Hyundai Genesis Coupe "Build to Formula Drift" with Rhys Millen Racing

A pint-sized Darth Vader uses the Force when he discovers the all-new 2012 Passat in the driveway. This award-winning commercial first aired during the 2011 Big Game. Watch our 2012 Game Day commercial here: http://vwoa.us/dogstrikesback

Hyundai goes social to recruit interns

Setting aside head hunters, classified listings and career coaches, Hyundai is turning to social media as it launches its paid internship program. Two of the internship positions available with Hyundai Motor America’s PR and Marketing teams will be filled exclusively through the company’s social media channels. Applicants must submit a video resume via Twitter using the hash tag #HireMeHyundai. Details and an introduction video from the team can be found on Hyundai’s blog, HyundaiLikeSunday.

“There’s no better way to find the best socially and digitally skilled interns than by using social media,” said Jim Trainor, senior group manager, Public Relations, Hyundai Motor America. “We are excited to hear from today’s young talent – those college graduates who live and breathe in the social media universe.”

Hyundai’s six-month internship program is specifically designed for the recent bachelor’s degree college graduate with a strong interest in the automotive industry. Upon successful completion of the program, which includes valuable training, mentoring and networking opportunities within the company, candidates have the enhanced opportunity to be hired into a full-time Hyundai position.

Besides the two interns being recruited via social media, other openings will be filled in more traditional ways. Hyundai is focusing on Southern California universities in order to engage applicants, as the interns will work at Hyundai’s national headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA. For more information on these internship positions, visit Hyundai’s career page.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Tops Consumer Award’s Hybrid Category

Winners of this year’s Autobytel & AutoPacific Consumer Awards have been released and the top-rated hybrid car winner is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

This is the 16th edition of this annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

Based solely on input from actual owners—more than 75,000 of them—taken during the first quarter of the year, AutoPacific’s 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs) provide a unique look at which vehicles provide the most satisfying overall ownership experience. Many other awards focus solely on specific aspects of that experience, or the subjective opinions of the media, and can’t identify the vehicles that really satisfy real drivers.

For example, when looking at the top-rated hybrid car in this year’s VSAs, the winner wasn’t the one with the absolute highest mpg ratings. Yes, the main reason people buy hybrids is to save on fuel costs, but, at this stage in the game, people expect that plus all the benefits found in a traditionally powered vehicle, too. And that’s exactly what they get in this year’s highest-rated hybrid car, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Part of the equation is Hyundai’s satisfying price tag of $25,850 that is the lowest MSRP of any hybrid mid-size sedan on the market.

The Sonata Hybrid also delivers the highest net horsepower in its class, and, thanks to Hyundai’s “Blue Drive” hybrid powertrain, EPA marks of up to 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway/37 mpg combined. Another Blue Drive benefit comes from the system’s advanced battery technology that relies on polymer gel electrolytes instead of the typical nickel-metal hydride setup. In plain English, the result is a battery that is 25 percent lighter, takes up 40 percent less space, delivers 10 percent better efficiency and can maintain available power for 1.7 times longer than traditional hybrid batteries.

An impressive list of standard content also contributed to the vehicle’s recognition as the highest-rated hybrid car in the 2012 VSAs.

Competitors included the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which was completely redesigned for the 2012 model year, as well as two luxury choices: The Buick LaCrosse eAssist and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The highest-rated dedicated hybrid was the Lexus CT 200h, which tied the Camry Hybrid for second place in the segment.

The most satisfying EV was the Chevrolet Volt, coming in just a few points behind the Buick and Lincoln.

More information on Hyundai’s win can be found here.

In the Hybrid SUV category, the 2012 Lexus RX 450h was named the top-rated hybrid truck. Showing the diversity of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, all of the entrants in the hybrid truck category used this advanced technology, but while the 2012 Lexus RX 450h.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Tops Consumer Award’s Hybrid Category

Winners of this year’s Autobytel & AutoPacific Consumer Awards have been released and the top-rated hybrid car winner is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

This is the 16th edition of this annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

Based solely on input from actual owners—more than 75,000 of them—taken during the first quarter of the year, AutoPacific’s 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs) provide a unique look at which vehicles provide the most satisfying overall ownership experience. Many other awards focus solely on specific aspects of that experience, or the subjective opinions of the media, and can’t identify the vehicles that really satisfy real drivers.

For example, when looking at the top-rated hybrid car in this year’s VSAs, the winner wasn’t the one with the absolute highest mpg ratings. Yes, the main reason people buy hybrids is to save on fuel costs, but, at this stage in the game, people expect that plus all the benefits found in a traditionally powered vehicle, too. And that’s exactly what they get in this year’s highest-rated hybrid car, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

Part of the equation is Hyundai’s satisfying price tag of $25,850 that is the lowest MSRP of any hybrid mid-size sedan on the market.

The Sonata Hybrid also delivers the highest net horsepower in its class, and, thanks to Hyundai’s “Blue Drive” hybrid powertrain, EPA marks of up to 35 mpg city/40 mpg highway/37 mpg combined. Another Blue Drive benefit comes from the system’s advanced battery technology that relies on polymer gel electrolytes instead of the typical nickel-metal hydride setup. In plain English, the result is a battery that is 25 percent lighter, takes up 40 percent less space, delivers 10 percent better efficiency and can maintain available power for 1.7 times longer than traditional hybrid batteries.

An impressive list of standard content also contributed to the vehicle’s recognition as the highest-rated hybrid car in the 2012 VSAs.

Competitors included the Toyota Camry Hybrid, which was completely redesigned for the 2012 model year, as well as two luxury choices: The Buick LaCrosse eAssist and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The highest-rated dedicated hybrid was the Lexus CT 200h, which tied the Camry Hybrid for second place in the segment.

The most satisfying EV was the Chevrolet Volt, coming in just a few points behind the Buick and Lincoln.

More information on Hyundai’s win can be found here.

In the Hybrid SUV category, the 2012 Lexus RX 450h was named the top-rated hybrid truck. Showing the diversity of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, all of the entrants in the hybrid truck category used this advanced technology, but while the 2012 Lexus RX 450h.

Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Program

By selecting a Hyundai CPO vehicle, you automatically get the great fuel economy, safety, style and technology found in every Hyundai. You also get great benefits like a 10-yr/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty from the original in-service date, a comprehensive 150-point inspection, roadside assistance, a rental car for covered repairs, and 90-days of no-charge XM Satellite radio. Learn more about Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned vehicles at www.HyundaiCertified.com.

Brake-Throttle Override Becomes The New Standard

With Hyundai’s recent announcement that brake throttle override, which it calls brake pedal throttle override capability, is now standard on all 2012 Hyundai models effective with May production, consumers may be curious about what this safety technology is all about, as well as what other automakers have it and why.

In essence, brake-throttle override technology lets drivers control a vehicle’s speed and stop it in case of unintended acceleration. With Hyundai’s system, any brake pedal input by the driver has top priority in all driving situations and overrides any throttle inputs.

The 'why' is fairly straightforward. Brake-throttle override, although called by different names, is an additional “failsafe” safety technology. Beyond that, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that is posted on its website (a 98-page PDF document). The proposed brake-throttle override regulations would go into effect September 1 two years from the date of the final rule.

The NHTSA’s proposed brake-throttle override regulation would set minimum requirements for existing as well as future light brake-throttle override systems. Based on the agency’s experience with them, existing systems will meet the proposed standard without modification. In the event that some systems do require changes to meet the proposed standard, the NHTSA believes those changes would be minimal.

TeleTech Awarded Customer Experience Contract by Hyundai Motor America

TeleTech, a leading global provider of technology-enabled customer experience solutions, today announced that Hyundai Motor America, one of the fastest growing global automakers, selected TeleTech to help deliver increases in customer loyalty, retention, Customer Satisfaction and NPS through an improved multichannel customer experience.

"Hyundai Motor America is determined to lead the industry in the area of customer support," said Barry Ratzlaff, director of Customer Connect. "Hyundai is based on the promise of 'Hyundai Assurance.' We selected TeleTech as a key partner in this effort due to their advanced capability in both technology and operational expertise. TeleTech is a good fit to the culture of 'Hyundai Speed.' Together, we move quickly and look for daily opportunities to defy conventional thinking and deliver delight beyond expectations."

The automaker awarded TeleTech the multi-year contract to develop an integrated customer management program that will use customer experience data collected across voice, chat and social channels to improve the quality of interactions. TeleTech designed a solution to identify both promoters and detractors of the automaker's brand, and then built interaction strategies to enhance the quality of the relationships. By aligning the customer experience to the needs, behavior and economic value of their customers, Hyundai will be able to better allocate resources appropriately to improve operational efficiencies, drive increased revenue and improve customer loyalty and satisfaction.

"The automotive industry is becoming more competitive every day, and differentiation requires more than great products. Manufacturers must deliver a customer experience that builds increased engagement across the entire customer lifecycle," said Judi Hand, chief sales officer for TeleTech. "We are proud to have been selected to support Hyundai on their customer experience excellence journey and look forward to helping them create new value through an integrated, multichannel customer management."

ABOUT TELETECH

For nearly 30 years, TeleTech and its subsidiaries have helped the world's most successful companies design, build, implement and manage superior customer experiences across the customer lifecycle in order to drive shareholder value. As the go-to partner for the Global 1000, the TeleTech group of companies delivers technology-based solutions that maximize revenue, transform customer experiences and optimize business processes. From strategic consulting to operational execution, our more than 41,000 employees drive success for clients in the communications and media, financial services, government, healthcare, technology, transportation and retail industries. Our companies deliver award-winning integrated solutions in support of customer innovation, revenue generation, technology innovation, enterprise innovation, learning innovation and strategic management consulting. Through the TeleTech Community Foundation, the company leverages its innovative leadership to ensure that students in underserved communities around the globe have access to the tools and support they need to maximize their educational outcomes.

Santa Fe Reveal: NY Auto Show

Get a first look at the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. Lighter, faster, smarter, the 2013 Santa Fe has been rebuilt from the ground up. See Hyundai's newest creation at the New York Auto Show, and to learn more about the Santa Fe, visit Hyundai.com

Three new 5-star reviews on DealerRater, thanks everybody!

"Jon really helped us out a lot. He got us the car we were looking for and within our price range. He explained the process every step of the way and kept us well informed. We love the new care and we are recommending all of our friends to go their. Thank you jon for all your help." -fox

2012 Hyundai Azera Earns Top Safety Ratings

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, and the 2012 Hyundai Azera—both recently redesigned family-size sedans—have earned top crash-test ratings across the board from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Also taking into consideration their standard safety equipment, they've been named among the list of IIHS Top Safety Picks.

The 2012 Hyundai Azera, which went on sale earlier this year—and is quite highly rated here at The Car Connection, especially due to its standout design and luxurious, full-featured interior—already has an impressive set of standard safety features. There are a total of nine standard airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and rear side-impact bags, and the front seat design is one that's impact-reducing in itself. Also, the Azera includes a rearview camera system in each of its trims. And in new IIHS tests, it completely swept the ratings matrix, with top 'good' scores in all the subcategories of frontal and side-impact testing.

The new Malibu Eco almost swept the board, with top ratings in all of the IIHS's subcategories; the sole exception was an 'acceptable' score for driver torso injury. In the relatively new roof strength test—a measure that correlates to the likelihood of injury in a rollover accident—the Malibu Eco was able to withstand 5.22 times its body weight in a particular test area of the roof.

Withstanding 4.76 times its weight, the Azera also earned a 'good' rating. In any case, that was a substantial improvement over the previous (2011) Azera, which had earned 'acceptable' ratings for rear and side impact.

The Malibu, on the other hand, has been a top performer for several model years. Although we should caution that these results don't extend to the rest of the (non-Eco) 2013 Chevy Malibu lineup, which hasn't yet gone on sale.

Neither of these models has yet been rated by the federal government, as part of its new-car assessment program (NCAP) crash tests, but we'll update our review pages as soon as they're available. In the meantime, if safety is one of your top priorities, both of these roomy sedans deserve to be on your shopping list.

Hyundai Tests i30 With 40 Baboons

Hyundai Motors literally loosed 40 baboons to test its latest i30 hatchback which aimed to be marketed in England.

In a very unusual campaign, Hyundai drove its latest i30 hatchback to Knowsley Safari Park and stopped it in the middle of the park. After that, the company loosed 40 baboons to test whether the car can really work with such hostile conditions. After leaving the car with the baboons for more than an hour, the world class auto maker drove out of the safari park and "proved" that the car indeed is monkey-proof.

“Our latest offering i30 is aimed for youngsters as well as for family members," said Felicity Wood, Hyundai Project Manager.

"We didn’t really used the campaign for a public purpose. It was the decision of the project manager of the Hyundai Motors to literally test the vehicle by 40 baboons. We couldn’t possibly do it in the middle of the city. So, we chose Knowsley Safari Park to withstand any chances to wild baboons. The video did receive rave reviews from the YouTube audience. With this attempt hope the consumer fraternity has understood the purpose behind the experiment,” Wood added.

After a prolong experiment with the baboons, the Hyundai issued a statement that the baboons had damaged the car paint of the i30 model, the interior seats were bitten, and the dashboard was crashed a little bit.

“After watching the video we concluded that baboons had really blasting moments with the i30 car. They seem to be enjoying a lot with the version. We were hoping if the car had an ignition key, then probably they would drive around the park. But the results were most important and we knew that the car model would survive even in that hostile conditions,” said Wood.

Hyundai Veloster wows with curves and fuel economy

Creating a vehicle that has coupe-like styling, hatchback-like functionality, is filled with technology and that appeals to the masses would be quite an undertaking. But for the engineers and designers at Hyundai, the challenge wasn’t too great.

In fact, with the introduction of the all-new 2012 Veloster, the three-door includes all of the above items and then some.

Design

To call the Veloster bold in appearance would be an understatement. Hyundai’s designers went to great lengths to make this vehicle look like nothing else on the road. And they’ve done it. Furthermore, it’s their most aggressive implementation of their “fluidic sculpture” design language to date.

My favourite part of the Korean automaker’s front-wheel-drive vehicle, from the outside, is definitely the rear end. The centre-mounted dual exhaust pipes, combined with a rotund rear fascia make it curvy-licious! Additionally, the wraparound taillights further add character to its already dynamic road presence.

The only qualm I have with its sultry posterior is the limited visibility out the rear window. Luckily, the Veloster comes standard with a rear-view camera to assist when parallel parking or backing up. Without that, it would be somewhat of a challenge to see behind you.

Moving from the outside in, the cabin is extremely well executed. Its focal point lies within its standard seven-inch touchscreen media hub, which allows you to stream music, browse through photos, and play videos - when the vehicle is stationary - along with a host of other features. With the tech package, you also get a navigation system and sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer. This four-seater is not short on tech toys, that’s for sure!

Performance

The Veloster uses the same engine as the Accent. Looking at the figures, it’s not a lot of power. But along with its modest displacement engine comes some amazing fuel economy - 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway, a number that reaches into hybrid territory without the hybrid price.

When pairing the 1.6-litre engine with Hyundai’s EcoShift dual clutch transmission, estimated city fuel results improve to 7.0L/100km. Having tested both transmissions, it’s a tough call as to which I like better. The DCT makes city driving more convenient, but the six-speed manual is pretty darn good, too. Gear throws are a little long for my taste, but they aren’t uncomfortably stretched out by any means.

Mind you, if you’re looking for more performance out of the Veloster’s powertrain, a Turbo variant is making its way down the pipeline, so stay tuned for that.

Driving/Utility

Driving the Veloster proved to be a positive experience. When behind the wheel, admiring the fit and finish of the cabin wasn’t hard. And even with all of the technology laced within its seams, it’s very easy to operate the various buttons and controls that grace the centre stack.

Cabin noise is kept to a minimum when at higher speeds, therefore allowing me to enjoy the music emitted from the premium stereo system. This helped me make my drive time just that much more enjoyable.

Stability in corners wasn’t a problem as the Veloster’s front MacPherson struts with coil springs and rear torsion axle with coil springs suspension allowed for agile handling.

When it comes to loading up the cabin with people or stuff, Hyundai makes it easy-ish.

The inclusion of the second passenger-side door makes getting in the rear seats from that side much easier. That said, if you’re climbing into the rear seats via the driver’s side, it still takes a little bit of yoga-like moves to manoeuvre yourself in.

Check out this new 5-star review on DealerRater!

"Scott was very friendly and professional and helped us out in chosing the right car.
we felt at ease dealing with him and he made a difference when it came to chosing between Huyndai and another car we were looking at.
Thanks." -Mel

2012 Hyundai Azera "Modern Life"

As showcased in this commercial, the 2012 Hyundai Azera¹s interior surrounds you with an array of sumptuous amenities such as front and rear heated seats, ventilated power front seats with an adjustable driver seat cushion extension, ambient lighting system, available premium Infinity® or Dimension audio systems and HD Radio(tm) technology with multicasting. Plus the iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks make for great connections as does the Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

Three new 5-star reviews on DealerRater!

"I am really picky about quality of customer service. This has been the best car buying experience we have ever had! The Checkered Flag used inventory is the best in the area. Low miles, clean and competitvely priced VWs. We were looking for a quality VW Jetta used. We searched the entire area for weeks via the internet. What we found at other dealerships in no way compared to Checkered Flag. Plus, the friendly, experienced & attentive staff is certainly ready to answer all of your questions and help put you in the perfect car. We love our certified pre-owned Jetta. And when we are ready for our next car, we will be visitng Checkered Flag again! Thanks all!!!" -Lisa and Adam

With a Hyundai and strong will, homeless woman, 40, graduates from college

Shawna Machado has slept in parking lots and studied in coffee shops.

"I park at Walmart; that's 24 hours,” she said. “I park at Starbucks; that's 24 hours."

For two years, Machado, 40, has been homeless after losing a well-paying job at a doctor’s office. She was let go shortly after the economy tanked. She didn't have a degree to fall back on.

"I was not sleeping," she said. "I would go days without sleeping, days without eating, because I wasn't getting a call about a job. I wasn't even getting calls for an interview."

Machado decided to go to college at USF Sarasota-Manatee with only a computer and a car.

"I'm definitely more fortunate than a lot of people who are homeless, because I have a car," she said.

Machado keeps all of her belongings in her Hyundai. She's been able to afford to keep a vehicle by dog walking or house-sitting on the side. For two years, she has stayed in her car or with friends when possible. She's taken showers in her school's bathroom and caught sleep any chance she could.

"I don't sleep more than three or four hours at a time, and most of the time three or four hours a day," she said.

She says she would find a nice spot to sleep, such as a beach, when she could.

"Throw out a lawn chair, read a book, fall asleep,” she said. “Nobody questions it."

Many of her professors didn't even know about her situation. They found out this past weekend when she was named "Most Outstanding Graduate" in her class.

Her Spanish professor, Michael Fehily, is extremely proud.

"Shawna is the student I want every semester sitting in the front row," he said. "That's how good she's been under trying circumstances. She's achieved way beyond expectations."

Machado didn't want other teachers or students to feel sorry for her.

"Knowing my situation and not telling anybody was huge,” she said. “I don't want to feel like a burden."

She still needs a job, but she knows she's taking a step in the right direction by getting her bachelor's degree in psychology.
 
She's revamped her resume and she's sending it out in hopes of landing a job in social work.

"We're given things in life, and we're given a different walk of life, and I think we have to take that and challenge ourselves to inspire others," she said.

Two new 5-star reviews on DealerRater!

"I would like to thank Aran Benjamin and the entire staff at Checkered Flag Hyundai Volkswagen for making this the most exceptional experience during my second visit to your showroom. I went in with a very positive attitude in the hopes of purchasing another Hyundai and I maintained that same attitude through out the entire process. Mr. Benjamin was one of the most pleasant and knowledgeable in all aspects of his job. Everyone that I came in contact with made it a very enjoyable experience from sales to finance. I must say that I really appreciate the haggle free process that allowed me to purchase my new vehicle from the best salesman ever." -Tammy

2013 Hyundai Sonata Receives More Equipment, Loses Manual Transmission

The Hyundai Sonata is up against an almost-all-new segment in 2013, and the automaker won’t have an all-new version ready until 2014. So, to tide buyers over in the meantime, Hyundai has added even more content to an already content-rich ride for the 2013 model year.

Buyers of higher 2013 Sonata trim levels are in luck: both the SE and Limited trims gain added standard equipment that had previously not been offered. Sonata SE models gain heated seats for the first time, and as standard equipment, to boot. The 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE now starts at $24,120, an increase of $150. The Sonata Limited now comes standard with a traditional sunroof, in place of the previously standard panoramic sunroof; the panoramic sunroof is available as part of the $2900 Premium Package for 2013, which also includes a touch-screen navigation system, backup camera, and Infinity sound system. Compared to 2012, the upgraded model sees its price rise by $600 to $26,620 for a Sonata Limited without the Premium Package.

Just because the higher-trim models see some revision doesn’t mean the entry-level 2013 Sonata GLS isn’t tweaked as well. The Popular Equipment Package now includes fog lamps and heated seats, along with the 16-inch alloy wheels, power driver seat, chrome interior door handles, leatherette door inserts, and automatic headlights that were offered last year. Pricing for the package is bumped $75 from $750 to $825. The 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS starts at $21,670 and is now standard with the six-speed automatic transmission, a $100 increase over the auto-equipped Sonata GLS from 2012. The base 2012 Sonata GLS with six-speed manual has been discontinued for the 2013 model year.

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is powered by either a 2.4-liter direct-injected inline four-cylinder engine that is rated at 198 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in GLS and Limited trims, and 200 hp and 186 lb-ft in SE trim. Available on the SE and Limited trim levels is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft. All Sonatas are front-wheel drive and use a six-speed automatic transmission. 2013 Sonatas are available now on dealership lots across the country.

Source: Hyundai

2013 Hyundai Sonata Receives More Equipment, Loses Manual Transmission

The Hyundai Sonata is up against an almost-all-new segment in 2013, and the automaker won’t have an all-new version ready until 2014. So, to tide buyers over in the meantime, Hyundai has added even more content to an already content-rich ride for the 2013 model year.

Buyers of higher 2013 Sonata trim levels are in luck: both the SE and Limited trims gain added standard equipment that had previously not been offered. Sonata SE models gain heated seats for the first time, and as standard equipment, to boot. The 2013 Hyundai Sonata SE now starts at $24,120, an increase of $150. The Sonata Limited now comes standard with a traditional sunroof, in place of the previously standard panoramic sunroof; the panoramic sunroof is available as part of the $2900 Premium Package for 2013, which also includes a touch-screen navigation system, backup camera, and Infinity sound system. Compared to 2012, the upgraded model sees its price rise by $600 to $26,620 for a Sonata Limited without the Premium Package.

Just because the higher-trim models see some revision doesn’t mean the entry-level 2013 Sonata GLS isn’t tweaked as well. The Popular Equipment Package now includes fog lamps and heated seats, along with the 16-inch alloy wheels, power driver seat, chrome interior door handles, leatherette door inserts, and automatic headlights that were offered last year. Pricing for the package is bumped $75 from $750 to $825. The 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS starts at $21,670 and is now standard with the six-speed automatic transmission, a $100 increase over the auto-equipped Sonata GLS from 2012. The base 2012 Sonata GLS with six-speed manual has been discontinued for the 2013 model year.

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata is powered by either a 2.4-liter direct-injected inline four-cylinder engine that is rated at 198 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in GLS and Limited trims, and 200 hp and 186 lb-ft in SE trim. Available on the SE and Limited trim levels is a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 that produces 274 hp and 269 lb-ft. All Sonatas are front-wheel drive and use a six-speed automatic transmission. 2013 Sonatas are available now on dealership lots across the country.

Source: Hyundai

All New Hyundai Models Will Have Brake Override System

Unintended acceleration isn't just a Toyota problem. Hyundai is taking steps to ensure its cars are safeguarded from the issue by making brake override systems standard on all new models. Two years ago, the automaker made the system standard on half its lineup.

The fail-safe technology means that drivers can control a vehicle's speed and stop it in the event of an unintended-acceleration incident, Hyundai said. If sensors recognize that the gas and brake pedals are pressed at the same time, the brake action takes precedence to safely slow the car down. Starting this month, all of Hyundai's vehicles will have the system.

Although this is an uncommon problem, there is still the remote possibility that electric throttle control systems can malfunction and cause unintended acceleration, Hyundai said.

"With Hyundai's brake pedal throttle override capability, any brake pedal input by the driver, even with a runaway throttle condition, completely overrides any throttle malfunction," Robert Babcock, director of certification and compliance affairs for Hyundai's technical center, said in a statement. "It is no longer possible to have increasing engine power once the brake pedal is depressed by the driver. This adds a reassuring, incremental safeguard of control for Hyundai drivers."

Many automakers already use similar systems. BMW has been including it as standard equipment for years, and all Chrysler products since 2003 have brake override systems in place. All model-year 2011 and newer Toyotas have it, as well as model-year 2012 GM and Mazda vehicles, for example. More automakers will likely follow suit, especially if the government gets its way. Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began reviewing a proposal to mandate brake override systems on all new vehicles.

 

Courtesy of The Chicago Tribune

2012 Hyundai Azera "Talk to My Car"

In this spot we discover that being able to talk to your car is no longer fantasy or science fiction, thanks to Hyundai's Blue Link. This innovative technology makes driving safer, easier and more fun. By keeping your 2012 Azera connected at all times, Blue Link can help you find a gas station or a shortcut, learn about mechanical issues, get regular maintenance alerts, call for help and even find you a great Italian restaurant nearby.

FOUR new 5-star reviews on DealerRater! Wow, thanks everybody.

"My salesperson was THE BOMB! I had several considerations to take into account from my kids opinions, to feasibility in the real world setting, to accomodating my friend that lives in Yorktown who stands 6'7". Scott let me test drive and keep overnight my top two choices to insure I made the right decision. He was very accommodating and explained everything thoroughly. I couldn't be more pleased with the service I received. He's a keeper and most assuredly will go far in your company." -Justcallmebren

NADAguides Highlights Top Ten Most Versatile New Cars Under $20,000

With gas prices rising, NADAguides, the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, has identified the top ten most versatile vehicles under $20,000 that take value and feature sets into account.  New car shoppers in the market for fuel-efficient models that provide more than just the basic equipment will find a diverse list of vehicles that are feature rich and offer versatility for real life needs while staying within economical-minded budgets. NADAguides analysts have highlighted the following specific vehicle trim levels:  the Kia Rio SX Five Door, Kia Forte SX, Jeep Patriot 4WD Sport, Subaru Impreza Wagon 2.0i Premium, Ford Fiesta SEL, Ford Focus SE, Nissan Versa Hatchback 1.8 SL, Elantra Touring SE, Kia Soul Auto + and the Chevrolet Sonic LTZ 1LZ.
While fuel costs are dictating consumer car shopping habits in today's market, the usual suspects in the subcompact category are not the only option among the 2012 lineup providing desirable fuel economy and modern functionality typically only found in higher end vehicles.  After thorough analysis, NADAguides found that manufacturers have vehicles in varying categories that offer consumers the fuel efficiency they desire, combined with advanced technology features and versatility.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring SE The 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring SE is the veritable poster child for versatility and value in the compact segment.  With a starting MSRP of $19,495,the Elantra Touring is loaded with a host of standard features including EZ Lane Change Assist, power windows and door locks, heated front seats and remote keyless entry with alarm giving shoppers the versatility they need with the standard features they demand.  Other standard equipment includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and for the audiophile, an integrated 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system, creating a value package for those looking for a more distinctive option in the compact segment.

Hyundai Motor America Reports Best-Ever April Sales

 

 

 

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 1, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Hyundai Motor America, the most fuel efficient automaker in the U.S., today announced an all-time April sales record of 62,264 units, up 1 percent over last year's all-time April record, and the second best sales month in company history after last month's all-time record. With three fewer selling days this April versus last April, Hyundai's average daily sales rate improved 12 percent.

"Never has a relatively flat sales month felt quite so good," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president of national sales. "We definitely felt some pullback from an overheated March sales pace but really picked up some momentum at the tail end of the month and finished with a flurry to set another all-time volume record. Vehicle availability continues to improve and our announcement just last night of the assembly plant expansion in Alabama will provide much needed production increases for our highly fuel efficient Sonata and Elantra sedans, while generating nearly 900 new jobs for the local economy. "

 

In its first month of sales, the all-new Azera is off to a torrid start with sales up 399 percent over last April, while Hyundai's family of RWD premium products, Genesis and Equus, continue to deliver outstanding sales results with volume up 36 percent over a year ago. In an ongoing effort to meet retail demand, business to fleet accounts continues to run at less than a 10 percent mix, amongst the lowest levels in the industry.

Hyundai achieved a corporate average fuel economy level of 37.1 MPG (27.9 MPG label value) in April, while selling 23,632 vehicles (38 percent of total sales) with 40 MPG window label highway fuel economy ratings. "April was a great month for us, but low availability of our 40-mpg highway Accent, Veloster, and Elantra, three of the hottest cars in the industry, definitely impacted our final sales result," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "We'll continue to work through these constraints with actions like the addition of a third shift at our Alabama plant later this year, which will help feed unmet demand for Elantra and Sonata."

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICAHyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, 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 more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.