motor honda

Hyundai Veloster to Hit 40 MPG, Topping Honda CR-Z Figures Without Hybrid Set-up

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

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

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

[Source: AutoGuide.com]

The autos spots

The autos spots

The autos spots

The autos spots

The autos spots

Hyundai Sells 5 Million Sonatas Worldwide

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

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

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

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

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Accent Tops Class in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

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

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

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

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

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

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Genesis and Sonata Named to Edmunds.com’s Top Best Dark-Horse Cars List

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

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

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

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

[Source: Edmunds]

Hyundai Canada sets all time sales record in May

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

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

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

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

[Source: Hyundai Canada]

Kia Brings Back the Hamsters for New Soul Ad Campaign

PRESS RELEASE: KIA MOTORS AMERICA BREAKS NEW SOUL AD CAMPAIGN AND BRINGS BACK HAMSTERS BY POPULAR DEMAND

Game-Changing Kia Halo Vehicle Still Stands Apart From Competition

* 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle rolls in clever, hip hop style spot

* Pop culture Hamsters compare Soul’s style and creature comforts to other boxy rides

IRVINE, Calif., May 26, 2010 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today officially released a new advertising campaign, titled "This or That," for the 2010 Kia Soul. "This or That" is the rebirth of the initial Kia Soul award winning advertising campaign created by David&Goliath, KMA’s advertising agency of record, and brings back the loveable Hamsters due to popular demand. Soul is a unique and highly personalizable urban passenger vehicle and the new spot builds on its creative theme in the style of a music video set to the classic hip hop track "The Choice is Yours" by notable 90’s hip hop group Black Sheep. The new campaign launches today on cable TV networks Comedy Central, Fuse, MTV, MTV2 and Spike and runs through July. Beginning May 28 it will appear in movie theaters across the country as well as have a presence online at Pandora, Facebook, Social Vibe’s PetVille, KMA’s Kia.com. and a YouTube contest.

"Given the success and popularity of the hamsters in the initial Soul launch with a spot that won Nielsen’s Automotive Ad of the Year, it made sense to bring them back for a new campaign," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. "We know the Soul target audience is digitally savvy and that they viewed the first commercial multiple times online, so the newest experience is rich with details in the hamster world and integrated Soul content for them to discover during repeat viewings."

[Source: Kia]



"Hamstar™" logoed clothing, as seen in the spot, will soon be available for purchase by fans at www.hamstarclothing.com (check soon for details).

Cruising through an urban landscape behind the wheel of an Alien Green Kia Soul, the hamsters in "This or That" cleverly compare Soul’s unique styling and plethora of personalizable creature comforts to other boxy rides – represented by toasters, washing machines and cardboard boxes – while rapping the title song’s lyrics, "You can get with this, or you can get with that."

A recipient of "Best Family Cars for 2010" by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, "2010 Top Cars for Families" by Motherproof.com, and 2010 "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, Soul is available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, as well as four special editions, including the recently unveiled special-edition Ghost Soul. Other special-edition Soul vehicles include Ignition Soul, Denim Soul and Shadow Dragon Soul. Pricing for the versatile five-door begins under $14,000.

Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.

Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand’s continued gains in U.S. market share. With four new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®2 infotainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. beginning in summer 20103). The launch of the all-new 2011 Sorento CUV, the official vehicle of the NBA, further enhances the lineup, and is now in dealerships.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 670 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share and recently achieved its best quarter of sales ever. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Hyundai launches i45 "Driven by obsession" campaign in Australia

Hyundai Motor Company Australia has launched a campaign for its new mid-sized sedan i45, with its ads featuring water droplet technology that creates shapes from cascading water.

The TV ad shows individual water droplets falling and creating shapes as they hit the car. One of the key images is a massive sword being “thrust” into the i45.
The “Driven by Obsession” campaign, created by Innocean Worldwide in partnership with Disciple, includes television, cinema, print, online, point of sale and outdoor.

Tim Brown, Disciple creative partner, said: “We’d seen graphic waterfalls technology at trade shows and felt that using it was a beautiful and captivating way to tell our story.”

Innocean took over the car maker’s creative account in April last year.

According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries April 2010 VFACTS report, Hyundai’s vehicle sales in the year to the end of April rose 65.4 per cent, compared the same 2009 YTD period.

This was compared to the overall car market which was up 20.3 per cent during that same period.

[Source: Hyundai]

Free HQ Car Pictures: 08/ Honda Fit Sport 2009Free HQ Car Pictures: 08/ Honda Fit Sport 2009 Pictures best-free-car-pictures.blogspot....ive.html Info
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New Auto Sport 2011 Nissan X-Trail 2005 - 200 2006 Service Manual

Nissan X-Trail 2005 - 2006 Service Manual

Nissan X-Trail 2005 - 2006 Service Manual

Section :
Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Cooling System, Engine Control System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Accelerator Control System, Transmission, Clutch, Transfer, Propeller Shaft, Suspension,

Sun, 2010-05-02 21:26

Jeep Wrangler 2004 Service Manual

Section :
Introduction, Lubrication & Maintenance, Suspension, Differential & Driveline, Brakes, Clutch, Cooling, Audio / Video, Chime / Buzzer, Electronic Control Modules, Engine Systems,

Wed, 2010-04-14 18:58

Porsche 964 Service Manual

Section :
Engine, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Chassis, Body, Heater and Air Conditioner, Wiring Diagram.

Tue, 2010-04-13 16:18

Hyundai Sonata 1991 Service Manual

Section :
General Information, Lubrication and Maintenance, Engine, Cooling System, Engine Electrical System, Intake & Exhaust System, Emission Control System, Fuel System, Clutch,

Thu, 2010-04-08 00:03

Nissan Cube 2009 Service Manual

Section : General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication System, Engine Cooling System, Engine, Control System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Starting System, Accelerator Control System, Hybrid Battery System, Hybrid Brake System, Clutch, Transaxle & Transmission,

New Auto Sport 2011

Građani Srbije uskoro će u auto-salonima moći da kupe automobile na hibridni pogon za 1.000 evra manje nego do sada.

Pored uvek atraktivnih Lambo vrata i dvobojne spoljašnjosti, WEITEC-ov Golf GTI ipak ima još aduta kojima bi trebalo da privuče potencijalne kupce

Grupa BYD iz Kine zajedno sa nemačkim „Dajmlerom” angažovana je na razvoju električnih vozila u Kini i planira da počne prodaju automobila u Evropi i SAD jer kupci nastoje da smanje izdatke za benzin i da kupuju vozila niže emisije štetnih gasova

Nemačkim kupcima na raspolaganju stoji nova Black & White specijalna serija Peugeotovog kabrioleta 207 CC sa sklopivim tvrdim krovom.

Nova Opel Meriva nastavlja tradiciju dobijanja nagrada koje su osvojile Insignija i Astra. Prvu nagradu za dizajn novoj Opel Merivi dodelio je nemački magazin "Auto Bild" u kategoriji SUV/Van/All-wheel

2010 Hyundai Genesis Receives IIHS 'Top Safety Pick'

The 2010 Hyundai Genesis Sedan has recently been tested and awarded the ‘Top Safety Pick’ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This award is earned by all vehicles who manage to achieve the institute’s top rating of “Good” for front, side, rollover and rear crash protection. A vehicle cannot achieve the ‘Top Safety Pick’ if it hasn’t got Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard.

The South Korean car company earned the ‘Top Safety Pick’ with the 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan as well, but this year the standards were raised even higher and a roof strength test was added to the procedures.

The new guidelines require the roof to withstand more than two times the strength of current federal requirements in order to properly maintain the vehicle’s integrity in a rollover accident. And Hyundai made the adjustments to the Genesis roof structure to improve protection.

"Genesis was designed to be one of the safest vehicles on the road and includes features such as ESC and Hyundai's first electronic active front head restraint system, which helps prevent whiplash," said Derek Joyce, manager of product planning, Hyundai Motor America.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai Moving Santa Fe Production to Kia West Point Plant

Hyundai Motor Co. is considering shifting some production from its factory in Alabama to a recently opened plant run by sister company Kia, Hyundai spokesman Robert Burns said.

Moving some production from Hyundai's Montgomery, Ala., plant to Kia Motor Co.'s West Point, Ga., facility could be a way to maximize the efficiency of both plants, Burns said.

Any final decision would come from the South Korean headquarters of Hyundai, which owns Kia, he said.

"They're evaluating options to make sure we fully utilize the capacity of U.S. production," Burns said.

Hyundai's Montgomery plant currently builds the Sonata sedan and the Santa Fe SUV. Kia's plant in West Point, which began production late last year, builds just the Sorento SUV.

Sales of both companies have risen sharply in the U.S. in the last year. Hyundai sales are up 20 percent year to date, while Kia sales have climbed 13 percent, according to Autodata Corp.

News of the possible shift was first reported by the trade publication Automotive News.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Busan: Hyundai Unveils All-New Avante (Elantra)

Hyundai has unveiled the 2011 Elantra (known as the Avante in South Korea) at the Busan Motor Show in its home country. This is the fifth generation of the popular compact car, Hyundai’s best-selling model worldwide, with over 6 million units sold since 1990.

Completely redesigned, the Elantra uses design cues from the new Accent, unveiled this month at the Auto China 2010 in Beijing, but also from the new Sonata. The new Elantra wears a "fluidic sculpture" design with four-door coupe styling, High Intensity Discharge headlights (HID) and LED taillights.

Interior pictures are yet to be released, but Hyundai says in the press release that the cabin offers "advanced features not found on other compacts." Equipment includes heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and a color TFT LCD information display.

Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by a 1.6-liter Gamma GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) four-cylinder engine, developing 140 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque (167 Nm). The unit is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s the first time GDI technology and six-speed automatic are put together on a compact sedan in Korea. The direct injection and the automatic gearbox make the Elantra “10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors,” according to Hyundai.

"The new Avante encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class. We're confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide," said Steve S. Yang, president and CEO of Hyundai's Global Business Division. Korean sales will begin in the second half of 2010, with global availability shortly thereafter.

[Source: Hyundai]

Beijing: Hyundai Introduces New Direct Injection I4, V6 and 8-speed Automatic

Hyundai’s new Accent was the star of the companies exhibit at this year’s Beijing Auto Show, but the debut of two new engines and a new automatic transmission will have broader implications for the rest of the company’s lineup.

In addition to the 2.4L GDI four-cylinder in the Sonata (pictured above), two new gasoline direct-injection engines were unveiled at Beijing, a 1.6L four cylinder putting out 138 horsepower, a 28 horsepower bump over Hyundai’s current 1.6L four banger. The 1.6 GDI should appear in the Accent, Elantra, certain Kia models and the upcoming Veloster compact sports car. Even more enticing was the mention in a product video that the 1.6 could potentially be turbocharged and paired up with a dual-clutch gearbox, though no timeline was given for either technology.

Hyundai’s long awaited GDI version of the Lambda V6 was also previewed, although the engine was only rated at 296 horsepower, which is a few ponies less than the current Lambda makes in Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe. One can assume that there will be different variations, and that the engine will see a bump in power when it comes Stateside. Hyundai also joins Lexus in the elite 8-speed automatic club, and it’s a sure bet that the Genesis Sedan and Coupe will get the new 8-speed auto option.

With Hyundai positioning itself as a premium brand, the company has an obligation to innovate on its own, and not just play catch-up – even if they’re hot on the heels of world leaders like Lexus.

[Source: Hyundai via AutoGuide.com]

Continue reading to view Hyundai's official video releases.

Kia Forte Earns 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS

Kia Motors has announced that its compact Forte sedan has received a "Top Safety Pick" status for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This is the third model from the Hyundai/Kia line-up to receive this prestigious title for 2010, with the other two being the Kia Soul and the all-new Hyundai Sonata.

It is important to note that this rating only applies to Forte's built after October 2009, as the automaker made revisions to the car's B-pillar and roof to qualify it for the award.

For a vehicle to qualify for the rating, it must score the top rating of Good in frontal-offset, side-impact, and rear-impact crash tests. New for 2010, a car must also score a good rating in its roof-strength test that measures occupant protection in the case of a rollover. The car must also be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC), standard equipment in the Forte.

With the new standards implemented for 2010, there are only 31 vehicles in the market that qualify for the Top Safety Pick, a low number compared to that of 2009. Other cars in the compact segment that earned the top rating are the Volkwagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, Scion xB, and Nissan Cube. Honda Civic's equipped with optional stablity control also earned the award.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Beijing: Hyundai Unveils All-New Verna (Accent)

Of the more U.S.-relevant reveals at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show in China today is this Hyundai Verna. Why? Because it's the overseas version of what we know as the 2011 Hyundai Accent.

Sporting Hyundai's latest 'fluidic sculpture' design language, the Verna comes off overall as a shrunk-down 2011 Sonata - not that that's a bad thing. The now-familiar sweeping side character line, oversized headlights, and wavy front grille are all present on the new Accent - a vehicle that has been in need of a significant makeover for some time.

From what we can see of the interior, Hyundai seems to have applied a slightly up-market touch to the inside of its new Verna. The Korean automaker also claims to have made large improvements to NVH levels in the compact sedan.

Underhood, the 2011 Verna features the new-generation Gamma gasoline engine in either 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter DOHC inline-four configurations. The larger of the two is expected to be offered in the U.S. and 106 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque are available in the Chinese-spec version. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Hyundai, like many other automakers, has been enjoying strong sales in China, with over two million vehicles being sold there since the brand arrived in 2002. In 2009, Hyundai posted a 94-percent year-over-year sales boost, making for an easy decision to maintain its presence in the market.

We'll continue to keep you updated as more information on the U.S.-spec 2011 Hyundai Accent arrives.

[Source: Hyundai via Motor Trend]

Continue reading to view more images.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/egmcartech/sets/72157623791299031/show/

Kia Considering a Magentis Estate for Europe

According to British publication Autocar, Kia is planning to roll out an estate version of the all-new Magentis (K5/Optima) sedan for the European market.

Unveiled for the first time at the New York International Auto Show in April, the new mid-size sedan from Kia will drop the "Magentis" moniker for the European market, according to Kia. In South Korea, the car is called "K5" while in North America, it is known as "Optima".

A Kia source revealed that an estate version of the car will be built. When asked about this body style, chief designer Peter Schreyer said, “I would love to do station wagon and coupé versions of the car. The station wagon would only really work for Europe but the coupé would work in the US.”

[Source: Autocar.co.uk]

Hyundai Sonata: Most-Viewed Midsize Sedan on AutoTrader.com in March

Hyundai's all-new Sonata midsize sedan was AutoTrader.com’s most-viewed vehicle in its class during the month of March. For the first time ever, Sonata surpassed competitors that include Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. AutoTrader.com recorded 16.5 million unique monthly visitors in March, the highest traffic the company had ever experienced.

“Industry wide, traffic seems to be increasing and the Sonata is hitting showrooms at an ideal time to capitalize on renewed consumer interest in cars,” said Scott Margason, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Sonata’s new design identity is drawing significant shopper attention, motivating and driving consumers to include it on their list when considering their next car purchase.”

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. The vehicle offers class-leading fuel economy of 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 198 horsepower standard.

Hyundai also announced 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine and Sonata Hybrid models last week at the New York International Auto Show, rounding out an exciting new 2011 Sonata lineup.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai i30 Wins UK Satisfaction Poll

The Hyundai i30 has been named top car in the ninth annual Driver Power 2010 survey for satisfaction and reliability, as voted for by 23,000 readers of Auto Express. The i30 beat last year's winner, the Jaguar XF, for the top slot, while the Skoda Octavia came third ahead of parent company Volkswagen's new Golf.

Skoda retained its position as best manufacturer overall. The second-generation Toyota Prius was voted number one for both reliability and ease of driving, the Fiat Panda took the honours for low running costs, the recently-replaced Land Rover Discovery was tops for practicality and the Lexus IS beat all the opposition in terms of build quality.

All the manufacturers named above will be happy about this, but there will be some grumbling elsewhere. The Ford Focus had only a middling result, finishing 51st overall, though at least that was better than Vauxhall managed, with its Astra and Corsa (admittedly previous models rather than current ones) propping up the bottom of the table in 99th and 100th positions respectively.

Despite this, Vauxhall was not the lowest-rated manufacturer. That was Peugeot, largely on account of the poor results achieved by the 207 and 307.

[Source: CarKeys.co.uk]

Hyundai Equus Becomes Costa Rica's Presidential Limo

For his last days in office as the President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias will be sporting a brand new presidential limo - the Hyundai Equus. The all-new Equus is donated by the government of South Korea, in conjunction with Hyundai Motor Company. The car is currently en route to Costa Rica, and is expected to arrive in the country on April 20th.

The new presidential ride for Costa Rica replaces the outgoing Kia Opirus (Amanti) in the country's presidential fleet. The rear-wheel drive flagship model of Hyundai will be given to Arias who is completing his term very soon, and the keys will be handed over later to president-elect Laura Chinchilla.

There are no indications that the Equus for the Costa Rican President is bulletproof like the model designed for the South Korean President.

[Source: Inside Costa Rica]

Kia Soul Hamster CF Wins "Automotive Ad of the Year"

Already a recipient of numerous accolades including a "2010 Automotive Excellence Award" from Popular Mechanics and being recognized as the "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, the new 2010 Kia Soul was honored yet again at the Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards event in conjunction with the New York International Auto Show when the TV commercial for the uniquely styled urban passenger vehicle was named "Automotive Ad Of The Year."

Created by David&Goliath, the Soul spot depicts city and suburban streets inhabited exclusively by hamsters who are mindlessly running in place inside their exercise wheels until a molten red Kia Soul pulls up to a stoplight and the passenger window rolls down to reveal a trio of paw-tapping, music-loving hamsters who have discovered "A New Way To Roll."

Portraying Soul as a lounge on wheels with its highly specified audio system that includes speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music, the hamsters bob their heads to four different music tracks that appear in slightly different versions of the spot to keep each viewing fresh. Viewers with a sharp eye can identify song and artist information on the hamsters' iPod screen, and the campaign extended online with each track available for download at www.kiasoul.com.

"The Soul was designed to stand out in a sea of sameness and that same philosophy guided the creative development of the hamster campaign and to position Soul as Kia's affordable halo vehicle," said Michael Sprague, VP, marketing, Kia Motors America.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading for the second version of the Soul Hamster Ad.

Buy a Hyundai Equus, Get an iPad

When the 2011 Hyundai Equus goes on sale this fall, the Korean automaker intends to pamper well-heeled customers and prospects, with free in-home demonstrations and service calls. As a bonus, Equus buyers will get a free Apple iPad, the hot new wireless multimedia tablet, from which they can schedule service appointments and access an electronic owner's manual.

The manual-on-an-iPad appears to be an industry first—part of Hyundai's effort to create an aura of exclusivity around its new flagship sedan.

Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik says the launch of the Equus "has driven us to create an innovative customer experience designed to save our customers time...We'll use what we learn from Equus to upgrade the customer experience for all Hyundai owners."

Krafcik said the electronic owner's manual will be "interactive," but the device also will be a fully functioning iPad. Equus owners can use the device to schedule free service pickup and delivery, as well as free loaners.

[Source: Inside Line - Edmunds]

New York 2010: Kia Adds Five-Door Forte Hatchback

The Kia Forte line-up has just received a new member to sit next to the sedan and Koup versions: a five-door version that will go on sale in October.

The 2011 Forte 5-door version will be available will all the options from the sedan, but will also include a new front grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, center console, paddle shifters, push-button start and navigation.

Under the hood there will be a choice of the 2.0 and 2.4-liter engines and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Basically, Kia has taken the Forte and Koup, added a fifth door, and made some additional minor adjustments. Voila, a whole "new" car.

Continue reading for Kia's short press release and more hi-res images.

Excerpt from Kia Press Release on NYIAS

Also making its world premiere in New York is the Forte (’Cerato’ in some markets) five-door. Keeping in line with the stylish and practical Forte compact sedan and first-for-Kia Forte Koup, the Forte five-door adds another attractive option to the Forte family.

Forte five-door builds on the popular Forte compact sedan and bold Forte Koup by employing another practical yet modern iteration of the platform. Lower and firmly set on its haunches, Forte five-door carries with it all the amenities of the Forte line and introduces a new front grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, center console, paddle shifters, push-button start (already available in Forte line-up outside of North America) and navigation (available in North America only) in addition to the enhanced practicality of a fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional practicality.

Depending on country, Forte five-door is available with three efficient gasoline engines - 1.6-litre, 2.0-litre or 2.4-litre - and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission. North American consumers will have a choice of the 2.0 and 2.4-liter engines while customers outside of North America will be able to choose from the 1.6 and 2.0-liter powerplants.

New York 2010: Kia Sorento SX Makes Big Debut, Adds Unique Look

Complete Info Article on Sorento SX HERE

[Source: Kia Motors America]

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