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Hyundai US marketing chief steps down

For the past four and a half years, Hyundai's marketing efforts in America have been steered by Steve Shannon. But now the Korean automaker is going to have to find a new marketing guru, because Shannon has reportedly stepped down with apparently immediate effect.
A career automobile marketer, Shannon came to Hyundai early in 2011 after over a quarter century at General Motors, effectively switching places with Joel Ewanick and Chris Perry, who moved from Hyundai to GM the previous year.
During his 25 years in Detroit, Automotive News points out, Shannon worked with such brands as Buick, Oldsmobile, Saab and Hummer. He was particularly instrumental in launching the Saturn brand and served as executive director of marketing for Cadillac prior to moving to Hyundai.

Hyundai Sante Fe reveals its refreshed face in South Korea

The Hyundai Santa Fe is getting a refreshed face just three years after the debut of the current generation, but for now the revision is exclusive to the South Korean market. The crossover is definitely getting a dash more style with this upgrade. The grille retains a three-bar design, but each crosspiece now sports cuts at each edge for a more visually interesting look. Lower down, the air intake grows larger for a little more aggression, and LED running lights are now mounted above the fog lights. The headlights are also re-sculpted for a sharper shape. According to a rough translation of Hyundai's press release, the rear bumper and taillights also see revisions, but the company has no photos of them. Similarly, the interior apparently receives a redesigned gauge cluster with new fonts and icons. For the South Korea at least, the updated Santa Fe is also getting an expanded list of tech options. Buyers can now opt for adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system with parking assist. The release specifically mentions that Hyundai is aiming for the Santa Fe to score Good in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small overlap crash test in the United States, versus the current version's Marginal rating. When the refreshed Santa Fe was previously spotted testing, the North American debut was predicted for sometime this year. Given the reveal of the crossover in South Korea, that estimated date would seem even more likely now. Autoblog reached out to a Hyundai Motor North America spokesperson for a more exact date, but all we heard back was that the automaker wouldn't comment on future product plans.

Weekly Recap: Hyundai scores NFL sponsorship after GM exits

Hyundai replaced General Motors as the official automotive sponsor of the NFL with a four-season deal that was announced this week. Hyundai gets exclusive sponsorship rights for mainstream and luxury cars, though not for pickups – as it doesn't have one in its current portfolio. "There may be another automotive truck sponsor, but not one that competes with our vehicle lineup," a Hyundai spokesman said in an email. That leaves the door open for another truckmaker to enter the fray. GM used the NFL to promote its GMC division, which makes pickups and sport-utility vehicles. The Detroit automaker decided to quit the sponsorship, which it had held since 2001, a GM spokesman said. Financials were not released, but ESPN said the sponsorship will cost Hyundai $50 million a year, double what GM paid. It gives Hyundai access to NFL trademarks for use in its marketing and advertising, and Hyundai will provide promotional vehicles to the league for the Super Bowl and other events. Hyundai celebrated the agreement by lighting up its Fountain Valley, CA, headquarters this week with a football field and the NFL logo. Hyundai's sister company, Kia, is the official automotive sponsor of the NBA. "We are huge football fans at Hyundai and feel there is no better venue to reach consumers, increase consideration, and tell the Hyundai brand story," Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said in a statement. Hyundai will officially kick off its sponsorship when the NFL season begins on Sept. 10 with a primetime game featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. OTHER NEWS & NOTES Toyota Mirai rated at 67 mpge, 312-mile range The Environmental Protection Agency gave the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric car a 67-miles-per-gallon-equivalent rating. The figure is for city, highway, and combined driving. The EPA also said the Mirai will have a 312-mile range. The sedan will arrive in dealerships in California this fall and will cost $57,500, though incentives can drop the price significantly. The Mirai will also be offered as a $499-per-month lease. Both come with three years or $15,000 worth of free fuel. Toyota plans to expand sales to the Northeast United States later. Toyota's top female exec resigns in wake of arrest Meanwhile, in other Toyota news, the automaker's communications chief and top female executive, Julie Hamp, resigned.