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Hyundai is aiming to achieve an EPA rating of more than 40-mpg with its new Veloster model. The stubby hatchback has already been likened to the Honda CRX of old by Hyundai Motor America president John Krafcik, and now it seems Hyundai is planning to really steal Honda’s thunder, by besting the Japanese automaker’s reborn CRX, the CR-Z. That model, despite using a hybrid drivetrain, gets 36/39-mpg city/highway with a CVT, or a slightly lower 31/37-mpg with a 6-speed manual.

Better yet, Hyundai’s non-hybrid system, (believed to be a 140-hp, direct-injection 1.6-liter 4-cylinder), will keep both weight and cost to a minimum by keeping a heavy and expensive hybrid system out of the picture.

Krafcik has also let slip more details about the Veloster, including the fact that all models will come with a large in-dash screen – likely to show trip info and to manage things like iPods, etc.

[Source: AutoGuide.com]

“The five million mark is a testament to Hyundai’s continuous quality improvement, technological advancement and differentiated design,” said Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor. “It’s Korea’s No. 1 sedan and now aims to be a game changer for the segment worldwide.”

Of the total, 2.7 million units were sold in Korea while 2.3 million were sold in overseas markets. The U.S. was the biggest market for Sonata outside Korea with 1.3 million cumulative sales. Sales of Sonata from overseas markets accounted for two-thirds of total sales this year, demonstrating the growing popularity of the latest version abroad.

When the cars are lined up bumper to bumper (overall length 4,820 mm), the length is equivalent to one round trip between Seoul and New York (one-way distance 11,000 km). When the cars are piled up (overall height 1,470 mm), the 5 million units are about 800 times the height of the Mount Everest (8,848m).

Sonata is now entering its sixth generation since its launch in 1985, gaining steady popularity worldwide as Hyundai’s leading sedan and competing head to head against Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Accord.

[Source: Hyundai]

PRESS RELEASE: HYUNDAI ACCENT TOPS CLASS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 06/17/2010 - J.D. Power and Associates announced today that the Hyundai Accent topped the sub-compact segment in its 2010 Initial Quality Study (IQS). Owners of the economical and fun-to-drive 2010 Accent reported the fewest problems per 100 vehicles in its segment. Elantra also finished in the top three in the compact car segment.

Overall, Hyundai finished third among non-premium brands in the 2010 Initial Quality Study, holding a top-three position for the second consecutive year, well below the industry average for reported problems per 100 vehicles.

“Pursuit of industry-leading quality is Hyundai’s number one global priority,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “It’s fitting that our most economical model, the Accent, leads its class in initial quality. It demonstrates that quality and value can go hand-in-hand.”

The J.D. Power and Associates IQS measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners. The 2010 study tallied over 82,000 responses from owners of new, 2010 model-year vehicles.

[Source: Hyundai]

Edmunds.com named both the 2010 Hyundai Genesis and 2011 Hyundai Sonata to its Top 10 Best Dark-Horse Cars of 2010 list.

"The Top 10 Best Dark-Horse Cars of 2010 represent the true dark horses in the market – the cars that somehow fly just below the radar when it comes to consumer awareness, but nevertheless have a lot to offer shoppers on the hunt for quality and value," Hyundai reported.

“The all-new Sonata is a smart buy with modern style, top-tier quality and outstanding residual value. Couple that with a four-cylinder engine producing class-leading fuel economy and the power of a larger V6, and the Sonata should definitely be on consumer shopping lists in the mid-size sedan segment,” said Scott Margason, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Additionally, the North American Car of the Year-winning Genesis continues to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments.”

“Although they may not have the same level of recognition as say the Ford Explorer, Honda Civic or Toyota Camry, these cars offer great value and quality, and definitely should be on more consumers’ shopping lists,” said Karl Brauer, Senior Analyst and Editor at Large for Edmunds.com.

[Source: Edmunds]

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. today announced it recorded its second consecutive month of record-breaking sales and its 16th straight month of best-ever sales increases. With 12,620 units sold in May 2010, the company surpassed its previous company record set in April 2010 by 125 units.

The May 2010 performance represents an increase of 12.6 percent over the same month in 2009. Hyundai has sold 50,713 units year-to-date, representing an increase of 19.7 percent over the first five months of 2009.

"Hyundai products are clearly resonating with Canadian customers," said Steve Kelleher, president and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "With the high-profile launch of the all-new the Tucson and Sonata garnering attention for the whole Hyundai brand, customers are discovering our strong line-up of products deliver unmatched quality, value and style. We've also brought to market the Hyundai Smart Advantage. By offering customers lower prices combined with 0% financing, we're able to take the tremendous value equation of our vehicles and make them more affordable."

The Elantra Touring, Sonata and Tucson vehicles in the Hyundai line-up showed strong sales in the market, recording increases of 42.2, 61.5 and 74.6 percent, respectively.

[Source: Hyundai Canada]