Hyundai is once again a hit at the Beijing Motor Show

Hyundai’s 10th anniversary of its joint venture with China was celebrated at this year’s Beijing Motor Show where the Korean brand revealed domestic market versions of the Elantra (renamed Langdong) and the Santa Fe SUV.

Hyundai also brought two exciting concept vehicles to the auto show – the luxury sedan prototype from the sub-brand established by the joint venture between Hyundai and Beijing Automotive, the Shouwang BHCD-1 and its electric sports car concept, the i-oniq.

Hyundai Vice President Seung-Tack Kim emphasised the brand’s evolution at a press event, saying, “A decade ago, Hyundai was known for making only small cars. Today, our Equus and Genesis luxury cars compete with the best vehicles that Europe can make. Ten years ago, we were a follower in the auto industry. Today, we are a leader – and ready for the future.”

Hyundai has been rated as one of the greenest vehicle brands in the world!

When the Environmental Protection Agency recently published their annual report on Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Fuel Economy Trends, Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia were rated as the cleanest and most efficient vehicle brands in the United States.

Hyundai topped the list for lowest CO2 emission figures measuring only 329 grams per mile while sibling Kia took second place with 330 grams per mile. Both brands were tied in first place for the best fuel economy figures.

“The 2011 EPA data demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to fuel economy leadership and validates the effectiveness of our Blue Drive strategy,” said
Hyundai Motor America’s president and CEO, John Krafcik, confirming the brand’s drive to improve performance and efficiency through innovations like lightweight steel, advanced transmissions, direct injection technology and turbocharging.

Hyundai is one of the top South African vehicle brands.

Few other vehicle brands if any, could match the growth in sales and popularity that Hyundai has achieved in South Africa in just over a decade. Today the Korean automaker boasts a large range of passenger and commercial vehicles, a nationwide dealership network and a long list of achievements on local soil. And the brand just keeps going from strength to strength.

Hyundai’s arrival in SA

The auto giant first hit South African shores around the turn of the millennium when Associated Motor Holdings signed an agreement with the Hyundai Motor Company in Korea in April 2000 to import and distribute Hyundai vehicles and parts in Southern Africa. A mere 5 years later Hyundai Automotive South Africa was selected as the Global Distributor of the Year for 2005, which established Hyundai SA’s commitment and importance to the Hyundai Motor Company.

Today, after conquering all the challenges that new brands have to face and where so many have failed before, Hyundai SA has established a network of more than 80 dealerships not only in South Africa, but also Namibia and Botswana. One of the reasons for its success is that many of the dealerships had years of prior industry experience and respect to build on which of course meant top sales expertise and customer service for Hyundai clients.

The Hyundai name

When Hyundai was launched in South Africa, it certainly was the talk of the town. Consumers weren’t just discussing the brand’s vehicle range, but also the pronunciation of its name. Even today, you’ll still hear various versions such as ‘Hi-on-di’, ‘Hun-day’, ‘Hun-di’, ‘Hoon-di’ and ‘Hoon-day’. But which one is correct? According to most sources, when pronounced in English, Hyundai should rhyme with Sunday.

Hyundai products and achievements

Hyundai has firmly established itself as a vehicle brand offering value-for-money products, excellent service and some of the best warranties and service plans available in South Africa. It even acted as the official sponsor for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Furthermore Hyundai boasts a vehicle line-up that sees to every consumer profile – from hatches and sedans to sports utility vehicles and commercial transport options, many of which have been nominated for or won coveted industry titles such as the South African Car of the Year, just claimed by the new Elantra. And Hyundai South Africa has vowed that it will continue to expand its model range and build on its past successes.

The latest i30 model has hit the streets of Geneva

Just two weeks before its world debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai is shedding some light on its New Generation i30 wagon.

The i30 wagon was developed alongside the i30 hatchback from the earliest stages to ensure a coherent design. It will also share the same drivetrain as its five-door hatch sibling, but will sport a longer body to increase and create best-in-class cargo room of 528 litres. Even though it’s bigger, Hyundai has not compromised the wagon’s dynamic styling as is evident in its hexagon-shaped grille, jewel-like headlamps and fluidic sculpture design language.

According to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe, Allan Rushforth, “The New Generation i30 has been widely praised for its style, quality, and value. Our new wagon offers all of those attributes plus even greater load-carrying capacity. We expect it to appeal strongly to those looking for stylish and flexible practicality, especially active families.”

Hyundai’s New Generation i30 wagon is set to be unveiled during the company’s press conference at the Geneva Motor Show on the 6th of March.