2006 Hyundai Tiburon Se Coupe 2-door 2.7l on 2040-cars

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Hyundai gives 3 millionth Elantra in America to hurricane hero near Houston (Update)

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the car given to Henry Rogers was the 3 millionth Hyundai in America. It was actually the 3 millionth Elantra in America. The text has been updated to reflect the correct information. Hyundai has just crossed a significant milestone in its history. Since the company's Elantra compact sedan was introduced to the American market back in 1991, the company has now sold the 3 millionth example here. The 3 millionth car is a normal Elantra sedan, a handsome, competent car that we don't find to be terribly exciting unless it's the Sport model with the turbo engine. But we're certain the owners of this new Elantra are pretty excited regardless. See, Hyundai didn't exactly sell the 3 millionth American Elantra. It donated it to Henry Rogers, a paramedic field supervisor in Baytown, Texas, near Houston. His town was pummeled by Hurricane Harvey, and he was out helping people for two days straight. Unfortunately, while he was out helping the citizens of Baytown, his family's home was being swallowed up by water. Neighbors came by to rescue his wife, three adopted kids, and three dogs. Everyone came out all right, but the house and its contents were lost. So for Rogers' contribution to the town, and for everything his family lost, Hyundai saw fit to get them started on the right foot with a fresh car, and a fairly historic one no less. Related Video: Image Credit: Hyundai Hyundai Economy Cars Sedan hurricane harvey

Hyundai expanding US plant capacity for SUV production

With cheap gasoline still driving CUV and SUV sales, three anonymous sources are reporting to Automotive News that Hyundai is looking to expand production at its Montgomery, AL factory with an eye towards production of high-riders. The Montgomery factory is currently responsible for Elantra and Sonata production, although as both sedans have faced slagging sales, Hyundai is seemingly taking a second look at its production priorities. "It's a new assembly line right next to the current Alabama line. State of Alabama is negotiating final terms," one of the sources told AN. The other two sources, meanwhile, indicated that while the company has been mulling expanded production in America, a final decision hadn't been made yet. As for what vehicle could join the Elantra and Sonata on a new line in Alabama, Korea Investment and Securities auto analyst Suh Sung-moon told AN the Santa Fe could move from its current home at the Kia facility in Georgia, although the Montgomery factory could also accommodate production of the compact Tucson (it's unclear if Suh was referencing the next-generation Tucson that debuted in Geneva or the current model) or even a pickup truck, were Hyundai to go such a route. Meanwhile, AN reports that Korea's Yonhap News Agency expects the Montgomery facility to be able to produce 300,000 vehicles, including an SUV, by 2017. While Hyundai declined Automotive News's inquiries, we have our ear to the ground for any official information from the South Korean marque.

Hyundai Sonata is the first application of Android Auto

Hyundai is grabbing an early technological lead as the first automaker to launch Android Auto in one of its production models. The Google-made operating system is now available on the 2015 Sonata with navigation, and current owners of the vehicle can get the software through an update available at dealers. The OS arrives on additional Hyundai products soon. Similar to Apple's CarPlay, Android Auto syncs with a smartphone to mirror some elements of the operating system directly on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The software allows for navigation through Google Maps, text messaging, and phone calls. Plus, it supports some third-party apps, as well. A driver can then control all of these functions through the car's microphone and physical controls. In a nod to safety, Android Auto also locks the phone's screen when in use to keep people from looking at their device while on the road. Beyond the Android Auto software in the Sonata, users need Android 5.0 or later and a companion app on their phone. Several other automakers intend to support the standard in the future. Autoblog recently got the opportunity to try out the OS, and you can look forward to a full report about it. All-New Integration Available on Best-Selling Sonata First car company to launch Android Auto on production vehicles, starting with the 2015 Sonata with Navigation Free Android Auto software update available for current owners of 2015 Sonatas with Navigation Android Auto reduces driver distraction by integrating the driver's smartphone with the vehicle's screen and controls Fountain Valley, Calif., May 26, 2015 – Today, Hyundai becomes the first car company to launch Android Auto™ on production vehicles. Android Auto is premiering on the 2015 Sonata with Navigation at dealerships nationwide, and will later become available on other Hyundai models. "Android Auto aligns with Hyundai's core interior design principles of safety, intuitiveness and simplicity," said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "We launched this highly anticipated feature on our best-selling Sonata, adding to our promise of value. With the launch of Android Auto, we provide more owners with the experience of cutting-edge technology." Android Auto not only brings a high technology experience to Hyundai owners, but also improves safety.