Hyundai Introduces New Elantra at Busan Motor Show

South Korean automaker Hyundai has introduced the new version of Elantra, which is known as Avante in South Korea, at the Busan International Motor Show. The show is held at a relatively unknown port city of the country. It looks a bit strange that the car maker has unveiled a new model in a city that gets very little international coverage.

The new Elantra would feature 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection Gamma engine. Its six-speed automatic transmission would ensure very good fuel mileage for the users.

Usatoday reported:

Even though it competes in a rather mundane mainstream compact car segment, it will have features like heated rear seats and LED taillights, Hyundai says. The automaker has sold six million Elantra/Avantes worldwide since the model was launched in 1990.

So, you can see that Elantra has already become a very popular model from Hyundai and it is expected that the new model would also follow the footstep of its predecessor. However, Hyundai could have unveiled it at a larger stage.

Hyundai Introduces Verna at Beijing Auto Show 2010

Hyundai Motor has recently introduced its new Verna model at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show which is current going on in the China capital. Verna is similar to Accent which is sold in the US. However, there is a slight different between the two models. The new compact Verna is a bit larger compared to Accent and its wheelbase is 3-inch longer than Accent.

Verna will feature two different engines of Hyundai’s Gamma family- one is 1.4-liter and the other 1.6-liter. The car has an AC compressor for enhancing the efficiency. The production of the car will start in Beijing in July. Customers can choose between a 5-speed manual gear and a 4-speed auto gear. Hyundai Verna will run at least 41 miles per gasoline (mpg).

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autonews

Hyundai Motor Group Looking for a Strong 2010

Hyundai Motor Group could fight against economic recession of 2009 some better than some of the other major car manufacturers. The company is expecting a strong 2010 that will be filled with growth and strong performance. It wants to increase spending on Research and Development and equipments. It also wants to produce more cars. Most of all, in 2010, Hyundai will take the matter of environment friendly cars seriously.

Reuters reported:

It plans to hire 6,000 new employees this year.

"The group plans to continue investments in the development and popularisation of more fuel efficient and eco-friendly cars, for which demand is seen jumping once the economy recovers," the group said in a statement.

The plan came as the group, the world's No.4 car maker based on first-half 2009 sales, is targeting combined sales of 5.40 million vehicles in 2010, compared with 4.63 million last year. [ID:nTOE60201C]

One good thing that Hyundai has done in the recent years is that it has focused the Indian market very well and has seen some impressive success in this market.

Hyundai Experienced a Successful 2009 Unlike Many Automakers

Economic recession has taken a big test for the major automaker as many faced huge losses, while some even faced bankruptcy. However, Korean automaker Hyundai and its sister concern Kia. Despite a slow recession hit market, Hyundai kept its momentum going thanks its excellent marketing policy as well as new products.

Hyundai saw 4% up in its sales in 2009 compared to 2008, while many other car makers like Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Nissan, Ford and Chrysler experienced losses ranging from 20% to 30%. Kia also experienced 6.7% increase in its sales.

In order to keep itself in growth, Hyundai launched the cash-for-clunkers which ended up becoming very successful. Moreover, a lot of credit go to Hyundai’s marketing department too. While many other companies opted out from promoting their products during recession, Hyundai continued giving ads. Overall, Hyundai acted very smartly, and thus, turning a tough period into highly successful.

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Hyundai Motors Marked 48.9% Growth in October Sales in the US

Hyundai Motors experienced a surge in its October sales in the US market. In fact, their 48.9% year-on-year growth in October has been highest among the Asian automakers. The South Korean company has sold 31,005 units in October, a sharp increase from 20,820 vehicles sold during the same month last year. Dave Zuchowski, the vice president of sales in Hyundai, hopes that November and December sales will be very good for the company.

With US economy is recovering strongly following a devastating recession, US auto industry is now in its way to make a turnaround. Reports available in the media indicate a GDP growth of 3.5% in US economy in the third quarter of the year. Kia Motors Corp., the affiliate of Hyundai, has also recorded a 45% growth in October sales. Largest automaker Toyota has seen just 1 percent increase in its sales last month, while Nissan Motors projected a 5.6 percent increase in its monthly sales in October. However, Honda’s October sales decreased 0.4%.

However, overall the market is gradually becoming stronger with demands soaring up ahead of Christmas.

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Record Profit for Hyundai: Good News for Global Economy

In the last few days, we have seen good earnings from Apple and Google. So, it indicates that technological companies are going to do well and it is perhaps one indication that economic recession is coming to an end. Well, economic recession perhaps hit most the auto industry. So, the good earnings of Hyundai is perhaps another indication that things are going to become better for the global economy. Hyundai is a Korean company and it announced its earnings recently for the last quarter. The profit was excellent and defeated any kind of expectations. That is why, I am hopeful about the global economy.

Most probably we are going out of the recession faster than anticipated. The worst is perhaps over. However, we have to be careful that recession does not come back again quickly. We should learn some lessons from the recession. 

Hyundai Assurance program is a hit in USA Auto Market

The economic recession has hit the automakers badly in USA. Top companies like General Motors went bankrupt. However, Asian automakers are not in a bad shape in USA. Hyundai Motor Co., the largest automaker in USA started a new program and it became an instant hit among buyers. Under this new program, buyers who would lose their jobs in one year of buying the car would be able to return them. The company started this new program on January 3, 2009.

Reuters reports:

Hyundai, whose sales plunged 48 percent in December, has seen U.S. sales rise in the first half of January from a year earlier, the automaker said in a presentation to the Automotive News World Congress.

"It's too early to say what it is going to look like for January, but the early results are promising," John Krafcik, acting president and chief executive of Hyundai Motors America, said of the car return program.

North America is the biggest auto market in the world and Asian automakers have become the top automakers in USA. Toyota is the number one auto-maker in USA. Hyundai has also curved its niche in the American market.

Hyundai India to Begin Third Shift in the Second Plant ahead of its i20 Launch

Hyundai Motor India Ltd is planning to open up a third shift at its second plant in Chennai after seeing tremendous success in its small car i10, which has seen a growing demand both in domestic and export markets. In fact, more than 100,000 units of Hyundai i10 has been sold in the last six months and that gave enough ground for the company to launch its second plant in February. So far, there have been two shifts in its second plant, but three shifts have already been underway in its first plant.

However, with growing demand of i10 and a possible launch of i20, another launch from Hyundai in small car segment, there is no doubt, Hyundai India has enough justification to begin a third shift in its second plant as well. With this expected move, it is pretty much sure that Hyundai India is firmly going to hit its 2008 production target of 530,000 cars, which will be extended to 600,000 by the next year. Even that could be extended further up to 630,000 cars, by running one or two shifts on Sundays. However, still there will have scope to increase its production in India thanks to the growing demand of Hyundai’s small segment cars in India as well as in abroad.

The Hindu business line reported:

Some stretching — such as working a shift or two on Sundays — would enable to Hyundai to raise capacity to 630,000.

But with the growing demand for the i10 and the proposed launch of i20 (a car like the ‘Hyundai Accent’) by the end of this year, even that capacity would not be enough.

For beyond next year, the company will need to expand capacity further, Mr Lheem said.

According to Mr Lheem, there is scope for adding capacity for another 100,000 cars — incidentally, the capacity with which Hyundai began its show in India 10 years ago — by putting up a body shop and a paint shop in the vacant space behind the Plant-II.

Hyundai i10 was launched in India last year and instantly created a boom in the market. The car is produced from Hyundai’s two plants currently running in India. The increasing demand of Hyundai i10 has boosted up Hyundai’s sales growth in India this so far this year. In the first two months of the current fiscal year, Hyundai India saw 49 per cent of sales growth compared to the sales margin of the same period previous year. In the first quarter of the year, Hyundai India’s sales increased to 120,444 cars (including sales in both domestic and abroad market), 48 percent growth compared to last year.

The South Korean company is opening production plant in other growing markets like in Russia. However, it is expected that it would not affect the growth of Hyundai India Ltd. India one of the growing car market in the world and it is a price sensitive market as well. Naturally, small cars are quite popular in India. So, it is pretty much certain that Hyundai India has already made a strong ground in the small car market in India thanks to its i10 cars.

Hyundai i20 is expected to be launched in the festival season in India this year. The small car already attracted many people with its eye-catching features and stylish look. It is needless to say that the launch of i20 this year would only further boost up Hyundai’s sales this year, making its presence more vibrant in the small car segment in India.

Chung Mong-Koo donated 30 Billion Won to charity foundation

As per his promise, Chung-Mong-Koo, ex-chairman Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005387) donated 4,80,000 shares of Golvis Co., worth 30 billion KRW ($28.7 million), to the Haebichi Foundation. The foundation has been established by Chung Mong-Koo in 2007 when he received orders from the court of donating money to various charitable organizations. Though the order was dismissed by the appeal court but Chung Mong-Koo decided to keep his promise. The Korea Times reports:

The 71-year-old CEO made the contribution of the Glovis stake, which is currently worth 30 billion won ($28.7 million), to the Haebichi Foundation, the automaker said Thursday.

``This is a decision to show how he is loyal to his promises,'' the company said.

The foundation said it aims to put forward various cultural and art projects, as well as charity activities including a special scholarship for the young from low-income households.

Chung Mong-Koo received three year prison sentence on the charge of embezzling company funds through fraudulent accounting. Later, an appeal court dismissed the verdict for it would degrade the image of South Korean economy and gave him three-year suspended sentence.

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Hyundai Motor Company: Doing well in abroad but poorly in South Korea

South Korean auto maker, Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005387) posted 11.4% rise in sales in June. So far, it is the company’s best monthly sales. Till now, Hyundai sold 1,481,152 units around the world. This is a 14% increase on overall sales on year-on-year basis. Though concerned about the rising fuel cost, the company is on its track of achieving 3 million sales target. High demand in emerging markets like China, India, Russia and the Middle East contributed to the sales growth.

In the USA, Hyundai Motor Company sold 50,033 units for the month of June. Compared to June 2007, the sales rose 1.3%. However, its overall sales decreased to 231,066 units from 236,595 units in 2007.

Interestingly, Hyundai did well in foreign market but it observed a sales drop in its domestic market. On June 1, 2008 the company announced that sales in South Korea decreased 14.6% in June. The company sold 48,301 units.

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Hyundai Steel Company raised price and Hyundai Mipo Dockyar Co. Ltd won orders

In the face of the rising price of raw materials, South Korea’s second largest steel maker, Hyundai Steel Company (SEO:004020) is going to raise the price of its rolled steel coils by 10.9%. Hyundai Steel said that due to price rise of scrap iron, pig iron, and Russian and Chinese slabs, the company is raising its product prices. From 1 July 2008, a tonne of rolled steel will cost 1,020,000 KRW. This is the fifth time the company raised its product prices this year.

On the other hand, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd. (SEO:010620) received orders worth $292 million from the Middle East for seven bulk carriers. The order comes as the demand of carriers to move commodities from one place to another is increasing day by day. In a regulatory filing, without naming the buyer, Hyundai Mipo said that the carriers will be finished by the end of May 2012.

From August, Hyundai Mipo is going to start building ships at its ship repair venture in Vietnam. The company has been repairing ships under a partnership with Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group since April 1999.

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2009 Hyndai Sonata : An ideal car in every way

Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are selling like hot cakes in the USA. Sounds cliché but that is the truth. Toyota and Honda combined sold about 95,000 Camry and Accords in May, which makes it a Camry or Accord in every 28 seconds. Truly, it is a great achievement. Now, Hyundai Motor Company(SEO:005380)trying hard to break into the market make its mark as the top seller. The newly developed 2009 Hyundai Sonata is truly a car that would win the consumer’s heart.Statesman reports:

With the upgrades to the new model, including styling tweaks for a classier look, the Sonata is close to the leaders in comfort, workmanship and utility, but less so in drivability. No one will mistake the Sonata for a sports sedan, though it's a competent all-around performer.

The Sonata, made at Hyundai's new Alabama plant, is the least expensive of the three.

Compared to the Camry or Accord, the price of Hyundai Sonata is cheaper($27,685). However, it is not the lower price that makes it a ‘worth buying’ car. From engine to the body work, Hyundai has paid attention to the most minute details in this upgraded version of Hyundai Sonata. Modern engine, twin overhead cams, variable valve timing, the interior, exterior, everything is created keeping the need of the consumer in the mind.

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Now Hyundai Motor Co. workers are planning to go on strike

After the truck drivers and the people of South Korea, now it is the workers of Hyundai Motor Co.(SEO: 005380). More than 50% of the 44,757 workers of the Hyundai Motor Co. decided to go on strike in demand for higher pay and protest against government policies. Hyundai spokesman, Chang Kyu, said that the plan was backed by majority of the workers at Hyundai. However, the worst is yet to come; workers of the all four largest South Korean automakers are planning to go on strike. Bloomberg reports:

Hyundai Motor workers will today decide when to stage stoppages. The union is seeking an 8.9 percent raise in base pay and wants the automaker to distribute 30 percent of annual net profit as employee incentives.

The carmaker's workers last year agreed to a pay accord without striking for the first time in 10 years. The package included a 5.8 percent increase in base pay.

It looks like South Korea, the fourth largest economy of Asia, is heading toward a dark future. Already, protest over the US beef import and nation-wide truck drivers’ strike has become a big problem for the government of Lee Myung-bak. Now, this new protest is arising. I hope, Mr. Lee Myung-bak and the automakers work out to solve the problem as soon as possible.

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe takes the 2008 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year

Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. (SEO: 005387)fetched the 2008 Production Preview Vehicle of the Year with Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept at the Seventh Annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards. The show, held at the Automotive Hall of Fame, was organized by South East Automotive Media Organization on the evening of June 24 2008. The jury board for the award consisted of 29 journalists from all over the USA. Total 40 Concept cars and 12 production preview vehicles were nominated. According to Juror Arv Voss, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a stunning rear-wheel drive performance coupe. PR Newswire reports:

The Concept Car category was contested by a total of 21 nominees. Responding to the "boomer" generation's growing demand for luxury coupe designs, Cadillac's CTS Coupe Concept is the winner of the 2008 Concept Car of the Year award.

"The unique roofline and aggressive stance make the CTS coupe stand out from the crowd and the rest of the Cadillac lineup," said jury member Kevin Kelly.

Few days ago, Hyundai Elantra SE also nominated as the best car by famous American magazine Consumer Reports. In the July issue of the magazine, the car took the first place by obtaining the highest score in the overall road test by the Consumer reports.

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Hyundai's ex-chairman now feeds and bathes babies

Once he was one of the most powerful people in South Korea controlling the fortunes of hundreds and thousands of people. Now, he is just a baby sitter. Yes, I am talking about none other than Chung Mong-Koo, the ex-chairman of Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005387). As part of his punishment, Chung Mong-Koo is now doing 300-hour community service at a welfare center.

71 year old, Chung Mong-Koo, was sent to prison in February 2007. He received three years sentence for breach of trust and embezzling 90 billion won worth of company funds through fraudulent accounts. Earlier, he received three year prison term but the appeal court nulled the verdict on the ground that it would degrade the image of South Korean economy. Instead, the appeal court ordered a three-year suspended sentence. Telegraph.co.uk reports:

Earlier this month, a second appeal court ruling upheld his suspended prison sentence but ordered him to undertake 300 hours of public service involving manual work for charities or protection of the environment - the earlier sentence had been seen as too lenient on white-collar crime.

Chung had also been ordered to give lectures and write articles in the local media on business ethics - and to make good on his pledge to donate 840 billion won to charity.

Born on March 19, 1938, Chung Mong-Koo is a graduate from Hanyang University in 1967. In 1999, he took over as the head of Hyundai succeeding his father Chung Ju-Yung. In 2000, he defied his father and took over as the chairman of Hyundai Group. Famous American business magazine, Business Week, named him as one of the top managers in 2004. In 2006, the Seoul Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office accused Chung Mong-Koo and his family of embezzling money. Chung Mong-koo was arrested in April 2006.

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Hyundai enters into the USA luxury car market with Hyundai Genesis

On May 29^th, I wrote the review of Hyundai Genesis 2009, the first luxury car from Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005387). With this car, Hyundai is now officially going to start its luxury car business in the USA. Hyundai Motor America is going to start its $80 million campaign in the USA to promote Hyundai Genesis. It will be the largest campaign of Hyundai.The company said that it would spend most of the $80 million in television ads and the rest will be spent on internet, print and other grassroots marketing activities.

Two media firms: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, and Jack Morton Worldwide will be working in the ad campaign. They are focusing on 2009 Hyundai Genesis' high acceleration, braking, handling, quality, craftsmanship, fit and finish, and interior quietness. The firms will extend Hyundai’s “Think about IT” corporate campaign.Marketing Daily reports:

Although the company began touting the car in Hyundai's first Super Bowl ads this year, and has just begun a road show called "Discover Genesis," the big push starts when the car rolls into dealerships in July.

Advertising hits in September with "NFL on Fox" and the "24" prequel, which will include product placement, "Grey's Anatomy" and CNN featuring Hyundai as the automotive sponsor of its election coverage including the Democratic and Republican national conventions. The effort runs through January.

Hyundai’s grass root promotion campaign, “Discover Genesis,” has started from this month. The campaign will tour 15 cities. The campaign will be held at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It will end in October at the Autobahn Country Club. There consumers will be able to test-drive the car.

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Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor

When it comes to LCD display, South Korean companies are the top brands. Hyundai is mainly famous for its automobiles but the company has other businesses as well. Recently, Hyundai has unveiled its W220S 3D LCD Monitor. The monitor is only available in Japan. It comes with a price tag of $908.

Size: 22 inches.

Let us look at some of the special features:

• The Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor utilizes TriDef Technology.
• The Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor comes with a pair of glasses which would enable you to enjoy interlaced stereoscopic 3 dimensions.
• Without glasses you will see 2D images in the Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor.
• The screen of Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor comes with WSXGA+resolution (1680x1050).
• The Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor has a brightness of 300cd/m².
• The Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor has a contrast ratio of 1,000:1.
• The Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor comes with a a HDM/DVI-D interface.
• The Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor has two built-in 3W speakers.
• The Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor has a response time of 5ms.
• The Hyundai W220S 3D LCD monitor has an aspect ratio of 16:10.

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Hyundai Sonata 2009 car review

Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size sedan car that first came out in 1988. The original Sonata was built to sale in the US market following the success of Hyundai Excel. The car was first introduced in South Korea and Canada in 1987. It replaced Hyundai Stellar as the large family car. The current Hyundai Sonata is the fourth generation Sonata car. The main feature of Hyundai Sonata is that it is not a very stylish car but comes with lots of space inside and safety features. Sonata is the first car by any Asian car company that became successful as a commercial vehicle in Europe in 2000. If you are looking for a family car then you should go for Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai also gives great warranty coverage for Sonata.

Hyundai Sonata is one of the top selling cars in the USA. However, the car observed a downfall in sales since 2007. In 2007, the sales fell 2.6% and 12.4% in the first four months of 2008. So now, Hyundai brings to you Hyundai Sonata 2009 the upgraded version of Hyundai Sonata. Unveiled in February at the Chicago auto show 2008, Hyundai Sonata 2009 comes in three categories: Sonata GLS, Sonata SE, and Sonata Limited. Car and driver.com says:

The Sonata receives minor visual upgrades—the design team says it didn't want to mess with a design it considers to be successful. The bumper, the grille, and the headlights have been sharpened to help give the car a more edgy image. The face lift also brings new alloy-wheel options.

The transformation continues inside, where almost all the interior plastics have been upgraded. A new center console, dashboard, and door panels are intended to project a more luxurious image than the current pieces. The sedan also gets a first-ever touch-screen navigation option, dual-zone climate control, an auxiliary input jack for music players, and an ionization system that's supposed to prevent mold growth. If that's really a concern, we're all for ionizing whatever we can.

Mechanical changes make up the biggest part of the refresh. A revised front subframe makes the Sonata safer in frontal collisions.

Price:

Sonata GLS . . .$18,120
Sonata SE. . . . .$23,170
Sonata Limited $ 23,970

Features of Sonata GLS:

• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with 2.4L 4-cylinder or 3.3L V6 engine.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with 5-speed manual transmission.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has dual exhaust.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has active front head restraints.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with iPod®/USB and auxiliary input jacks.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with 16-inch wheels.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 comes with tilt steering wheel.

Canada.com says:

Nonetheless, the 2009's biggest improvement is inside the cabin. Its decor and build quality are superior to the Camry's and Altima's, and it is now almost equal to the Honda Accord's. The dashboard material, for instance, feels soft, the gauges are chrome-trimmed and the centre stack is much better organized. Compared with the Camry and Altima, the Sonata's interior is - wait for it - elegant. Yes, I'm surprised, too. Heck, even the very cheapest model gets two-mode seat heaters as standard equipment.And the Sonata's interior volume is greater than any of its primary competition. Normally, mid-model refreshes are modest affairs with the addition of a few electronic gizmos and a new front grille. Hyundai's more-than-modest refresh has largely addressed all the original car's weaknesses while maintaining its price competitiveness.

• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has remote keyless entry system with alarm.
• The Hyundai Sonata GLS 2009 has leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Features of Sonata SE:

• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 performance tires.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has fog lights.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has 8-way power driver seat.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE comes with steering wheel audio controls.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has driver seat adjustable lumbar support.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has automatic headlight control.

Business Week says:

The SE, the Sonata I test-drove at a Hyundai press conference, is the sporty version. It has 17-in. alloy wheels and performance tires, as well as upgraded cloth and leather upholstery and a tilting and telescoping steering wheel. The fancy Limited has 17-in. alloy wheels with all-season tires, plus extra chrome exterior trim, leather upholstery, a premium sound system, wood-grain trim, and two-level heated front seats.

The Sonata's two available engines are also peppier. The four-cylinder in the 2009 Sonata is rated at 175 horsepower, 13 more than before, and the 3.3-liter V6 at 249 hp, 15 more than before. A five-speed stick shift is standard; a five-speed automatic is standard on the Limited and optional on the less fancy SE and GLS.

• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE comes with trip computer.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has chrome window-belt moldings.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has metalgrain interior accents.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has leather bolster/cloth insert sport seats.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has tilt and telescopic steering wheel.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has rear lip spoiler.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 SE has solar control glass.

Features of Hyundai Sonata Limited:

• Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited comes with leather seating surfaces.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has heated front seats with adjustable temperature control.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has dual-zone automatic temperature control.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited comes with auto-dimming inside mirror with integrated digital compass.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has home link integrated transceiver.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has chrome insert exterior door handles.
• Hyundai Sonata 2009 Limited has premium door-sill scuff plates and limited badge.

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Hyundai i30 Car Review

The Hyundai i30 is a small family car from Korea’s top automobile company Hyundai Motor Company (SEO: 005387). Designed by Hyundai European team in Germany, the Hyundai i30 is sold in the United Kingdom as a replacement for the Hyundai Accent and the Hyundai Elantra. First introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor show, the car was released in late 2007 in Europe and Australia. That same year, the estate version was released at the Seoul Motor Show in South Korea. This year, the Hyundai i30 will be released worldwide. In USA the car will be named Elantra Touring.

The Hyundai i30 shares mechanical components with Kia cee’d but there are lot modifications in the design of the car.

The Hyundai i30 is available as a five-door hatchback or estate, with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, either with manual or automatic transmissions.

Engine:
In 2007, Hyundai i30 won the CARS Guide Car of the Year award. The 1.6 L CRDi model won the Green Car of the Year award and it was also the cheapest car in Australia. Auto express.co.uk says:

The i30 shares its platform with the Kia Cee’d, but has slightly revised suspension settings. It feels composed and reassuring, and while it’s far from inspiring to drive, it is comfortable and refined enough. Long journeys won’t be a chore. The same range of 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines are used, too – but Hyundai has made a few changes which improve refinement. There’s also a 1.4-litre petrol entry-level car, and we found little difference in performance between this and the 1.6; however, if you can afford it, go for the excellent 1.6-litre diesel. It has impressive punch, particularly when pulling out of junctions.

Exterior:

• The Hyundai i30 has been designed according to the need of the European car users.
• The Hyundai i30 comes with 15" alloy wheels. The wheel design is very distinctive.
• The Hyundai i30 comfort models have classic 15" design.
• The Hyundai i30 style models comes with a new 16" snowflake shape.
• The Hyundai i30 premium models comes with a sleek and sporty 17" design.
• The Hyundai i30 comes with an elongated headlamp. It gives the i30 a real sense of purpose.

Interior:
At the first look the Hyundai i30 looks like a small car but it comes with lots of space. Autoexpress.co.uk says:

The well-constructed interior offers a comfortable seating position and plenty of rear space. The i30 actually has more rear legroom than the already-spacious Cee’d. The boot is practical, and as the rear seatbases flip, you can create a virtually flat load area. The trouble is, lower-end models don’t look as robust as they actually are, due to a large expanse of dull plastic. More upmarket variants get a leather steering wheel and metal-effect centre console. All models are very well equipped though, with even entry-level versions offering ESP, alloys, electric windows, air con and a USB auxiliary port. What’s more, the i30 offers a five-year warranty, though this is still two years less than the Cee’d. Retained values are better than the Kia though, with the Hyundai holding on to just under 39 per cent after three years.

Car Advice.com.au says:

It’s a well thought out car inside too. For starters there’s an iPod interface allowing you to plug your MP3 directly into the car’s sound system. And you won’t even need a USB cord. Every i30 comes with one in the centre console. Not only that. The car’s audio head unit can control both volume and playlists – a huge plus and not available in many prestige cars. The standard fit remote folding key fob looks remarkably similar to that found across the Volkswagen range and is a nice touch. The driver and front passenger seats are particularly good, offering comfort and sports style side bolster. A massive improvement over the Elantra. Steering is both height and reach adjustable, which in my book, is essential if you are to find the perfect driving position. The SLX and SR versions win a nice thick leather wrapped steering wheel, while the base model SX gets not so handsome plastic model which looks worse than it is to hold.

Safety features:

• The Hyundai i30 comes with active front head restraints that will help cushion the driver’s and passengers’ neck against the impact of a rear collision and reduce the possibility whiplash injury.
• The Hyundai i30 comes with an advanced electronic stability system that is pro-active in controlling brake pressure to each wheel, and manages the engine power output during acceleration and braking on low friction road surfaces. The ESP works along with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Traction Control (TC).
• All the Hyundai i30 models are installed with the new Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). It flags up significant reductions in tyre pressure and ensures tire longevity and delivers the optimal level of fuel efficiency and vehicle control.
• The Hyundai i30 comes with six airbags, side impact bars and front seatbelt pre-tensioners.
• If you want you can enable the speed sensitive automatic door locking system from your local Hyundai dealer.
• For child safety, all the Hyundai i30 models come with rear childproof locks and ISOfix fittings.

Security features:

• Along with safety features, The Hyundai i30 comes with a Thatcham approved immobiliser with deadlocks and remote operated central locking system.

• The folding key design of Hyundai i30 provides added protection for the key when not in use.

Pricing:
So far I have found two price for European and Australian market.

For the United Kingdom:

Hyundai i30 1.4 Comfort…………………………………..£10995
Hyundai i30 1.6 Comfort…………………………………..£12295
Hyundai i30 1.4 Style………………………………………..£12545
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Comfort………………………….£12995
Hyundai i30 1.6 Style………………………………………..£13295
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Style……………………………….£13995
Hyundai i30 1.6 Premium………………………………….£14895
Hyundai i30 2.0 CRDi Style……………………………….£14995
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Premium…………………………£15595

The Australian market:

Hyundai i30 SX 2.0 (Petrol manual)…………………$18,990
Hyundai i30 SX 2.0 (Petrol auto)……………………..$20,990
Hyundai i30 SX CRDi (man only)………………………$21,490
Hyundai i30 SLX 2.0 (Petrol man)…………………….$23,490
Hyundai i30 SLX 2.0 (Petrol auto)…………………….$25,490
Hyundai i30 SLX (CRDi man only)…………………….$25,990
Hyundai i30 SR 2.0 (Petrol man)………………………$26,490
Hyundai i30 SR 2.0 (auto)…………………………………$28,490

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Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd observed a rise in share price as ship prices rose

World’s largest shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (SEO:009540) saw a rise in its share price following the index of vessels prices climbed to a record high. This also eased the tension of rising steel price. For Hyundai, the share price rose to 5.3% to 386,500 won. World’s third largest shipbuilding company Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. (SEO:042660) saw a share price rise of 4.5% to 45,000 won. On May 16, the Clarkson Index rose for the first time in three months because of the rising price of ships. Despite the rising cost of steel, shipbuilders are increasing their charges for oil tankers, container ships and other vessels. Bloomberg reports:

``The increase in the index shows that despite some concerns in the market, shipbuilders are still able to pass on some of their costs,'' said Lee Jae Kyu, an analyst at Mirae Asset Management Co. in Seoul. He rates the shipbuilding industry ``overweight.''

Samsung Heavy Industries Co., the world's second-largest shipbuilder, advanced 3.6 percent to 43,050 won. STX Shipbuilding Co. climbed 10 percent to 42,300 won.

Shipyards in South Korea, the world's biggest shipbuilding nation, won almost half of the $191.3 billion shipping lines invested in new vessels last year.

The Clarkson Index rose one percentage point to 186, the first gain since Feb. 15, according to London-based Clarkson Plc. The price of a very large crude carrier, the largest of its type, was a record $154.5 million, 5.8 percent more than at the end of December.

According to Martin Song, analyst, Woori Investment & Securities Co. (SEO:005940)shipbuilders have been selectively winning orders that comes with better profit margins and the increased price will keep up the profit margin till the end of the second quarter. For the shipbuilding companies, steel products accounts for 15% of the annual revenue; which is why, the rising still prices worried the companies about declining profit margin. Fortunately, the operating profit rose more than expected and resulted into increasing profit.

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