Building great supercars is easy; it's getting the ordinary ones right that's tough.  Cars that sell for less than $20,000 are built on robotized fast-moving assembly lines that depend on a steady stream of robust, inexpensive parts that snap together quickly.  Too often, manufactures sacrifice character and performance to keep their cheapest machine moving efficiently through those lines. 
That's why Hyundai's redesigned subcompact, the 2012 Accent, is so satisfying.  It's a simple, inexpensive sedan that works well, actually communicates with its driver and doesn't flaunt its compromises.  Though engineered to be built by the hundreds of thousands, it doesn't look or feel generic.  It's also decently quick and carries a highway economy rating of 40 miles per gallon.
Hyundai offers the front-drive Accent as the four-door GLS sedan, the four-door GS hatchback or the sportier SE hatchback.  All are powered by the same 1.6-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder engine.  Both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions are available.
Prices start at $13,320 for the GLS sedan with a manual transmission, but that's a loss leader that sells in small numbers.  The mainstream Accent, which I tested, is the GLS with an automatic that starts at $16,070.  Adding an iPod cable ($35) and the worthwhile Premium Package (for $1,300, it includes keyless locking, redundant audio controls on the steering wheel, a Bluetooth cellphone link, 16-inch alloy wheels and piano-black interior trim) brought the total to $17,405.
In this cutthroat corner of the market, many competitors advertise stripped-down models at lower prices, just as Hyundai does.  But comparably equipped for mass consumption they usually end up near the Accent's as-tested price.
One of the Accent's advantages is that for a subcompact, it's not all that subcompact.  With an overall length of 172 inches and a wheelbase of 101.2 inches, it's about the same size as the "compact" Honda Civic sedan of 1995.  It's a good size; small enough to be nimble in traffic and easy to park, but big enough to seat four in a pinch without anyone feeling vulnerable to being squashed by larger vehicles.
Incidentally, Honda's current 2012 Civic sedan is 177.3 inches long, and rides on a 105.1-inch wheelbase, and it feels even bigger.
Without the Premium Package the Accent's interior is austere.  But the additional shinny black and matte-silver plastic pieces, combined with the pebble-gain dash pad, impart a feeling of two-tone quality, if not of luxury.
The ventilation system controls are the near-ideal three-knob setup- one for air temperature, one for the fan speed and one for air direction- the instrumentation itself is under a single hood on a single plane, is easily scanned and glows bright like a 1990s Lexus.
The seats are covered in a rugged fabric and have the same foam density as a fresh-baked baguette from Panera Bread.  The front seats are manually adjustable in six ways and a tilt steering wheel is standard, so you can find a comfortable driving position no matter how awkward you body type. 
The rear seat would also benefit from longer bottom cushions, and while there's no surplus legroom, the seatback is well shaped for two.  There is a center safety belt for a third passenger, but the rear is adequate.
Keeping the Accent off the ground is a strictly conventional suspension.  The front consists of a pair of MacPherson struts, and a simple torsion axle on coil springs brings up the rear.  An all-independent rear suspension would be preferable, but Hyundai has tamed this solid axle.  The ride over most surfaces is stiff but well-mannered, and the unibody structure takes the hits without sounding tinny or creaking.
The steering is rack-in-pinion with electric power assist.  Electric steering doesn't have the same feel as conventional hydraulic systems, but it taxes the engine less and therefore gives a slight nudge to the fuel-economy numbers.  Hyundai's electric power steering doesn't come close to what Porsche has devised for its new 911, but it is right up there with the systems Honda installed in its Fit and Civic.
The upgrade to 16-inch wheels brings bigger radial tires to match.  The test car's four 195/50R16 Kumho Solus KH25 all-season tires proved surprisingly tenacious during cornering despite being of the economy- oriented low-rolling-resistance variety.  Of course the Accent understeers through curves, but the chassis remains composed and stable through hard cornering.  The steering even lets the driver know what's going on down at the contact patches where the tires rub the road.
The four-wheel disc brakes, backed by electronic brake distribution and antilock technology, work well.  In panic stops the Accent tracks straight and true without excessive nose dive or distracting antilock pulsing.
But the best part of the Accent is the combination of the terrific 1.6-liter engine and the class-leading 6-speed automatic transmission.  Equipped with continuously variable valve timing and direct gasoline injection, the all-aluminum 4-cylinder makes a full 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm.  That's 20 more horsepower than the Honda Fit's 1.5-liter 4.  And the Accent's horses are sweet-natured ponies too, keeping relatively quiet even as they gallop up near the red line.
The automatic can be shifted manually to extract more performance, or left in Drive where the shifts are crisp and quick.  This is a fine transmission that not only gets the most from the engine when the car is spurred, but features overdrive in both fifth and sixth gear, letting the engine loaf during highway cruising.  According to InsideLine.com, the Accent GLS will reach 60 miles per hour in 9.8 seconds- good for its class- and run through the quarter-mile in 17.1 seconds at 81.2 mph.
There's also an Active Eco mode that modifies the engine and transmission programming to improve fuel economy by, Hyundai says, up to 7 percent.  The Accent is rated 30 m.p.g. in the city and 40 on the highway.  I got 28 m.p.g. during my time with the car, including hard driving through the California foothills and a bout of performance track testing.
Three years ago, the entry-level class was dominated by personality-free penalty boxes like the Toyota Yaris and the Chevrolet Aveo.  This new Accent, however, arrives in a market crammed with excellent recent arrivals.
But this Hyundai is also enjoyable and versatile enough that some shoppers might consider moving down-market to the Accent from larger, significantly more expensive cars, at this point, no car does ordinary better than the Accent.

A product line is mature when it has a item and a price point in every niche in its market.  By that standard (and any other) Hyundai is a complete carmaker, with 10 model lines in uncountable different styles and trim levels, which cost anywhere from less than $13,000 to more than $66,000.  There are econocars and mid-level family sedans, an SUV or three, and a flagship capitalist gunboat.  Hyundai even has sports car.  Not a sporty car or a sporting car, but a real sports car: A pavement-shredding, two-door, rear-wheel-drive speed sled with a close-ratio 6-speed manual grearbox and a beefy clutch, a limited-slip differential, 19-inch alloys and performance tires, red Brembo brakes from Italy, and a sophisticated front-strut and multilink-rear suspension with gas shock absorbers.  There's even a torque meter on the console.  Both versions, the one with the turbo four good for 274 horsepower and the one with the 348HP V-6, can howl maniacally around a racetrack.  On the street, either one can make a ticket-writing cop's day.
But the Genesis Coupe has back seats, and a fixed roof.  (Where is it written that a sports car must be a droptop roadster?) it's got a respectable trunk, and the back seats fold down.  Plus leather, a six-speaker stereo, automatic Xenon headlights and heating/cooling, heated seats and wing mirrors, satnav and a touchscreen.  It speaks Bluetooth, iPod and Sirius.  It has all the safety goodies, and 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty.  We can even order an automatic transmission, a trick 8-speed, dual-mode, torque-converter unit with shift paddles behind the steering wheel.  This, more than anything else, is what makes the H-Coupe the mature and modern sports car that rounds out Hyundai's portfolio.
Leave the office after a soul-searing week of personnel and budget crises and the 8-speed Coupe will get you home virtually on auto-pilot, with only a faint exhaust burble behind the soothing harmonies of Celtic Woman.  Get up the next morning, rested and caffeinated, click the autobox into Sport and head for the hills.  Now meet H-Coupe's alter ego, the hard-core sportster.  He's muscular, he's edgy, and he roars!  Pretty soon the landscape's a blur, you hair's on fire and you're bracing yourself on the large left-foot dead-pedal.  The police are setting up roadblocks after complaints from the aggrieved citizenry in your wake.  It's that good.
The steering is quick, well-weighted and accurate, the brakes are progressively powerful, body lean is minimal, the chassis is super stiff, and the car behaves like a switched-on tango partner.  Dig deep, and the power is instantly accessible through the automatic transmission, which clicks up and down through the gears via the paddles almost as quickly as a direct-shift, clutchless manual.  Ease off, throttle back, and you'll find that the autobox can get you 30 or more highway miles per gallon, too.  Maturity again.
Back in 2009, the Hyundai Genesis was named the North American Car f the Year.  Fortunately, the Genesis Coupe didn't exist at the time of it might have confused the jury.  Heavens, which one to pick?  A better question might be, how are these two cars related?  At $45,000, the four-door Genesis resembles a certain German sedan that costs twice as much.  The small Coupe doesn't look a bit like it.  No matter; as good as the first Coupe was, this 2013 model is notably better- much more powerful and with this automatic transmission on the options sheet.  All at prices that start at about one-third less than the man on the street's average guesstimate, namely around $26,000.  I do wish the air vents on the hood were functional, though. 

The Hyundai brand is taking advantage of higher residual values to step on the gas in leasing.
In turn, leasing is helping Hyundai build loyalty that ranks the best in the industry.
"Our loyalty is 55 to 60 percent," John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said last week at the New York auto show.
That could be conservative.  The Hyundai brand was No. 1 in the industry at 64 percent loyalty in the 2012 Customer Retention Study from J.D. Power and Associates, up 4 percentage points from the previous study in 2010.  The 2012 Study was released in January.  Results were based on 2011 data for customers who replaced a vehicle that was bought new.
"Leasing definitely helps keep people in the family," Krafcik said.  "Our residual values have been coming in very, very high," he said, especially as new models are introduced.
According to the March-April Industry Report from ALG Inc., the Hyundai brand had an average predicted 36-month residual for 2012 of 49.4 percent of sticker price.  That was No. 5 in the industry behind Mini, Subaru, Honda and Scion.
A higher residual value cuts monthly lease payments because the customer in effect borrows the difference between the upfront cost of the vehicle and the predicted residual value.
According to Experian Automotive, leasing accounted for 53 percent of new-vehicle volume for captive finance company Hyundai Motor Finance in the fourth quarter of 2011.  That's for the Hyundai and Kia brands combined.
For the total industry, leasing averaged 23 percent of new-vehicle volume for the quarter, Experian said.
Krafick said the captive finance company serves to remind customers of the brand every month when they get their statements: "We are maintaining a relationship, talking to those people every month, Leasing definitely helps keep people in the family."

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported March U.S. sales of 136,317 units versus 121,141 units a year earlier, and increase of 12.5 percent, and a record for any month in the company's history.  Nissan Division sales also set a new sales record, up 14.8 percent for the month at 126,132 units.  Sales of Infiniti vehicles were down 9.8 percent fron the prior year, to 10,185 units.
Nissan Highlights:
* Nissan Dividion also posted its best all-time month in March with 126,132 sales, an increase of 14.8 percent over the previous record of 109,854 units set last March.
* Sales of the Nissan Altima hit a new monthly record, finishing at 41,050 units, up 27.1 percent over March 2011.  The new record comes on the eve of the introduction of the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, which will be unveiled tomorrow at the New York International Auto Show.
* Nissan Rogue also set an all-time volume record with March sales of 16,972 units up 19.7 percent over the prior year.
* Nissan Juke sales also set a new all-time record, with 4,165 deliveries marking a 1.9 percent increase over March 2011.
* Sales of the Nissan Versa set a new March record at 15,587 units, up 40.7 percent over the prior year.
"Our record March sales show that Nissan's combination of quality and value continues to put us at the top of more customers' shopping lists," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.  "With new versions of five of our highest volume models coming in the next 15 months, including the all-new 2013 Altima, we're going to keep our foot on the accelerator for even better gains in the months to come."

Each day, 600,000 New Yorkers hop in the back of a taxi- the iconic yellow cab that is a symbol of New York City around the world.  Starting today, the first full vehicle prototype of the Taxi of Tomorrow can be seen by drivers, passengers and owners.  The 2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi, New York's Taxi of Tomorrow, will make its global debut tonight at a special event in SoHo with Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.
Following the event, the Taxi of Tomorrow is headed to the 2012 New York International Auto Show, where it will be on display for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world.  The auto shoe at the Jacob Javits Center is open to the public April 6-15.
"We're proud to introduce a new era of urban mobility to New York with the Nissan NV200 Taxi- New York City's Taxi of  Tomorrow", Ghosn said.  "The exclusive Taxi of Tomorrow draws on Nissan's global experience in commercial vehicles, as well as insight from New York City taxi drivers and passengers, who helped identify important improvements over today's cabs.  The Nissan taxi will deliver unprecedented levels of innovation and comfort to New York's 600,000 daily taxi riders."
After rigorous, two-year competitive bid selection process, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) selected the Nissan NV200 Taxi in May 2011 as the exclusive taxi of New York City beginning in late 2013.  The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, the Design Trust for Public Space and Smart Design also have engaged with Nissan and the TLC in the vehicle's design.
"The Nissan NV200 unveiled today will be the safest, most comfortable and most convenient taxi the City has ever had," said New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.  "New York City cabs have always been iconic, and now they will set a new standard.  The 600,000 passengers who use taxis to get around every day deserve the cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line safety features that this model delivers."
Designed from the inside out, using input from New York taxi drivers, medallion holders, fleets and passengers, standard interior features and passenger amenities include:
* Ample room for four passengers and their luggage, offering substantial improvements over current taxi models
* Sliding doors with entry step and grab handles, providing easy entry and exit
* Transparent roof panel, presenting unique views of the city
* Opening side windows
* Independently controlled rear air conditioning
* Active Carbon Lined headliner to help neutralize interior odors
* Overhead reading lights for passengers and floor lighting to help locate belongings
* A mobile charging station for passengers, including a 12-volt electrical outlet and two USB ports
* Breathable, antimicrobial, environment-friendly, durable and easy-to-clean seat fabric, simulating the look and feel of leather
* Flat "no hump" passenger floor area for more comfortable ride
Other notable vehicle features are:
* Proven 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, engineered to enhance the emission performance and fuel efficiency of the taxi fleet
* 150,000 mile powertrain warranty
* A low-annoyance horn with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking, so the horn is used less frequently.  A 6-way adjustable driver's seat featuring both recline and lumbar adjustments, even with a partition installed
* Unique driver's seat material and stitching to promote improved airflow
* USB Auxiliary audio input and charge port for driver
* Standard navigation system with integrated rearview backup monitor
* Hearing Loop System for the hearing impaired
* Driver and passenger intercom system
* Pre-wiring for taxi T-PEP system
In addition, important safety features of the Taxi of Tomorrow include:
* Only taxi ever to be safety tested and certified with full taxi partition
* Front and rear-seat occupant curtain air-bags, and seat-mounted airbags for the front row
* Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control
* Sliding doors to lessen 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, building a taxi with the utmost durability is critical to the development process.  Drawing on its full range of commercial vehicle experience- including providing taxis for municipalities around the world- Nissan will conduct significant validation testing for the Nissan NV200 Taxi prior to the vehicle going on sale.  Additionally, as acknowledged by mayor Bloomberg during the May 2011 announcement, the Taxi of Tomorrow will be the first New York taxi to be crash-tested with taxi equipment installed, including the partition.
Nissan has also partnered with the Braun Corp., the world leader in automotive mobility products, to develop, engineer and produce a creative solution for a wheelchair-accessible taxi in New York.  Drawing on Braun's innovation and experience in the mobility industry, Nissan will offer a mobility solution to New York taxi medallion holders when the taxis go on sale in 2013.
As part of the Taxi of Tomorrow program, Nissan is also working with the City and taxi owners on a pilot program to study the use of zero-emission, electric vehicles as taxis.  Nissan will provide six 100-percent electric Nissan LEAF's and three Level 2 charging stations at no charge to taxi owners and the New York City to test the electrification of the taxi fleet.
The Nissan NV200 Taxi will be produced in North America at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Cuernavaca, Mexico.  Total manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of the vehicle, with all planned standard features, will be approximately $29,700.
To stay informed on news and events related to Taxi of Tomorrow, follow it on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/taxioftomorrow or visit www.taxioftomorrow.com.

Hyundai's industry performance in service continues to strengthen and gain momentum.  Yet another example of this fact is the J.D. Power and Associates (JDPA) 2012 Customer Service Study results that were released last week where Hyundai ranked 5th among Non-Premium Brands.  And I am pleased to announce that we are also the #1 preforming Asian import in this category.
I want to thank you and your staff for the tremendous efforts that made possible Hyundai's gains in both CSI score and rank despite the substantial increase in service volume.
Hyundai increased 8 points over last year (791 v 783) and improved one rank position.  We realized steady annual gains in customer satisfaction.  Hyundai improved in all five CSI categories: Service Quality, Service Initiation, Service Advisor, Vehicle Pick-Up and Service Facility.  Vehicle Pikc-Up improved the most, responsible for 26% Hyundai's score lift, followed by Service Quality with 22%.  Service Facility improved the least but contributed 12% of the gain.
Although product recalls are never desirable.  Hyundai dealers did an excellent job with recall events during 2012 which helped lift Hyundai's overall Repair score by 23 points.  Maintenance performance, however, only increased by 2 points.  This is mainly attributable to an increase in the total amount of time requires to complete service.
Eauus, despite a small number, was Hyundai's highest rated model in 2012 with a score of 883 points above Hyndai's brand average) and beat Lexus (861), which proves that you can deliver exceptional service experience for luxury customers.
As Hyundai dealers continue with their facility upgrade, system investment, and personnel development, we expect upward trends in Hyundai customer satisfaction to continue.
I look forward to continuing our progress throughout 2012 and beyond on our way to becoming the best performing Non-Premium brand in the industry.

Nissan has released a fifth and final video clip and image offering a look into the future of the all-new 2013 Altima sedan in advance of its world premiere at the New York Auto Show next week.  Altima's focus is on the driver and its new Advanced Drive-AssistTM Display is designed to keep the driver focused on the road.  The 2013 Altima is available with advanced features including lane departure warning, rear moving object detection and blind spot warning, all of which operate through use of an innovative single rear camera.
To view video clip, and see image:
http://nissannews.com/pressrelease/3341/123/2013-nissan-altima-teaser-vudeo-clip-image-5

Nissan applauds California Governor Brown's clear and strong commitment to electric vehicles through the $120 million investment for the creation of the Electric Expressway.  California is leading the way in fostering the growth of electric cars, such as the zero-emissions Nissan LEAF.  More than 40 percent of the 11,000 LEAF's sold in the United States are on the roads in California.  Today's landmark commitment, which will bring more than 10,000 electric charging points to the state, paves the way for widespread adoption of critical technology.

Hyundai is likely to keep its position atop the leaderboard this year, too, and not just because its number won't be pulled down by fuel-thirsty trucks.  The automaker's ongoing powertrain investments have expanded the use fuel-saving technologies like gasoline direct injection and advanced six-speed transmissions even to its entry-level car, the Hyundai Accent.  As a result, fully 40 percent of the company's nameplates offer at least one vehicle capable of 40 mpg on the highway.  These economical entries include:
Accent- 30mpg city/40mpg highway/34mpg combined with a six-speed manual or 30/40/33 with a six-speed automatic transmission
Hyundai Elantra- 29/40/33 with both transmissions
Hyundai Veloster- 2/40/32 with a six-speed manual transmission
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid- 35/40/37 with a six-speed automatic
Of course, merely offering cars like this doesn't help raise fuel-economy unless you also sell them, but Hyundai is doing that as well.  The automaker delivered 214,132 vehicles able to reach 40 mpg last year, accounting for more than one third of its total sales volume.  This year, that figure rose to 37 percent in January and 40 percent in February, as Hyundai also boosted its overall EPA rating to 28.3 mpg.

Hyundai raised its overall fuel-economy from 25.1 mpg in the 2009 model year up to 27 mpg in 2010 according to this year's EPA Trends Report, with only one other company scoring above 26 mpg- and that was Kia, Hyundai's corporate sibiling.  Kia tied its big brother in this measure and trailed Hyundai's industry-best CO2 emissions levels of 330 grams per mile (g/mi) by just 1 g/mi; the automaker with the next lowest figure, Toyota, came in at 350 g/mi.  Further, the EPA's projections for the 2011 model year show Hyundai extending its leas by achieving a combined fuel-efficiency mark of 27.5 mpg and lowering its overall emission levels to 323 g/mi.
For some of that context stuff, the 2011 estimates for the top five automakers in terms of fuel economy were as follows:
Hyundai 27.5 mpg
Kia 27.2 mpg
Honda 25.7 mpg
VW 25.2 mpg
Toyota 25.1 mpg
and the top five-ranked companies for C02 emissions:
Hyundai 323 g/mi
Kia 327 g/mi
Honda 345 g/mi
Toyota 354 g/mi
Mazda 355 g/mi
Finishing on bottom of the Trend Reports rating  were companies with reliance on full-sized trucks for so much of their volume.

Based on the latest data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hyundai ranks No. 1 in America as the automaker with both the highest overall fuel efficiency and the lowest CO2 emissions.  The news comes straight from the EPA 2011 Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends Report, which covers the 2010 model year.  (Note: The EPA's Trend Report is released annually and always covers vehicles from two model years previous to its publication date; thus, for example, 2011 model-year vehicles will be evaluated in the 2012 Trends Report, scheduled to be published in 2013, etc.)
And while Hyundai has been tracking its fleet fuel efficiency for a while now- and routinely boasting of its very impressive results- this is a nice third-party confirmation of how well the company's push toward greener products is achieving its goals.

Industry accolades are mounting for Hyundai, who, by doing well in eight areas of measurement, has just added four new awards to its trophy shelf.
Coming on the heels of being named EPA's most fuel efficient car company in America, Hyundai can now boast that four of its most popular models are also considered the Best Value in America for 2012 in their segments by Vincentric.  This is Vincentric's 8th annual award for Best Value.  Vincentric focuses on cost of ownership and evaluates over 2700 individual models to select wits winners.
The subcompact Accent won its segment.  The Elantra won in the compact sedan category beating out last year's winner, the Chevy Cruze, and the rear-drive Genesis coupe won in the mid-size coupe category displacing the much more expensive Audi A4/A5.  The Hyundai Tucson won the award for entry-level compact crossover for the second consecutive year.
Vincentric digs deeper than initial cost to determine what vehicle will have the lowest cost to own overall.  To determine this, the company has identified eight key areas to measure;
* Depreciation costs, or how much the value of a vehicle declines over time.
* Fuel costs to operate the vehicle
* Insurance costs, which can vary widely for various models
* Financing and opportunity costs, which is a measure of how the consumer's money could have been put to use, and fees and taxes
* Maintenance, both scheduled, and unscheduled, and also repairs
In each of the above categories a vehicle receives a score of 1 to 5.  The score is determined using Vincentric's private information and also public information sources.  The tally of the scores determines the vehicle's cost of ownership.  In this way, a vehicle with a higher cost might actually be more affordable than one with a lower initial cost.
Fuel economy is an area that Hyundai does very well in compared to its peers.  Another critical advantage that Hyundai has in achieving a low cost of ownership is its warranty.  Known as the Hyundai Assurance Program it offers owners a 5 year/60,000 mile transferable warranty, and also a 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty to the original owner.
Repair costs and lower costs for fuel are just two of the eight areas that Hyundai's four models scored well in to awarded a Best Value In America 2012 by Vincentric.

The 2012 Hyundai Azera isn't a hybrid or a luxury-brand car.  But it's tops among 2012 non-diesel, non-hybrid sedans in government fuel economy ratings with 20 miles a gallon in city driving and 29 mpg on the highway.
The new Azera also has so many standard luxury features, including 293-horsepower V-6, light-emitting diode headlight accents, navigation system and rearview camera with large, 7-inch, in-dashboard screen display, that it might be confused with high-tech, luxury sedan.
The roomy Azera four door now is attractively styled like the smaller and better know Hyundai Sonata mid-size sedan and has more front-seat legroom- a total of 45.5 inches- than a Cadillac Escalade or Ford Expedition.
To be sure, the Azera doesn't have every luxury feature.  The suspension doesn't offer driver-selectable settings, the automatic transmission has six speeds, not eight, and the car is front-wheel drive, for example.
But the Azera's starting retail price of $32,875 is more akin to prices for "premium" sedans, rather than big sedans from luxury brands that start upwards of $42,000.
In fact, the $32,875 Azera starting price includes luxury-like smooth leather-trimmed seats, sizable 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-way, power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front and back seats, Bluethooth phone connectivity and driver seat adjustable lumbar, not to mention a cooled glovebox and nine air bags.
In comparison, the 2012 Toyota Avalon large sedan with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $33,955 and 268-horsepower V-6 and 17-inch wheels, lists navigation system, heated front seats and driver lumbar adjustment as options.
The 2012 Buick LaCrosse, which is a mid-size sedan according to the federal government classification but has an exterior with similar dimensions to the Azera's, has a starting retail price of $31,045 with 182-horsepower, four-cylinder engine.
This base LaCrosse has six air bags and no standard rearview camera, navigation system or power-adjustable front-passenger seat.
Though the Azera was introduced years ago as Hyundai's U.S. flagship, production in South Korea stopped in November 2010, and last year's sales of dealer inventories amounted to just 1,524.
The Azera also wasn't a heavily advertised Hyundai.
While no longer the Hyundai flagship, the Azera is returning as a new, second-generation model that even starred in the Hyundai TV ads aired during last month's Oscars.
Slotted between Hyundai's front-wheel drive Sonata sedan and the higher-priced, rear-wheel drive Genesis sedan, the Azera is intended for the current 1.25 million Sonata owners who, at some point, will be shopping for their next car.
Production for the United States is being metered at the South Korea assembly plant, though, because the Azera, known as the Grandeur in that country, is a strong seller in Hyundai's home market.
The test Azera, with optional technology package that added panoramic roof, power rear sunshade and manual rear-door shades, 19-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting and upgraded Infinity audio system, soothed the driver.
The car rode over bumps, keeping good contact with the pavement without transferring shocks unduly to passengers.
The Azera's suspension doesn't have the firm, tie-down-the-car-body feel of a BMW, so it wasn't a fatiguing ride over a nine-hour trip.
Yet, motions of the test car's sizable, 16.4-foot-long body were well controlled in most maneuvers and gave the driver confidence, not alarm, on twisty mountain roads.
Hyundai uses selective dampers at the four corners that automatically adjust to weight transfer and load as the Azera moves along roads.  The system also mutes what could be jarring heaviness from the large four wheels and makes the car feel well-balanced and composed.
There was little wind noise heard in the tester, and road noise was somewhat muted.
Steering was a bit on the light side, though.
The new Azera engine- the only one offered- is a 3.3-liter V-6 version of Hyundai's Lambda II series.  Gasoline is direct-injected at high pressure into the cylinders to help deliver strong power and spunk from a small-displacement powerplant.  Meantime, the engine electronics manage variable valves, too, for efficient fuel use and proper emissions.
As a result, the test car "pulled" strongly up mountain roads and around other cars on city streets.  Power came on with steady assurance, not an out-of-control surge, and traction control helped keep tires connected to the pavement.
The previous Azera, the 2011 model with a larger, 3.8-liter V-6, had 33 fewer horses than the 293 horsepower that's in the 2012 car.
And torque peaks at 255 foot-pounds at 5,200 rpm, which is up 22 foot-pounds from the predecessor Azera.
It would be easy to be skeptical about that 29-mpg highway rating from the federal government.
But the test car delivered exactly that during a 560-mile trip on mostly highways when speed averaged 65 miles per hour and the driver wasn't wholly concerned about the fuel mileage.
Meantime, in city traffic, the test Azera ranged from 18 to 21 mpg, which is in the ballpark of the government's 20-mpg city rating.
In comparison, the Avalon is rated by the federal government at 19/28-mpg, and the LaCrosse with V-6 has a 17/27-mpg rating.
The Azer'a front-seat legroom is notably accommodating, with seat tracks lengthy to provide comfortable seating for both a 5-foot-4 driver and a 6-footer.  No need for adjustable pedals here.
The smooth, soft texture of the leather on the Azera seats meant no one mistook this leather for vinyl.  Seat heaters and coolers worked fast, keeping riders refreshed and cozy.
Because Hyundai officials sought to keep the Azera sized about the same as the predecessor, back-seat legroom is just 36.8 inches, compared with 40.5 inches in the LaCrosse.
Back-seat headroom in the Azera is a competitive 37.6 inches, even with the sunroof.

Shiftbox Revolution: We Search for the King of the Five-Door Subcompact
From the April, 2012 issue of Motor Trend/By Rory Jurnecka
Once upon a time, not all that long ago, if you were in the market for a small, five-door economy hatchback, you were swimming in cheap-infested waters.  Automakers seemed to think of the buyers of small, inexpensive cars as nothing more than an inconvenience, a market that had to be pacified through the cheapest means possible.
Well, no longer.  Today's economy car market has grown by leaps and bounds especially in the past five years.  The Honda Fit had something to do with that, showing consumers and other automakers that an economy car need not be a penalty box.  Predictably, the Fit achieved meteoric sales, and the rest of the industry was forced to catch up.
Today, the Fit is several years into its second iteration, and the industry is, in fact, catching up.  Since out last look at this market niche in mid-2010, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Chevrolet, and Mazda have all released brand-new players, while the current Fit is three years into its life cycle.,  Who stands ahead of the pack in 2012?  To find out, we invited the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Mazda2, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit and Sucuki SX4 out for a couple days of testing and driving.  The cars had to be five-door hatchbacks, and, to be equal, each had to have a manual gearbox.  Ford said it didn't have a Fiesta for us, neither did any rental agencies, but the other seven automakers were game.
And so the shiftbox revolution was upon us, as we set out to determine where your money would be best spent.  The results may surprise you.
Seventh Place: Kia Rio
Sixth Place: Suzuki SX4
Fifth Place: Mazda 2
Fourth Place: Honda Fit
Third Place: Toyota Yaris
Second Place: Chevrolet Sonic
First Place: Hyundai Accent
Consider thesefacts:  The Accent achieved the greatest observed fuel economy of the group at 32.4 mpg, has the quickest 0-60-mph acceleration of the group, the strongest quarter-mile acceleration, has the shortest stopping distance of all contenders, the second cheapest as-tested MSRP, and ties the Kia for longest warranty.  Impressive, no?
Plus pretty much all the techy college-kid turn-ons are present and accounted for.  Bluetooth, iPod integration, satellite radio--all here.  The engine is the same 138-ph direct-injection mill found in the Rio, but here is feels stronger, smoother, and less noisy (improved sound insulation is likely to thank for the last two), and the six0speed transmission helps the Accent stay relaxed at freeway speeds.  While not quiet as quite and comfortable at a high-speed cruise as the Sonic, the Accent is really the only contender that comes close.
In fact, the Accent seemed to drive more like a small C-segment car than a B-segment car, an impression partially explained by its longer wheelbase.  At 101.2 inches, the Hyundai and Kia Rio have the only wheelbases over 100 inches in this comparison.  That fact, plus a fairly compliant suspension tune, leave the Accent feeling like a more grown-up car than its subcompact brethren.
"In many ways, the Accent is the mature car here," concurs Lieberman.
The Accent's styling helps, too.  Love of hate Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture" design language, most judges thought the Accent's interpretation was the best yet (Veloster excluded), appearing much more subtle and restrained than the Sonata.  Interior styling had some takers and some passers, with plenty of praise for Hyundai's build quality but a few thinking the layout was a bit too busy.
"The Accent hits the mark on blending value, performance , and efficiency, so my hat's off," Kong summed up.

These days if you're shopping for a new car, you're probably making fuel economy a priority.  For a much lower price than the Camry Hybrid, the Sonata provides a comfortable, well-equipped cabin, a smooth ride, good handling and excellent fuel economy, Consumer Reports said.  The magazine rates the Sonata at 27 mpg, overall.  The EPA rates it at 28 mpg.

Altima and Rogue lead gains with record sales.
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today reported record February U.S. sales of 106,731 units versus 92,370 units earlier, making an increase of 15.5 percent over last February's record total.  Nissan Division sales increased 17.1 percent over last year, also establishing a new February record.  Sales of Infiniti vehicles increased 1.0 percent over the prior year.
Nissan Highlights
* Nissan Division posted a record February with 97,492 sales, an increase of 17.1 percent over the old record of 83,226 units set in 2011.
* Altima sales remained strong, setting a new February record with 32,953 deliveries, up 58.4 percent over the prior year.  In April, Nissan will unveil the all-new, fifth generation Altima at the New York International Auto Show.  A preview image and video of the 2013 ALtima, which goes on sale this Summer, was released at http://nissannews.com/pressrelease/3285/1/all-new-2013-nissan-altima-coming-soon.
* Nissan Rogue also set a new February record with 13,432 units, up 17.5 percent.
* Sales of Nissan's trucks continued to grow, with Frontier, Titan, Xterra and Pathfinder posting year-on-year sales increases.
"Nissan's momentum throughout the lineup continues to drive our growth and record February sales," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division.  "Another strong month for Nissan Altima demonstrates that consumers are increasingly turning to Nissan for quality and reliability in the midsize car segment."

Nissan North America has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;s (EPA) 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award.  The award recognizes continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency.  The EPA will recognize Nissan's accomplishments at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR awards.
An ENERGY STAR partner since 2006, Nissan is honored for its continued commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving energy management.  The 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award recognizes Nissan's continued commitment to smart energy management, the company's ability to measure and track progress, and its efforts to communicate the importance of energy efficiency to a wide audience.
"Nissan is committed to partnering with ENERGY STAR in our efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing with the highest quality vehicles sold in North America," said Bill Krueger, Vice Chairman, Nissan Americas. "These efforts align with our global strategies of zero-emission leadership and corporate social responsibility to employees, stakeholders and customers."
The 2012 Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year.  The winners have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by setting and achieving aggressive goals, employing innovative approaches, and showing others what can be achieved through energy efficiency.  The awards recognize ongoing leadership across the ENERGY STAR program including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors.  Nissan is among nearly 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
"As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR program, EPA is proud to recognize Nissan North America with the 2012 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.  "Nissan and all our ENERGY STAR award winners are helping Americans find cost-effective ways to save energy in everything we do, which is good for our climate, our health, and out future."

As fans all over the country speculate on whether future Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Peyton Manning will sing with Tennessee, Denver, or some other team, Nissan North America has just sweetened the deal by offering to "...make Manning a Titan."
But in this case, the automaker, which is based in Franklin, Tenn., a suburb of Nashville, where the Tennessee NFL franchise plays, is offering to "make", or rather, "build" Manning a 2012 Nissan Titan Pro-4X pickup truck.
On its website and Facebook page, Nissan extended the offer in an open letter to Manning.  In an effort to remain neutral, Nissan indicates it will make Manning a Titan regardless of the NFL team he chooses.
Tennessee has been the corporate headquarters for Nissan's operations all of North, Central and South America since 2006 when the company moved to Nashville from California.  The company, now based 15 minutes south in the suburb of Franklin, Tenn., is one of the state's largest employers.  Nissan operates technical and design centers in California, Arizona and Michigan, two assembly plants and one powertrain plant in Tennessee, as well as a third assembly plant in Canton, Miss.
"The Nissan Titan V-8 engine is built in Tennessee," said Brain Carolin, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America.  "And even more poetically for Mr. Manning, the Titan itself is assembled in a place called Canton."
Manning played college football for the University of Tennessee.  He is expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee when he becomes eligible after retirement.  The NFL Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio.
An open Letter to Peyton Manning:
Dear Peyton,
We hope it's okay to be informal and call you Peyton.  You've been like one of the family to sports fans, especially Tennesseans, since your record-setting college days at the University of Tennessee.
Like you, we at Nissan North America were not all born to Rocky Top. But it is now home to our corporate headquarters and three manufacturing facilities employing more than 6,000 Tennesseans.
At Nissan, we too have fans all over the U.S.A. and we appreciate them all.  And like all of your fans, we're awaiting your decision on where to play next season.  While we are in no positions to sign you to any particular NFL franchise, we at Nissan North America want to make you a Titan- a 2012 Nissan Titan- as a gesture of gratitude recognizing your great accomplishments and philanthropic contributions to our national community.
We extend this offer on behalf of a notion of football fans and Nissan fans, not necessarily to influence your decision.  So next time you're in Nashville, give us a call and we'll bring the keys.
Sincerely,
Nissan North America
About the Nissan Titan
Innovation that's tough, including the first-in-class Utili-track cargo carrying system, available durable spray-in bedliner, lockable bedside storage compartment, Wide-Open rear doors (King Cab), and the longest Crew Cab bed in class.  That's the hallmark of the 2012 Nissan Titan full-size pick-up, which stands as a rugged, reliable, spirited choice for active truck buyers seeking style and excellent value.  Titan is a truck designed to get the job done, whether that job entails hauling cargo, a trailer or just family and friends.
For 2012, Titan offers a range of body, bed and drivetrain configurations to fit a range of buyer needs and users:  King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, a choice of 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations, two wheelbases (138.9 inches and 159.5 inches), three bed lengths, and four well-equipped trim levels - S, SV, PRO-4X and SL.  Titan is also available as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) designed to run on E85 Ethanol.
Titan is built on Nissan's rugged F-Alpha pickup platform, featuring a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 rated at 317 horsepower and 385 lb-ft torque and a standard 5-speed automatic transmission.  Titan has a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500 pounds for King Cab and 9,400 for Crew Cab (when properly equipped).

Nissan Delta Wing experimental racecar to be powered by Nissan 1.6-litre DIG-T engine technology in this generation's most revolutionary and exciting motorsport project.
* Nissan leads efficiency charge as founding partner of project
* Innovative new racing car to run Le Mans with Nissan technology
* Nissan DeltaWing will act as test bed for new road car technologies
* Drive for efficiency will see car use half the fuel of its conventional counterparts, bringing Nissan "PureDrive" principles to the track
* Initial backers include racing legends Dan Gurney and Don Panoz, concept designer Ben Bowlby and Michelin
* Special invitation from ACO to occupy "Garage 56"
* Car to wear number '0' and run outside race classification
Nissan is aiming to change the face of endurance racing forever by becoming a founding partner in the most radical motorsport project of its time- Nissan DeltaWing.
A highly-advanced and hugely-efficient Nissan engine will power the remarkable DeltaWing car as it races in anger for the first time at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours (16-17 June).
While Nissan DeltaWing will not be classified in the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours, the Company is looking to showcase the pioneering technology that will show one potential direction for the future of motorsport and will feed into the research and development of future technologies, that filter down to Nissan's road car product range.
A race-prepared 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, featuring direct petrol injection and a turbocharger, will power Nissan DeltaWing, which is half the weight and has half the aerodynamic drag of a conventional racer.
With innovation at its core, Nissan was a natural partner to be invited into the DeltaWing family by the existing group of core partners- US-domiciled British designer Ben Bowlby, American motorsport entreprneur Don Panoz, the All-American Racers organization of former US Formal 1 driver Dan Gurney, Duncan Dayton's two-time championship-winning Highcroft Racing team and Michelin Tyres North America.
The engine, badged DIG-T (Direct Injection Gasoline- Turbocharged), is expected to produce around 300ph, sufficient to give Nissan DeltaWing lap times between LMP1 and LMP2 machines at Le Mans, despite having only half the power of those conventional prototypes.  It features the same technology found in Nissan road cars, such as the range-topping Nissan Juke DIG-T.
"As motor racing rulebooks have tighter over time, racing cars look more and more similar and the technology used has had less and less relevance to road car development.  Nissan DeltaWing aims to change that and we were an obvious choice to become part of the project," said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
"But this is just the start of our involvement.  Nissan DeltaMing embodies a vast number of highly-innovative ideas that we can learn from.  At the same time, our engineering resources and commitment to fuel efficiency leadership via our PureDrive strategy will help develop DeltaWing into a testbed of innovation for Nissan."
"This announcement gives Nissan the opportunity to become part of a ground-breaking motorsport project and one which could shape the future of the sport," he added.
Nissan DeltaWing concept originator and designer, Briton Ben Bowlby, said: "Nissan has provided us with our first choice engine.  It's a spectacular piece.  We've got the engine of our dreams:  it's the right weight, has the right power and it's phenomenally efficient."
Nissan DeltaWing is unlike any other racing car currently on track.  The driver sits well back in the car, almost over the rear axle and looks ahead down a long, narrow fuselage to narrow twin front tyres, specially created for the car by tyre partner Michelin.  With a rear-mounted engine, the car has a strong rearward weight bias, which makes it highly manoeuvrable, while its light weight and slippery shape make it far more efficient.
The innovative design and forward-looking technology have encouraged the Automobile Club de I'Ouest (ACO), the organisers of the famous Le Mans 24 Hours, to invite the car to run in this year's race from 'Garage 56', the spot in the pitlane reserved for experimental cars.  As it doesn't conform to any existing championship regulations, Nissan DeltaWing will not be eligible to challenge for silverware and will carry the race number '0'/
Nissan's expertise has been applied to the development of the engine, in order to make it light and efficient enough to prove the philosophy behind the concept can work in 'real-world' motor racing. The Company, always among the first to embrace such radical ideas and surprising new performance innovations, has promised to apply key learnings from the experience to inform strategies for its PureDrive.

The Nissan Versa Sedan joins the Nissan LEAF, Nissan Juke and Nissan Cube as Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2012 Top Safety Picks.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan a "Top Safety Pick" rating.  The rating is given to vehicles that achieve the Institute's highest rating of "Good" for front, rear and side impact protection, earn a "Good" rating in the roof strength test and are equipped with electronic stability control.
"Nissan remains committed to the highest levels of safety and innovation, as is reflected in the Nissan Versa Sedan receiving the Top Safety Pick from IIHS," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan North America, Inc.  "The 2012 Versa provides customers with a remarkable level of value, comfort and security for an MSRP starting under $11,000."
Every 2012 Nissan Versa Sedan comes equipped with six standard air bags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution, Brake Assist and Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System. 

Hyundai Takes Top Spot in the EPA Fuel Economy Report
In a government-issued report Hyundai Motor America was named number one in fuel economy and CO2 emissions in America by topping the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy rankings for the 2010 model year, beating out traditional leaders Honda and Toyota.  No make scored higher than Hyundai.  This is the second time Hyundai has led in both categories, having achieved this distinction for the 2008 model year.
The EPA 2011 Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends Report identified Hyundai as the top 2010 brand with an adjusted fuel economy rating of 27.0 miles per gallon.  In addition to being named the most fuel efficient brand, Hyundai also had the lowest fleet-wide adjusted composite CO2 emissions performance (329g/mi) for the 2010 model year.
The EPA 2011 Trends Report also indicates that preliminary 2011 model year values suggest that Hyundai will maintain its fuel economy leadership.  Forecasts show that Hyundai will achieve an adjusted fuel economy rating of 27.5 miles per gallon in the 2011 model year.
With a strong offering of fuel efficient models, including Elantra, Sonata Hybrid, Accent and Veloster M/T all achieving estimated 40 mpg highway fuel economy ratings, Hyundai continues to set the industry bar in fuel efficiency.  In 2011, Hyundai achieved a corporate average fuel economy level of 36.1 mpg and sold 214,132 40 mpg vehicles, representing one-third of total sales.
"The 2011 EPA data demonstrated Hyundai's commitment to fuel economy leadership and validates the effectiveness of our Blue Drive strategy," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO.  "We are committed to developing a suite of smart fuel-efficient strategies, from hybris to new solutions in high-technology gasoline vehicles.  Gas prices are expected to hit record highs this summer and consumers are looking for ways to cut back on fuel costs with cars that offer improved fuel economy.  Through innovations such as light-weight steel, direct injection technology, turbocharging and advanced transmissions we are able to improve the efficiency and performance of all our vehicles, allowing us to achieve best-in-class fuel economy and emissions levels for the Hyundai brand."
In 2010, Hyundai announced plans to maintain its fuel economy leadership and achieve a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) rating of at least 50 miles per gallon (mpg) for its lineup of passenger cars and light duty trucks.  Current National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations require automakers to achieve a CAFE rating of 35.5 mpg by 2016.  Before those rules were enacted in 2009, Hyundai had already announced its own plan to reach 35 mpg by 2015.
Hyundai's plan to achieve an average of at least 50 mpg or better encompasses a full line of products, from small cars to larger family haulers.  It leverages Hyundai's global Blue Drive strategy, aligning R&D resources at its engineering centers in California, Michigan, Korea, Inda and Germany to develop more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies.
Hyundai is currently the only manufacture with four models achieving 40 mpg ratings on the highway - Accent, M/T Veloster, Sonata Hybrid and the recently named North American Car of the Year, 2011 Elantra. Powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine weighing 74 pounds less than the previous generation and an all-new six-speed transmission, Elantra achieves a 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating - a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles.  Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and 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).
In 2010, Hyundai launched its first gas-electric full hybrid, the Sonata Hybrid.  The Sonata Hybrid features Hyundai's proprietary hybrid drive system which pairs the already fuel efficient 2.4 liter Theta II engine to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW electric motor for maximum fuel economy.  In addition, Sonata Hybrid uses the industry's first lithium polymer battery, leapfrogging in-market nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion applications.

CarMD.com Corporation, a leading provider of automotive tools and information, today announced the release of its first annual CarMD Vehicle Health Index ranking of the top manufactures and vehicles.  It is the first index to rank manufactures and vehicles using real world, statistically-based data on "check engine"- related failures and repair cost.  The Index ranking is based on the combined fewest average repair incidents and lowest average repair costs for model year 2001 to 2011 vehicles in the U.S. from October 1, 2010 through October 1, 2011.  The CarMD Vehicle Health Index also ranks the top 100 vehicles, the top three vehicles by category and most common problems by make.  The complete CarMD Vehicle Health Index, featuring manufacturer and vehicle data, is now available at http://corp.carmd.com.
"CarMD understands that then you're shopping for one of the most expensive purchases in life- your car- it's important to be armed with data to help you make the best possible decision based on the reliability of that vehicle," said Art Jacobsen, vice president of CarMD.  "We are releasing this data to give car and truck buyers a completely unbiased, data-driven view and never-before-seen level of transparency into the vehicles they may be considering, and recognize the manufactures that continue to make progress by lowering cost of ownership and designing vehicles to last longer." Coming in at number two is Hyundai, with the 2011 Hyundai Sonata at number 6 for the list of the top 10 highest ranked vehicles on the road in the U.S. since 2001, according to CarMD.

Latest Addition to the Nissan Commercial Vehicle Lineup Combines Innovative Ease-of-Use and Smart Design While Minimizing Cost of Ownership
The all-new Nissan NV200 Compact Cargo Van, which makes its North American debut at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, is set to join the growing lineup of Nissan Commercial Vehicles in early 2013 at 300 Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealerships nationwide.  The NV200 follows the full-size Nissan NV Cargo, introduced in spring 2011, and the recently announced full-size Nissan NV Passenger that goes on sale this spring.  The Nissan NV200 provides a new entry point for current cargo can and small pickup buyers looking for a compact, efficient alternative to their larger, less fuel-efficient vehicles.
"There is an increasing need for a 'right-sized' van that optimizes cargo space while offering the best possible fuel economy and an affordable price- the exact sweet spots of the innovative Nissan NV200," said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet.  "Businesses today, both large and small, are also looking for vehicles that represent their brands in the best light- smart, innovative, and professional.  NV200 does that and much more."
While new to North America, the Nissan NV200 compact van is already in use in more than 40 countries around the world, receiving acclaim from both users and media alike for its optimal functionality and smart design.  It won the 2010 International Van of the Year award in Europe, the 2010 Commercial Delivery Van (CDV) of the Year in China, and the 2011 Universal Design Award from Universal Design GMbH, a German organization dedicated to promoting the convergence of design and the emerging importance of customer needs.  NV200 has also established a presence as the strong segment leader in Japan with a wide-ranging lineup that includes a taxi version.
"Our global success provides a great foundation for the North American version, which we know will become an essential tool for business," added Castelli.
High Volume in a Small Footprint, Exceptional Ease of Use
As the next "innovation for business," NV200 offers a large cargo capacity of 123 cubic feet (estimated using SAE J1100 rev 2009) with a small exterior footprint.  Unique for North America, the NV200 body has been extended 7.9 inches (200 mm) versus the models sold in other global markets.  This longer body length offers additional cargo carrying capability for North American customers.
Measuring just 186.2 inches in overall length, on a 115.2-inch wheelbase, NV200 is highly maneuverable in traffic and negotiating city parking spaces.  Yet it allows for a 1,500-pound (estimated) maximum payload.  The cargo area dimension between the efficiently designed wheelhouses allows for loading standard U.S. 40x48-inch pallets.  Added utility is provided by the standard integrated mounting points, which allow installation of racks and shelves without drilling into the sidewalls, and six available floor mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area.
NV200's exterior design features a Nissan signature front grille, aerodynamic front end design, and functional cabin design.  The large body side includes low-effort dual sliding side doors and large areas for business signage and graphics.  In the rear, NV200 features tall 40/60 split opening doors with dual opening positions (90 and 180 degrees).  The low floor height and tall interior cargo height aid easy loading and unloading.  Other exterior features include halogen headlights, durable black front and rear bumpers, and outside mirrors with wide-angle spotter mirrors and available heated function.
"In many ways, choosing a new work van is like finding a new business partner.  Beyond the basic necessities, it must instill trust that it can always get the job done- and that you are comfortable with for many years," said Castelli.  "In that regard, along with the innovative cargo area features, NV200's interior is designed to offer comfort and convenience day in and day out."
The driver-focused cockpit includes both comfort and functional features.  The driver's seat is 6-way adjustable with manual lumbar and armrest and is designed for durability with outboard vinyl wear patches.  NV200 offers "Mobile Office" functionality with a center console featuring laptop/hanging file folder storage, pen/pencil tray, CD holder, and dual cupholders.  Recessed storage areas are provided on the upper instrument panel for folders and documents.  In addition the passenger seat folds down to serve as a worktop or extends the cargo space for hauling longer items.
Power windows with auto up/down are standard.  A 12-volt power outlet on the instrument panel is standard along with an available 12-volt power point in rear of center console.  There is also a passenger-side underseat storage tray, drive computer, battery saver feature, AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input and two front door mounted speakers.
Available technology includes a Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth wireless communications, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor, and telematics pre-wiring (Nissan Fleet Tracker).
Standard safety features include the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front occupant head protection, front seat mounted driver and passenger side impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Efficiency and Affordability
The 2013 Nissan NV200 is built on Nissan's proven compact commercial platform and features an efficient 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine.  The engine is matched with a responsive and efficient Xtronic CVT transmission.
The suspension utilizes independent struts an stabilizer bar in front and a leaf spring design in the rear.  Front disc/rear drum brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are standard, along with electric power-assisted steering and 15-inch steel wheels mounted with 185/60R15 high-load all-season tires.
"The Nissan NV200 is designed as a durable work tool, with features such as the seating wear patches, low-effort sliding side door and wide-opening rear doors," adds Castelli.  "And since we fully understand how vans like this are used in business, it's also a very pleasant vehicle to drive and use as a mobile office."
One other key element of NV200, built in from the earliest planning, is low total cost of ownership.  The 2013 Nissan NV200 will have a competitive price, excellent fuel efficiency, and reduced upfitting costs (due to the standard mounting points), all of which will provide business owners with a low total cost of ownership.
Two Well-Equipped Models
Two well-equipped models are available, Nissan NV200 S and Nissan NV200 SV in a choice of five exterior colors, matched with a gray cloth interior.
In addition to the long list of standard features on the NV200 S, the SV model adds power heated outside mirrors, power door locks with auto-locking feature, remote keyless entry with two key fobs, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, rear cargo floor mat, additional 12V power point in the rear of the center console, six floor-mounted cargo hooks in the cargo area, and full wheel covers.
Several option packages will be available, including rear door glass; and Exterior Appearance Package with body-color bumpers, door handles and outside mirrors and chrome grille; Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System; and a Technology Package with Nissan Navigation System, RearView Monitor and XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately).
The new Nissan NV200 will be manufactured in Cuernavaca, Mexico and available through a select network of certified Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealers nationwide.

When the Nissan Pathfinder was originally introduced more than a quarter century ago, it became known as the perfect family adventure vehicle.  With each successive generation, Pathfinder has remained true to that original premise, while evolving to meet the changing needs of its owners.  Now, Pathfinder adds an unprecedented level of premium style, comfort and thoughtful technology- including a dramatic new aerodynamic exterior design and innovative, flexible interior- as it gets ready to debut this fall in an all-new 4th generation Pathfinder design.  A special preview of the new 2013 model, the Pathfinder Concept, showcases what is nothing less than Pathfinder re-imagined.
"As Nissan has expanded its range of adventure-ready SUVs to include Armada, Xterra, Murano, Rogue and JUKE, Pathfinder maintains its very important position in the heart of the lineup and the market0 as a right-size, 3-row/7-passenger SUV with the seating and cargo capacity that growing families need," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "As families spend more time in their SUVs everyday as well as on weekends, the next-gen Pathfinder is stepping up with enhanced comfort, innovative technology, increased fuel efficiency, and most importantly, more flexibility for the family."
A Mid-Size SUV with Full-Size Comfort
As previewed in the Pathfinder Concept, one of the biggest changes to the upcoming Pathfinder design is the return to a unibody platform (also utilized on the second generation Pathfinder), which offers numerous benefits including a flat floor for enhanced interior packing flexibility.
"The Pathfinder Concept demonstrates that when it comes to modern interior design, you can have it all- premium features, versatility and user-friendly technology," said Castignetti.  "By giving equal priority to both the driver and each and every passenger- including those in the 3rd row- we've created a premium driving experience and environment for all."
Starting with a look at its premium features, the Pathfinder Concept's quiet, comfortable interior includes rich leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start and multiple user memory settings, and an advanced Bose Audio System with 13 speakers.
The Pathfinder Concept's unique versatility comes to life in the design of the 2nd and 3rd rows.  In addition to what is expected to be among the roomiest 2nd rows in its class, it also features exceptional 3rd row access- thanks to large rear door openings, 5.5 inches of 2nd row seat travel, and forward folding seat design for ease of entry and exit to the 3rd row.  The 60/40-split 2nd row features and innovative "child seat mode" allowing forward movement and access to the 3rd row with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the 40 percent split-fold side).
"One of the dilemmas facing families with both young children and infants/toddlers is getting the older kids in the 3rd row without having to remove a child seat mounted in the 2nd row.  This innovative design solves that issue," explained Castignetti.  "Plus, with the extensive 2nd row seat travel, it's easy to adjust legroom or accommodate cargo spontaneously as needed."
The 3rd row seat is a 50/50 split folding design, offering added argo flexibility, and it also reclines for greater passenger comfort.  Both the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold flat for optimal cargo capacity and there is additional under floor storage in the rear cargo area.
Thoughtful technology is also found throughout the Pathfinder Concept interior, starting with the instrument panel, which includes an advanced drive-assist display directly in front of the driver- along with a large multifunction IT display in the center of the dash, Nissan Navigation System with real-time traffic and weather information and Zagat Survey restaurant guide, Bluetooth Streaming Audio and RearView Monitor.
The Pathfinder Concept also features Nissan's advanced Around View Monitor, which shows the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle.  Other technology includes a tri-zone climate control system, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, power rear liftgate, iPod integration, and tri-zone entertainment system with 2nd row headrest-mounted DVD display screens.  The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes an individual tire pressure display and EasyFill Tire Assist- similar to that introduced on the Nissan Quest- that provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge.  A remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving.
Stunning New Exterior Design, Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
Along with the enhanced interior flexibility, the new unibody platform provided the designers an opportunity to create a more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity.  Moving upscale in look, the new exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength.
The look is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance.  The upper body features an open cabin with a low beltline and thin A- and D- pillars, which flow smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body.  The Pathfinder Concept utilizes front and rear spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension fairings to help achieve what is expected to be among the best aerodynamic performance in the segment.  In one other important measurement, the next-gen Pathfinder is expected to weigh substantially less that the previous body-on-frame design, which helps contribute to the enhanced fuel economy performance.
Other exterior details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights. A panoramic dual-panel moonroof, with sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment.
"With its new aerodynamically optimized shape, the styling is a major step forward in the evolution of the SUV- retaining its people and cargo hauling utility without looking quite so utilitarian," said Castignetti.  "It's fitting that a vehicle that tackles adventures in a whole new way also now completely looks the part."
Addressing buyers' desire for more efficiency in every aspect of their lives, the Pathfinder powertrain utilizes a refined V6 engine mated to a next-generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to provide an expected 25 percent increase in combined City/Highway fuel economy (over the previous V6-equipped model).  The Pathfinder Concept also features an intuitive four-wheel drive system and a towing capacity comparable to the leaders in the segment.
The new engine and CVT combination offers improved efficiency, while maintaining nearly the same horsepower as the previous generation's larger displacement V6, and delivers responsive acceleration in a variety of conditions.  It also retains its ability to tow boats, jet skis, trailers and a variety of other recreational gear, and its role as an excellent vehicle for unfavorable driving conditions with four-wheel drive.
"The new Pathfinder carries on the tradition of the previous generations of adventure-ready Pathfinders that have come before- offering a new level of family enjoyment and engagement that is just right for today's real-world, everyday uses," concluded Castignetti.  "After more than 25 years, Pathfinder is ready to tackle new terrain and the new challenges of modern family lives."

2012 Total Cost of Ownership Awards
While initial price is always a prime issue in any new-vehicle purchase decision, the ultimate "best deal" also entails factoring in a number of other significant elements that can have an equally meaningful impact on long-term out-of-pocket expenses.  To help bring those big picture details into sharper focus, Kelley Blue Book, the world's most experienced and trusted automotive pricing organization, calculates and integrates data from eight different categories to come up with real-world bottom-line figure that allows for direct comparisons to be made over a five-year period.  This year, we've decided to go one step beyond and formally recognize the best-in-class entries with our inaugural Kelley Blue Book 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Awards.
Presented in conjunction with Chicago Auto Show, the Kelley Blue Book 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Awards honored individual winners in 21 different market segments as well as two overall brand awards.  The comprehensive valuation criteria used to determine the most deserving cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans included their fair purchase price (FPP), projected depreciation, financing costs, Insurance costs and state fees as well as the anticipated total cost of fuel, scheduled maintenance and repairs.
Hyundai wins top spot for 2 of the most important segements!
Mid Size Car: 2012 Hyundai Sonata/5-Year Ownership Cost: $38,476
Stylish and spirited, Hyundai's best-selling model added a new level of in-car connectivity for 2012 with the automaker's sophisticated Blue Link system en route to earning its prime rating in the Mid Size Car category.  Although not the cheapest to buy, the Sonata's significant advantages in the areas of insurance and fuel costs moved it ahead of the Kia Optima, which shares the same basic platform architecture.
Crossover: 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe/5-Year Ownership Cost: $42,628
With generous room for five, multiple trim/powertrain configurations and an impressive roster of standard/optional equipment, the Hyundai Santa Fe can be personalized to suit the needs of a wide range of owners.  The mid-size people mover outpaced the Kia Sorento to claim top honors in the Crossover class based on its combination of lowest fair purchase price and lowest long-term depreciation coupled with lower maintenance and insurance costs.

Hyundai introduced two new nody styles for its brisk-selling Elantra in Chicago on Wednesday: the 2013 Elantra GT four-door hatchback and Elantra Coupe.  The offerings will join the Elantra sedan in the cutthroat compact segment, a class that includes the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Golf, Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza, among others.
With Elantra sales exceeding expectations, the automaker has had difficulty meeting demand.  As such, the Elantra variants will be assembled in South Korea, unlike the sedan, which is built for the North American market at Hyundai's plant in Montgomery, Ala.
The Elantra Coupe is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in the spring, with the hatch joining it this summer.
Though the Elantra Coupe shown in Chicago was a new design, the GT was essentially the i30 hatchback shown at the Frankfurt auto show last September.  The sedan was introduced at the 2010 Los Angeles auto show and named North American Car of the Year at the Detroit auto show last month.
Shoppers may find that the automaker's so-called fluidic sculpture design language translates particularly well to a coupe.  The front fascia sweeps back into a pronounced fender well, which melds with a character line sweeping up toward the rear deck and lip spoiler.  A smooth arc is formed by the windshield and roof.
The GT, which replaces the discontinued Elantra Touring wagon, receives a less aggressive fascia treatment, in addition to a beltline dip that allows for larger front side windows and a roofline that dips only barley as it approaches the rear hatch.
With all seats raised, the GT accommodates five, but with the split rear seats folded, the hatchback offers crossover-rivaling cargo space, Hyundai says.
Both coupe and hatchback share the sedan's powertrain, a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 148 horsepower, and the choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.  Final fuel economy numbers are not yet available from the Environmental Protection Agency, but Hyundai estimates 28 miles per gallon in city and 39 m.p.g. in highway driving for the hatch and the automatic-equipped coupe.  Equipped with the manual transmission, the coupe is expected to achieve 29 m.p.g. city, 40 m.p.g. highway.
All Elantra models are suspended on McPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear.  The coupe's suspension calibration has been tuned for sportier driving.  Its interior also nods to the car's more sporting pretensions, with deeper side bolsters than those in the sedan or hatchback, to keep driver and passenger snug.
The GT, at 2,784 pounds, is 175 pounds lighter than the Ford Focus, 151 pounds lighter than the Mazda 3 and 222 pounds lighter than Volkswagen Golf, Hyundai says.  It is also the shortest for the Elantra trio, at 169.3 inches, while the coupe is roughly a half-inch longer than the sedan, at 178.7 inches.  The coupe and sedan share a 106.3-inch wheelbase, but the hatchback rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase.
Prices will be announced closer to the cars' on-sale dates.

Lifetime Battery Replacement Guarantee covers 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Batteries Far Beyond Hyundai's Industry Leading 10-Year, 100,000-mile Warranty
Hyundai 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 the new-car ownership.  The first-of-its-kind protection ensures that is 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 that 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 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 causers 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 change cycles even without having to use a heavier, liquid cooling system.

While showing which specific brand retained customers the best, the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Retention Study revealed one in three new-vehicle owners who switched brands say their previous nameplate didn't make the type of vehicle they wanted.
As a result, J.D. Power found that striking the right combination of model offerings and vehicle appeal is critical to retaining customers.
Among new-vehicle owners who switched vehicle brands for their latest purchase, analysts found 33 percent indicate that their previous brand didn't offer the type of vehicle they desired.
Although this is a primary reason for switching, J.D. Power mentioned other key reasons relate to dissatisfaction with the previous vehicle, including the model costs too much to own or maintain; there are too many problems with the unit; and the vehicle didn't retain sufficient resale value.
"Many automotive brands are expanding their array of models in an attempt to capture more buyers, but this isn't enough in and of itself," explained Raffi Festekjian, J.D. Power's director of automotive product research at J.D. Power.
"Manufactures need to integrate specific attributes and features that delight vehicle owners to maximize their opportunity to both retain customers and conquest from other brand," Festekjian continued. "Manufactures also need to ensure owners are satisfied with the quality, residual values and ownership costs of their vehicles," he added.
According to Festekjian, brands that strike the right combination of all these aspects stand the best chance of being reconsidered by current vehicle owners for their next new-vehicle purchase.
So which brand fared best?
J.D. Power's study showed Hyundai ranked highest among brands in retaining customers when they buy a new vehicle.
Hyundai improved its retention by 4 percentage points from 2010 to 64 percent in 2012, a rise analysts believe was primarily driven by the Elantra and Sonata models.
"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," Festekjian surmised.
The study also revealed that women and younger vehicle owners (those in the Generation Y and Generation X demographics, between ages 23 and 47) are less likely to choose the same vehicle brand for their next purchase, compared with men and older owners.
"Women and younger vehicle owners are more likely to experience changes in their life circumstances, including growth in the household size or changes in income levels, that would lead them to purchase vehicles that better accommodate their new lifestyle," Festekjian explained.
Now in its ninth year, J.D. Power reiterated this study measures the rate at which brands retain their existing customers and examines the reasons why customers remain loyal.
"Customer retention is critical to a brand's market success, particularly during the current period of market recovery, in which each new-vehicle sale is vital," analysts pointed out.
In addition to customer retention, the study also measures the rate at which each automotive brand captures customers from its competitors, known as conquesting," they added.
The 2012 Consumer Retention Study was based on responses from 117,001 new-vehicle buyers and lessees, of which 73,733 replaced a vehicle that was previously acquired new.  The study was fielded between February and May, as well as August and September of last year.

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.

By Courtney Schlisserman - Dec 10, 2010 9:02 AM PT

Confidence among U.S. consumers increased in December to a six-month high, coinciding with stronger holiday sales that show the economy is gathering speed.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment rose to 74.2 from 71.6 at the end of November. A Commerce Department report showed the U.S. trade deficit shrank more than forecast in October to $38.7 billion as growing economies overseas propelled exports to a two-year high.

Retailers such as Neiman Marcus Group Inc. have benefited during the biggest shopping period of the year as Americans grew more optimistic about the labor market. Treasury securities fell after the trade report signaled the U.S. economy is getting a boost from a jump in exports stemming from growing demand in markets like China, Brazil and South Korea.

?There?s a groundswell of good news right now,? said Jonathan Basile, an economist at Credit Suisse in New York. ?That to me is a sign that households and businesses can make purchases with a little more confidence.?

Economists projected a December sentiment reading of 72.5, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey. Forecasts in the survey of 67 economists ranged from 69 to 76.5. The gauge averaged 89 in the five years leading up to the recession that began in December 2007.

The survey?s measure of current conditions, which reflects Americans? perceptions of their financial situation and whether it is a good time to buy big-ticket items like cars, increased to 85.7, the highest since January 2008, from 82.1 a month earlier.

Consumer Expectations

Consumer expectations for six months from now, which more closely projects the direction of consumer spending, increased to a six-month high of 66.8 from 64.8.

Higher stock prices this month and signs tax rates will be kept from increasing may prop up Americans? spirits. Since the end of November through yesterday, the S&P 500 gained 4.4 percent. President Barack Obama this week agreed with Republicans to prolong income-tax cuts put in place by former President George W. Bush.

?Consumers are taking their cues from the stock market, and private employment is rising, despite November?s disappointing numbers,? said Ryan Sweet, a senior economist at Moody?s Analytics Inc. in West Chester, Pennsylvania, who projected the sentiment index would rise to 74.

Holiday Forecast

The National Retail Federation forecast November to December sales will rise by 2.3 percent from the same time in 2009, making it the best holiday shopping season in four years. The ICSC said it expects December sales to rise as much as 3.5 percent compared with last year.

?I would generally say that the core customer is absolutely back shopping,? Neiman Marcus Chief Executive Officer Karen Katz said on a conference call Dec. 8. Still, consumer ?spending is not back up to the levels of pre- recession and we don?t have any expectations that it will get back to that level.?

The Michigan survey showed that buying plans for household durable goods rose to the highest level since January 2008. The proportion of Americans saying they were hearing of job gains rose to the highest level since 1983.

The figure is at odds with Labor Department data last week that showed November unemployment rose to 9.8 percent, the highest since April and close to a 26-year high. The economy generated 39,000 jobs after 172,000 a month earlier.

Imports Stagnated

The Commerce Department?s trade report showed imports stagnated in October as U.S. demand for crude oil fell. The overall trade gap, which narrowed 13 percent, was projected to be little changed at $43.8 billion, according to the median forecast of economists surveyed. Estimates ranged from deficits of $39.5 billion to $46.6 billion.

?Trade is definitely going to provide a decent pop to growth in the fourth quarter,? Sweet said.

Exports, benefitting from a cheaper dollar, increased 3.2 percent to $158.7 billion, boosted by sales of foods, automobiles, engines and industrial supplies like fuel oil and natural gas.

U.S. Dollar

Since reaching a one-year high on June 7, the dollar has fallen 6.6 percent against a trade-weighted basket of currencies. The drop makes American goods cheaper to buyers abroad and will keep spurring manufacturing, which expanded for a 16th consecutive month in November.

Growing overseas economies are also contributing to demand for U.S. goods. China, set to become the world?s second-largest economy this year, had a 9.6 percent gain in third-quarter gross domestic product from a year ago. Singapore , in the running to be the world?s fastest-growing economy this year, expanded 10.6 percent while Brazil, South America?s biggest economy, grew 6.7 percent.

General Dynamics Corp., based in Falls Church, Virginia, is seeing ?strong international order activity and interest, particularly in the emerging markets,? Chief Executive Officer Jay Johnson said in a Dec. 2 industry conference presentation.

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).

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.?

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.

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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.

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. 

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.

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. 

Nissan Americas today reported record sales of 1,561,230 in 2011 calendar year for Nissan and Infiniti brand vehicles throughout the region encompassing North, Central, and South America - a record year in both market share and volume for Japan's second largest manufacturer.  The Nissan brand alone gained 0.6 points of market share over the 2010 calendar year and advanced to become the No. 2 Asian automotive brand in the Americas.
The company's sales and share growth was consistent across each of the geographic regions throughout the Americas, with the U.S., Mexico and Brazil posting the largest single-country gains.  In total, sales of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles in the Americas increased more than 229,000 units last year, of 17.2 percent, over 2010 for a combined share of 7.5 percent, a record for the company's single largest region worldwide.
These gains, coupled with the company's ability to outpace both the overall market and key competitors, advanced Nissan's standing to the No. 2 position among all Asian automotive brands in the Americas.
"2011 was a breakthrough year for Nissan in the Americas in a multitude of ways," said Colin Dodge, chairman, Nissan Americas.  "We outperformed our Key Japanese competitors in every market throughout the Americas while the Nissan brand became one of the fastest-growing automotive brands in the region."
Nissan America Highlights
* In the U.S., Nissan gained market share for the sixth consecutive year, ending 2011 with 8.2 percent of the U.S. market, up from 6 percent just a few years ago.
* In Mexico, Nissan has been the market leader for three consecutive years and ended 2011 with a record market share of 24.8 percent, up 1.7 points from the prior year.
* In Brazil, Nissan's business has been rapidly expanding with sales that nearly doubled in 2011.  Nissan was Brazil's fasted-growing automotive brand in 2011 and is now the 7th best-selling car brand in the country.
* In Latin America, Nissan finished 2011 with 10 percent market share for the first time, up 0.4 points from the prior year.