styling is show-car wild.  The $18,000 starting price and 40-mpg highway rating are tantalizing.
Hyundai calls it "playful" and says it's a "reverse-halo" car- a low-price model, instead of the more typical high-price one, that casts a glow over the whole brand.  Hyundai says Veloster is aimed to attract "a new generation of Hyundai customers."
It's also a billboard for Hyundai's first use of a direct-injection gasoline engine mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
Ford Motor and Volkswagen also use similar gearboxes on small cars, with mixed success.  Veloster's version, while flawed, seems the best-tuned, so far.
Also known as "manimatic" or "dry-clutch" gearboxes, the transmissions work like manuals internally, but are automatically shifted by the car's computer.  The driver has no clutch pedal and doesn't need to move the grea level to shift. 
The greaboxes eliminate the fluid coupling, called a torque converter, that's used on conventional automatics.  It's a source of fuel-using drag, but also is smoother in traffic and from dead stop than the manumatics.
One Veloster test car had the DCT and was aggravating in traffic.  As is the case with a pure manual, it's hard to creep gentaly ahead.  You're on and off the brakes a lot to keep the DCT Hyundai easing forward.
It works fine once up to speed though.
The other test car was a base model with manual transmission.  It was easy to shift, satisfying the hand and head doing so, and was abetted by a clutch pedal neither too light nor too firm.  It seemed to be no problem, either in traffic or on the open road.
Veloster's manual was quite a bit easier to use and smoother to engage than several other small cars with manuals tested lately.
Also worth noting:
The three-door design is unusual but not unique. General Motors' now-defunct Saturn brand sold a "three-door coupe".  Mini Cooper's  Clubman model has two doors on one side, one on the other.

Veloster's rear door is hinged at the front, like most doors, and opens without requiring you to open the front door first.
The design gives the presumably hip young owner of the car an eye-pleasing view od a graceful coupe when approaching the drive's side, and supplies riders with easier access to the back seat as they approach from the other side.
The optional 18-inch-diameter wheels, and their tires with very short, stubby sidewalls, are a huge mistake unless you live in the Land of Always Perfect Pavement.  The 18s will slam you hard over even small bumps and road patches.
Standard 17s, by contrast, are smooth-riding, and handle tight corners well.
Space is tright in the back seat.  That's normal for a car this size, but rear headroom is also iffy.  There's even a sticker warning that closing the hatchback could wack taller rear passenger's noggins.  Hyundai puts just two seats in back, rather than dishonestly trying to convince you there 's room for three across.
Plenty of standard features mean you're getting not only an unusual car but also a nicely appointed one.
You get a 7-inch touch-screen (pretty big, especially in a little car),  power steering/brakes/seats/windows, of course Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a USB hookup for your iPod rather than just an "aux" jack.  Remote-control locks, defrosting mirrors, adjustable steering column.
Remarkably comfortable front seats.
A regrettable gutlessness.
The 1.6-liter four-cylinder is OK in town, but couldn't hold 60 mph on modest hills in sixth of fifth gear under wide-open throttle.  Had to shift the manual transmission test car down to fourth to maintain speed.  The DTCs automatic shifts mask that, but it's still evident that the engine, same as in the Accent, lost its highway liveliness along the way.
Unexpected highway composure.  More than 200 miles in heavy rain at highway speed never felt dicey.  Veloster has the road presence of a bigger machine.  It resists wind buffeting better than some other small fry, and that contributes to a feeling of stability.
If all we'd driven was the base model with manual gearbox and 17-inch tires, we'd rave about the smooth, easy-going, inviting, crazy-looking car that far exceeds expectations.
But Hyundai expects 70% to take the DCT.  And those dreadful 18-wheels are packaged with other features you want.  So most Velosters are unlikely to merit the rave.

J.D. Power and Associates has awarded Hyundai the #1 Automotive Mobile Website for 2011.  The Hyundai mobile site (m.Hyundaiusa.com) ranks highest overall among automotive mobile websites for usefulness in vehicle shopping with an index score of 784.  Following Hyundai in the rankings and rounding out the top five automotive mobile websites are Nissan (775); Mazda (766); Honda (763); and BMW (758).
Mobile is clearly the new way consumers obtain information during the automotive shopping process.  In fact, over 10% (and growing) of the visitors to Hyundai.com are shopping Hyundai vehicles via their mobile device.
Key findings from the 2011 AMS Study:
Almost one-forth (24%) of in-market smartphone Internet users visit automotive websites on their smartphone.
A majority of mobile auto shopping occurs at home (55% always or often), followed by while at the dealer (42%).
Among in-market smartphone Internet users who have downloaded an automotive-related app on their smartphone, 44% prefer using an app to access automotive information while 22% have no preference between an app or a mobile website.
Nearly one-third (30%) of in-market smartphone Internet users own a tablet device.  Of these,  63% have used their tablet device to access automotive information.

Latest Q3 2011 Analysis from Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com Reveals Honda's First-Time Fall from Top Five Brands
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNeswire--Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today reports that Hyundai upheld its No. 1 spot for brand loyalty on kbb.com for Q3 2011, marking its second consecutive quarter on top.
FOr Q3 2011, Hyundai'd brand loyalty was at 48 precent, with Toyota nearly closing in at 47.9 percent and Subaru at 45.9 percent.  Rounding out the top-five brands for Q3 2011 are Kia in the fourth spot at 45.3 percent and Ford in fifth at 45.2 percent.
For the first time since Kelley Blue Book began tracking loyalty, Honda is outside the top-five brands, sitting in the sixth spot at 44.2 percent.  Honda's dip in loyalty is the result of lukewarm reception of the 2012 Civic. In addition, Honda's perceived supply issues also have influenced shopper activity in Q3 2011.  As year-end approaches, brand loyalty slowly begins to rise.  While the majority of automakers still shoe declines in year-over-year loyalty, a quarter-over-quarter shift into the black reveals consumers may be taking notice of seasonal blowout deals and loyalty incentive offers.  Manufacturers also have released the majority of their 2012 models; therefore consumers' shopping choices may narrow as they become familiar with the options available in the marketplace.
Kelly Blue Book Market Intelligence examines brand loyolty while consumers are still in the shopping phase.  For this analysis, loyalty is defined as owners of the brand who are currently shopping the same brand for their next vehicle.  This includes data from consumers who view a trade-in page or private party page in addition to a new-car page on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

A redesigned Hyundai Elantra Touring wagon - actually an Elantra cousin and known to most of the world outside North America as the Hyundai i30 - will be brought to the U.S. next year, the AFP news agency reports.
Hyundai U.S. officials had told Drive On that the new version would come to the U.S. eventually.
The redone i30 - which is sold in hatchback and wagon models and is a hot seller in Europe - was first shown last month at the Frankfurt auto show.  And today, the South Korean automaker gave it an official rollout event, complete with models, in Seoul.
While the hatch has never been sole in North America, the wagon, rebadged as the Elantra Touring, has had critical success and modest sales for high value and features in a compact wagon.
The new one adopts Hyundai's current swoopy styling language and an upgraded interior.  In the U.S. it is likely to share the Elantra's powertrain, which is worth 40 mpg highway in the compact sedan.
AFP says Hyundai expects the redone i30 to up the competition against such vehicles as the arch-rival Volkswagon Golf in Europe and that it hopes to sell 215,000 of the new model next year - 190,000 of the ourside South Korea.
Following the Franfurt show, German auto news and shopping research site Auto Motor and Sport reported, citing unnamed sources, that Hyundai plans an i30 hybrid version - possibly a plug-in, at least for Europe in 2013 to compete there with Toyota's Prius and other Euro hybrids and electrics.

$2.5 million donation promotes sustainable construction; builds will engage Nissan employees, dealers and customer volunteers.
Today Nissan Americas announced a significant expansion of its longstanding partnership with Habitat for Humanity International with a $2.5 million donation.  Nissan's vision is to invite all its stakeholders to participate in the partnership with Habitat for Humanity.  Point-of-sale materials in dealerships and communications to consumers will convey information about Habitat activities.  Consumers who visit the Nissanusa.com website can click through to Habitat's site to make a donation or find volunteer opportunities across the country.
"Our relationship  with Habitat will lead to new opportunities for Nissan owners and our dealer partners to get involved in future Habitat builds", said Bill Krueger, vice chairman, Nissan Americas.  "Both Nissan and Habitat are committed to sustainability, so it's fitting that our dollars will also support sustainable construction practices in Habitat affiliates nationwide.  Nissan cares about the environment and about giving back to the communities where our customers, dealers and employees live and work.  Collaborating with Habitat allows us to carry out these priorities in a tangible, meaningful way."
Nissan is funding grants and providing Nissan vehicles to 10 Habitat affiliates that make commitments to sustainable construction practices.  Habitat will use a portion of Nissan's donation to conduct sustainability "summits" for affiliates and their local communities.  Nissan funding will also support the annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Haiti in November 2011.
"Nissan's financial support enables us to help more families improve their living conditions in ways they can afford", said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, "We are extremely grateful to have a partner like Nissan that shares our commitment to building sustainable communities.  This is an exciting opportunity for our affiliates and for our recovery work in Haiti."
Throughout this partnership Nissan and Habitat for Humanity will share a common goal: to build affordable, sustainable homes in partnership with families in need of decent housing.  Nissan-sponsored Habitat homes will be equipped with many "green living" features, including low-flowing plumbing fixtures, programmable thermostats, energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, high-performance windows and ENERGY STAR appliances.  These eco-friendly amenities align with Nissan's Green Program, whis supports efforts to reduce the company's impact on the environment.
Nissan's partership with Habitat dates to 2005, following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Nissan donated 50 Nissan trucks to assist Habitat's response efforts in the Gulf Coast and mobilized employees to assist in the home building.  Since 2006, Nissan employees have helped to build more than 30 homes across the United States.  Outside the U.S., Nissan fudning supported the construction of 15 homes in Haiti following the devastating earthquake in 2010.  To date, Nissan wmployees have logged more than 56,000 volunteer hours building homes with Habitat for Humanity.

Hyundai is pulling a very neat trick with its Veloster.  It's a slightly larger car inside that the Scion tC (and Mini Clubman or Honda CR-Z hybrid).  Yet thanks to a very 2,600-pound curb weight - 400 pounds less than the tC - it's said to get up to 40 mpg from its directly injectly, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.  That would best Honda's CR-Z numbers without necessity of hybrid technology, and with the benefit of a bigger cabin.  One oddity: Access to the interior is a bit quirky, with one door on the driver's side, but both front and rear doors on the passenger side.  Remember the wieght?  Fewer doors allow a carmaker to reduce structural reinforcements, and that keeps down bulk.  And a low weight allows an increase in fun factor- indeed, Hyundai is promising greater sportiness than its rivals.  Can the Veloster "out-fun" a Mini?  Hmm, we're not sure, but Hyundai is promising a tighter turning circle than even a base Mini Cooper and a sophisticated, buttoned-down-sounding suspension.  Transmissions include Hyundai's first dual-clutch six speed (hopefully with paddles) or a six-speed manual.  Pricing should be in the $20,000 range.

The results are in.  After the first month of availability of the all-new 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan, the best-selling subcompact in America outsold all other sub-compacts, extending its dramatic year-to-date lead in the hotly contested and growing small car segment.  Versa sales in August of 8,566 units bested all competitors, including Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Mazda 2, and Toyota Yaris.
"We launched the new Versa Sedan from a position of strength, with Versa holding a substantial lead in sub-compact sales for the 2011 calendar year, and August sales up 14.9% over the previous year", said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.  "It's encouraging to see the tremendous dealer and consumer response to the all0new Versa Sedan design, keeping Versa's momentum going in this highly competitive market segment."
The marketing campaign for Versa, which just launched in late August, is based on a simple premise: "The Most ___ Per Dollar."  The long list of "mosts", which includes most legroom, most headroom, most trunk room and most innovation, and adds one other - helping Versa achieve the most sub-compact segment sales in its first full month of availability.
Along with its many segment-leading features, including more rear seat legroom than even the Lexus LS460, BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan has the lowest strating M.S.R.P. in America at just $10,990.
The Versa Sedan delivers 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.  In the all-important EPA rating for combined fuel economy - the most relevant to consumers - Versa delivers 33 miles per gallon.  This is achieved in part through innovative technologies such as its dual injector system that burns cleaner and uses less fuel than a conventional injector design, and a smooth, efficient next-generation compact Nissan Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
"The launch has been seamless with ample inventory arriving in dealerships and our new marketing just kicking in this month, we're looking forward to Versa's sales winning streak to continue for a long time to come", added Castignetti.

Best selling sub-compact in its first full month of sales.
Beats Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta.
The Hyundai Accent was America's best-selling sub-compact car in July.  "The all-new Accent outsold two great small cars we really respect in July- the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta", said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.  "In fact, it was the best-selling sub-compact in the industry last month, its first full month of sales.  It's a good indication that consumers are connecting with our new design, 40-mpg fuel economy, and the Assurance Trade-In Value Guarantee.  It's a great recipe for this economy." 
The 2012 Accent's all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine uses the latest engine technology to deliver a class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and a best-in-class standard 30mpg city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating.
The engine's most notable feature is its use of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), a first for the sub-compact category.  By precisely controlling the injection of fuel, GDI allows for better fuel economy, increased power and reduced emissions.
The 2012 Hyundai Accent will be the fourth nameplate in the Hyundai lineup delivering 40 MPG on the highway, including the Sonata Hybrid, Elantra and Veloster, due to arrive in dealership in a few weeks.  Accent's class-leading standard fuel economy is an example of Hyundai's dedication to improving fuel efficiency with advancements to traditional gasoline powered vehicles.

Remember the Hyundai Excel?  Well, forget it.
The Hyundai Equus luxury sedan is at the tip charts of J.D. Power and Associate's APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) Study.  It marks the first time since the survey's inception in 1996 that a car other than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series or Lexus LS has taken the top spot, and is a clear indication of how far the company had come since it started selling the $4995 Excel compact car in the United Stated in 1986.  The $58,900 full-size Equus competes directly with the previous winners in the Large Premium Car category.
The Korean automaker's full lineup also saw the biggest jump in its ranking on the list, moving from 28th in 2010 to 15th this year.  The study surveys new car buyers after 90 days of ownership, asking them to rate their impression of the their vehicle's performance and features.
The industry everage of 781 out of 1,000 points for 2011 was the highest on record with perennial chart toppers Porsche, Jaguar and BMW leading the way at 879, 857 and 850.  Even lowest-ranked Suzuki managed a score of 734.
the Chevy Volt was the highest ranked compact car and General Motors' only segment winner, while Ford models took home two awards and the Challenger, Charger and Durango won their respective catergories for Dodge.  BMW also received three segment wins.

Nissan LEAF is the first 100-percent electric vehicle to earn five stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
Franklin, Tenn.-
The 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF has earned a 5-star overall vehicle rating for safety as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).  The Nissan LEAF is the first fully electric vehicle to earn this highest distinction from the program.  Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and requirements in order to earn 5-star ratings.  The Nissan LEAF has also been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
"The Nissan LEAF is the first all-electric vehicle to achieve 5-star overall for safety," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. "Not only is the LEAF the most innovative car on the planet, it is also one of the safest."
Standard Nissan LEAF safety systems include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bacgs for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver's dseat ELR only) with pretensioners and load limiters, child seat upper tether anchor, LATCH (lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and child safety rear door locks.  Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on all LEAF models.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was named Best-in-segment (tied with the Jetta), topping the mid-size car category in Strategic Vision's 2011 Total Quality Index (TQI).  The Total Quality Index measures total vehicle satisfaction among new car owners, reflecting not only the quality of the vehicle, but the emotional connection it makes with buyers.  The Hyundai Sonata beat out ccompetitors such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Mazda6, and Toyota Camry to tie for the top spot in the mid-size category.
"Customers have explicitly stated that they love their Sonatas; from the preformance- styled exterior to the comfortable, thoughtfully designed interioe," said Alexander Edwards, President, Stretegic Vision.  "Sonata's innovations and thoughfulness help reinforce to their owners the total quality of all aspects of their vehicle."
The strong showing in the TQI extends Sonata's winning streak in Strategic Vision studies.  Hyundai's Sonata also topped this year's Strategic Vision Total Value Index, tallying the highest Total Value score in the 14-year history of the study, topping all competitors past and present, including those in luxury segments.  These powerful results resulted in the creation of an all-new awasrd, the first-ever "Special Total Value Award" recognizing Sonata's truly superior value.
"The Strategic Vision Total Quality Index recognizes Sonata's termendous quality and impressive consumer appeal," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America.  "Offering a combination of exciting design, outstanding residual value, and best-in-class 35 mpg standard fuel economy, the Sonata continues to be a top contender in the competitive mid-size category and we are pleased by its outstanding market reception this year."
The Total QUality Index asks buyers to rate all aspects of the ownership experience from buying and owning to performance and driving.  Results were calculated from 37,069 buyers who bought 2011 models in September to December of 2010.  Strategic Vision has presented Total Quality Awards annually since 1995.

FORTUNE:  Two main themes of 2011's post-recession competition in the U.S. car market so far are: 1) the rebound of Detroit and 2) the stumbles of Toyota.
A third and equally significant development has drawn less attention, namely the surging fortunes of South Korean automaker Hyundai.  This summer, Hyundai begins selling its Accent small car in the U.S., which is likely to contend strongly against Ford's Fiesta, Honda's Fit and Chevrolet's soon-to-be built Sonic.
Hyundai is also capitalizing on a strategy to grab sales, mainly from Lexus and Infiniti, by pursuing a luxury-car strategy that is innovative and less costly than setting up a separate brand and dealer network.  Two years after introducing its Genesis sedan and coupe, the automaker is bringing out a face-lifted version with styling nips and tucks, as well as a more powerful engine and new eight- speed automatic transmission.
On the small-car front, Accent's bona fides are impressive.  Available in four-door and, soon, in five-door hatchback versions, Accent comes on the heels of Hyundia's Sonata game-changing midsize sedan and its compact Elantra, both of which are highly acclaimed by reviewers and are selling well.  The 40 mile-per-gallon highway rating will undoubtedly catch the attention of budget-conscious consumers.
In the first five months of the year, Hyundai and it affiliate Kia together added 1.4 points of U.S. maket share. What's all the more remarkable is that  Hyundai's share gain through May comes off a much smaller base.
Hyundai's U.S. executives can take pride in more than just the improvements in vehicle quality snd design.  The company's marketers introduced an "Assurance" program in 2009 when unemployment was at its worst to guarantee car payments for buyers in the event that they lose their jobs.  That program didn't cost Hyundai much, its executives said, and kept sales strong.
With job loss not less of a worry, Assurance has been rebooted as a guarantee that when Hyundai owners decide to trade in their vehicles they will receive a minimum resale value.  The buyer of new Hyundai Elantra, for example, knows month-by-month what the resale value of the car will be for four years from the day it's bought.  That amount can be applied toward purchase of a new Hyundai.  At the other end of their vehicle lineup, Hyundai executives are "thrilled" with the sales performance of the Equus luxury sedan, says Mike O'Brien, vice president of product planning.  The sedan has filched  sales mainly from Lexus's LS460 sedan and Cadillac and Infiniti.
Becuase Equus is sold through Hyundai dealerships, a middle-of-the-road brand, dealers routinely pick up cars and deliver loaners to customers' homes and bussinesses.  The company years ago decided that building a separate dealership was too expensive, at least for now.  "What's really valuable to our customers in their time", O'Brien says.
By turning necessity into a virtue, Hyundai has forced its way into the high end of the market.  It's a player in luxury sales, albeit a small one.  Remembering how the industry once scoffed at the effrontery of the Lexus and Infiniti, few are underestimating Hyundai's future.

Hyundai's 2011 Elantra is generating buzz after coming out on top in yet another comparison of compact cars.  The latest contest was the Under 20/Over 35 Shootout conducted by automotive consumer site Cars.com.
The Elantra was up against four other compacts that have made big impressions in the pat few months; the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Kia Forte.  The cars all have room for five people, travel at least 35 miles per gallon and have a price less than $20,000.
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra came out on top during the editor's evaluations of ride comfort and exterior and interior design.  To find the winner, graders from Cars.com, USA Today and members of a Chicago-area family evaluated the cars' performance and features over three days.
This is the lastest in a string of glowing reviews of the Elantra, which has come to symbolize the combination of low price and high fuel economy available from conventional gasoline-powered economy cars.  In March a study by auto industry forecaster TrueCar.com picked the Elantra over nine hybrids as the top overall value among cars with the best fuel economy.  As reported inn April, the magazine Consumer Reports also gave the Elantra favorable rating - what amounts to a blessing for many car shoppers.
Many models in the latest wave of fuel-saving subcompacts can top 40 mpg on the highway, which is on par with or close to the fuel economy of several hybrids.  The cars, many of which are loaded with comfort and convenience features, are attracting buyers who want to save on gas without spending extra for hybrid power.
Here's how the contenders stack up:
1. Hyundai Elantra, $17,760
2. Chevrolet Cruze $19,445
3. Honda Civic $18,655
4. Kia Forte $18,345
5. Ford Focus $19,750

The big winner in the auto industry in the last few months has been the Korean automaker Hyundai.  Last month, while car sales stalled, Hyundai had its biggest month ever in the U.S., selling nearly 60,000 autos.  Analysts point to Hyundai's success as a sign of the increasing competitive nature of the U.S. car market.  Long gone are the days of the Big Three--now it's more liker the Big 13.
The car industry can be a lot like a movie.  It has scenes, it has characters, and boy, does it have conflict.  Right now, if the industry were a movie, it might be the 1950 classic All About Eve, where actress Bette Davis has to fend off her rival.  In the movie, Bette Davis hires a young assistant, Eve, played by Anne Baxter.  By the end of the movie Eve has learned the game and Bette Davis loses her part.
Let's pretend, for the sake of this story, that Toyota--the world's largest car company--is Bette Davis and upstart Hyundai is Eve.
"It's a very interesting analogy," says Dave Zuchowski, head of sales for Hyundai.  He says there's no doubt Hyundai has been watching and learning from Toyota-even through numerous problems with recalls and bad public relations.
"Everything we've really patterned after the way they did it," Zuchowski says.  "We also stepped back when they experienced some of their problems last year and wanted to make sure we didn't end up falling into the same trap."
This year Toyota has new problems.  The earthquake and tsunami have hurt its production.  Meanwhile, Hyundai is running at full capacity.  At it Georgia plant, Hyundai is doing something it's never done before:  adding a third shift.  Zuchowski says it's not just that Toyota has bad luck and Hyundai has been fortunate.
"The Koreans are incredibly determined to establish themselves as a global power player," hew says.
Comaper to All About Eve, it's about the same, says David Champion, head of auto testing for Consumer Reports.  Eve "had the motivation to be that person that could take over from Bette Davis."
Champion says while Hyundai is hungry and keeps making better cars, many of the other major manufactures have gotten lazy.
"This young upstart, Hyundai, They're going. 'Iwant to beat No. 1. I want to be there, and I'm going to do everything in my power to get there.' And that's the motivation they have", he says.
Because essentially, Hyundai wants to usurp Bette Davis.  Jesse Toprak from the automotive website TrueCar.com says jut like the upstart girl int he movie, Hyundai had to overcome a checkered past by using excellent marketing.  Its Hyundai Assurance plan, for instance, promised to take back your car if you lost your job.
"At the end of the day, I think they only has a handful of people-if that-actually return their cars," Toprak says.  "But everybody talked about it.  And it was just an amazing promotion- and hit exactly the reason why some people may not have been buying cars, which was uncertanity."
He says Hyundai's incredible success is a sign that the U.S. car market has never been so open.
"So what that means is from consumer's perspective it's fantastic, because you have so many choices," Toprak says.  "In fact, it is so good that it is somewhat confusing as to what to choose, really.  From a manufacturer's perspective, it means that the job is a little bit tougher now."
Toprak and other analysts say on any given day, almost any of the sutomakers could surge ahead, so as Bette Davis would say, "Fasten your seat belts. It's going to be a bympy night."
And for everybody who sells cars in the U.S., dawn's a long, long way away.

This year's World Car of the Year competition began with thirty-nine vehicles, picked by a team of journalists from around the world.  The next stage cut the list of eligible vehicles down to ten, followed by the selection of three finalists at the Geneva Motor Show.  It came down to the 2011 Nissan Leaf against the 2011 Audi A8 and the 2011 BMW 5 Series; as good as the other cars may have been, only one car on the list counts as revolutionary, and the jurors awarded the title to the Nissan Leaf.  In a prepared statement, the panel said, "The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan.  This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world's first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car.  The good news?  It feels just like a normal car, only quieter."
Nissan was not the only award winner at this year's presentation.  Ferrari's 458 Italia was declared the 2011 World Performance Car, besting the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and the Porsche 911 Turbo.  Aston Martin's Rapide was declared the 2011 World Car Design Of The Year, beating out the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Ferrari 458 Italia.  Finally, the Chevrolet Volt took top honors as the 2011 World green Car, defeating the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition and the Nissan Leaf.
The World Car Awards began in 2003 as a way to recongnize the globalization of the automotive industry, and to recognize manufacturers who deliver excellence on an international scale.  To be eligible for a World Car Award in any category, a vehicle must be sold on at least two continents for a period ranging from January 1 of the previous year through May 30 of the current year.  Previous World Car of the Year award winners include the Volkswagen Polo (2010), the Mazda 2 (2008) and the Lexus LS460 (2007).

Renewing its industry-leading focus on consumer protection, Hyundai announced the introduction of the all-new Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee.  The Guarantee is a direct result of Hyundai's sensitivity to consumer preferences and is made possible by the strength of Hyundai's residual values, now among the highest in the industry.
This newest addition to the Assurance suite of programs eliminates concern about depreciation by giving Hyundai owners a guaranteed value for their vehicle in months 24 through 48 of ownership.  The program will be applied to all new vehicles purchased on or after May 1, 2011 at no additional cost to consumers.  Because of the exceptional quality of its vehicles, Hyundai offers more car for the money now, and more money for the car later, under this guaranteed trade-in program.
All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the complimentary Hyundai Assurance program, which currently include the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and now Trade-in Value Guarantee.
"Hyundai Assurance is a partnership with our owners in their purchase of a vehicle," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.  "Depreciation is the single highest cost of car ownership.  While Hyundai's depreciation is now among the lowest in the industry, Assurance will remove many of the barriers and concerns about vehicle ownership.  Through Assurance, we share in our owners' investment, and the Trade-in Value benefit extends this partnership from the initial purchase all the way through what we hope will be the consumer's next purchase of another Hyundai."
Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee is valid for all new cars sold through participating U.S. Hyundai dealerships.  The guaranteed trade-in value is determined by the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) forecast of future value.  Consumers can trade in their qualifying vehicle towards the purchase of a new Hyundaivehicle during months 24 through 48 of ownership.  At the time of trade-in, the customer's vehicle will be assessed to determine the curent market value and compare to the guaranteed value.  If the assessed value is higher that the guaranteed value, the customer will be able to apply that value toward the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle.  If the assessed value is less than the guaranteed value, the customer will be able to use the guaranteed value toward the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle financed through Hyundai Credit.
At time of trade-in, the customer must show proof of vehicle maintenance at the recommended intervals through authorized Hyundai dealerships.  Coverage is only applicable when the current market value of a vehicle drops below the guaranteed trade-in value of the vehicle.  Lease vehicles are not covered by the Trade-in Value Guarantee.
FOr a full list of eligibility requirements, please visit: www.Hyundai.com.

Ford has the most wins (seven) at the manufacturer level, while Toyota (four), GM (three), and Hyundai (three) were other top-rated automakers.
The annual awards, now in their 15th year, are based on the consulting firm's gathered responses of more than 68,000 new-vehicle owners.  Over 48 different categories, they look at satisfaction in the first several months of ownership.
Carmakers are constantly improving their products and relationships with their customers.  They communicate their success by citing the satisfaction of their owners.  "Proof of satisfied customers is as good as gold", says George Peterson, president of Auto Pacific.  "we've found that more than one-third of new car buyers are positively influenced by objective awards based on owner ratings when deciding on a new car or truck."
"Vehicles that score highest in the Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are delivering value and satisfaction across a wide range of attributes," says Peterson.  "the winners perform well in 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience."  Look below for the full list of individual winners, all 2011 models.
Passenger Cars
Mercedes-Benz S-Class- Premium Luxury Car
Hyundai Genesis- Aspirational Luxury Car
Lincoln MKZ- Luxury Mid-Size Car
Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon (tie) - Large Car
Hyundai Sonata- Premium Mid-Size Car
Suzuki Kizashi- Mid-ize Car
Volvo C30/S40?V50- Premium Compact Car
Hyundai Elantra- Compact Car
Honda Fit- Economy Car
Porsche 911- Sports Car
Scion tC- Sporty Car
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid- Hybrid Car

The 2011 Elantra an inexpensive small car that doesn't look small-- or cheap-- and drives better than larger cars costing more.
FORTUNE--With production by Japanese automakers still snarled by the after-effects of the March earthquake and tsunami, the Detroit Three are all but licking their lips in anticipation.  They are expecting that shortages of Toyotas, Hondas, and Nissans on dealer lots will give them a once-in-a-generation shot at taking back market share and winning new customers.
But are they ignoring another Asian automaker whose production has been unimpeded by the disaster and not has more momentum in the U.S. market?
All but invisible to industry outsiders, Hyundai and its sister sompany Kia are blowing the doors off the competition.  In an overall U.S. market that is up 20% after the first four months of 2011, the Koreans have seen their slaes jump 36%.  Having sole 356,222 cars and trucks this year, they are just 4,662 vehicle sales away from displacing Nissan among the six U.S. top-selling manufacturers.
What's more, they are targeting what's become the sweet spot of the market: small cars.  The compact Hyundai Elantraa and midsize Hyundai rank as the ninth and tenth best-selling vehicles in the U.S.  The cobination gives Hyundai a on-two punch comparable to the Toyota Corolla and Camry, ot Honda's Civic and Accord. Hyundais have always offered exceptional value, and I've raved about the Genesis, Equus, and Sonata.  But now they consistently adding an element they didn't have before: Style.
6 cheap cars that fo easy on the gas
Take the 2011 Elantra I drove this week.  It is an inexpensive small car that doesn't look small-- or cheap-- and drives better than larger cars costing more.
Describing its design invites the cliche "looks fast while it is standing still".  The sheet metal is wrapped tautly around the frame, and a crease streching from the headlights upward to the rear door handle and tail lamps seem to stretch its length.  The effect is to give the Elantra a swoopiness you don't often see in small cars.  If you like the Hyundai Sonata, you'll love the Elantra: its proportion and sues are almost identical.
It is the view from behind the wheel that really sold me on the Elantra.  The instrument panel, gauges, and switches are both stylish and functional, and look as if they belong in a much more expensive car.  Hyundai deserves to rank with Volkswagen among the very best at interior design.
With that kind of appetizer, the main course comes almost as an afterthought.  The Elantra delivers on the road with a smooth and willing 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that feels peppier than its 148-hip rating would suggest.  Zero to 60 miles per hour has been measured at 8.6 seconds.  The EPA scores the fuel economy at 29 miles per gallon city/40 mpg highway.  I was getting around 33 mpg after some fairly aggressive pedal work.
A mere $19,980 takes this Elantra package away.  Add in navigation system and the as-tested price for the Indigo Blue Pearl loaner came to $22,830.  Another $5,000 wouldn't have shocked me.  It's made at Hyundai's plant in Montgomery, Ala. though it isn't getting much of a lift from the cheap dollar; 65% of the parts come from Korea.
With that kind of value, it is not suprising that Elantra is outselling the Ford Fiesta more than two to one--despite Ford's larger dealer body--and beating the Focus and Fusion as well. Hyundai/Kia is no one-hit wonder.  The next 18 months look like they will be strong ones.  It is replacing 23% of its sales volume for the 2012 model year, according to the influential "Car Wars" report by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.  That's higher than the industry average.
Better still, 45% of those models are small cars and 34% are crossovers versus 18% and 25% respectively for the rest of the industry.  Gasoline prices sseem certain to bounce higher again, and Hyundai is well-positioned.  There is no respite from challenges in the suto industry these days and Elantra will not be coasting.  Honda soon will be launching the redesigned Civic, a perennial best seller--assuming it supply lines get straightened out. 
But Hyundai will have gained some serious momentum by then, and every new customer will raise the visibility and standing of its brand a little higher.  It isn't any wonder that top executives at other manufactures today fear Hyundai/Kia more than any other competitor.

Nissan chosen as exclusive provider of NYC taxi fleet.
New York is "hailing" a new era of urban mobility today, as the city with the nation's largest taxi fleet has selected Nissan to design and supply the next-generation "Taxi of Tomorrow".  The announcements were made today during a City Hall press briefing that included Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares.
The New Your City and Limousine Commission (TLC) selected the Nissan NV200 as the exclusive taxi of New York City beginning in late 2013.  The award comes after a rigorous selection process that occurred over more than two years.  The competition built upon more than a century of taxi industry heritage to drive the design and creation of a purpose-built vehicle, tuned to the city's streets.  The other two finalists included Ford Motor Co. and Karsan, a Tukish vehicle manufacturer.
"Nissan is proud to provide the next generation of taxis for the City of New York", said Tavares.  "The NV200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day."
The Nissan NV200 taxi will be produced in North America at Nissan's facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  The Nissan NV200 taxi will be a modified version of the compact commercial vehicle currently available in global markets including Japan., Europe and China.  Total manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the vehicle, with all planned standard features, will be around $29,000.
As part of the program, Nissan also will work with the City and taxi owners on a pilot program to study the use of zero-emission, electric vehicles as taxis.  Nissan will provide up to six 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF's to taxi owners for testing in 2012 as well as the charging stations to support their use.
"The city's Taxi of Tomorrow is the Nissan NV200- and it's going to be the safest, most comfortable and most convenient cab the city has ever had," Said Mayor Bloomberg.  "We started this process to leverage our taxi industry's purchasing power to get the highest quality taxi, one that can expand and redefine the legendary image of New York City taxicabs.  The new taxi will be custom-designed to meet the specific demands of carrying 600,000 passengers a day in New York City traffic and the vehicle meets the top priorities identified by the public in our on-line survey.
Planned innovations, which respond to direct input from drivers, owners and passengers, include:
2.0l 4-cylinder powertrain, engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet.
Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, substantially improved over current taxi models.
A low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking, helping to reduce noise pollution.
Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, provide easy entry and exit.
Transparent roof panel (with shade) that will provide unique views of the city.
Independently controlled rear air conditioning with a grape phenol-coated air filter to improve cabin air quality.
Attractive, breathable, antimicrobial, environmentally friendly and easy-to-clean seat fabric that simulates the look and feel of leather.
Overheard reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings.
A mobile charging station for passengers that includes a 12V electrical outlet and two USB plugs.
a six-way adjustable driver's seat that features both recline and lumbar adjustments, even with partition installed.
Standard driver's navigation and telematics systems.
Nissan also focused on passenger safety when designing the NV200 taxi.  Key safety features include.
Front and rear-seat occupant curtain airbags, as will as seat-mounted airbags for the front row.
Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
Sliding doors to reduce the risk of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists getting struck by doors opening unexpectedly.
Lights that alert other road users that taxi doors are opening.
With more than 13,000 taxis traveling a cumulative 500 million miles per year, durability was a key factor in the "Taxi of Tomorrow" selection process.  Nissan will train taxi fleet operators to conduct routine in-house service and repairs, and Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers will provide prompt service by providing the first available service bay to taxi operators needing service.

The Nissan LEAF is the first 100% electric vehicle to earn the Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2011 Nissan LEAF a "Top Safety Pick" rating.  The rating is given to vehicles that achieve the Institute's highest rating of "Good" in front, rear and side impact protection as well as being equipped with electronic stability control and earn a good rating in roof strength.  The Nissan LEAF joins the Nissan Cube and Infiniti M37/M56 on the list of 2011 Top Safety Picks.
"Nissan has a long standing commitment to safety and innovation," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America, Inc. "The award confirms that the commitment to passenger safety continues with the 100% electric Nissan LEAF."
The Nissan LEAF is the first 100% electric vehicle to be tested by the Institute.  Standard Nissan LEAF safety systems include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver's seat ELR only) with pretensioners and load limiters, child seat upper tether anchor, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and child safety rear door locks.  Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are also standard on all LEAF models.
In the Americans, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.  Nissan is dedicated to improving the enironment under the Nissan Green Program and was recognized as and ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 and 2011.  More information on Nissan in North America, the Nissan LEAF and zero emissions can be found at www.nissanusa.com.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an intergral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.  Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010.  With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands.  A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-eletric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.
FOr more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.

The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been named to Automobile Magazine's annual "All Stars" list as one of the most outstanding cars of the year.
"The critical acclaim and recognition from experts like the editors of Automobile Magazine is gratifying", said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.  "Sonata is a game-changing car that has surpassed everyone's expectations.  The All Star award is recognition that the record number of customers who chose Sonata this year made a great choice".
Each fall, Automobile Magazine tests new model cars and its reigning All Stars before selecting 10 vehicles that stand out among all others in the market.
"The Sonata has emerged as an unquestioned leader in a segment that's bursting with excellent automobiles.  Painstakingly conceptualized, designed and engineered by Hyundai, the Sonata meets and exceeds the varied needs and wishes of demanding American buyers", writes Automobile Magazine.  The editors conclude, "The Sonata is a car that sells purely on its merits rather than on its warranty, and increasing numbers of savvy Americans are beating a path to Hyundai's door".
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata was introduced this year.  Sonata brings to the market a number of breakthroughs previously unheard of in the mid-size family sedan segment including standout design, a standard gasoline direct injected engine that delivers 35 miles per gallon on the highway, an optional 274-horsepower 4-cylinder turbo and hybrid model that will go on sale in the U.S. in January.
Through the first 11 months of the year, Sonata sales are up 65 percent over last year on the strength of the new model, which, is manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.  Sonata's breakthrough, 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine, 2.0-liter turbo GDI and 6-speed automatic transmission also are manufactured in the United States.  Hyundai Motor America sold 500,000 new vehicles in the U.S. for the first time ever, this year.  Sonata has been the most "shopped" midsize car in the market for six of the past seven months as measured by Compete, an automotive market analysis firm.

Consumers Digest Magazine named both the 2011 Hyundai Sonata and 2011 Hyundai Genesis sedan a "Best Buy".  The ratings are based on behind-the-wheel assessment, safety rating, ownership costs, warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities.  The Sonata is a Best Buy in the Family Car category and the Genesis sedan is a Best Buy in the Luxury Car segment.
"Value, as we see it, is based on purchase price and ownership costs relative to quality, performance and subjective factors like comfort and design", said Randy Weber, publisher, Consumers Digest.  "Few purchases are more important, or require more research, than buying a new vehicle.  Our analyses ensure that consumers are as satisfied with their auto purchase years after making it as they were on the day they drove off the lot. 
The Automotive Best Buy Awards reflect Consumers Digest's view of which 2011 vehicles from behind-the-wheel on an ongoing basis, both under real-world conditions in their own test-drives and at manufactures' new-model introductions.  They assess design factors including styling, accessories and amenities, cargo space, and fit and finish, as well as performance characteristics including starting and acceleration, steering and handling, ride quality and fuel economy.
"The Genesis has provided ground-breaking value among its luxury competition with lavish appointments and impressive driving performance", said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning Hyundai Motor America.  "The all-new Sonata also upholds Hyundai's legacy of  value with exciting design, best-in-class fuel economy and outstanding residual value.  Both cars continue to exceed expectations for consumers in their respective segments."

Sonata has been on more shopping lists than any other vehicle in seven of the last nine months according to compete data.
Hyundai Sonata, the  game -changing mid-size sedan with its emotional "Fluidic Sculpture' design and all four-cylinder engine lineup, was the most-shopped vehicle according to data from Compete, a Kantar Media company.  Sonata has been on more shopping lists than any other vehicle in the industry in seven of the last nine months, continuing to top perennial leaders like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Ford Fusion, according to Compete's analysis of consumer automotive shopping behavior.
Lead by Sonata, Hyundai demand continued its momentum with more than 268,000 in market shoppers.  The all-new 2011 Elantra was the second most shopped Hyundai model acheving a six-month high in demand.
"Sonata's ability to attract and engage consumers over the past nine months has been impressive and they have successfully converted many of these shoppers into actual buyers with Sonata sales up 150 percent in January," said Dennis Bulgarelli, Director of Automotive at Compete.  "Shopping activity for the entire industry is up 11 percent, starting off what we think will be a strong year for the automotive industry."
Hyundai's all-new 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional mid-size sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, dynamic design and luxury features offered with Hyundai's strong value propositions.  The Sonata launched with a new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission.  The vehicle offers class-leading fuel economy of 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 198 hosepower standard.  Sonata is also available in Turbo and Hybrid versions, with Hybrid achieving class-leading 40 mpg highway fuel economy.
With many safety features, including Electronic Stability Control, and Anti-lock Braking System, Sonata was the first mid-size car to receive a five-star crash test rating under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's new, more stringent 2011 system and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick honor, placing it in a safety position unsurpassed in the industry.
"A year after its initial launch consumers continue to be attracted to Sonata's exciting design, best-in-class fuel economy and outstanding residual value," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planing, Hyundai Motor America.  "Starting off the year as the most shopped vehicle, Sonata is picking up right where it left off in 2010, when it set its U.S. sales volume record."

Hyundai is worried.  The company has seen an alarming increase in the use of asterisks by the auto industry and has embarked on a mission to stamp out the problem, starting with its new 2011 Hyundai Elantra.  Asterisk abuse often occurs in automotive advertising when fuel economy figures regularly come with fine print caveats.  There will be none of that with the new Elantra.  Hyundai is assuring that every 2011 Elantra gets the same impressive fuel economy-29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway- no asterisks necessary.  Driving the point home at a recent press event, Hyundai picked on the Chevrolet Cruze, noting that in order to get its touted 42 mpg* highway, you have to pay an extra $1900 for the Eco model ($2825 if you want it with an automatic transmission).  Shots were fired across Ford's bow, with the smaller Fiesta targeted for requiring a $2765 premium for a Super Fuel Economy package to match the Elantra's 40 mpg highway number.
Hyundai's marketing spinsters were also more than happy to highlight that the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 also lag behind the new Elantra in fuel economy as well, and none can beat the Hyundai's starting price of $15,550.  Only the Cruze Eco and Cvivic Hybrid can meet or beat the Elantra's fuel economy, but the start some $3000 to $9000 higher.  The wild card is the 2012 Ford Focus, which also promises 40 mpg highway, although its pricing is expected to start higher than the Elantra.
More impressive than the Elantra's price and fuel economy are the compromises Hyundai didn't make to get to those numbers.  All models- regardless of trim, features, or transmission selection- get the same fuel economy.  There's no special weight reduction or feature deletion for miserly models.  And the new Elantra is no penalty box.  It's an inch longer and rides on a 2-inch-longer wheelbase than the outgoing model. Despite the car's growth spurt, Hyundai was able to shave roughly 62 pounds off its curb weight.
The biggest gun in the Elantra's arsenal is its all-new 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, which produces a class-competitive 148 horsepower and 131pound-feet of torque (145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet for California PZEV models).  The Nu engine features continuously variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust cams and two-stage intake plenum that alters the intake runner length for more torque or more horsepower.  An electronic throttle linked to both the engine and transmission computers helps maximize fuel economy.  The new Nu is also 74 pounds lighter than Hyundai's outgoing four-cylinder.  Notably absent are gasoline direct injection, automatic engine start/stop and variable valve lift technology.  Hyundai says those technologies are in the offering, but need to be more cost effective before they can spider through its engine lineup.
As is, the Elantra's new engine proved plenty capable, providing a nice burst of power off the line and linear delivery across the power band.  What's really impressive is just how smooth it is all the way through the rev range.  Whether cruising along at 70 or wringing it out to the redline, it never exhibited that thrashy feeling you get with other four-bangers.  The only time we noticed a significant power deficit was while trying to pass on the freeway during a hill climb.  Overall, there's more than enough oomph for daily driving duties, on highway or off. A pair of six-speed transmissions- a manual or Hyundai's in-house automatic- route the power.  Available only on the lower GLS trim, the manual delivers short throws and is relatively fun to toss around, but the gates are a bit vague and the clutch is very, very light.  The new auto, standard on both the GLS and top-shelf Limited, is mostly smooth but occasionally jerky on downshifts.  Manual control is available on the shifter, but it will upshift for you when redline approaches.
Slick as the new powertrain may be, there are other forces at work here.  We recently dinged the diminutive Mitsubishi Outlander Sport for feeling gutless while offering the same power as this Hyundai.  The key difference is in the curb weight.  The Mitsubishi crossover rang in at 3362 pounds, some 600 pounds heavier than the Elantra.  For more apples-to-apples comparison, consider that the Elantra matches the Civic as the lightest car in its class.  At just under 2700 pounds, it is 300 pounds lighter than the Chevrolet Cruze and only 100 pounds heavier than a Ford Fiesta sedan.  With that feathery curb weight and slightly more power than the Civic, Hyundai is claiming a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio.
It's a difference you can feel on the road.  With less weight to carry around, the Elantra is quick and nimble in town, on the highway or even you favorite back road.  The MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension aren't anything fancy, but they allow the Elantra to corner confidently while making it surprisingly difficult to induce under- or oversteer.  While late-braking into a turn gets the back end a bit light, it quickly settles in without getting squirrely. 
Sportiness is really just a bonus.  The Elantra's main mission is to serve as an affordable commuter, and it performs its duties well. The car rides nicely, feeling planted without being too stiff on rough pavement.  Wind and engine noise are well-controlled, though the noise can be intrusive on rough pavement.  As seems to be a trend among newer Hyundais, the electric power steering feels elastic and srtificial, like high-end video game steering wheel, but quick and accurate with no slop.  As a bonus safety feature, in the event of a skid, it will try to force you to turn into the slide by reducing boost in the direction of the slide and increasing boost when turning against the slide.
From the inside, the Elantra is a comfortable, if familiar affair.  Interior styling draws heavily from other recent Hyundais, with the familiar two-binnacle instrument cluster and swoopy center stack.  There's a lot of empty space on that stack, and while the climate control is simple and straightforward. the standard radio ergonomics aren't the best.  Touchscreen navigation is optional on all models and includes an upgraded 360-watt stereo and an optional back-up camera, all of which are relatively intuitive to use.  Keyless entry and XM Satellite Radio are atandard on all models, while Bluetooth, cruise control and even air conditioning are optional.  Top-shelf Limited models get standard leather with front and rear heated seats, cruise, Bluetooth, and steering wheel controls on a telescoping steering wheel.  While space is generally good all around, taller passengers won't be happy with the rear seat headroom.
It's a similar story on the outside.  Where the old Elantra was anonymous, the new car demands to be noticed.  Again, you'll find styling elements from other Hyundais such as the Tucson-like grille treatment and Sonata-esque side character lines.  And while some features, like the headlights that stretch nearly to the A-pillars, can look add by themselves, they all work together to create an attractive whole one Hyundai rep characterized as "swoopy and scoopy".  As for rims, 15-inch steel wheels are standard, but both steel and alloy 16-inch wheels are available for the GLS and Limiteds come standards with 17-inch alloys.  With class-leading fuel economy (sans asterisks) and pricing.  Hyundai's got a very solid contender on its hands.  With the Cruze all-new and the Corolla and Mazda3 already updated, the Elantra needs only worry about the eventual updated to the Civic and the upcoming Focus.  But for now, it's poised to lead the class.
With prices topping out at $22,700 before options and with leasing available at $169 per month for 36 months with $1699 down, Ford and Honda have their work cut out.  Hyundai's conservatively estimating sales on par with the current model, but like the new Sonata, we have a feeling the new Elantra will perform considerably better.
By Scott Evans

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata, acclaimed for it's modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment, made the Forbes list of this year's Best Cars for Commuters.  Forbes recognizes Sonata's fuel efficiency, reliability and space to get drivers through daily commutes with ease.
"More than 42 million Americans spend at least 30 minutes in the car on their morning commutes.  Seven million spend over an hour," said Forbes auto reporter, Hannah Elliot.  "For that kind of time spent in traffic, it pays to have a reliable car: something spacious enough for comfort, small enough to get good gas mileage and durable enough to withstand the occasional fender-bender.  This year mid-size sedans like the $19,395 Hyundai Sonata are best for surviving the slog."
"The 2011 Sonata is a smart buy for commuters looking for class-leading comfort, a large interior and advanced standard safety technologies," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America.  "Couple that with a four-cylinder engine producing impressive fuel economy with the power of a larger V6, and the Sonata is the perfect mid-size sedan choice for drivers commuting to work."
To compile the list, Forbes started with new vehicles listed as Consumer Reports "Recommended Picks" for 2011.  "Recommended Picks" are models that have average or better predicted reliability and that meet Consumer Reports' safety standards and have preformed well in accelerating, braking, comfort and other user-oriented tests.  Of these vehicles the 11 with the best combination of highway fuel efficiency, legroom and headroom made the list.  For more information about the Best Cars for Commuters from Forbes, visit http:www.forbes.com/2011/02/08/best-cars-for-communters-business-autos.html.

The expert editors from Kelly Blue Book's www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today named the Top 10 Family Cars of 2011.  In this annual list, the kbb.com editors recommend what they feel are the very best of the best cehicles for families this year, highlighting specific important attributes for each car and detailing why it made the Top 10 for 2011.
More that ever, families now come in all shpaes and sizes, so it only makes sense that the family vehicles od today follow suit.  Whereas back in the dark recesses off time the typical family owned a sedan or station wagon, now contemporary families can choose among SUV's, crossovers, minivans, wagons and hatchbacks, in addition to the prosaic family sedan.  While it certainly can be nice to have options, a wide variety of choices also can make the choosing all the more difficult, so each year the editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com pool their collective knowledge and expertise to decide the Top 10 Family Cars.
Among the wealth of criteria the kbb.com editors use in the spirited judging are the characteristics that make vhehicles family-friendly.  Safety, comfort, economy of operation, child-friendliness, a reasonable purchase price and good resale value are tops in the consideration process.  The kbb.com editors believe that all of the worthy vehicles on this year's Top 10 Family Cars of 2011 list will provide excellent service and a fine ownership experience for the families who choose to make them their own.
'This year was especially difficult for the kbb.com editors to narrow down the Top 10 Family Cars of 2011 choices, as there is such a variety of new cars on the market today that have appealing features for the American family; capable versatility, value, safety and economical factors, to name a few," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.  "Just as there is no perfect family, there is no perfect family vehicle that is just right for all families, all the time.  However, there are many great options available ont he market today in various segments, and the kbb.com editors chose a wide variety of what we feel are the Top 10 Family Cars that should be on every family's consideration list for 2011."
2011 Hyundai Sonata - $20,145:  The all-new 2011 Hyundai SOnata has taken the mid-size market by storm with a compelling mix of design, quality and value.  The Sonata also is chock-full of safety features, comes with on of the best warranties on the market, and even offers a fuel-sipping hybrid model.  With enough style and versatility to transform effortlessly form child-hauler to client shuttle on a daily basis, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is an easy choice for someone who needs to impress while still being practical.
For the remaining vehicles on the Top 10 list, including full editorial commentary and reasoning behind each of the editor's picks, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/top-10-family-cars-of-2011.

The Detroit News
Hyundai heats up competition with Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze
Scott Burgess
The very first thing I said to myself when I sat down in the 2011 Hyundai Elantra was "Well, this is going to screw things up."
For months, I have been advocating that the best compact cars were imported from Detroit.  (Hey, maybe I should copyright that line before some carmaker steals it?)  The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2012 Ford Focus were far and away my top picks for mainstream compact car transportation.  But now, I 'm not as sure.  The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is simply gangbusters in nearly every category.
It has the looks of Hyundai's all-new Sonata, which is awesome.  It gets better gas mileage than most subcompact cars.  It comes with out-of-this-world amenities, such as second-row heated seats, a crystal-clear navigation system, and more than 43 inches of legroom in the front row.  And it has a starting price under $15,000, giving it a dollar to luxury quotient of incredible.
Realistically, the base-model Elantra GLS feels more like a price statement than a civilized modern machine.  It only comes with a six-speed manual, and things like air conditiong, cruise control and 16-inch wheels are optional.  Lots of carmakers pull off this stunt.
But it's when Hyundai starts adding options that the Elantra begins to feel like a bargin.  A top-of-the-line Elantra Limited atarts at $21,980--both the Cruze and Focus can still cost thousands of dollars more.
My fully loaded Limited was a cocoon of luxury and leather, at a cost of $22,000.  the 7-inch, high-resolution monitor at the top of the center stack provided a crisp navigation system that's easy to use.  There is also a slew of techonology features that are quickly becoming the norm on many compact cars: Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation, voice recognition and push-button start.
Hyundai also adds a proximity feature, which unlocks the door when you touch the handle- meaning you don't have to pull your keys out of your pocket to unlock the door.  It's a feature that you never knew you needed until you start using it.
The interior is simply stunning.
There's an elegant center stack that roughly resembles an hourglass.  Throughout the cabin, waves of luxury roll through every surface, reflecting an emotive design.  At the top of the center stack is a silver of blue light that cuts out the dash and relays infromation.  At night, the cabin fills with a soft blue light that is easy on your eyes- and your night vision.
The instrument panel includes two chrome-trimmed gauges and the same blue lighting.  Every individual piece looks and feels well crafted, and together, they combine into a masterpiece.
Even the comfortable seats offer just the right touch of environmental sensibilities with lightweight, eco-friendly foam.  It's only a seat, but, somehow, you feel better about it.  Then agian, you also feel better because it's heated- in the front and back row.
Hyundai also has managed to help the environment another way:  The Elantra hits 40 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city.  Unlike the Cruze and Focus, which reach 42 mpg and 40 mpg, respectively, those cars need special fuel-efficient models to do that.  Hyundai does it with all of its cars- not a small difference.
The little 1.8-liter dual overhead cam four-cylinder engine with dual-continuously variable valve timing provides 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque.  Its performance on Detroit's streets was good.  The engine is peppy and the six-speed automatic transmission in my test vehicle was extremely smooth- almost too smooth.  It changed gears quickly and rarely rewarded me with that gear-shifting lurch.  Lots of carmakers do this to improve fuel economy, but in the Elantra it was more noticeable.  There is a manual override on the automatic that allows more aggressice drives to get more out of the engine and the car.
On the road, the electric motor driven power steering was very linear and precise.  I would have preferred more resistance the farther I moved the steering wheel, especially at highway speeds, when the Elantra felt a little twitchy.
However, it was comfortable on the highway and driving at low parking lot speeds, something to remember for the people who drive in heavy traffic.  It was also extremely quiet, making it all that much better to sit back and enjoy the 360-watt optional stereo system.
Hyundai says the exterior is the next step in its fluidic sculpture design language.

Genesis and Sonata Recognized for Meeting the Safety and Performance Needs of the America Car Buyer
Fountain Valley, Calif., 02/24/2011
Two Hyundai models, Genesis and Sonata earned the distinction of "BEST BETS" from The Car Book and the Center for Auto Safety, the nation's leading auto safety advocacy group.  For Genesis, this is the third year in a row that it's been honored with the "BEST BETS" distinction.
"We appreciate the fact that Hyundai has made a significant contribution to improving the market choices for the American car buyer," said Jack Gills, author, The Car Book.  "During these most challenging times for the auto industry, the fact that Hyundai vehicles have the quality and features most important to today's car buyer is a testament to their desire to meet customer needs."
For 31 years, The Car Book has selected vehicles for the "BEST BETS" honor, based on how well they respond to the safety and performance needs of today's consumer.  The Car Book analyzes new vehicles each year to identify those making a significant contribution to improving the market.  "BEST BETS" vehicles are rated in nine key Car Book categories: crash tests, safety features, rollover, preventative maintenance, repair costs, warranty, fuel economy, complaints, and insurance, with the heaviest emphasis on safety.
"Having two Hyundai models named as "BEST BETS" by The Car Book demonstrates our our continued commitment to excellence in quality, value and design for all of the vehicles in the Hyundai lineup," said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America.  "The Genesis and Sonata are prime examples of models that not only meet but exceed customer expectations in safety and performance."
Hyundai's all-new 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai's strong value proposition.  The Sonata launched with a new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission and also offers both hybrid and turbo powertrain options.
Hyundai's 2009 North American Car of the Year-winning Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the premium car category. With a starting price of just $33,000, Genesis includes performance and luxury features typically found on vehicles costing thousands of dollars more including Smart Cruise Control, touch-screen navigation, electronic parking brake with automatic vehicle hold, Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS), Lexicon audio systems and electronic active head restraints.

It's difficult to knock the classics whether we're talking fashion (black Tuxedo), literature ("Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck), or rock (the Beatles).
Th 2011 Hyundai Sonata is destined to join the classics of affordable midsize cars.  That's not because of its fuel efficiency (22 mpg city, 35 mpg highway), its bounty of standard features (think sunroof with slide and tilt mechanisms) or its high-end styling.  Rather it's the entire package that the Sonata a standout.
Not that Hyundai was under pressure to rethink the Sonata.  The previous generation was attractive if somewhat unremarkable, with some auto reviewers noting its look--inside and out--was reminiscent of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.  There was nothing wrong with it, inside or out.  Yet there was nothing that broke it out of the pack, either.
One look at the long, light, low exterior of the Sonata and you know those days have passed.  What was once a bland box is now sleek and athletic with flowing lines and signature chrome extending from headlamps, along the hood and through the belt line.  Gone is the boxy grille, replaced with a long, sweeping grille that is an ideal focal point accented by the sloping fog lamps and headlamps.
2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited
Engine: 198-horsepower, 2.4-liter GDI or 274-horsepower, 2-liter turbo
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
MSPR: From $19,395 (model tested from $25,495)
The high-end, contemporary look continues inside.  Although some call the look futuristic, that seems a bit of a stretch.  High-end contemporary feels about right.
But that's a minor point.
What's important is that the Sonata's flow-through center console and instrument panel is not just modern but user friendly whether you're working with the navigation, AM/FM/XM/6-disc CD changer/MP3 with HD radio technology or the integrated Bluetooth technology.
Gear head alert:  This technology is made for you.  Think 8GB of flash memory and a matched sound system.  Other gadgets are XM Navigation Weather, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker.  The system also can be updated via USB.
Of course you can get all of the high-end features in the world and not be comfortable.  Fortunately, the Sonata offers plentiful (103.9 cubic feet) of passenger space.  Add to the 16.4 cubic feet of cargo space and you see how this sedan would well suit a family.
In addition, the six-speed automatic transmission model I drove was plenty powerful, which is saying something since it's 26.4 pounds lighter than the five-speed it replaces.  The Sonata also is 1.6 inches shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which make the car lighter.
If you don't think that's important, remember the 22 mpg city, 35 mpg highway fuel economy, which beats some hybrids out there.
In a world of car designs that cut corners, the Hyundai Sonata is the full package.
Source URL: http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/wheels/2011/02/2001-hyundai-sonata-joins-cream-midsize-crop

The FINANCIAL--Autospies.com, one of the highest ranked automotive information sites, named the 2011 Hyundai Elantra "Car of the Year".  In selecting Elantra as "Car of the Year", the Autospies.com editors reference the Elantra's "hybird-like mileage of 40 mpg highway, gorgeous styling not even know in the compact category until now and acres of interior room with gorgeous fit and finish" as "changing the paradigm in its segment".  "Hyundai has single-handedly changed the compact car segment by creating the first 'preium' compact that is affordable to the masses", said Donald Buffamanti, founder of leading automtive social media site, Autospies.com.  "Starting at a price of $14,830 with class-leading interior volume and an Environmental Protection Agency rated MPG of 29/40 city/highway, the 2011 Elantra is a well-rounded compact car that bests the rest".
Th 2011 Elantra sets the bar in the compact sedan category offering a a "class-above" midsize car interior volume, modern design, outstanding fuel economy, loads of comfort and convenience features all at a low starting price of $14,830.  Powered by an all-new 1.8-liter "Nu" engine, the fifth generation Elantra boasts best-in-class standard fuel economy of 40 mpg highway.  Elantra also continues to lead the industry in standard advanced safety technologies a new Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system to otimally manage Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
"Elantra is pushing the compact category to offer innocation, content and style- characteristics often missing from the competition", said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.  "Car enthusiasts like Autospies.com recognize that standard 40 miles-per-gallon highway fuel economy, tremendous luxury and convenience features, and modern design should be the expectation even at an accessible price point".

Hyundai's U.S. Sales Soar Thanks to Stylish, Fuel-Efficient Designs
By DAVID SCHEPP Posted 10:00 AM 02/18/11
Last year was hardly a banner year for auto sales in the U.S. In fact, with a mere 11.6 million vehicles sold, it was one of the worst in recent memory. Still, depressed demand didn't stop a few car companies, including Hyundai and Kia, from setting sales records. Hyundai's U.S. sales rose 24% to nearly 540,000 units last year, a new record that helped the automaker claim 4.6% of the American market, its highest share yet. Kia, meanwhile, set its own milestone, selling nearly 357,000 cars and utility vehicles, a 19% increase compared to a year earlier. The fortunes of the two companies, which share a corporate headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, but market their products separately in the U.S., have been buoyed by their ability to build well-designed, affordable and fuel-efficient vehicles that consumers want to buy. (Hyundai Motor owns about 39% of Kia Motors. Together they form the world's fifth-largest automaker.) One example is Hyundai's Sonata midsize sedan (pictured). Redesigned for the 2011 model year, the Sonata largely received glowing praise from the automotive press for its sweeping styling -- Hyundai calls the design "fluidic sculpture" -- high-quality materials and construction, and good driving dynamics. Those qualities have also helped make the Sonata a hit with consumers, too. The 2011 Sonata, which debuted in late 2009, sold nearly 200,000 copies in the U.S. last year, a 64% improvement over prior-year sales of the previous model. On the heels of the successful Sonata, Hyundai has introduced revamped versions of the Tucson small SUV and Elantra compact sedan, which also feature the company's now-signature swooping design. Soon to follow is a refashioned Accent subcompact, which will make its American debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. These vehicles are very competitive within their segments, says David Sullivan, an analyst with AutoPacific, an automotive research firm. "Hyundais are no longer vehicles that you should be embarrassed to own or want to aspire to own," he says, referring to earlier Hyundai models that offered U.S. consumers little more than a low sticker price. Setting Design Trends Rather Than Following Them Previously relegated to rental-car fleets, Hyundais have been transformed, offering pleasing interiors and sophisticated engines that are as good as anything Japan or Germany can churn out, Sullivan says. Much has changed from the days when Hyundais were a source of jokes for Detroit's auto elite, he says. "Hyundai is
looking at many of them in the rear-view mirror right now." The company credits its sales momentum in the U.S. to its focus on two key strategies: design and fuel economy -- 86% of the vehicles Hyundai sells in the U.S. are equipped with 4-cylinder engines. It's a recipe that no other carmaker has managed to pull together in quite the way Hyundai has, says John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, the company's U.S. subsidiary, based in greater Los Angeles. "I think that explains a lot of our success." The initiative began about six years ago, when Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-koo challenged Hyundai's product-development team to lead the industry in design, rather than follow trends set by other automakers. The first product to emerge from that mandate was the Genesis coupe, which began U.S. sales in mid-2009, receiving mainly enthusiastic reviews. The design concept, for the first time, gave Hyundai its own look and feel, says Krafcik, a veteran of the U.S. auto industry. Previously, Hyundai models were perceived as little more than knock-offs of cars manufactured by Asian competitors Toyota Motor (TM), Honda Motor (HMC) or Nissan Motors (NSANY). "We don't hear that anymore with our new designs," he says. Demand for Elantra Far Exceeds Supply Still, Krafcik says, unique designs don't always equal sales success. Two recent American-made examples of novel concepts that didn't meet with auto buyer approval were the 1996 Ford Taurus, which incorporated Ford Motor's (F) signature oval logo into everything from the dashboard to the rear window, and the 2001 Pontiac Aztek, one of several unappealing designs from General Motors (GM) that industry icon Bob Lutz compared at the time to "angry kitchen appliances."
The Genesis, 2011 Sonata and Elantra are all products of Hyundai's design studio in Southern California, which it shares with Kia. The Tucson, which features the same "fluidic sculpture" styling theme, was created in the company's European design studio in Germany. As with the Sonata, the redesigned Elantra, which hit U.S. dealerships late last year, has seen demand increase significantly. Sales were up 25% in January to nearly 9,700 units. Krafcik says Elantra sales could surpass the 200,000-unit sales record set by the Sonata if they could manufacture enough of them, but admits the company doesn't "have anywhere near the capacity for that level of volume." Hyundai's sole U.S. plant, in Montgomery, Ala., recently increased capacity to 330,000 cars annually. After subtracting Sonata and models destined for export markets, such as Canada, that leaves manufacturing capacity for only about 70,000 Elantras. The company believes it can easily sell more than twice that number, Krafcik says, so it will begin supplementing U.S. made vehicles with production from Hyundai's plant in Ulsan, South Korea. With capacity to produce 1.6 million vehicles a year, it is the world's largest automotive plant. Plans call for the company to build 400,000 cars in the U.S. this year, including the Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, production of which was shifted to Kia's West Point, Ga., plant last fall, and sell slightly less than 600,000 cars in total in the U.S. Hyundai Loses Ground on its Home Turf Krafcik says Hyundai has no further plans to expand production in the U.S., citing the extraordinary costs involved in building new plants -- on the order of billions of dollars. "But we'll certainly look at how we do this year, see where the demand is [and] see where the demand is going."
Asian automakers, generally, are under increased pressure to manufacture cars and trucks in the foreign markets where they sell them as a hedge against foreign-exchange volatility that can pinch profits. The strong yen, for example, has led Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda to suggest that his company may move some production out of Japan. While Hyundai has enjoyed sales success in the U.S. and other markets, its fortunes on its own home turf in South Korea have come under threat from imports, including BMW, Volkswagen (VLKAY) and Toyota. Hyundai saw its domestic market share slip 5 percentage points last year to a decade-low of 45% even as the South Korean auto market expanded 5%, according to Reuters. It won't be easy for Hyundai to gain back lost market share as imported cars continue to flood into the market and sister make Kia Motors continues to gain ground, Dongbu Securities analyst Yim Eun-young told the news agency. In an interview, the company acknowledged it faces an uphill battle. "Our strong growth is well-received overseas, but we didn't get that proper recognition from Korean consumers," Sean Kim, senior vice president and head of Hyundai's Domestic Marketing Group, told Reuters. "Our priority is regaining trust and pride from consumers by doing everything from promotion, marketing and better product offering." The home office might want to take some cues from its U.S. subsidiary, which seems to be firing on all cylinders.

Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Hyundai 4th Largest Automaker, Overtakes Ford
By Bertel Schmitt on January 28, 2011
According to data published today by Ford, the company sold 5,313,000 units worldwide ?to wholesale? (i.e. out of the door.), up 447,000 units or 9.19 percent. With Volvo eliminated, the growth was 771,000 units. Record sales in the U.S.A. and Asia were
partially offset by lower sales in Europe. Ford is not strong enough in China to profit like its competitors that are strong in China.  One of these competitors is Hyundai.
According to TTAC data, the Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai and Kia) booked global sales of 5,744,018 units in 2010. With these numbers, Hyundai Motor Group moves up into the #4 spot, Ford slips down to #5. Ford had held the #3 position until 2006, when Ford was overtaken by the Volkswagen Group. A year before, Hyundai-Kia was in
the #9 position. From 2006-2008, Hyundai and Kia reported separately, in 2009, Hyundai and Kia reported as a group again and were in the #4 slot.
The performance of Hyundai, which 10 years ago still was a target of ridicule, a company in a small country of 48 million, deserves respect.

RICK KRANZ

Raise the roof: Nissan is coming with the NV van

January 31, 2011 - 7:46 pm ET

 

There are two ways to increase the utility of a full-sized van: Stretch the wheelbase or extend the roof upward.

The 2012 Nissan NV just might change the way General Motors and Ford market vans. Some of their next-generation vans might need to get much taller.

The NV is Nissan's first attempt to grab a share of the full-sized, commercial van market dominated by the Chevrolet Express, Ford Econoline and GMC Savana. The van will be built in Nissan's Canton, Miss., plant. It is scheduled to go on sale this spring at selected Nissan commercial vehicle dealers.

The base model, the NV 1500 Standard Roof S V-6, carries a $25,570 sticker price, including delivery, making it competitive with GM and Ford vans. 

What stands out is what Nissan calls the high roof model, a van that is nearly two feet taller than the standard roof NV. The cargo area is tall enough to stand in and walk around. A tradesman can easily set up a work bench. Shelving can be attached to each interior wall to stock parts and tools. It can be turned into a workshop on wheels.

What?s interesting here is that Nissan is offering vans that are factory-built, factory-warranted and can be easily selected with a wide range of options.   In addition to its utility, what will make the high roof model attractive to some tradesmen is the price, a $28,970 sticker, including delivery. That's $3,400 more than the regular roof model. Mercedes-Benz offers a tall, full-sized van, but it's price prohibitive for most van buyers -- it stickers beginning at around $36,000.  Neither Nissan nor Mercedes invented the tall van. Coachbuilders have offered a tall, box design for decades created off a cab chassis. But GM and Ford do not offer a factory-built high-roof model. What's interesting here is that an automaker is offering a tall van that is factory-built, factory-warranted and can be easily selected with a wide range of options. It is just a matter of checking off the boxes on the dealer order form. And it carries an attractive sticker price. I've walked through the high-roof Nissan NV. It's a segment changer.

 

You can reach Rick Kranz at rkranz@crain.com.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20110131/BLOG06/110139975/-1#ixzz1CiS0Bcqa

 

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today officially launched production of its all-new 2012 Nissan NV commercial van with Job One ceremonies at its expanded Canton, MS assembly facility. In attendance at the ceremony were Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares, Nissan Manufacturing and Purchasing Senior Vice President Bill Krueger, Nissan Manufacturing Canton Vice President Dan Bednarzyk, Nissan Commercial Vehicles Vice President Joe Castelli, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Gray Swoope.

The Canton facility, originally opened in 2003, underwent a two-year, $118 million expansion to accommodate production of the new Nissan NV, including:

• A 14,499 square foot Body Assembly Shop expansion
• Modification of 79,200 square feet of existing Body Assembly Shop
• Modifications to 59,000 square feet of existing Paint Shop plus the addition of 49,000 square feet
• And a new assembly line in the existing Trim and Chassis Shop

The Canton facility also produces the Nissan Altima sedan, Titan pickup and Armada SUV. Employment at the plant is 3,300. Click Here  for more exciting news.

The all-new Hyundai Sonata, a North American Car of the Year finalist, was deemed the "most noteworthy success story" of the year in kbb.com's "Most Researched New Vehicles of 2010" report. Sonata leaps 24 places to number five overall. Because Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com is one of the most-trafficked automotive research sites, visitation to specific vehicles has become a leading indicator of sale spatters for manufacturers. Hyundai will sell approximately 200,000 Sonatas in calendar year 2010 and volume is up 65 percent year-to-date (through November).

"Hyundai's popular all-new Sonata helped to re-shuffle the deck among the top most-researched new cars of 2010, knocking a few vehicles further down on the list compared to where they were last year,: said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

"The research from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com validates a trend we've been following throughout the year. Sonata is clearly making more consumers' shopping lists than ever before,: said Mike O'Brien, vice president, product and corporate planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Data from Compete shows that Sonata was the most-shopped vehicle on the Internet six of the last seven months, 0proving that as awareness and availability of the 2011 model increased, shopping patterns quickly followed suite."

The 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional mid-size sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai's strong value proposition. In addition to the standard 2.4-liter, gasoline direct injection power-train making 35 MPG highway, Hyundai added a 2.0 lite, 274-horsepower turbo and first-ever hybrid to the Sonata lineup. The Sonata Turbo went on sale in September and Sonata Hybrid, achieving 40 MPG highway, will reach showrooms in January.

The all-new Sonata was the first mid-sized car to receive a five-star crash test rating under National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's new, more stringent 2011 system and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick honor, placing it in a safety position unsurpassed in the industry.

"The site traffic on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com clearly demonstrates which models are resonating with today's new-car shoppers, especially when we examine the most-researched new vehicles of 2010," said Bell. "Hyundai's home-run Sonata was not only the darling of the industry this year, but also made a strong impression in the minds of new-car shoppers by leaping ahead to the fifth most-researched new of 2010.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through about 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile power-train warranty and 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

• The 2011 Hyundai Sonata is displayed at its branch in Seoul on Sept. 27, 2010. Automakers Hyundai and Kia and German car maker Volkswagen lead the insurance industry's annual list of the safest new vehicles.  (JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images)
• 
• By CBS News
  

South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia and German car maker Volkswagen lead the insurance industry's annual list of the safest new vehicles, used by safety minded consumers looking to buy a new car.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized 66 vehicles on Wednesday with its "top safety pick award" for the 2011 model year, the most-ever awarded by the Virginia-based group. The number was more than double the 27 vehicles selected last year.

Hyundai Motor Corp. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp., and Volkswagen AG and its Audi brand received the most awards with nine, followed by eight awards apiece by General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. The awards, used in advertising to attract car buyers, bolster Hyundai and Volkswagen as they attempt to build a larger foothold in the United States.

Hyundai's Genesis sedan, Sonata midsize and Santa Fe and Tucson sport utility vehicles picked up awards, while Kia was recognized for the Optima midsize car, the Forte and Soul small cars, and the Sorento and Sportage SUVs. Volkswagen won plaudits for the Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, the Golf and GTI small cars and the Touareg and Tiguan SUVs. Audi's A3 and A4 sedans and Q5 SUV also made the list.

Subaru and Chrysler received five awards apiece while Volvo and Mercedes had four. Subaru was the only automaker to win awards in every vehicle category in which it competes. Nissan and Honda had two awards each and Mitsubishi and BMW had one.

Hyundai said the award was particularly sweet for the Sonata, which also received the top score of five stars in the government's crash test program. The combination put Sonata "in a safety position unsurpassed in the industry," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Mark Barnes, Volkswagen of America's chief operating officer, said the recognition for VW was a "testament to our commitment to engineering safe vehicles."

GM's winners include the Chevrolet Malibu, Cruze and Equinox; Cadillac CTS and SRX; Buick LaCrosse and Regal and GMC Terrain. Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing, said the award would build on "the already strong global safety reputation of the Cruze."

Ford's picks include the Ford Taurus, Fusion, Fiesta, Explorer and Flex; and the Lincoln MKS, MKZ and MKT. Ford vice president Sue Cischke said the Explorer, which arrived at dealer showrooms earlier this month, offered a good example of the company's safety improvements, including inflatable seat belts and technology that helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle along tough curves.

Toyota, which has grappled with several high-profile recalls during the past year, scored with the Toyota Avalon, Corolla, Sienna, Highlander and Venza; the Lexus RX; and the Scion tC and xB. Toyota said its eight safety picks were "reflective of our ongoing commitment to developing safe and reliable vehicles for our customers."

The vehicles were chosen for protection in front, side and rear crash tests. To qualify for the award, the insurance industry group also requires the vehicles to have anti-rollover electronic stability control, or ESC, and receive top scores in roof strength tests.

Institute president Adrian Lund credited automakers for "quickly rising to meet the more-challenging criteria for `Top Safety Pick."' He said several automakers have requested tests for new models coming out early next year and Lund predicted more winners would be added.

Auto Review

Dec. 11, 2010, 12:01 a.m. EST

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Auto Review

Dec. 11, 2010, 12:01 a.m. EST

By Ron Amadon, MarketWatch

DAMASCUS, Md. (MarketWatch) ? That upstart Hyundai has done it again.

The South Korean automaker /quotes/comstock/11i!hymt.f (HYMTF 27.55, -0.52, -1.84%)  has completely redesigned its Elantra, adding a crisp, new modern look to a class of cars often overlooked by other makers.

Factor in a price that can be under $20,000 and fuel economy that can easily hit the 40 mile-per-gallon mark, and you have another Hyundai that will guarantee sleepless nights for the competition.

The GLS M/T model that I drove at a recent press event packed in air conditioning, cruise control, telescoping steering wheel, floor mats, iPod cable, power windows, locks and mirrors, satellite radio, heated outside mirrors, and a slick-shifting, six-speed manual transmission among other goodies, for a delivered price of $16,930.

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Base pricE	$14,830
Drive	Front wheel
Engine	148 hp
EPA rating	29/40 mpg
Handling	Good
RON'S RATING	Excellent

A fellow auto writer and I pushed the car on a twisting mountain road. When we checked gas mileage back at the bottom, it came to 39.9 mpg. That is in real-world driving at high revs and quick shifts, without any of the creative math and asterisks used by some other makers.

Hyundai?s goal for its corporate average fuel economy is 50 mpg by the year 2025. Weight reduction has a lot to do with Hyundai edging closer to that goal, while body stiffness is up 30% compared to the 2010 Elantra.

The Montgomery, Ala.-built sedan delivered crisp handling and loved to rev the hell out of its 1.8-liter, 145-horsepower engine both up and down the mountains. It wasn?t the fastest car you will ever drive, but clearly Hyundai intended this car to have a certain fun factor.

A top-of-the-line Limited Edition swapped the 15-inch wheels of the GLS for 17-inch wheels and the grip factor moved still higher. The cars never ran out of breath even when climbing from near sea level to 8,000 feet.

On sharp, hairpin turns, there was some body roll, but the car just hung in there with good feedback through the steering wheel. No one talked of Porsche-like handling, but certainly it was better than many other cars in its class. Electronic stability control was standard on both tested cars.

How does Hyundai keep doing it?

Well, it?s a smaller car company that doesn?t suffer from the bureaucracy of other firms.

One official, who worked at one of the bigger companies, said Hyundai is quicker on its feet in adopting new ideas and getting them to market. It?s working, since sales rose some 40% in the past month.

Hyundai also is able to pack in more goodies on its cars for a lower price than much of the competition.

One reporter called the new Elantra a ?two- thirds-sized Sonata,? and that wasn?t a slam on the car at all, since they now share certain design elements.

The 2011 Elantra is an inch or two bigger here and there, and thanks to the use of a torsion-bar rear suspension is able to offer a generous 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space

There is enough space inside for the Elantra to qualify as a midsized car. Two adults will be happy in back. The front seats, even in the lower priced test car, were all-day comfortable and there was enough space for a 6-foot-tall driver, even with the optional sun roof. Fit and finish were good, and the door pillars were made of plastic, fibrous tissue and volcanic rock, that designers thought looked more luxurious.

It was the first car in its class (think Toyota Corolla /quotes/comstock/13*!tm (TM 78.26, +0.28, +0.36%) , Ford Focus /quotes/comstock/13*!f/quotes/nls/f (F 16.46, -0.01, -0.06%) , and Mazda 3 /quotes/comstock/11i!mzdaf (MZDAF 2.88, +0.05, +1.77%) ), where I got in, automatically moved the seat to its extreme rearward position, and then had to move it forward again to be comfortable.

Out on the interstates, wind noise was simply not there in the Limited edition, and while there was some road noise, it was on the low end of the scale. Around town and out on the highway, the optional six-speed automatic tranny was a delight with its smooth shift action and quick response. It could also be shifted manually.

The Limited edition car came with a long list of standard equipment and $2,130 in options to bring the out-the-door price to $22,110 for a very well- equipped car.

I should note that Hyundai charges $95 for its floor mats and $35 for the iPod cable, both of which I have seen going for hundreds of dollars each on some luxury models.

If there is a flaw in all this it is perception.

Strict comparison shoppers will probably go no further than the Hyundai shop, but I think Hyundai will have to work hard to bring the older crowd into its showrooms. The sharp styling should attract the younger set, but I believe the automaker will have to work hard to bring in the middle aged-to-older crowd.

Helping that effort will be ?Consumer Reports,? which gave a ?recommended? rating to seven of Hyundai?s newer models and didn?t rate another two because they were too new and the product-review service didn?t have sufficient data.

Certainly, all age groups will like the Elantra?s warranties: a 5-year, 60,000-mile new car warranty; 5-year, unlimited-mileage roadside assistance; and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain.

For design, content, build quality, handling and performance, the 2011 Elantra is a home run. If you are looking for cheap wheels or cheap wheels with some bells on them, you should stop first at the Hyundai shop, where the new Elantra will appear shortly.

Hubcaps

Asked if there would be an upcoming hybrid Elantra, one official told me he had nothing to announce ?at this time. But we do sell one in Korea, so that could be a hint.?

What is the difference between a $50,000 car and a $25,000 car?
2011 Hyundai Sonata
Value is, of course, a relative measure.  When you feed a family of four for $5 with a box of spaghetti and jar of tomato sauce, you got a good value, as a practical matter.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, when you feed a family of four for $250 at an exclusive restaurant with excellent service and a chef who elevates cooking to an art form, well, that could also be considered a good value.  The same is true with automobiles.  The price you pay should be inextricably linked to the performance, reliability and satisfaction you get from owning your vehicle, and not just how much it costs.
For the sake of perspective, lets do a little comparison shopping in a sector of the car market where there is considerable overlap in form and function from vehicle to vehicle- the 4-door family sedan.  Specifically, we'll take a look at two vehicles that appear similar on paper, but that few people would ever cross-shop: the well-equipped Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T, priced at $27,245; and the base trim Mercedes-Benz E350 at $49,400.  Auto shoppers would never put these two vehicles on the same list, with one costing almost twice as much as the other.
Why compare an optioned-out vehicle to a base trim?  To be fair, it's because the entry-level, $19,395 Hyundai is a bit Spartan  to go toe-to-toe with the Mercedes but only a few thousand dollars in options spruces it up quite a bit.  Now, we know, true Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts would scoff at the comparison here.  The three-pointed-star is a badge that connotes a 100-plus-year tradition of craftsmanship, quality and elegance that goes beyond a mere listing of features.  That may be true, but a detailed look at the numbers and specs is nonetheless quite revealing.
Dimensions
The E-Class is definitely the larger car, but not by much, it measures 191.7 inches long to the Sonata's 189.8 inches, and the E-Class is 81.5 inches wide, while the Sonata is only 72.2 inches wide.  So surely the E-Class must have more room inside, right?  Not really.  The E-Class has 37.9 inches of headroom, 57.8 inches of shoulder room and 41.3 inches of legroom for front passengers. while the Sonata gives 40 inches of headroom, 57.9 inches of shoulder room and 45.5 inches of front-seat legroom. The Mercedes gives a little of the volume back to the rear-seat passengers, however, delivering 38.2 inches of headroom, 56.9 inches of shoulder room and 35.8 inches of legroom.  The Sonata is a bit more cramped with 37.8 inches of headroom, 56.7 inches of shoulder room and only 36.4 inches of legroom.
Powertrain
Here's where the top-tier 2.0T engine option on the Sonata makes a difference when compared with the Mercedes engine.  By volume, the E350's 3.5-liter V6 engine should blow the Sonata's tiny 2-liter inline 4-cylinder engine away.  But, thanks to some creative turbocharging, the Hyundai actually delivers 274 horsepower compared with the E-Class' 268.  In practice, it hardly matters, as both vehicles post zero-to-60 mph times at around 6.5 seconds.  But the fuel economy numbers definitely tilt in the Sonata's favor.  EPA estimates put the Mercedes at 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while the Hyundai posts 22/23 mpg.  What's more, the Hyundai takes regular 87-octane fuel, while the Mercedes sips a pricier vintage- premium unleaded fuel only, please.
Safety
Mercedes has a well-deserved reputation for safety, and the E-Class is certainly packed with safety features.  Standard are anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist- which can automatically boost braking during emergency stops- as well as stability control.  The E-Class also comes with Mercedes Pre-Safe, which tightens seatbelts, closes windows and optimizes seating positions for maximum safety when the system senses a potential crash.  There's even a drowsiness monitor that checks how the driver is performing, and gives audible and visual warnings if the car thinks you're dozing off.  Plus, the E-Class comes with airbags from every direction and 4- and 5- star crash ratings for front and side passengers, respectively (at least for the 2010 model, the last one that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tested).
As it turns out, the Hyundai Sonata gets the exact same crash-test ratings as the E-Class. (Actually, the Sonata may even prove to have more impressive ratings, since its 4- and 5-star results come from NHTSA's revised and tougher 2011 tests, which the E-Class gas not yet undergone.)  The Sonata also has ABS, stability control, a full complement of front and side airbags and Hyundai's own version of brake assist.  The truth is that both cars are safe enough to keep all but the most inattentive drivers from killing themselves in traffic.  If we had to give the award for safety zealotry, Mercedes would win because of the advance built-in nanny tech.
Luxury
If Mercedes can't win in this category, they've really got to start some soul searching, right?  There's certainly a lot of luxury to be found in the E-class: 14-way power front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, burl walnut or black ash wood trim, a 6-disc in-dash CD/DVD changer and rich leather upholstery.  Hold on a minute- that's not leather, that MB-Tex, Mercedes-Benz's own brand of vinyl, which does a pretty good job of fooling the casual observer.  If you want real leather, you're going to have to cough up another $1,620.  In fact, there are quite a few luxuries that don't come standard on the E-Class.  Heated seats cost $450; a parking guidance system costs $970; even split-folding rear seats that give access to the trunk cost an additional $440.
The Sonata Limited is already that sedan's highest trim level, so it comes with pretty much everything Hyundai's got to offer in terms of luxury.  That means 8-way power adjustable leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats (front and rear), in-dash CD changer, Bluetooth phone link, wireless key with push-button start and a sunroof.  The only option for this vehicle is a $2,100 navigation package that also adds a backup camera and premium audio, topping out the Sonata's price at just under $30,000.  The E350, on the other hand, can really escalate in price when you tack on the options.  We managed to add more that $25,000 in extras without even exploring alternate engine or all-wheel-drive options.
Granted, when you option the E-Class out, you're geting a truly opulent vehicle with amenities such as dual-screen, rear-seat entertainment system, intelligent curise control; chrome accents; illuminated doorsills; massaging seats; a wood steering wheel; and a blind-spot monitoring system.  But then you're comparing a $30,000 car with a $75,000 car.  For that much money, you could buy a Hyundai Sonata, hire a driver for a year, buy an iPad and sit in the back as you're chauffeured around- effectively giving you automated, intelligent (i.e. human) cruise control and a bakseat entertainment system.
Reliability
This has generally been a strong suit of Mercedes-Benz.  It has for years scored high on J.D. Power and Associates' long-term dependability and intial quality surveys.  The E-Class, in particular, gets high marks for its fit and finish and intial quality.  But after some poor results in the early 1980's, Hyundai has been trending up in the reliability and initial quality surveys.  Now, as a brand, the South Korean manufacturer gets the same 4-star J.D. Power ranking as Mercedes.
The Sonata was redesigned for 2011 and the E-Class was redesigned for 2009, so it's impossible to predict how the current models will hold up over time.  In Hyundai's favor is a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrainwarranty, plus a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, so pretty much any major problem that occurs within that time frame isn't your problem.  The E-Class is covered by only a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty: to buy coverage equivalent to Hyundai's from Mercedes, expect to pay upward of $3,000.
Style
This is, of course, a subjective assessment.  Do you like the sharp, angular Teutonic lines of the E-Class or the equally sharp, sweeping cuts on the flanks of the Sonata?  What is clear is that the luxury segment no longer has a monopoly on rich paint jobs, dramatic grilles and stately sheet metal.  In our humble opinion, the E-Class still outshines the Sonata when it come to the fit and finish of its interior and the quality of the materials used inside the cabin.  The Sonata still has a high plastic-to-metal ratio when it comes to trim, while the wood accents in the Mercedes add a distinct touch of class.  But is the Mercedes twice as handsome?
In the End
The point here isn't to trash Mercedes-Benz; the E-Class is a remarkable car and an engineering triumph.  And Mercedes is hardly alnoe in charging top dollar for a prestigiou marque.  But there's a lesson here when you think of the astounding amount of car you can get for under $30,000 these days.  And Hyundai isn't the only manufacturer delivering luxury on the cheap.And after a few hard years of an economic recession, perhaps it's time new-car buyers start taking a long, hard look at exactly what they're getting for the money.

Hyundai ousted top dogs Honda and Toyota for No. 1 in brand loyalty in the second quarter says a shopping analysis Kelly Blue Book's KBB.com.  It's the first time Hyundai has led for a full quarter since KBB began tracking brand loyalty.
That's like lapping the leaders for Hyundai, which first overtook them in February.  Hyundai also a keeping momentum at a time when overall brand loyalty fell for the most brands in the past year, says KBB, which blames the economy, recalls, fuel prices and more alternatives.  The analysis defines loyalty as shoppers researching the brand they own for their new car.
The top five in brand loyalty for Q2 2011:
1. Hyundai, 52.3%
2. Honda, 49.7%
3. Toyota, 47.7%
4. Ford, 4534%
5. Subaru, 44.8%
Also bucking the drop in brand loyalty: Hyundai corporate sibling Kia.  It was one of jut two other brands to show in customer loyalty vs. the quarter a year ago.  The other rising brand was Mini Cooper.  KBB cited the same reason their loyalty success as it did for Hyundai.
KBB's analysis says Hyundai is keeping customers with aggressive marketing efforts and new products. "Hyundai's product renaissance is benefitting the company not just by attracting an all-new customer base, but by helping the retain "current Hyundai owners". said Arthur Henry, market intelligense manger for Kelly Blue Book. 

One of the proudest accomplishments of being a Hyundai and its dealers is our joint commitment to pediatric cancer research, through our non-profit foundation called Hyundai Hope on Wheels.  While we have accomplished many milestones this year, there are few higher results than those coming from the important work of pediatric cancer research.  The following will recap a few of our accomplishments.
As you may know, the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program began in 1998 by a group dedicated Hyundai dealers in the New England area.  What started more than 13 years ago as a local effort, has grown in to a nationwide 501c3 non-profit Foundation.  Though Hope on Wheels grew up a bit over the years, with a more structured approached, what hasn't changed is the sincere goal of the Hyundai dealers and company to help fight cancer.
A few facts about pediatric cancer:
1.  Every 36 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer; 15,000 new case per year.
2.  Although 80% of pediatric cancers are cured, 1 in 5 won't survive.
3.  Pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease in US children.
4.  Despite survival rates, 3 in 5 will suffer long term side effects from the treatment.
5.  There has been only one new drug developed especially for pediatric cancer in the last 30 years.
The above facts are sobering and real.  It reminds us of why we all work so hard for this issue.  And, importantly, reminds us why we won't stop until we find a cure.
We are very proud of the US Hyundai dealer body and company partnership, which has worked very hard together to raise research funds to help address this important health policy issue.  2011 was our biggest and best year ever, and here are just a few highlights.
Marked out 13th consecutive year of supporting pediatric cancer research.
Hope on Wheels is the largest and most long standing dealer-company effort in Hyundai; possibly the entire auto industry.
Awarded a total of 43.0 million in research grants since 1998.  We are told by many that we may be the largest private donor to pediatric cancer research,  outside the care industry.
Awarded $20.1 million, with 122 separate grants, presented in 36 states, in 2011 alone.
Included dealer contributions to HOW of $14 per car in the invoice price, with  HMA match support.
Featured Brianna Commerford, who served in her 2nd and final year as national youth ambassador and brought an amazing voice to our cause.
Continued support of a volunteer Medical Advisory Review Committee, with nine leading pediatric oncologist across the US, providing guidance on program direction and grant selections.
Conducted the 2nd annual September National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Campaign.
Donated $10 million to CHOC Children's hospital for the creation of the Hyundai Cancer Institute, which is pursuing a research project in genomics to understand the DNA of kids with cancer.
Addressed the US House of Representative Pediatric Cancer Health Care Caucus.
Hosted a first ever 5k race/walk, with over 1,000 participants.
Drove a Hyundai Fuel Cell Electric cross country for pediatric cancer awareness..
Conducted the 2nd annual in dealership handprint fundraising program.
Created over 100 million unpaid media impressions and hundreds of thousands of social media fans/twitter followers and on-line mentions.
Was featured in more than 200 broadcast, print and online media stories about the campaign.
And much more...
With the outstanding leadership of the Hyundai Hope on Wheels dealer board of directors, in partnership with Hyundai, we can  proudly report that nearly 90 cents per dollar of all contributions were awarded directly to research.  That is far better than typical non-profit operating overhead that account for 25-30% of dollars raised.
As is the Hyundai way, we approach the Hope on Wheels project with dedication and humility, for we understand we are a small part of a much larger issue, which so many are working hard to solve. These are real like and death issues that sadly far too many American children have to face every day. But, we are proud to report that everything we hear from the doctor committee, hospital grant recipients, and experts in the field, is that the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program is making an impact.