Among our recent drives was an afternoon in the Chelsea-Ann Arbor, Michigan, area in a newly revised Hyundai Sonata. Reaching dealers as I write this, the 2009 Sonata doesn't change dramatically on the outside, but offers a more comfortable interior, revised suspension, and both more power and better fuel efficiency. All the right buttons are checked, but were they successful? Our first spin around the neighborhood leads us to say yes, though there are niggles to be found, too.

The new Sonata gets a deeper grille and taller rectangular headlights, more chrome trim all around, and a very slightly revised lower rear fascia. The changes bring a VW Passat to mind, but these subtle changes make for a more grown up and refined Sonata. The taller, more vertical grille and headlights help the hood creases look less clumsy and make for a more imposing face. Changes to the rear are so subtle as to be irrelevant; there are new taillights, but the shape is the same.

Continue reading "2009 Hyundai Sonata: Refreshed from the Inside Out" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A New Coupe, A Year Away
Hyundai spent their New York auto show time introducing their new rear-drive sporty coupe, the Genesis Coupe. Related to the Genesis sedan on sale this summer, the coupe arrives in spring 2009.

Genesis sits on Hyundai's first in-house rear-drive car platform. The stylish coupe tames down its looks from the concept introduced in Los Angeles in November 2007, but mostly in losing hood scoops and refining lights, front grille, and spoiler shapes. What Hyundai held back for introduction was that the powertrain lineup includes a turbocharged and intercooled 212HP 2.0L I4 as the base engine. The 3.8L V6 arrives as expected, but most figured the second powertrain would be the sedan's V8.

Continue reading "New York Auto Show 2008 - 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 09:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Hyundai’s First Luxury Sedan is Packed with Impressive Specs
Hyundai unveiled the production Genesis luxury sedan that was previewed last year in concept form at the New York Auto Show. The production version has hardly changed except for the front and rear fascias; it’s a pleasant looking big sedan that definitely pays homage to some of the more aspirational luxury cars out there, albeit in a most conservative manner.

No doubt, this is one impressive Hyundai. It’s the first rear drive Hyundai in North America (if you don’t count the Canada-only Stellar from the early 80s). It’s got a tremendously sophisticated five-link independent rear suspension, one of the stiffest chassis on the market, fantastic interior accommodations and build quality, and even – lo and behold – an available 4.6L V8 that cranks out 368HP, on regular fuel! This writer, having driven several prototypes throughout its development, can confirm that the drive experience is nothing short of truly impressive.

Continue reading "Hyundai Genesis: Conservative Sedan Holds Promise for Interesting Future Product" »

Posted by Ed Kim at 12:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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The Hyundai Genesis is the new flagship for Hyundai Motor America. Slated for launch in Spring 2008 as a 2009 model, Hyundai will try to position the Genesis more as a luxury sport sedan than Korean land barge it really is. Let's talk about that a moment. The Genesis - or BH - is designed as the Hyundai flagship in Korea. As such, it will usually be a chauffer-driven conveyance with the chairman or president regally reclined in the doily covered rear seat. Big, comfortable, quiet. That's the ticket.

Mainstream Brand/Luxury Entry

Now, for a luxury car from an import-brand manufacturer to succeed, Americans expect the car to be more of a sport sedan. Like a Mercedes or BMW. Well, the Genesis largely delivers the specifications to be competitive, but it's an image game. Of course, Honda, Toyota and Nissan sell luxury cars in the USA, but they sell them under luxury channel badges - Acura, Lexus and Infiniti. Hyundai is selling Genesis as a Hyundai - not a second channel - so Genesis carries the baggage of Hyundai's market positioning.

Can Hyundai, a Korean manufacturer once known for building low quality econoboxes but now getting credit for making some of the highest quality vehicles in the market compete against luxury marques? Hyundai hopes it has the right product and can find the right way to position and communicate that product to make it a success in the market. Hyundai likes to compare its $30,000 - $40,000 Genesis to $60,000 - $70,000 competitors from Germany and japan.

Editor's note: I did see Hyundai's Vice President of Product Planning, John Krafcik ogling the upcoming Pontiac G8 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. V8-powered (360HP), rear wheel drive, priced below $30,000, the G8 may steal some of Genesis' thunder when they both hit the market at about the same time. John was kinda pale after looking over the Pontiac G8.

The Genesis is not a head-turner, but a relatively safe, contemporary design and will offend no one. It looks modern, but not risky. In many ways it will blend in with its competition so Hyundai will have to depend on Genesis succeeding based on price and specifications. On the specifications side, Genesis promises to be very competitive.

Top Notch Interior with all the Required Luxury Filips

The instrumentation uses Hyundai's blue glow gauges and ergonomics appear to be pretty good. The double cockpit instrument panel is modern and reminiscent of the new Cadillac CTS and other contemporary luxury cars.

As expected in a luxury class car, there are high-tech features available such as aLexicon Logic 7 audio system with USB and iPod inputs, XM satellite radio (a standard HMA feature), HD radio, Bluetooth for hands-free cellphoning, and an optional navigation system with a huge, eight-inch screen.

RWD Platform with IRS. V8 Available

The Genesis is a front-engine, rear wheel drive 4-door sedan with independent rear suspension and an available V8 engine. Genesis has a larger interior than either the Mercedes E-Class or the BMW 5-Series.

There are three different powertrains, the base engine is a 3.3-liter, all-aluminum V6 with 264 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. The first level engine option is a 3.8-liter version of the engine with 290 hp and 264 lb-ft. The V6s use an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.

The big news is the 4.6-liter V8, which is paired with a six-speed automatic with manual mode. The 4.6L V8 has 368 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque (on regular fuel; with premium, the numbers jump to 375 hp/333 lb-ft), it's one of the most powerful engines in the segment, besting competitors like the Infiniti M45, Lexus GS460, BMW 7-Series.

Price has not yet been announced, but Hyundai has tipped the base price to be under $30,000 and it appears a fully equipped V8-powered Genesis should top out at over $40,000. After all, a fully optioned Hyundai Veracruz SUV can hit $40,000, so this is not completely uncharted waters for HMA. Remember our early comment about the Pontiac G8. It'll be interesting to comparably equip G8 with the Genesis. Our guess is that they are pretty similar at the bottom end, but G8's V8 entry will be substantially less expensive than V8 Genesis.

Will Hyundai Positioning Strategy Succeed Against Luxury "Brand" Vehicles?

With Genesis being part of the mainstream Hyundai lineup, it tests a positioning philosophy that no other mainstream brand has succeeded with. Sure we have big RWD V8 sedans at Dodge and Chrysler, Ford and Mercury and soon Pontiac. There are FWD V8s at Chevrolet and Buick. On the import side, VW tried it with a W8 Passat and the Passat bombed. The VW Phaeton - a much more expensive proposition than Genesis - bombed too. So, the jury is out. How will folks be attracted to a Hyundai "Luxury Sport Sedan" at an attractive price, with conservative styling, with a 100,000 mile warranty and powerful V8? Stay tuned.

Posted by George Peterson at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Readers of VehicleVoice may not be intimately aware of the folks running the various car companies, but their comings and goings can make for great stories. The recent career of Steve Wilhite, until last Friday Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor America, promises to be one of the more interesting.

Wilhite's Career - Ford, Volkswagen, Apple, Nissan, Hyundai... NEXT?

Wilhite has been a well-regarded car marketer since he joined Volkswagen of America in the early '90s and help turn the company around through innovative advertising campaigns. Of course, he picked up the ball after VW had stopped taking cars produced at their Puebla, Mexico assembly plant until quality was acceptable. At their lowest, Volkswagen sold less than 50,000 cars in one year.

Wilhite Credited with "Think Different"

Following VW, Wilhite joined Apple Computer as the chief marketer. Apple's "Think Different" campaign came under Wilhites tenure and set the image of the Apple brand for the late '90s and early '00s. Apparently, working for Steve Jobs as a senior executive is not the easiest job in the world. Wilhite recounts stories of being summoned to Jobs' home at oh-dark-thirty more than once to brainstorm Apple marketing issues.

Tokyo a Wrong Move

But the car industry beckoned again and after a brief interlude Wilhite joined Nissan North America as head of marketing and then moved to Tokyo as head of Nissan's global marketing. Frustrating job. Great title, but no real power. Spouse hated Tokyo. Writing on the wall. Hyundai came along.

The Hyundai Year - August 2006 - September 2007

Wilhite joined Hyundai Motor America in August 2006 as their "current" Chief Operating Officer. Following the departure of Finbarr O'Neill the COO job at HMA had been a revolving door. In fact, Wilhite's predecessor Bob Cosmai lasted a bit over a year. HMA missed his first year's sales targets by less than 2,000 units and the second year by about 15,000. Didn't meet his targets... assassinated.

Wilhite joined a company with extremely ambitious sales targets. A target of 1,000,000 units in the USA for 2010 was a one-time target - part of Hyundai's Global Top Five strategy. Wilhite inherited a sales target of 555,000 units for the 2007 calendar year when he signed on. This was adjusted to 510,000 units as the reality of the 2007 calendar year became clearer. By the time he left, HMA was on track to sell a bit over 450,000 units. So, either the Koreans eliminated another top American, Wilhite got extremely frustrated with Korean management and not achieving goals, or Wilhite has a really good offer in the works from another car company.

Wilhite to Fill Ford's Top Marketing Opening?

We'll go with the other car company offer for the moment. Conjecture has it that Wilhite would be the perfect candidate for the top marketing job at Ford Motor Company. Ford is looking. In fact, General Motors may be looking for a replacement for their top marketing exec Mike Jackson who "left" earlier this year. Looks like Wilhite may have several juicy opportunities if he chooses to stay in the auto biz.

In any event, Hyundai has lost another top executive... an executive who understands the power of brand building and was putting plans in place to enhance the overall perception of Hyundai in the USA.

Posted by George Peterson at 09:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

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Hyundai Sonata owners rate the Sonata as the Ideal Premium Mid-Size Car. Owner ratings for Sonata’s package – size, roominess, and cargo space establish Sonata as the class leader among Premium Mid-Size Cars. Sonata does especially well in cargo space, visibility, ease of getting in and out and interior storage. Hyundai knows what their Premium Mid-Size Car customers want, and provides it. A sure way to beat the competition.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 11:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Again, package considerations put the Hyundai Elantra at the top of the hotly competitive Compact Car class. The Elantra is highly rated for exterior size, passenger room, cargo space, visibility, ease of getting in and out, and interior storage. Interior lighting was also highly rated, while power and acceleration is slightly below segment average.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 11:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A minivan is a utilitarian people mover where function often wins over styling and image. The all-new Hyundai Entourage wins as the Most Ideal Minivan with exterior size, exterior styling and power and acceleration providing just what its target buyers prefer. The outstanding achievement of winning the Most Ideal Minivan Award in its first year out proves that Hyundai designers and engineers understand the American minivan buyer and have provided a vehicle that caters to their needs.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 11:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Hyundai Tucson is the Most Ideal Compact Crossover SUV for 2007. Tucson buyers prefer their current exterior size and passenger room, but would like more cargo space. Ease of getting in and out is highly rated, as is interior storage. Buyers also prefer the same size and style of wheels and tires.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 11:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ah, the wonderful world of Minivans. Where parents are relegated to a tin box on wheels. Where you share the same workload as a prison bus driver, only you’re not getting paid and there are no steel bars to protect you from the scoundrels in the back. Can’t imagine owning one? Well, neither could we. But after a weekend with a 2007 Hyundai Entourage the AutoPacific staff is starting to rethink the possibility that these minivan owners may have the last laugh…

Walking up to the Entourage, for me, is like walking up to any minivan: depressing. It’s like I’m walking towards the ‘injection room’ on my last day at San Quentin. Part of the issue is package provisions. It would be very difficult to pack in everything that makes a minivan so great into something with a different image. Most manufacturers have identified the exact ingredients needed to build and successfully sell a minivan. They all take relatively the same shape or form and follow the magic instructions: front-wheel-drive, V6, and two sliding doors.

Continue reading "Hyundai Entourage – Troop Transport" »

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Hyundai Azera and Toyota Avalon Tied for AutoPacific 2007 Large Car Vehicle Satisfaction Award:

“The then all-new Hyundai Azera was the top rated vehicle overall in AutoPacific's 2006 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. Again this year, Hyundai Azera owners gave the Azera class winning ratings," said AutoPacific president George Peterson. "Azera owners rated their vehicle highly for Power/Acceleration, Innovative Technology, Value and especially Warranty. Tied for a win in this segment was the Toyota Avalon, the Toyota Division flagship, which scored well for Ride, and such traditional Toyota strengths as Quality, Reliability, Durability and Anticipated Resale Value”.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 09:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Ford Edge and Hyundai Santa Fe tie for AutoPacific 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV:

“One of the most competitive SUV segments is the Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV segment. These Crossover SUVs are, for the most part, 5-passenger vehicles with no third row seat (exceptions are the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Ford Freestyle and Chrysler Pacifica). They represent the heart of the Crossover SUV market," says AutoPacific president George Peterson. The Ford Edge is a new entry and was rated highly for Exterior Appearance, Image, and Quietness. The Dealership Experience was also rated well. The Hyundai Santa Fe is all new for 2007, and their owners rated the vehicle higher than segment average for Warranty (something for which Hyundai is well known), Cupholder Design and Size, Audio Controls, Interior Storage Compartments, and Value. The Santa Fe has been a perennial AutoPacific VSA Award Winner”.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 09:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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Hyundai Tucson Wins AutoPacific 2007 Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Compact Crossover SUV:

“The owners of the Hyundai Tucson out-pointed its competition in Vehicle Satisfaction ratings but the Hyundai Warranty was the one attribute that vaulted Tucson to the top of its class. The Tucson is a very competitive Compact Crossover SUV and is available with a V6 engine – a rarity in this class. But it was the Warranty and not the engine that powered the Tucson to victory," said AutoPacific president George Peterson.

Posted by Keagan Patrick at 09:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The brand-by-brand results for the VehicleVoice Image and Consideration Tracking Study. Earlier we had released the results of the changing opinions for nine "manufacturers". Now, the information for the 36 individual brands we measured have been analyzed.

Saturn and Hyundai Tops in Positive Opinion Change

In a virtual tie, Saturn and Hyundai are tops in opinion improvement over the past year. With a net better-vs.-worse score of +29%-points Saturn nudges past Hyundai at +28%-pts. Cadillac posted a respectable showing with a 23%-point improvement.

Saturn's positive results come from a respected and expanding lineup of new cars and trucks. Winning the Car of the Year Award with the Saturn Aura did not go unnoticed. Also, addition of the Saturn Outlook Crossover SUV to the lineup was a very positive move. And, we cannot forget the Sky sports car. While Sky may not sell in huge numbers or generate huge profits, it is having a substantial positive effect on the image of Saturn. As a pure "halo vehicle" Sky is doing its job.

Hyundai was the top manufacturer in image change (Hyundai + Kia), but came in second among individual brands when considering Hyundai alone. Hyundai gets strong credit for having a solid warranty, improving durability/quality/reliability, better styling, better products overall, and an outstanding value. Hyundai has done an excellent job communicating the basic values of the brand to VehicleVoice panelists.

HUMMER Trails List of Image Improvement

Any list with top to bottom ratings has to have a last place finisher. For this wave of the research HUMMER was tail end Charlie. While the opinions of most individual brands improved, HUMMER showed the most net loss. In an environment of high fuel prices spiraling upwards, HUMMER is seen as out of touch with what the country wants and needs. The large, fuel in-efficient, brutishly styled HUMMERS are the poster children for the eco-friendly.

Two Luxury Brands Dip Below the Line

VehicleVoice panelists indicate that their opinion of Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz are lower today than a year ago. Both of these brands are dinged for reliability problems especially with electronics systems.

Join VehicleVoice to Give Your Opinions on a Wide Range of Automotive Issues

VehicleVoice panelists regularly get the opportunity to give their opinions on a wide range of automotive topics from the image of brands to what an ideal audio system would be like in their vehicle. VehicleVoice surveys give panelists the opportunity to explain why something may, or may not, be desirable. It is this level of commitment that makes the VehicleVoice panel different from all others.

For those of you who have not yet joined the VehicleVoice automotive Internet panel, it takes just a few seconds to sign up. Go to http://www.vehiclevoice.com to get started.

Posted by George Peterson at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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During the last week of March 2007, 1,254 VehicleVoice panelists responded to an Internet survey concerning their opinion of major automakers in the USA. VehicleVoice asked these questions because the opinion of buyers and their attitudes towards various aspects of a manufacturer's image are critically important. Managing image and opinion plus understanding what is driving that opinion can influence whether a person will positively consider or reject a brand next time they are in the market.

The key question in the VehicleVoice survey was whether the respondent's opinion of a manufacturer had changed since this time last year. If their opinion had changed, the panel member was given the chance to explain why their opinion had changed. We received over 5,000 comments concerning these manufacturers. Some were as short one word. Some were as long as a page of 10-point type. Folks really had a lot to say and their comments were fascinating.

Discussion for each of the brands is below the fold.

Continue reading "VehicleVoice Panelists' Opinion of Manufacturers" »

Posted by George Peterson at 03:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Next, Hyundai Takes on Luxury Sport Sedans

As VehicleVoice reported earlier (click here), Hyundai revealed an upcoming rear-drive sedan as the Genesis concept at the New York Auto Show, and at what must have been one of the best-attended end-of-day press conferences ever. There was surprisingly little traffic around Genesis the next day during my walkaround. It was more difficult to get post-conference photos of the Infiniti EX or Ford Flex than the Hyundai, and we see the Genesis as one of the most significant introductions at this year's show. (Click for our posting of Hyundai's official Genesis photos.)

Genesis, known internally at Hyundai as "BH", telegraphs Hyundai's intention to seriously go after rear-drive sports sedans. The exterior design builds on styling credibility Hyundai has been developing, but the interior and the driving dynamics that will make or break this car are still under wraps. A miss on the exterior styling would keep people away, but even with strong styling the car will not make it all the way to consumer driveways if the interior is a disappointment.

Hyundai designers have created a smooth and elegant design, but Genesis does have one risk: It could blend in with the pack. Genesis takes styling cues from luxury brands all over the world (long, thin taillights much like the Lincoln Zephyr concept, though the MKZ production lights are taller; decklid bump from BMW; narrow headlights similar to Acura; lower LED fog lights along the lines of the Audi S6) and shown off on a silver car, created a credible look for their upcoming sports sedan. The wheels are sharp, as is the subtle character line running from front fender, over the door handles, and into the taillights. Though the grille is among the elements that may be revised before production, it is clearly a Hyundai grille and shares some relationship to the Azera.

Hyundai gave no hints as to the interior, but the exterior design is ready to play. There's a fine, fine line between hitting the mark and going too far. Genesis won't be accused of moving the needle and does not offer new design elements. But Hyundai is working its way into relatively conservative segments, and Genesis takes the safe route. Luxury sedan buyers look for elegance, simplicity, and style and don't seem to adapt quickly to dramatic style shifts; witness the brouhaha that surrounded the latest 7-Series introduction. Hyundai is wise to start off with something elegant but that does not push the envelope just yet.

Continue reading "Concept Hyundai Genesis: New York Auto Show" »

Posted by Stephanie Brinley at 08:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Just a few years ago, I never thought I would drive a Hyundai priced over $38,000, but today I did. This was an all-wheel-drive Hyundai Veracruz Limited with the Ultimate package. The Veracruz is Hyundai's new top-of-the-line Crossover SUV. Basically, it had all the boxes checked. Think of it this way... a 2008 Lexus RX350 base base base MSRP is $37,400. Think FWD, cloth seats and not much equipment. Begin adding equipment, like AWD and leather seats, and that will take it well above $38,000 and you quickly go above the top-priced Veracruz. Of course, Veracruz' pricing starts at around $27,000 and that makes it seem more like the Hyundai value proposition we are accustomed to.

VehicleVoice and AutoPacific staffers were suitably impressed with the new Veracruz which is at dealers now.

The Veracruz is based on the same platform as the lower-priced Hyundai Santa Fe that has been a winner for Hyundai since it was launched a generation ago. Santa Fe is the winner of six straight AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards - no small feat. If that is any indication, Veracruz will be a strong contender in the Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV category.

Vehicle Configuration - Unitized Body, V6-powered, IRS

Based on the Santa Fe, Veracruz has a stiff unitized body with Macpherson strut front suspension and an independent rear suspension. Veracruz is powered by a version of Hyundai's Lambda V6 engine family - 3.8L V6 with 260-horsepower and 257 foot pounds of torque. It has Hyundai's 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic.

Driving the Veracruz - Perfectly Acceptable; Almost Lexus-like