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2014 Hyundai Sonata gets host of improvements, starts at $21,350*

Hyundai has announced improvements for the 2014 Sonata, as well as a price increase of $450 for the base GLS model, which has a MSRP of $21,350. That doesn't include the *$795 destination fee, which was increased by $20 for 2014. The most expensive Sonata, the Limited Turbo, starts at $28,650, also not including destination.
The new features are numerous, but only a fraction of them come standard on all Sonata models. The new standard features shared by the GLS, SE, SE 2.0T and Limited models include a refined grille design (which isn't too different from the 2013 model, if we're honest), HID headlights, LED taillights, a slightly revised rear fascia, Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and a tire-specific tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). To improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), all Sonatas also get improved carpet, more foam in the A and B pillars and an additional dynamic damper.
Hyundai has added a rearview camera and blind spot mirror as standard equipment on SE and Limited Sonatas, and it's also offered on the GLS with the Popular Equipment Package. Blind spot detection also makes its debut on the Sonata, which is standard on Limited models and part of the Premium Package on SE models. The GLS isn't slated for a blind spot detection system.

Kia Soul EV starts production next month amidst modest sales projections

The hamsters in those Kia Soul commercials? Looks like they'll be riding real quiet and quite clean a little sooner than we thought. Kia is now saying it will start production of the 2015 Soul EV next month, and sales will start later this year in the company's home country of South Korea. Additionally, according to Reuters, Kia is keeping sales expectations low, suggesting it should sell about 5,000 Soul EVs a year at a price of around $39,000, though the out-of-pocket costs should be cut in half because of South Korean government subsidies. Kia's taking a somewhat conservative approach to its early sales target as it focuses largely on the US and Europe during its first phase, said Kia spokesman Michael Choo. "We are currently conducting launch feasibility studies for the secondary phase of Soul EV introduction and plan to expand sales to other countries at a later stage," he said. "Hence, we believe the sales volume of the Soul EV will steadily grow following our initial full year of sales." As for the US, Kia spokesman James Hope tells AutoblogGreen that while the company hasn't set a definitive debut date, "we are targeting Q3 of this year." Hope says Kia isn't providing Soul EV sales guidance for the US, so we'll just have to see where the EV chips fall come September or so. Reuters also notes that sister company Hyundai will start selling its own battery-electric vehicle in 2016, a timetable confirmed by Hyundai Senior Vice President Lee Ki-sang. Both Kia and Hyundai are shooting for a South Korean electric-vehicle market that they hope will expand exponentially from a total of just 713 sales last year. The front-wheel-drive Soul EV will have a 81-kilowatt electric motor, and its single-charge range will be about 120 miles. The model was first shown off at the Chicago Auto Show last month, but Autoblog scored an early prototype test drive ahead of the reveal – check out our feature drive report here. Kia Motors shows Soul EV and next-generation hybrid powertrain at Geneva Show (SEOUL) March 4, 2014 -- The new Kia Soul EV made its European debut at the 84th Salon International de l'Automobile in Geneva, Switzerland, today alongside a special technology exhibit of the brand's next-generation hybrid powertrain.

Kia design chief Peter Schreyer named Hyundai-Kia President

Automotive News reports Peter Schreyer has been appointed the first non-Korean president of Hyundai-Kia Motor Group. Schreyer is expected to retain his role as the chief designer for Kia, while also taking on new, high-level executive duties. He is now one of three presidents at the automaker.
The designer made a name for himself at Volkswagen, where he penned the 1998 New Beetle and lent his eye to the Audi TT. In 2006, Schreyer moved to Kia, where he quickly revised the brand's styling from bland, forgettable lines to bold, "tiger nose" creations. Analysts attribute much of the brand's recent sales success to Schreyer's influence.
Kia is expected to move 2.75 million units worldwide next year, while sister company Hyundai will likely beat its 2012 sales forecast of 4.29 million units, according to CFO Lee Won Hee.