Hyundai showed off a refreshed model in the 2009 Hyundai Sonata , a new model in the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring and a far off concept in the iBlue Concept .The news from the Sonata is the addition of the first nav system and dual-zone climate control. The news for the Elantra Touring is that it does look Mazda3-ish up close with a touch of Toyota Matrix. We sat inside one and it's relatively roomy for the class with a design that would be considered friendly to most and sporty to those without a pulse. Press information and photos below. The big news with the i-Blue is, uh, that it exists?  read more »

In case you haven't gotten enough of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring that debuted in Canada, or the slightly disguised one at last year's SEMA in Vegas , we've got the full skinny here. If you don't think they're aiming at the Mazda3 five-door just put your hand in front of the front quarter of the car and see what we see. And in case you didn't get it, they mention in the press release that the car is quieter inside than a, you guessed it, Mazda3. In addition to the Mazda3, the new Hyundai will be competing with the Dodge Caliber and new 2009 Toyota Matrix . Though we haven't heard anything about a performance model yet, the Elantra Touring comes out of the box with optional 17-inch alloy wheels, MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, B&M Racing standard five-speed manual transmission and the same DOHC 2.0-liter inline-four found in the Elantra (and probably good for around 143 horses).  read more »

We've already caught a Korean preview of the new Sonata as it rather slickly though liltingly transforms from the 2008 model to the 2009 version. But now we're gonna catch this revamped mid-size in the flesh, right here at the Chicago Auto Show . This isn't exactly the kind of ride you ooh and aah over, but given that Hyundai is making a serious effort to win over American hearts and minds this week, placing not one but two ad buys during the Super Bowl and pulling the trigger on its downscale-luxe Genesis, whatever adjustments (however minor) they're making to the packaging of their main player in the dog-eat-dog, kill-your-dad, eat-your-mother mid-size realm is notable. After all, the Genesis may build buzz and get folks into dealerships, but Hyundai still needs to move product in volume segments. The company says the '09 Sonata will hit dealership later this month. Details and the press release, aprs la jump.  read more »

Hyundai Motor Co. promises to open "a new era for environmentally friendly cars" when it begins producing hybrids next year - and fuel cell vehicles in 2012. Yes, that's right - fuel cell vehicles. It's no surprise the South Korean...


Chuck Squatriglia

While Indian automaker Tata has made huge waves world wide with their $2,500 Nano, the story really doesnt have too much teeth here in North America where we will never see the car. Hyundai on the other hand is making some serious moves to move cars on this continent. When was the last time anyone sold a new car for less than 10 grand in Canada?  read more »

Even though we still don't like it that Hyundai got rid of it's HCD concept series, we are consoled with its replacement series - HED. It seems the Hyundai HED-5 will be bowing at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show with a full accoutrement of gadgets expected on a modern concept vehicle. Within the press release, we see plans to unveil a revised Sonata, the updated Euro only Matrix, and the 6 passenger HED-5 Concept. We're sure it will be sporting some form of eco-conscious materials on the inside, and hybrid this with a long range that and a sustainable something or other. To be honest, all of these ecologically minded concepts have grown tiresome. When someone brings something revolutionary to market, we'll stand up and take notice. Until then, consider us on permanent yawn mode.  read more »

(from Hyundai press release) HYUNDAI HED-5 "i-MODE" CONCEPT MAKES NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW WITH NEW ECO-FRIENDLY POWERTRAIN 2.0-liter, Four-cylinder Turbo Engine with Gasoline Direct Injection Approved for U.S.  read more »

Wow. Ok, so we were pretty excited about the new 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe , but we had no idea just how awesome the reveal would be. None of that crap about pulling a sheet off a semi-functional prototype. No, these Hoondais were blatantly fully functional. You just have to watch the video to know what we're talking about. Full press release with engine specs after the jump.  read more »

Today, Ford Motor Company announced it would offer buyouts to all of its hourly workers, 54,000 in total. We normally dont cover the business side of the automotive industry, but because of the scale of the buyouts and the impact they could have on the economy and perhaps even product quality we decided to blog about the news. The first round of buyouts would go to workers from plants that are already closed, in Atlanta, St. Louis, Edison, N.J., and Norfolk, Va. The second round would hit all remaining workers at every U.S. Ford plant. Ford has cut 35,500 jobs since 2005. So, who will build your next Ford Taurus?  read more »

Today, Ford Motor Company announced it would offer buyouts to all of its hourly workers, 54,000 in total. We normally don???t cover the business side of the automotive industry, but because of the scale of the buyouts and the impact...David Thomas