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Speed Golf featuring the Veloster Rally Golf Cart and Rhys Millen

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Veloster named "Best Under $20,000" by Winding Road Magazine

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2012 – The all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster earned the title of “Best Under $20,000” in Winding Road’s 2012 Best Car Of The Year Awards. Each year, Winding Road seeks out and honors the best vehicles, across every level of size, form, and functionality, selected from the hundreds of vehicles they review annually.

“Lower weight plus lower consumption plus lower price equals more fun,” said Seyth Miersma, editor-in-chief, Winding Road. “We’re not math majors, but that’s something like the equation we believe Hyundai must have dreamed up when it first conceived of the 2012 Veloster. We were instant fans of the outstanding gearbox and the chuckable handling that Veloster offered, and quickly realized that the low starting price was likely to make it an enthusiast darling.”

The awards selection process leveraged the opinions of Winding Road’s seasoned staff of test drivers combined with the vehicle’s scoring according to the Winding Road Involvement Index. Using more than 30 points of individual measure, the Involvement Index seeks to quantify (on a 100-point scale) the always-elusive “fun to drive factor.”

“With the Hyundai Veloster, we wanted to show the industry that sleek design and reasonable pricing can go hand in hand,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Veloster combines a stylish image with sporty driving dynamics and outstanding fuel economy, making it perfectly suited for both practical drivers and auto enthusiasts.”

The Veloster 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 four Hyundai vehicles that achieve 40 mpg on the highway, along with the Accent, Elantra and Sonata Hybrid.

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Courtesy of Hyundai News

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Beatriz, thank you for the positive feedback!

"I bought my 2012 Elantra from Jorge and Javed, they were both soooo freakin awesome. I thought I would have a hard time since every other dealer I walked in too they would take advantage because I am  25 year old Girl but at Cerritos Hyundai they were patient, answered ALL my questions even the ones I asked 3-4 times. I felt like I was hanging out with friends. I personally am NOT one to write reviews but I am extremely happy with my purchase and the way my mother & I were treated. Thank you guys!!!!" -Beatriz A.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster. Engineered for Whatever.

Thanks to our great team for your ongoing hard work!

"I was in the market to purchase a new Hyundai Elantra. I visited multiple dealerships and of course they see a female and automatically think I didn't know what I was doing. My long time friend told me i should go to Cerritos Hyundai since she also had purchased her vehicle with them. I honestly did not want to drive that far since i live in North Hollywood, but something told I should give it a try. I went with my mother that only speaks spanish, and Jorge Gomez stepped in to help us. let me just say I felt like I knew him for years!! I had such a great time even though i was making a big decision. i would really really recommend Cerritos Hyundai, even Rick in service was great (although he is a Steelers fan) when I took my car to get serviced. oh yes, they did not make me feel like I was being taken advantage of, obviously they did not since I purchased my new 2012 Elantra with Jorge. Thank you guys!"-BeatrizA

We love feedback from our customers!

"After contacting a number of different Hyundai dealerships, Jeff Williams from Cerritos Hyundai was the most personable and friendly fleet manager to call me back. We talked briefly about the car my boyfriend and I were looking for, and Jeff was quick to already start negotiating with me on the phone to get me in to the dealership. We made it down to Cerritos a day later and had a great experience negotiating, buying and leaving with the exact car we were looking for. Cerritos was able to meet the price I was willing to pay when other dealerships were quick to cut me off and admit that they were more concerned about making the most off a 'one time customer' than establishing a relationship with the customer (to hopefully lead to other sales within their group of family and friends). Upon leaving the Cerritos dealership, we felt confident that we secured the best deal for our car and were satisfied that Cerritos Hyundai not only appreciated our first Hyundai purchase, but was interested in building a rapport with us in hopes that we will get our next Hyundai from them. In a few months we will be looking to purchase a Genesis and there is no doubt that we will find ourselves back at Cerritos Hyundai for that car. Thank you to Jeff, David and Javed!" -wolfsont

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Hyundai named #1 in customer retention!

HYUNDAI IS #1 IN CUSTOMER RETENTION ACCORDING TO J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 17, 2012 – Hyundai is highest among all automotive brands in J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Retention Study^(SM). Now in its ninth year, the study measures the rate at which automotive brands retain their existing customers and examines the reasons why customers remain loyal. Hyundai earned the top spot in the study, improving its retention rate by four percentage points from 2010 to 64 percent in 2012.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, Hyundai's increased retention rate is shaped by its expanding model lineup, as well as the fact that perceptions of the brand's quality and appeal have continued to improve during the past decade.

The 2012 Customer Retention Study is based on responses from 117,001 new-vehicle buyers and lessees, of which 73,733 replaced a vehicle that was previously acquired new. In addition to customer retention, the study also measures the rate at which each automotive brand captures customers from its competitors, known as conquesting.

“We are proud that Hyundai owners show their brand loyalty by choosing to buy another Hyundai vehicle over 60 percent of the time,” said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America. “Once they experience the styling, comfort and value of Hyundai vehicles, it’s no surprise that they elect to stick with the Hyundai brand. We are thrilled that our vehicles and our dealers are earning the respect and loyalty of our customers.”

Courtesy of Hyundai Media

 

2013 Genesis Coupe reveals more aggressive design coupled with serious performance credentials

Hyundai’s Rear-drive Sport Coupe Receives More Powerful Powertrain Technologies, More Aggressive Design, Upscale Interior Refinement and Blue Link® Telematics

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2012– Hyundai Motor America today introduced the significantly redesigned 2013 Genesis Coupe in a North American debut at the Detroit North American International Auto Show. In keeping with impressive performance upgrades, Genesis Coupe now sports more aggressive coupe styling, complemented by improved interior materials and design. Both 4-cylinder and V6 engines benefit from significant technology enhancements, with the 3.8-liter V6 engine receiving sophisticated direct-injection technology and the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine upgrading to a more precise twin-scroll turbocharger and larger intercooler. Automatic transmissions for these two models now have 8-speeds, with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC^® manual-shifting capability. Hyundai’s proprietary telematics platform, Blue Link^®, is now available, providing Genesis Coupe owners with a variety of infotainment services to meet their individual connectivity needs.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013 GENESIS COUPE

• Refreshed, more aggressive exterior design
  • New front fascia, grille, headlight, fog light, hood designs
  • New 18- and 19-inch wheel
  • New LED-enhanced taillight design
  • Available LED daytime running lights (DRLs)
• 3.8-liter V6 engine receives direct-injection technology
  • 348 horsepower, 295 lb.-ft. torque (rating with premium fuel)
  • Improved fuel economy for both transmissions
    • 18 city/28 highway – 8-speed A/T
    • 18 city/27 highway – 6-speed M/T
• 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine receives new twin-scroll turbocharger and larger, more thermally-efficient intercooler
  • 274 horsepower, 275 lb.-ft. torque (rating with premium fuel)
  • Improved fuel economy for A/T
    • 20 city/31 highway – 8-speed A/T
    • 21 city/30 highway – 6-speed M/T
• New, in-house-developed 8-speed automatic transmissions
  • Paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC^® capability
• New, retuned low-velocity-control suspension dampers
• Blue Link® telematics available on 3.8 Grand Touring/Track and 2.0T Premium
• Electroluminescent gauge cluster with information display
• Telescopic steering wheel (added to tilt function)
• Driver seat power lumbar adjustment
• Redesigned center stack appearance and gauges

AGGRESSIVE DESIGN CUES MATCH ENHANCED DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
The refreshed Genesis Coupe strikes a more menacing demeanor, with an aggressively redesigned front fascia, grille, headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights and hood with heat extractor cues. The side view reveals new, aggressive 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs with deeper dimensional sculpting. Finally, the rear taillights provide a visual spark via premium LED illumination and new contours. Of course, the traditional rear-drive sport coupe proportions remain, with a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs producing a classic wedge-like profile. Genesis Coupe’s bodyside character line is an innovative “Z”-shaped design that integrates seamlessly with a unique, drop-beltline rear window graphic.

Genesis Coupe’s arching roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car’s broad shoulders and wide stance. To complete the aggressive sports car look, the depth between the fenders and the greenhouse has been maximized.

Enlarged openings in the front fascia allow for better engine breathing along with a more aggressive look. Dual asymmetrical exhaust tips integrated with the blackout rear diffuser treatment complete the performance message from the rear.

POWERTRAIN ENHANCEMENTS
Both Genesis Coupe engines receive significant technology upgrades, backing up its new design statement with impressive performance gains. The 3.8-liter Lambda DOHC V6 engine adds sophisticated direct-injection technology, adding 42 horsepower (a generous 14 percent increase) and 29 lb.-ft of torque (an eleven percent increase). Peak horsepower rises to 348 at 6,400 RPM, with peak torque increasing to 295 lb.-ft. at 5,300 RPM on premium fuel. In addition, lambda-engine anti-knock technology gives this V6 the versatility to run on regular fuel. This new direct-injected engine will easily propel the Genesis Coupe from zero to 60 mph in the lower five-second range on its way to an impressive 149 mph electronically-limited top speed. The Lambda V6 intake system also now employs an intake sound induction pipe into the cabin to ensure this engine’s aural character matches its visceral appeal.

To further broaden the power band, the 3.8-liter engine uses Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (Dual CVVT) and a Variable Intake System (VIS) that helps cylinders breathe most efficiently at both low and high RPM. The combination of high-pressure, precisely-metered direct injection with efficient cylinder breathing results in outstanding throttle response and off-the-line acceleration coupled with remarkable fuel efficiency. The V6 engine uses an alloy block and cylinder heads for lighter weight and thermal efficiency and features durable, quiet timing chains with no scheduled maintenance.

All these technologies serve to give Genesis Coupe 3.8 an impressive power-to-weight ratio of only 10.0:1; significantly lower than the more expensive Infiniti G37 and BMW 335i.

2013 Genesis Coupe 3.8-liter Lambda Direct-Injected DOHC V6 Engine

Not to be outdone by its bigger brother, the turbocharged, intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder substitutes a new twin-scroll design for its turbocharger in addition to a larger intercooler with enhanced thermal efficiency. The twin-scroll design is more efficient at recovering exhaust energy and produces cooler cylinder temperatures than the former single-scroll design. In addition, the twin-scroll is more precise, with improved combustion efficiency, reduced turbo lag, leaner air/fuel ratios and more evenly distributed pressure in the exhaust ports, resulting in simultaneous power, efficiency and emissions improvements. Also, a 53 percent larger intercooler further reduces intake temperatures, providing denser, cooler air from which to develop even more power.

This turbocharged engine also benefits from Dual CVVT on both intake and exhaust camshafts. The 2.0-liter turbo now generates 274 horsepower (a massive 30 percent increase) and 275 lb.-ft. of torque (an impressive 23 percent increase) on premium fuel. And, unlike many competitive turbo engines, this turbo’s anti-knock sensors automatically adjust ignition timing and engine mapping to run perfectly on regular fuel, yielding 260 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,000 RPM. The turbo engine also features a cast-aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. All these improvements give the Genesis Coupe 2.0T a power-to-weight ratio of 12.3, superior to the upcoming Scion FR-S sports coupe and the Honda Civic Si.

2013 Genesis Coupe 2.0 Twin-scroll Turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder Engine

Both V6 and 4-cylinder engines also feature deeper, baritone-sounding dual cat-back exhausts to complement more efficient breathing on the intake side. To ensure that all this new power is evenly distributed to the pavement, Genesis Coupe also offers an available Torsen^® limited-slip differential on R-Spec and Track models.

REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

2013 Genesis Coupe Body Shell Architecture

Genesis Coupe’s body shell makes generous use of ultra-high-tensile steel. The rear-wheel drive powertrain configuration provides a well-balanced 55:45 front-to-rear weight distribution for the 2.0T, and 56:44 for the 3.8 model.

SPORT-TUNED SUSPENSION
No well-tuned sport coupe chassis should give the perception of being overwhelmed by its powertrain, and Genesis Coupe is no exception to this rule. Spring, damper, and bushing ratings all have been precisely recalibrated to match these new powertrains with better road feel, more precise body motion control and improved ride comfort.

Genesis Coupe employs a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup. The front suspension is mounted to the body via a solid subframe that is lighter and stronger than a comparable multi-piece component would be. To help reduce body roll and tune the Genesis Coupe’s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability, 23-mm diameter front and 19-mm diameter rear stabilizer bars are fitted.

2013 Genesis Coupe MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension

2013 Genesis Coupe five-link rear suspension

While all Genesis Coupe models offer a true rear-drive sport driving experience, the high-performance Genesis Coupe R-Spec and Track models raise the bar even higher with differentiated, track-tuned suspension calibrations. The R-Spec/Track suspension features both firmer front spring rates (seven percent) and rear spring rates (eleven percent), with matched damper rates. The Genesis Coupe R-Spec/Track models also deliver a significant increase in roll control over other versions of the Genesis Coupe via thicker stabilizer bars (24mm front/20mm rear). For 2013, all Genesis Coupes receive improved low-velocity-control dampers for refined ride comfort coupled with improved body control.

In addition, all R-Spec and Track models now receive front strut camber adjustment bolts that can be easily installed in the front strut assembly at their owner’s discretion. These camber adjustment bolts allow approximately -1.5 degrees of negative front camber adjustment for sharper, more responsive apex turn-in and significant understeer reduction in competitive events.

Of course, superb Genesis Coupe structural rigidity sets the fundamental foundation for dynamic precision, regardless of specific suspension calibration. 

STEERING
Hydraulic, RPM-sensing rack-and-pinion steering has been recalibrated with an even quicker, 13.8:1 ratio, delivering both linear feel and agile response to driver inputs. This new steering ratio is a full seven-percent quicker than the previous model, yielding intuitive steering response and precision. To further optimize driver ergonomics, telescopic adjustment also has been added to tilt adjustment for 2013.

TRANSMISSIONS
Both engines are mated to standard six-speed manual transmissions which have been extensively refined to provide more driver-friendly shift gating and balanced weighting precision. The clutch take-up, feel, and engagement characteristics also have been refined for optimum shifting ease and feel. Both engines now offer an in-house-developed eight-speed automatic with paddle-shift SHIFTRONIC^® manual-shifting capability. Each transmission has been specifically tuned to match its engine’s unique power and torque curve characteristics.

In addition to the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, each automatic offers shift capability via the shift lever according to individual driver preference. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the selected gear at all times.

HIGH PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEMS
Brembo^® four-piston calipers clamp down on fade-resistant 13.4-inch ventilated front brake rotors and 13-inch ventilated rear rotors on both R-Spec and Track models. All other models get substantial 12.6-inch front ventilated rotors and 12.4-inch rotors in the rear with floating single-piston calipers.

UPSCALE INTERIOR REFINEMENT
The 2013 Genesis Coupe interior has been enhanced with distinctive, upscale features and design cues. The instrument panel crash pad features a stitched-seam appearance for a distinctly upscale look, and the parking brake lever is leather-wrapped on leather-equipped models. The instrument cluster now features an electroluminescent gauge cluster for premium ambience and superior readability. A new driver-side rear seat walk-in assist function has been added for more convenient rear seat access from the driver’s side. Convenient seatbelt assist guides make it easier for front passengers to buckle up.

In addition, driver seat power lumbar support is now available and front seatback pockets are standard on all Genesis Coupes. A center stack multi-gauge cluster with instantaneous mpg, torque level (3.8 models) or turbocharger boost pressure (2.0T models), and oil temperature is standard on all trims. A center fascia tray with cover has been added for enhanced storage, and interior surfaces now have a softer touch with lower sheen for a more up-market feel. Sport front seats with deep side bolsters offer superb lateral support for enthusiastic driving in all trim configurations.

Among other premium features are an available Infinity^® premium audio system and two-stage front seat heaters. Genesis Coupe also offers the convenience of a Proximity Key and push-button start.

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Genesis Coupe offers Xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, for brighter illumination intensity, more daylight-like lighting character and reduced power consumption. In addition, the visual cut lines of these HID headlights are razor sharp, providing maximum nighttime visibility to the driver without the risk of blinding oncoming traffic.

Music lovers will welcome the Genesis Coupe’s standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge personal audio devices such as an iPod^®. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s audio system, but it also charges the iPod and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than the iPod unit. This safety-oriented function allows the driver to keep his or her focus on the road at all times.

HYUNDAI BLUE LINK^®
Hyundai Blue Link telematics is available on 2013 Genesis Coupe with a 90-day complimentary trial period. The Blue Link platform is available on 3.8 Grand Touring/Track and 2.0T Premium trim levels. Blue Link can be accessed from the buttons on the rearview mirror inside the Genesis Coupe, the web and via smart phone. Blue Link is offered in three telematics service packages: Assurance, Essentials and Guidance.

“Blue Link combines safety, service and infotainment into a complete package that works to both help simplify Hyundai owners’ lives and reduce distracted driving,” said Barry Ratzlaff, director of customer satisfaction and service business development, Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve carefully studied how drivers rely on smart phones and navigation systems as an innovative link to the outside world. Blue Link brings that seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like voice text messaging, Point-of-Interest (POI) web search download, turn-by-turn navigation, and monthly vehicle reporting. Our agent-assisted advanced voice recognition system offers a 21st century solution to performing POI searches in the vehicle. This unique and innovative approach enables Hyundai to deliver fast, accurate searches and downloads of POIs to vehicles without the unnecessary costs of traditional operator-only type systems of our competitors.”

More details on Hyundai Blue Link are available at www.HyundaiBlueLink.com.

SEGMENT-LEADING STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES
In keeping with Hyundai’s focus on offering segment-leading standard safety technologies across its lineup, the 2013 Genesis Coupe includes a wide range of both active and passive safety features. Standard safety technology includes driver and front passenger advanced frontal airbags, along with front seat-mounted side airbags, side air curtains and active front head restraints.

Genesis Coupe has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones, bodyside reinforcements and five-mph energy-absorbing bumpers. The hood also includes buckling creases and safety stops.

The front seatbelts have pretensioners and force limiters, and the rear seats feature LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), which make affixing child safety seats easier.

All Genesis Coupe models feature standard four-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize brake performance under various dynamic loading conditions. The system also includes Brake Assist, which provides maximum ABS-level braking force when a panic stop is detected.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies, is standard in all Genesis Coupe models. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) studies suggest vehicles equipped with ESC experience 56 percent fewer fatalities in single-vehicle crashes than those without it.

In a nod to enthusiasts, 2013 Genesis Coupe now offers a specially-tuned three-stage driver-selectable ESC mode. This new three-stage ESC function offers more options for various driver preferences and road conditions:

1. Full-on ESC function (default mode on start-up)
2. Intermediate ESC function with driver powertrain override control and retained ESC/TCS braking function
3. Full-off ESC function for uninhibited driver vehicle control in all conditions

The driver-selectable full-off ESC mode has been calibrated to provide drivers with a larger performance envelope should they choose to participate in competitive events such as autocrosses or track days. The Genesis Coupe anti-lock braking system function (ABS) remains fully functional in all ESC modes to help drivers maintain steering control under adverse braking conditions.

COLOR PALETTE
With Genesis Coupe’s more aggressive exterior design cues, fresh exterior color offerings are now available, with seven new colors added to the palette. In keeping with Genesis Coupe color names selected at launch, all new color names are derived from world-famous racing circuits and their most challenging track segments. These new colors include: Parabolica Blue, Catalunya Copper, Monaco White, Becketts Black, Circuit Silver, Gran Premio Gray, and Shoreline Drive Blue.

To further complement Genesis Coupe’s freshened interior design and premium materials, a new tan leather interior, a new red leather bolster/red cloth insert interior, and a new gray leather bolster/gray cloth insert interior have been added to the interior color environment selections.

Courtesy of Hyundai Media

 

Hyundai is the first automaker to offer hybrid lifetime battery replacement guarantee!

Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee covers 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Batteries Far Beyond Hyundai’s Industry Leading 10-Year, 100,000-mile Warranty

COSTA MESA, Calif., Jan. 9, 2012 – Hyundai today added to its Sonata Hybrid coverage a Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee to expand the benefits of Hyundai Assurance, the industry’s most comprehensive warranty program. The coverage applies to all 2012 model year Sonata Hybrid models over the life expectancy of the vehicle and thousands of miles beyond the average duration of new-car ownership. The first-of-its-kind protection ensures that if the Sonata Hybrid lithium polymer battery technology failes, Hyundai will replace the battery and cover recycling costs for the old powerplant free of charge to the owner.

Hyundai tested Sonata Hybrid and its Blue Drive hybrid drivetrain for more than 300,000 miles with minimal degradation of its output or duration of operation, providing Sonata Hybrid owners with confidence that their investment will continue to pay dividends well into the future.

“The Hyundai brand was built on outstanding quality backed by the industry’s best protection program which we call Hyundai Assurance,” said Michael O’Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning. “Expanding Hyundai Assurance to include Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee was another opportunity for us to demonstrate our confidence in the durability of our product, and pass that peace-of-mind on to our owners.”

The heart of Hyundai’s breakthrough Hybrid Blue Drive technology is its remarkable lithium polymer batter pack. Hyundai is the first automaker in the world to incorporate this remarkably efficient battery technology into production vehicles. Automotive duty cycles, with temperature ranges from -40 to 120+ degrees Fahrenheit, and 10-year-and-beyond longevity requirements render the lithium ion batteries used in consumer devices unsuitable. Lithium polymer is the next generation of lithium ion technology and is ideally suited to automotive applications thanks to a robust and reliable chemistry.

The lithium polymers cells, developed with our partner LG Chem, use a manganese spinel chemistry that provides an excellent balance between power delivery, energy density and thermal stability. Thermal stability is critical to ensuring durability eliminating the need to replace the battery pack during the normal lifespan of the vehicle. The electrodes in older lithium ion chemistries expand and contract with the heating and cooling that occurs during charging and discharging. This thermal expansion causes cracks in the electrodes which ultimately reduces the cell's ability to hold a charge. Manganese spinel lithium polymer cells have much lower expansion rates and are thus able to go through tens of thousands of charge cycles even without having to use a heavier, liquid cooling system.

Courtesy of Hyundai Media

Hyundai Debuts Hexa Space Concept with Puzzle-like Seats

Hyundai is looking to expand the notion of family mobility with its Hexa Space Concept, which it just revealed at the Auto Expo in New Delhi, India. The new concept has room for eight, fold-flat seats for camping, despite the fact it isn’t much bigger than a small hatchback.

Though only a concept, Hyundai is hoping to appeal to urban-dwellers in their 30s and 40s with young families in the world’s emerging economies. It’s also designed to provide a flexible interior space. The concept van is outfitted with eight hexagonal-shaped seats (hence the name) in three rows. The first two rows each have three seats, with the center seat placed aft from the outboard positions, maximizing shoulder room for three-abreast seating. The seats can be reconfigured in numerous ways, including having second-row seats recline, the middle seats folded for more space, or folding any of the seats flat into the floor for load space.

The automaker chose the hexagon because it is the best possible shape for packaging, as shown in nature with the honeycomb. Despite the large passenger load, the Hexa Space is quite small: it shares its platform with the Hyundai ix20 and Kia Soul, meaning it sits on a 108.3-inch wheelbase and is only 169.3 inches long overall. At 71.7 inches wide, it inhabits roughly the same footprint as a compact hatchback. Powering the concept is Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-liter turbocharged I-4, which is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Other innovative features of the Hexa Space include rear doors that lift out and then slide back, out of the way, a touch-screen center stack with push-button transmission, and a cluster ionizer air purifier.

Courtesy of Motor Trend.

Hyundai To Expand Hybrids, Electrics With New Investment

Hyundai Motor Group, the company in charge of both Hyundai and Kia, has announced heavy investment into hybrid and electric technology this year.

AsiaOne Business has revealed that the group intends to invest $15.5 billion into facilities, and research and development. Two thirds of this will go towards improving facilities, and a significant proportion of the R&D budget will be focused on the development of hybrids and electric cars.

Hyundai Motor will be in charge of future plug-in hybrid and fuel cell development, and Kia will handle "electric drive vehicles", a term broadly encompassing any drivetrain that uses an electric motor for propulsion.

The investment is good news for hybrid and EV buyers, as Kia and Hyundai are known for their value for money. The group has the potential to bring down the price of hybrid and electric motoring, just as the good value Hyundai Sonata hybrid and Kia Optima hybrid have done in the mid-size hybrid market. Both undercut competitors like the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid

Kia has already released an all-electric vehicle in its native Korea, the Kia Ray. Based on a regular gasoline car, the Ray is a tall, narrow city car with an 86-mile range. Kia also previewed the funky electric Pop concept car at 2010's Paris Motor Show.

Hyundai-Kia's ultimate goal is to overtake Toyota Motor in sales of hybrid sedans in the U.S. - not an unrealistic target.

With Toyota expanding its Prius line and the Korean carmakers pledging high investment in the technology, the extra choice and increased competition can only be a good thing for green-conscious buyers.

Source: greencarreports.com