Hyundai Equus Nabs Five Percent of U.S. Luxury Car Market Share

For all the skepticism surrounding the Hyundai Equus, the Korean luxury sedan appears to be doing well, even exceeding Hyundai’s own expectations.

Hyundai’s Midwestern PR head Dean Bedore gave us some insight into the success of the Equus, noting that it currently has a 5 percent market share of the luxury car segment, while Hyundai itself has the same overall market share. Bedore noted that the only thing stopping Hyundai from selling more of them was a lack of supply.

Equus sales are currently outpacing brands like Rolls-Royce, Maybach and Bentley, along with sports cars like the BMW Z4, Audi R8 and Nissan GT-R. We are well aware of the apples vs. oranges nature of these kinds of comparisons, but we still found it neat that a $58,000 Hyundai is succeeding when even 5 years ago, such a notion would have been unthinkable.

Examples of luxury marques and vehicles that the Equus has outsold include:

· Bentley
· Maybach
· Rolls Royce
· Acura RL
· Audi TT
· BMW Z4
· Mercedes SLK
· Porsche Boxster
· Porsche Cayman
· BMW 6-Series
· Jaguar XK
· Mercedes CLS
· Nissan GT-R
· Audi R8
· Ferrari
· Lamborghini
· Maserati
· Mercedes CL
· Mercedes SL
· Mercedes SLS
· Lexus HS
· Saab 9-5
· Toyota Land Cruiser
· Land Rover LR2
· Acura ZDX
· Mercedes R-Class
· Mercedes G-Class

[Image Source: Autoblog]

Hyundai Equus Nabs Five Percent of U.S. Luxury Car Market Share

For all the skepticism surrounding the Hyundai Equus, the Korean luxury sedan appears to be doing well, even exceeding Hyundai’s own expectations.

Hyundai’s Midwestern PR head Dean Bedore gave us some insight into the success of the Equus, noting that it currently has a 5 percent market share of the luxury car segment, while Hyundai itself has the same overall market share. Bedore noted that the only thing stopping Hyundai from selling more of them was a lack of supply.

Equus sales are currently outpacing brands like Rolls-Royce, Maybach and Bentley, along with sports cars like the BMW Z4, Audi R8 and Nissan GT-R. We are well aware of the apples vs. oranges nature of these kinds of comparisons, but we still found it neat that a $58,000 Hyundai is succeeding when even 5 years ago, such a notion would have been unthinkable.

Examples of luxury marques and vehicles that the Equus has outsold include:

· Bentley
· Maybach
· Rolls Royce
· Acura RL
· Audi TT
· BMW Z4
· Mercedes SLK
· Porsche Boxster
· Porsche Cayman
· BMW 6-Series
· Jaguar XK
· Mercedes CLS
· Nissan GT-R
· Audi R8
· Ferrari
· Lamborghini
· Maserati
· Mercedes CL
· Mercedes SL
· Mercedes SLS
· Lexus HS
· Saab 9-5
· Toyota Land Cruiser
· Land Rover LR2
· Acura ZDX
· Mercedes R-Class
· Mercedes G-Class

[Image Source: Autoblog]

Hyundai Equus Nabs Five Percent of U.S. Luxury Car Market Share

For all the skepticism surrounding the Hyundai Equus, the Korean luxury sedan appears to be doing well, even exceeding Hyundai’s own expectations.

Hyundai’s Midwestern PR head Dean Bedore gave us some insight into the success of the Equus, noting that it currently has a 5 percent market share of the luxury car segment, while Hyundai itself has the same overall market share. Bedore noted that the only thing stopping Hyundai from selling more of them was a lack of supply.

Equus sales are currently outpacing brands like Rolls-Royce, Maybach and Bentley, along with sports cars like the BMW Z4, Audi R8 and Nissan GT-R. We are well aware of the apples vs. oranges nature of these kinds of comparisons, but we still found it neat that a $58,000 Hyundai is succeeding when even 5 years ago, such a notion would have been unthinkable.

Examples of luxury marques and vehicles that the Equus has outsold include:

· Bentley
· Maybach
· Rolls Royce
· Acura RL
· Audi TT
· BMW Z4
· Mercedes SLK
· Porsche Boxster
· Porsche Cayman
· BMW 6-Series
· Jaguar XK
· Mercedes CLS
· Nissan GT-R
· Audi R8
· Ferrari
· Lamborghini
· Maserati
· Mercedes CL
· Mercedes SL
· Mercedes SLS
· Lexus HS
· Saab 9-5
· Toyota Land Cruiser
· Land Rover LR2
· Acura ZDX
· Mercedes R-Class
· Mercedes G-Class

[Image Source: Autoblog]

Hyundai i40 CW, Elantra, Accent And Veloster Confirmed for Australia

Hyundai has capped off its part in the 2011 YouTube Symphony Orchestra in Sydney this weekend with the announcement of four all-new models for Australia, due later this year...

MORE HERE

Hyundai i40 CW, Elantra, Accent And Veloster Confirmed for Australia

Hyundai has capped off its part in the 2011 YouTube Symphony Orchestra in Sydney this weekend with the announcement of four all-new models for Australia, due later this year...

MORE HERE

Hyundai i40 CW, Elantra, Accent And Veloster Confirmed for Australia

Hyundai has capped off its part in the 2011 YouTube Symphony Orchestra in Sydney this weekend with the announcement of four all-new models for Australia, due later this year...

MORE HERE

Hyundai ix35 in High Demand in UK

Here’s a novel way to keep your customers happy, especially if they’re waiting for their new ride to arrive and it’s taking way longer than expected. Over in the UK, Hyundai has come up with a rather interesting plan, one that sees customers waiting for their new ix35 (the Tucson over here) to arrive to get an ix35 in the meantime.

Confusing? Not, once the details become clear. Seems that demand for the ix35 has been unprecedented, not only across Europe but also worldwide, resulting in supply not being able to meet demand, especially so in the case of the 2.0 litre diesel derivative.

So, in what is a unique approach, the UK office has come up with this: 200 of its longest waiting customers who have booked the 2.0 diesel SUVs will be offered a 1.7 litre diesel ix35, of which there is ready stock of. They purchase the manual 1.7, use it until their original 2.0 order arrives, at which point they trade-in the two-wheel drive 1.7 for the same price they paid for it, paying only the difference in the price of the 1.7 and 2.0 diesel versions.

The no-cost implications offer, which runs till the end of the month, also sees Hyundai giving the customer £300 to cover the costs incurred for arranging finance and insurance on two cars instead of one. The company is currently looking at the feasibility of rolling out this offer to other customers.

It’s a great deal for the UK ix35 buyer, so guess that’s one for them then. Don’t expect to be seeing something like this happening here from any car company, certainly not on this scale, if ever.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai ix35 in High Demand in UK

Here’s a novel way to keep your customers happy, especially if they’re waiting for their new ride to arrive and it’s taking way longer than expected. Over in the UK, Hyundai has come up with a rather interesting plan, one that sees customers waiting for their new ix35 (the Tucson over here) to arrive to get an ix35 in the meantime.

Confusing? Not, once the details become clear. Seems that demand for the ix35 has been unprecedented, not only across Europe but also worldwide, resulting in supply not being able to meet demand, especially so in the case of the 2.0 litre diesel derivative.

So, in what is a unique approach, the UK office has come up with this: 200 of its longest waiting customers who have booked the 2.0 diesel SUVs will be offered a 1.7 litre diesel ix35, of which there is ready stock of. They purchase the manual 1.7, use it until their original 2.0 order arrives, at which point they trade-in the two-wheel drive 1.7 for the same price they paid for it, paying only the difference in the price of the 1.7 and 2.0 diesel versions.

The no-cost implications offer, which runs till the end of the month, also sees Hyundai giving the customer £300 to cover the costs incurred for arranging finance and insurance on two cars instead of one. The company is currently looking at the feasibility of rolling out this offer to other customers.

It’s a great deal for the UK ix35 buyer, so guess that’s one for them then. Don’t expect to be seeing something like this happening here from any car company, certainly not on this scale, if ever.

[Source: Hyundai]

Hyundai ix35 in High Demand in UK

Here’s a novel way to keep your customers happy, especially if they’re waiting for their new ride to arrive and it’s taking way longer than expected. Over in the UK, Hyundai has come up with a rather interesting plan, one that sees customers waiting for their new ix35 (the Tucson over here) to arrive to get an ix35 in the meantime.

Confusing? Not, once the details become clear. Seems that demand for the ix35 has been unprecedented, not only across Europe but also worldwide, resulting in supply not being able to meet demand, especially so in the case of the 2.0 litre diesel derivative.

So, in what is a unique approach, the UK office has come up with this: 200 of its longest waiting customers who have booked the 2.0 diesel SUVs will be offered a 1.7 litre diesel ix35, of which there is ready stock of. They purchase the manual 1.7, use it until their original 2.0 order arrives, at which point they trade-in the two-wheel drive 1.7 for the same price they paid for it, paying only the difference in the price of the 1.7 and 2.0 diesel versions.

The no-cost implications offer, which runs till the end of the month, also sees Hyundai giving the customer £300 to cover the costs incurred for arranging finance and insurance on two cars instead of one. The company is currently looking at the feasibility of rolling out this offer to other customers.

It’s a great deal for the UK ix35 buyer, so guess that’s one for them then. Don’t expect to be seeing something like this happening here from any car company, certainly not on this scale, if ever.

[Source: Hyundai]

Kia Shelves Plans to Enter Indian Market

At a time when a number of global car makers are searching for ways to enter the rapidly growing Indian market, Kia Motors has shelved its plans to start operations in India.

According to a statement given by a senior official of the company, the company will continue to concentrate on developed markets like Europe, US and China where it has local production facilities.

"Our hands are full right now. Currently we are not looking at India but concentrating on other overseas markets where we aim to produce over 1 million cars this year. We will, however, continue to monitor the Indian market as it holds sizeable potential and may be on our future radar," said company spokesman Michael J Choo.

Kia had been vying for the Indian market for the past decade, particularly after the success of Hyundai Motor which is now the second largest car company in the country in terms of unit sales. Kia had earlier roped in consultancy company Synovate to conduct a feasibility study for the Indian market. However, despite a positive report due to a line-up mainly consisting of small cars that would appeal to Indian buyers, Kia has decided not to enter the local market.

[Source: The Economic Times]

Kia Shelves Plans to Enter Indian Market

At a time when a number of global car makers are searching for ways to enter the rapidly growing Indian market, Kia Motors has shelved its plans to start operations in India.

According to a statement given by a senior official of the company, the company will continue to concentrate on developed markets like Europe, US and China where it has local production facilities.

"Our hands are full right now. Currently we are not looking at India but concentrating on other overseas markets where we aim to produce over 1 million cars this year. We will, however, continue to monitor the Indian market as it holds sizeable potential and may be on our future radar," said company spokesman Michael J Choo.

Kia had been vying for the Indian market for the past decade, particularly after the success of Hyundai Motor which is now the second largest car company in the country in terms of unit sales. Kia had earlier roped in consultancy company Synovate to conduct a feasibility study for the Indian market. However, despite a positive report due to a line-up mainly consisting of small cars that would appeal to Indian buyers, Kia has decided not to enter the local market.

[Source: The Economic Times]

Kia Shelves Plans to Enter Indian Market

At a time when a number of global car makers are searching for ways to enter the rapidly growing Indian market, Kia Motors has shelved its plans to start operations in India.

According to a statement given by a senior official of the company, the company will continue to concentrate on developed markets like Europe, US and China where it has local production facilities.

"Our hands are full right now. Currently we are not looking at India but concentrating on other overseas markets where we aim to produce over 1 million cars this year. We will, however, continue to monitor the Indian market as it holds sizeable potential and may be on our future radar," said company spokesman Michael J Choo.

Kia had been vying for the Indian market for the past decade, particularly after the success of Hyundai Motor which is now the second largest car company in the country in terms of unit sales. Kia had earlier roped in consultancy company Synovate to conduct a feasibility study for the Indian market. However, despite a positive report due to a line-up mainly consisting of small cars that would appeal to Indian buyers, Kia has decided not to enter the local market.

[Source: The Economic Times]

Kia Goes Full Force with Marketing for 2011 Optima

What do the Super Bowl, Times Square, and NBA arenas have in common? They are all places where you will find the 2011 Kia Optima. This New Years, look for the 40 foot by 20 foot digital billboard in Times Square advertising the all new Kia Optima. During the Super Bowl this year, look for the Kia Optima to be promoted in those famous ads which run during time outs and other station breaks. If you are a fan of the NBA, look for the Kia Optima in basketball arenas across the United States.

The Times Square billboard is expected to be seen by more than 1 million people every day. According to Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing and communications, "The Optima has been turning heads since its unveiling earlier this year, and its striking good looks will be right at home under the bright lights of Times Square beginning on New Year's Eve and continuing well into 2011."

[Source: Kia]

Milestone: Hyundai Sold 200,000 Sonata's in 2010

Wonder why you’re seeing so many new Hyundai Sonata models on the road? Well, that’s because the Korean automaker sold a total of 200,000 units of the new Sonatas in North America in 2010, a huge milestone for the Sonata during a record-setting year in which Hyundai sold more than 530,000 vehicles in the United States and more than 110,000 in Canada.

“Sonata has delivered some pretty incredible results for us this year,” says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Sonata is the Hyundai brand and it’s appropriate that it has led our best year ever. Sonata’s innovation has reset the most hotly contested, largest segment in the U.S. car market, with Sonata delivering more year-over-year retail sales growth – about 90,000 units – than any other car in the entire industry.”

Sales of the Sonata in the stateside were up 117 percent and 65 percent overall in the U.S. marking its best year ever. Canadian sales were up 60 percent.

Hyundai-Kia Overtakes Toyota in Europe

According to reports, the Hyundai Motor Group overtook Toyota in October to become the best selling Asian carmaker in Europe this year, provisionally speaking. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, or ACEA, had Hyundai and Kia’s European sales up by 4% in the first 10 months of 2010, to 521,369 vehicles, while Toyota’s sales, including that of Lexus, fell 16.5% percent to 511,754.


Hyundai’s achievement is significant, given that new car registrations in Europe decreased by 5% for the first ten months of the year, with 11.6 million new vehicles registered, compared to the 12.24 million for the same time period in 2009.

The Korean carmaker’s US sales has also gone up, by 21%, its market share increasing as Toyota’s fell, not surprising given the negative impact brought about by the latter’s seemingly endless stream of recalls. Sales of the Sonata were up by 64% – comparatively, Camry sales dropped by 6.3%.

Back in Europe, Nissan should also have a lot to smile about – among the major players, it has posted the most significant gains in 2010 sales, up 13.1% from last year.

[Source: Bloomberg]

VIDEO: New Kia Soul Ad Features Michelle Wie

Kia appears to be changing gears in its marketing approach for the Kia Soul, switching from comedy to sex appeal.

After its popular Rapping Hamsters ad, the Korean automaker has just launched a new commercial featuring the 6-foot 1-inch 20-year-old pro golfer Michelle Wie. The Kia Soul is already thought to be somewhat of a chick-car and so the ad is a smart one, with Kia obviously appealing to women by using the young, confident and talented Wie. And it’s sure to appeal to men for other reasons.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

Kia Quietly Discontinues Rondo in the U.S.

Kia appears to have quietly killed-off its Rondo MPV in response to a continued slide in sales. Visitors to the Rondo page on Kia’s U.S. website are greeted with the news, “Thank you for inquiring about the Rondo. As the saying goes, ‘all good things must come to an end’ But with endings, come new beginnings…” Below that message is an image of the new 2011 Kia Sportage, directing customers that that page where they can check out the stylish new compact crossover.

The Rondo’s demise was stumbled upon by the team at Autoblog, who then contacted Kia and received this response. “Kia has not yet decided on a 2011 model, but the 2010 is still available in dealerships.”

Kia managed to move just 14,206 Rondos last year, a 50 percent drop from 2008 when the company sold 28,645 units. The Rondo would seem to be the latest casualty in the Kia lineup with the Korean automaker recently dropping the Borego full size SUV.

This move also looks to be a part of a larger product switch from Kia away from old models and old designs towards fresh and exciting new products. Unfortunately for those few looking at a Rondo, the Sportage simply doesn’t offer the same utility.

Of note, Kia Canada isn’t following suit with any message on its website, suggesting the Rondo will continue on there. This isn’t surprising as sales of MPVs like the Rondo and Mazda5 are strong in Canada

Kia Tops Russia's Import Sales For The First Time

Kia Motors became the best-selling foreign auto brand in Russia for the first time last month.

According to a report released Wednesday by the Association of European Businesses, Kia sold 10,502 vehicles there in July, up a whopping 105 percent from the same month last year.

The booming sales were thanks to the popularity of the Cee'd compact (3,253 units sold), Rio subcompact (3,205), and Sportage compact crossover SUV (1,677).

Chevrolet took second place with 8,986 cars sold, followed by Renault SA (8,574) and Toyota (8,251). Hyundai came seventh with 7,201 although its sales climbed 56 percent on-year.

Kia's cumulative sales in Russia from January through July totaled 56,231 units, trailing only Chevrolet with 61,996. Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group topped the import market in the first half, selling a combined 84,278 vehicles.

[Source: The Chosun Ilbo]

Milestone: Hyundai Achieves 3 Million Sales in India

Hyundai Motor India Ltd., India's second largest car maker has achieved a remarkable milestone of reaching 3 million units in sales including exports. The automaker started its operations in 1996 and the first Santro rolled out during September 1998. Hyundai rapidly set up the factory in just 17 months and made another impressive achievement by becoming the second largest car maker in just 6 months.

Hyundai continued to achieve milestones by rolling out 150 000 units in 25 months. Hyundai is one of the most trusted brands in India with competitive service and reputed customer satisfaction.

HMIL now becomes the second manufacturer in India to achieve the distinction. HMIL is celebrating this special occasion with a unique initiative to ensure “peace of mind” for its customers.

The ‘Hyundai Triple Assurance Program’, a three-pronged nationwide scheme, will offer customers a host of incentives. The Triple Assurance Program includes the 'Maintenance Assurance Program’, ‘Motor Assurance Program’ and ‘Warranty Assurance Program’. The Hyundai Triple Assurance Program will be available to the buyers of the Santro and the i10, and will be available from 5th – 25th August, 2010.

[Source: Hyundai Motor India]

Hyundai Posts US July Sales, 19 Percent Rise

Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 54,106 vehicles in July, a 19 percent increase compared with the same period a year ago. This represents an all-time sales record for the month of July and marks only the fourth time Hyundai has surpassed 50,000 units in a month. The all-new Sonata produced at the company’s plant in Montgomery, Alabama, continued selling at a record pace, while its stable mate Tucson saw sales soar more than 200 percent for the fourth month in a row.

Year to date, Hyundai sales are up 24 percent versus 2009, a performance that represents an all-time record for the first seven months of any year.

“Although consumer confidence has dipped for a second month in a row, Hyundai continues to buck this trend,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America’s vice president of national sales. “Consumer demand continues to significantly out-strip product availability at Hyundai dealerships. We remain very bullish about our prospects for the second half of this year as we substantially increase production to improve vehicle supply while launching four new products over the next five months.”

On a year-over-year basis, Elantra, Sonata and Tucson sales increased 34, 33 and 234 percent, respectively. Genesis sales continued at a brisk pace thanks in part to its mid-luxury segment-leading 53 percent residual value, exceeding such strong competitors as BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz S Class, Infiniti M37 and Lexus GS.

[Source: Hyundai]

READ MORE for the breakdown sales table of all cars in the line-up.