Hyundai Veloster Wins 2011 Good Design Award

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 26, 2011– The all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster earned a GOOD DESIGN™ Award in the Transportation category for its innovative and unique three-door design. The GOOD DESIGN Awards are presented annually by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. Founded in Chicago in 1950, GOOD DESIGN bestows international recognition upon the world's most prominent designers and manufacturers for advancing new, visionary, and innovative product concepts, invention and originality, and for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered ordinary product and consumer design.

Hyundai’s Veloster continues to grab consumer attention and media headlines from experts both inside and outside the automotive industry. For 2011, The GOOD DESIGN Awards were judged at the American Institute of Architects in Los Angeles by an international jury of design professionals, architects, experts, and cultural leaders.

“With Veloster, we want to show consumers that high style, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing can all be found in one vehicle,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Veloster stands out from the crowd with a stylish yet functional design. We’re honored that GOOD DESIGN is recognizing the beautiful design and unique personality of the car.”

Veloster’s cutting edge integration of the third-door combined with a breakthrough design inspired by a high-performance sport bike allows Veloster to stand-out from its competition and makes a bold statement about Hyundai’s commitment to innovative design. Distinctive black A-pillars give the glass a motorcycle helmet visor appearance and in the front is an aggressive form of Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and unique Hyundai-signature LED position lights. Veloster’s dynamic rear design has a distinctive glass hatch, dual centered chrome exhaust tips and black lower fascia that complement the assertive front fascia. Inside, the center stack and controls resemble a sport bike fuel tank and the air vents are inspired by motorcycle tailpipes, while the floor console mirrors the seat of a bike.

Five clever ways to keep your New Year's resolutions

 

by Sharon Vaknin 

How will you ever keep up?

Think back to last year's resolutions--can you even remember what you resolved to achieve?

Me neither.

Change isn't easy, and when it comes to New Year's resolutions, most people spend more time planning their goals than pursuing them. It's the exact reason why fitness centers seem so packed in January and desolate by March.

But this year, if you're resolving to lose weight, eat healthier, read more books, or improve your life in any other way, consider doing it differently with the help of technology.

1. Tell your social network
Make yourself accountable for your goals by exposing them to your social networks like Facebook or Twitter. Let your friends know what your goals are and how you plan to achieve them. If you want to lose weight, for example, update your status and say "This year, I plan to lose 15 pounds by exercising three times a week."

2. Block out time and set reminders
If your resolutions require that you set time aside--like going to the gym--take advantage of your smartphone's calendar and schedule time in advance. This way, you'll be less likely to skip out on your commitments when someone asks you to make conflicting plans.

Then break each resolution down into smaller steps and use your smartphone to set reminders or "due dates" for these minigoals. By doing so, you make your resolutions seem more achievable, and the due dates will encourage you to stay committed.

3. Look into dedicated gadgets
After a few weeks, when you've established good habits and deemed your resolution realistic, consider rewarding yourself with a dedicated gadget that will help you achieve the goal. For example, if you are resolving to read more, an e-reader like the Nook or Kindle can motivate you to stock up on more books.

Likewise, Fitbit or Adidas MiCoach are a couple of affordable devices that help you manage fitness and weight-loss in a fun way.

4. Find a community
It's easy to feel discouraged when you're pursuing something alone. But with the Internet and its bountiful communities, there's no reason to tackle your resolutions in isolation. If you want to read more books, join a Web site like Goodreads. Or if it's a weight-loss goal, check out places like SparkPeople and CalorieCount.

Even if these people aren't your friends IRL (in real life), observing their progress and exchanging advice will keep you feeling positive about all the hard work you do.

Alternatively, start your own community by creating a Facebook group. Give it a fun name and invite friends (and their friends) to join the group. Not only will you hold each other accountable and swap tips but you yourself will also be more motivated by being the group leader spearheading the cause.

5. Start a blog
Since people who keep a weight-loss journal are twice as likely to shed pounds than others, try using a blog to further your goals. If the goal is to lose weight or perhaps stay on budget, the blog will help you monitor progress and hold you accountable for what you did (or didn't!) do.

If your goal is project-oriented, like taking a photo each day, use the blog to post what you've produced. For example, many Tumblr blogs are dedicated to the "365 Day Photo Challenge" which requires you to post one photo per day.

Otherwise, if your goal is lifestyle-oriented, use the blog to reflect on your daily progress and use the notes to evaluate what you could do to improve, or simply bask in the glory of your success.

With these measures in place, you may end up joining the small group of people who successfully follow through with their New Year's resolutions. When the goal-planning is complete, your final task is simple: just do it.

Hyundai Announces Pricing For 2012 Sonata Hybrid

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 22, 2011 – Hyundai Motor America is pleased to announce pricing for the 2012MY Sonata Hybrid, featuring Hybrid Blue Drive technology.

The 2012MY Sonata Hybrid will come equipped with standard Blue Link® telematics as Hyundai continues the implementation of Blue Link® throughout the model lineup. Blue Link provides a host of scalable features accessible through multiple applications whether it be in the car, on your smartphone, or over the web.

Also new for 2012MY is an optional Leather Package which offers leather seating surfaces, leather steering wheel and shift knob, heated front and rear seats, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass. Previously, these features were only available to the fully-equipped Sonata Hybrid buyer.

All 2012MY Sonata Hybrid models deliver a segment-leading 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating, higher than any other mid-size sedan, hybrid or non-hybrid. In city driving, Sonata Hybrid delivers 35 mpg, yielding a 37 mpg combined city/highway rating from the EPA.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012MY

• Standard Blue Link - safety, service and infotainment telematics system
• New optional Leather Package including leather seating surfaces, leather steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass

Standard and Optional Features

Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid MSRP is $25,850, excluding $760 freight, and includes the following standard equipment:

• 2.4L Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder hybrid engine
• Hybrid starter-generator (HSG)
• Permanent magnet high-power density motor
• 270V lithium polymer battery
• 6-speed automatic transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®
• Electronic stability control with traction control system
• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
• Front active head restraints
• Front and front seat side and curtain airbags
• 16-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels
• Headlight LED accents
• LED taillights
• Front fog lights
• Side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators
• Unique, tinted chrome front grille
• Bodyside molding tinted chrome inserts
• Chrome exterior door handles
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Remote keyless entry, alarm and immobilizer
• Electroluminescent instrument cluster (Supervision)
• 4.2-inch TFT multi-function trip computer with hybrid technology display
• Steering Wheel Mounted Cruise, Audio & Phone Controls
• Dual automatic temperature control
• Floor console mounted rear vents
• Power driver seat with lumbar support
• Chrome interior door handles
• Leatherette interior door panel inserts
• Tilt & telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls
• Metalgrain interior accents
• AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 with iPod®/USB & Aux input jacks
• Power windows, locks, heated mirrors
• Integrated Bluetooth® with phonebook transfer
• Hyundai Blue Link Telematics system
• Automatic light control
• Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)
• Solar control glass

Leather Package ($1,500 MSRP):

• Leather seating surfaces
• Heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and compass

Ultimate Package ($5,500 MSRP) - Includes Leather package contents plus the following:

• Panoramic sunroof with tilt & slide
• 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish
• Navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display
• Rear backup camera
• Infinity® premium speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier (400-watt)
• HD Radio® Technology with multicasting
• SiriusXM, NavTraffic, NavWeather and Sports & Stocks w/ 90-Day Trial
• HVAC multi-mode button
• Premium door sill plates
• Glossy black door surround and outside mirror housing

Model	Engine	Transmission	MSRP
Sonata Hybrid	2.4L Atkinson 4-cyl.	Hybrid 6-Speed A/T	$25,850

Freight charges for the 2012MY Sonata Hybrid are $760.

Hyundai Motor America reserves the right to change prices and features at anytime

Courtesy of http://www.hyundainews.com

Hyundai Launches Interactive Racing Game On New York Times Square Billboard

COSTA MESA, Calif., December 20, 2011 – Hyundai Motor Company launched an interactive racing game called “HYUNDAI RACE” on its prominent Times Square video billboard today. Times Square visitors can play the high-quality racing game featuring the all-new Hyundai Veloster on the big screen and simulate the real driving experience.

“HYUNDAI RACE” is controlled by tilting a smart phone, just like turning the steering wheel when driving a car. Players can easily download the controller for “HYUNDAI RACE” from the App Store. Then, by connecting to the free Hyundai WiFi network in Times Square, players can control their vehicle on the big screen just as if they were playing a racing game on their smart phone. When players finish the race, their score will appear on the billboard and show their ranking among other players.

“HYUNDAI RACE” will be on the billboard until the end of this year, and Hyundai will continuously deliver other innovative interactive experiences in Times Square next year.

“HYUNDAI RACE” is a strategy that aligns with Hyundai’s new brand direction –

“New Thinking. New Possibilities.” – which debuted at 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new brand direction aims to provide customers with experiences beyond expectations through innovative thinking.

The all-new 2012 Veloster, which made its debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, is another example of Hyundai’s new brand direction. The vehicle features an innovative three-door compact coupe design with the functionality of a hatch and a passenger-side forward-hinged rear door. The Veloster racing game is the first in the world to launch with high-quality graphic resolution on the Times Square billboard that offers a realistic driving experience.

“Having a large video display in Times Square certainly creates awareness among consumers through creative graphic elements. But Hyundai’s racing game takes engagement to a new level,” said Steve Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “The game invites the audience to interact with Hyundai in the middle of one of the world’s busiest venues for commerce and tourism. It’s a great example of our innovative marketing at work.”

Hyundai has been marketing in New York Times Square along with global leading brands since November 2009. Times Square billboards draw 1.5 million impressions a day in one of the world’s most iconic locations for exposing brands.

Holiday Recipe: Pumpkin Fudge (A Showstopper)

Homemade fudge is a delectable holiday treat for all guests, whether you serve it as a party dessert or wrap it and present it as a gift!

Fudge is a combination of sugar, butter, milk and flavorings such as chocolate, maple, peanut butter, white chocolate, butterscotch, walnut, or even pumpkin. The tricky part of making fudge is combining these items and cooking them properly.

The key to good fudge is to follow the directions exactly. Use an accurate candy thermometer and allow the mixture to reach the temperatures called for in the recipe before moving to the next step. Add each ingredient in the order listed by the recipe. Vigorous stirring at the wrong time (after it's reached the soft-ball stage) can actually promote crystallization of sugar into large grains. Small sugar crystals equal smooth fudge that melts on the tongue.

Try this easy pumpkin fudge recipes that will thoroughly impress your guests as a novel twist on a confection that goes perfect as an after-dinner treat.

Pumpkin Fudge Recipe

Recipe yields 1 9x9 inch pan of fudge

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 7 ounces marshmallow crème
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Line a 9x9 inch pan with aluminum foil, and set aside.
2. In a 3-quart saucepan, heat milk and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
3. Mix in pumpkin puree and cinnamon; bring back to a boil. Stir in marshmallow crème and butter. Bring to a rolling boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 18 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, and add white chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir until creamy and all chips are melted. Pour into prepared pan. Cool, remove from pan, and cut into squares. Store in a cool, dry place.

We would like to kindly thank Diane for her encouraging words about her experience.

" Ricky Peters from Cerrituos Hyundai assisted me with purchasing my new Santa Fe. Ricky found me the exact trim and color I wanted, and didn't waste my time trying to sell me something I wasn't interested in. Ricky streamlined the appointment, had the paperwork ready, my car cleaned and shined, and showed me how to program some of the interior features. Ricky was very fair with the price, and I feel I got a GREAT deal. I would highly recommend Ricky Peters and Cerritos Hyundai to anyone looking to get a new or used car."- Diane H.

115 winners of 2012 Top Safety Pick

Stronger roofs lead to another record year for award

ARLINGTON, VA — The list of winners of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick award is longer than ever this year, with vehicles in nearly every size category the Institute evaluates earning accolades. From minicars to sedans to pickups, consumers have a record number of choices among 2012 models.

 

In all, 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn Top Safety Pick. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection. Because the federal government now requires all 2012 and later passenger vehicles to have electronic stability control to help drivers avoid loss-of-control crashes, ESC no longer is a requirement to win as it was in prior years.

The winners' circle includes 18 new recipients for 2012, while 97 models that previously qualified for the 2011 award carry over to 2012.

"For the second year running a record number of models qualify," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "It's tough to win, and we commend auto manufacturers for making safety a top priority."

That commitment to protecting people in crashes is evident in the fast pace of design improvements automakers have made during the past year. Initially 66 vehicles qualified for last year's award as less-than-perfect rollover ratings held back many contenders. Later the number climbed to 100 as manufacturers redesigned roofs to make them stronger or introduced new models to win. The Institute's rolling test schedule allows for recognition of additional winners throughout the year, so many 2012 models qualified for a 2011 Top Safety Pick.

Again this year every major automaker has at least one winner. Subaru remains the only manufacturer with the distinction of earning awards for every model it builds. Subaru picks up 5 awards, including one for the redesigned Impreza, a small car.

Toyota/Lexus/Scion has 15 winners for 2012, more than any other auto manufacturer. General Motors is next in line with 14, followed by Volkswagen/Audi with 13, and Ford/Lincoln and Honda/Acura with 12 awards apiece.

Honda improves: Ten of the 18 new additions are Honda/Acura models, including the midsize Accord sedan, which hasn't earned Top Safety Pick since the Institute toughened criteria to win the 2010 award by adding a test to assess roof strength in a rollover crash.

Vehicles rated good for rollover protection have roofs more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The Institute estimates that such roofs reduce the risk of serious and fatal injury in single-vehicle rollovers by about 50 percent compared with roofs meeting the minimum requirement. A new federal standard for roof strength will phase in beginning with 2013 models.

Roofs on the 2009 Honda CR-V and 2010 Pilot scored marginal ratings in prior Institute tests, while earlier models of the Accord, CR-Z, Fit, and Insight rated acceptable. Now all of these 2012 models earn good ratings and Top Safety Pick.

"Honda/Acura deserves credit for most-improved status," Lund says. "The automaker buckled down and upgraded roofs on 10 models that missed winning last year because of rollover protection. Now, the automaker has winners in the minicar, small car, midsize car, small SUV, midsize SUV, minivan, and large pickup categories."

Another midsize sedan, the Toyota Camry, earns its first-ever Top Safety Pick. Last year, the Camry missed the mark because of a marginal rating for seat/head restraints. The Toyota Yaris also earns its first Top Safety Pick award. Toyota upgraded the roof and seat/head restraints of the 4-door hatchback model to win. Good ratings secure the Yaris a spot alongside 3 other minicars, the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit, as 2012 winners.

"It's great to see the Accord and Camry, 2 of the top-selling midsize cars in the U.S. market, join the Top Safety Pick ranks this year," Lund says. "The Accord previously won the 2009 award but has been missing from the list since then."

With fuel efficiency and reduced emissions on many buyers' wish lists, the winners' circle includes more green choices. Toyota's all-new Prius v is among them. Roomier than the original, the v hybrid brings to 15 the number of winners available as hybrids. The plug-in electric Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, winners in 2011, also earn this year's award.

For drivers who need to haul loads, the Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline, and Toyota Tundra are good choices in the large pickup category. Small pickups continue to be shut out. None the Institute has evaluated qualify for the award.

"When we launched Top Safety Pick in 2005, consumers had 11 models to pick from. Six years later, finding a winner that fits most budgets and lifestyles is easy," Lund says. "It's a testament to the commitment automakers have made to going above and beyond minimum safety standards."

About the award: The Institute awarded the first Top Safety Pick to 2006 models and then raised the bar the next year by requiring good rear test results and ESC as either standard or optional equipment. In 2010, the Institute toughened criteria 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.

The Institute groups winners according to vehicle type and size. Lund advises consumers to keep in mind that size and weight influence crashworthiness. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford better occupant protection in serious crashes than smaller, lighter ones. Even with a Top Safety Pick, a small car isn't as crashworthy as a bigger one.

How vehicles are evaluated: The Institute's frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on measurements of intrusion into the occupant compartment, injury measures recorded on a 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy in the driver seat, and analysis of slow-motion film to assess how well the restraint system controlled dummy movement during the test.

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Ratings reflect injury measures recorded on 2 instrumented SID-IIs dummies representing a 5th percentile woman, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the impact.

In the roof strength test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a displacement rate of 0.2 inch per second. To earn a good rating for rollover protection, the roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio.

Rear crash protection is rated according to a 2-step procedure. Starting points for the ratings are measurements of head restraint geometry — the height of a restraint and its horizontal distance behind the back of the head of an average-size man.

Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are tested dynamically using a dummy that measures forces on the neck. This test simulates a collision in which a stationary vehicle is struck in the rear at 20 mph. Seats without good or acceptable geometry are rated poor overall because they can't be positioned to protect many people.

ALL 115 WINNERS (red indicates newly-announced winners for 2012)

Minicars
Fiat 500 built after July 2011
Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback
Honda Fit
Toyota Yaris 4-door hatchback

Small cars
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Sonic
Chevrolet Volt
Ford Focus
Honda Civic 4-door
Honda CR-Z
Honda Insight
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte sedan
Kia Soul
Lexus CT 200h
Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback
Mini Cooper Countryman
Mitsubishi Lancer except Ralliart and Evolution
Nissan Cube
Nissan Juke
Nissan Leaf
Scion tC
Scion xB
Scion xD
Subaru Impreza except WRX
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf 4-door
Volkswagen GTI 4-door

Midsize moderately priced cars
Audi A3
Buick Verano
Chevrolet Malibu
Chrysler 200 4-door
Dodge Avenger
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Toyota Camry
Toyota Prius v
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
Volkswagen Passat
Volvo C30

Midsize luxury/near luxury cars
Acura TL built after September 2011
Acura TSX sedan and hatchback
Audi A4
Lincoln MKZ
Mercedes C-Class
Volkswagen CC except 4-wheel drive
Volvo S60

Large family cars
Buick LaCrosse
Buick Regal
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger
Ford Taurus
Toyota Avalon

Large luxury cars
Audi A6
BMW 5 series except 4-wheel drive and V8
Cadillac CTS sedan
Hyundai Equus
Hyundai Genesis
Infiniti M37/M56 except M56x 4-wheel drive
Lincoln MKS
Mercedes E-Class sedan
Mercedes E-Class coupe
Saab 9-5
Volvo S80

Small SUVs
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Patriot with optional side torso airbags
Kia Sportage
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

Midsize SUVs
Chevrolet Equinox
Dodge Durango
Dodge Journey
Ford Edge
Ford Explorer
Ford Flex
GMC Terrain
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Venza

Midsize luxury SUVs
Acura MDX
Audi Q5
BMW X3
Cadillac SRX
Infiniti EX35
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes GLK
Mercedes M-Class
Saab 9-4X
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Large SUVs
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Volkswagen Touareg

Minivans
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
Volkswagen Routan

Large pickups
Ford F-150 crew cab models
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tundra crew cab models

We would like to thank our team for always going the extra mile for our guests.

‎"Lastly, my experience was wonderful! From the initial visit to the final sale the staff was very knowledgeable and professional. If you are looking for a good car buy experience, go to Cerritos Hyundai. They are the best!"- Tony

Jorge and Alexa Narvaez show their holiday spirit during Hyundai Holidays. See their version of "Feliz Navidad" behind the wheel of the 2012 Santa Fe.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Holiday Travels

Courtesy of the Daily Meal

Travel is broadening, they say, but it’s also expensive. After gas and lodging, few have cash left for food and fine dining. While we all want to experience the local cuisine, there are several easy ways to bring down total costs. Here are eight ideas that should get your frugal juices going…

1. Rent a Kitchen

Book a place with a kitchen or kitchenette to cook your own food. Before you go, research local cuisine and download a few recipes that require readily available regional ingredients. Not only will you have fun shopping at local markets, but it’ll also give you an opportunity to interact with residents willing to share their cooking tips. You can save on non-exotic ingredients by using the CouponSherpa app for a grocery store in your travel destination.

2. Ditch the Extras

Appetizers, desserts, and drinks jack up a tab faster than you can say “entrée only, please.” If you really want the full experience, order the whole spread and split the single servings. Many restaurants serve too much food per plate, anyway. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/besopha)

3. Use Restaurant.com

There’s a really nifty way to save while still eating out, and it won’t limit your choice of restaurants all that much. Restaurant.com sells gift certificates for more than 18,000 restaurants in the U.S. at gigantic savings... like $3 for a $25 certificate! You can search by city and state, then choose the place that suits your tastes. Granted, some certificates are for chains, but you’ll still find plenty of local restaurants listed.

4. Get Hostel

Hostels aren’t just for college students and seniors these days. They can be a unique travel experience for all ages, and many offer a free breakfast, which you can sometimes stretch into a picnic lunch. Look for hostels that serve a full buffet, rather than just coffee and a couple crusty croissants. You can do your research at sites like Hostels.com, where you can compare prices and amenities, or join Hostelling International for information and member discounts.

5. In Vino Veritas

Wine may be fine, but it can get pretty expensive when eating out. Some restaurants allow you to bring your own bottle and charge just a minimal corking fee. Or you might combine entertainment with tasting by attending a vineyard tour and checking out their sample room. Some even offer concerts and free events for a romantic afternoon out. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle from the vineyard before you leave. It’s usually cheaper that way, as there are no distributor and store mark-ups. Most microbreweries also have tasting rooms that are either free or very reasonable, and again, you’d save on the final product. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/PhilipGreen-NZ)

If you’re planning a long-term trip and will have kitchen facilities, buy from Wine.com and have your purchase shipped to the vacation spot. The web site offers a $49 deal on unlimited shipping for one year with this Wine.com coupon.

We would like to thank the author of this review for their kind words

"I did have a very good expirence buying the Elantra Touring. I was very please with Ricky Peters as our saleperson , Thanks Ricky , you are the Best !! " - Casero

HYUNDAI’S CPO PROGRAM WINS INTELLICHOICE AWARD FOR 2012 BEST OVERALL PROGRAM IN POPULAR BRAND CATEGORY

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 7, 2011– Hyundai ranked number one in the industry in Intellichoice’s Best Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Programs for 2012 in the popular brand category – topping Mini, Toyota and Honda after moving up from third last year to take over the industry lead.

“Having America’s Best Warranty™ on our pre-owned vehicles is just another example of how Hyundai stands behind our quality, allowing us to grow in an extremely competitive market,” said Sam Brnovich, executive director, Sales Planning and Retail Operations, Hyundai Motor America. “By continuing to certify our best used cars, Hyundai remains focused and committed to both new and pre-owned customers.”

The pre-owned program and pre-owned warranty provide buyers with an added level of comfort and satisfaction with their vehicle purchase. Besides the great fuel economy, safety, style and technology found in all Hyundai vehicles, Hyundai’s enhanced Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program provides buyers with:

• 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (from original purchase date)
• 150-point inspection
• Roadside assistance
• Rental car coverage (up to $35/day for up to 10 days per occurrence)
• Towing coverage (up to $75 per occurrence)
• Travel breakdown coverage (for breakdowns more than 100 miles from home, up to $75 per occurrence)
• 90-Days of No-Charge XM Satellite Radio
• Free CARFAX Vehicle History Report
• Vehicles up to five model years old with less than 60,000 miles are eligible

Additional options available to the Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty include service contracts such as the Hyundai Protection Plan (HPP) Service Contract Coverage Upgrade, the Hyundai Vehicle Care (HVC) Pre-Paid Maintenance Plan and Hyundai Road Hazard and Wheel Protection Plan (RHT).

“We congratulate Hyundai for the great strides they have made with their Certified Pre-Owned program in recent years, culminating in their win for best overall program for 2012 in the Popular brands category,” said Tyler Schulze, vice president and general manager, IntelliChoice. “Consumers evaluating the purchase of a CPO vehicle can be confident that the Hyundai program is an excellent choice in terms of program offerings and benefits.”

IntelliChoice has conducted the CPO analysis for the last thirteen years. Manufacturer programs are then rated on the following set of nine criteria that consumers have identified as being most valuable to their decision-making processes:

• Extended Manufacturer Warranties
• Title Verification
• Certification Inspection Process
• Roadside Assistance
• Special Financing
• Return/Exchange Policies
• Program and Dealer Compliance
• Used Cost of Ownership
• Market Penetration

 

IntelliChoice

IntelliChoice, part of the Motor Trend Auto Group is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and car values analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com web site consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price new cars. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide. Motor Trend Auto Group is a subsidiary of Source Interlink Media, a recognized provider of targeted media and marketing services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for enthusiast audiences.

 

Courtesy of

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Elantra Retail Sales Soar to Never-Before- Seen Heights

Elantra owners happier with real-life fuel economy than all competitive owners in segment

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 6, 2011 – As Hyundai eclipses the 600,000 annual sales mark for the first time in its 25-year U.S. history, one super-hot product is leading the way.

Hyundai has already sold more Elantras in North America this year than it ever has (216, 331 v. 151,735, a 43 percent increase), a high point for the Elantra model line in a record-setting year for Hyundai in both the U.S. and Canada.

“Elantra has been an absolute phenomenon in the compact car segment,” says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America President and CEO. “In November, Elantra retail sales were up 37 percent, in spite of significant competition from all-new entries such as the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus and Honda Civic.”

In Canada, too, the Elantra has had a record year. By the end of November, Elantra already has achieved its best-ever year of sales and was a major factor in helping the company achieve year-over-year sales gains for 35 consecutive months.

“The Elantra continues to fuel record sales in Canada,” says Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “Elantra’s Fluidic Sculpture design, advanced safety features and fuel efficiency make it the perfect car in our market.”

Fuel Economy Leadership for All
Hyundai made a bold decision to engineer all Elantra sedan models to achieve 40 mpg on the highway, regardless of trim level. In fact, for 2011, Elantra sedan alone leads all competitive manufacturers’ 40+ mpg models on an entire line-up basis, an impressive feat for a single model. Elantra’s high market penetration ensures that its net positive impact on the environment is based on more than just the low volumes of sophisticated but expensive powertrain technologies of its key competitors. (Chart below.)

And no customers in the compact car segment are as happy with their real-world fuel economy as Elantra owners as measured in a recent JD Power APEAL story that examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, easily out-pacing strong competitors like the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze and Honda Civic.Residual Value
Elantra has also won the ALG residual value award in the Compact Car segment for the second year in a row in the U.S. ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, annually recognizes automakers’ outstanding achievements in producing new vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price, after a conventional three-year period. Customers are finding comfort in the fact that their Elantra is going to be worth more in three years from now than any other car in the segment.

What better way to spread holiday cheer than the smell of fresh gingerbread cookies?

Perfect Gingerbread Men

Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine

Prep Time:

20 min

Inactive Prep Time:

--

Cook Time:

10 min

Level:

Intermediate

Serves:

2 to 3 dozen cookies

Directions

Mix: Sift 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon each baking soda and salt, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon each ground cloves and allspice into a bowl. In another bowl, mix 6 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon melted shortening, 2/3 cup light brown sugar and 3/4 cup molasses; beat in 1 egg with a mixer. Beat in the flour mixture in two additions. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic and pat to 1/2 inch thick. Chill 2 hours.

 

Cut: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough to 1/4 inch thick, dusting with flour, if needed. Cut into 3-to-5-inch gingerbread men and arrange 1 inch apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Brush off excess flour and chill 15 minutes.

 

Bake: Bake until the cookies are golden around the edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool, then decorate with Royal Icing.

 

Royal Icing: Sift 2 tablespoons meringue powder (found in the baking aisle or at crafts stores) and 1 pound confectioners' sugar into a large bowl. Beat in 6 tablespoons water with a mixer until glossy with soft peaks. Tint with food coloring, if desired.

 

To Draw: Transfer the icing to a resealable plastic bag; snip the tip of one corner. For dots, hold the bag at a 90 degree angle. For outlines, hold it at a 45 degree angle. Pipe onto the cooled cookies.

 

To Fill: Draw an outline with the icing, then thin the icing with milk or water until it's the consistency of glue and spread inside the outline with a paintbrush.

 

Your money's smart isn't it? When you spend your money that wisely, you tend to notice things others don't.