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Hyundai Azera fate in question for US

The Azera has been consistently outsold by its rivals. Through June, Hyundai has shifted just 4,191 units.
Hyundai's dealers call the Azera the "nicest car nobody knows about." That's according to Mike O'Brien, Hyundai Motor America's vice president of corporate and product planning. Indeed, the fullsize sedan is a handsome, well-rounded machine, loaded with creature comforts. Yet it's not selling well, and its space in Hyundai showrooms is about to get a whole lot more crowded thanks to the newly spruced-up 2015 Sonata. No surprise, then, that company officials admit that the model's future in the US is uncertain.

Hyundai Prius-Fighter Hybrid could preview next attack on Toyota's champion

Hyundai is no stranger to the hybrid game, selling a gas-electric version of the Sonata in the US since 2011. The 2015-model-year version gets 38 miles per gallon combined, which is certainly admirable but not quite in the same league as the hybrid champion Toyota Prius (50 mpg combined). New spy shots reveal that Hyundai might be finally ready to targeting the non-plug-in fuel economy leader. Why else would some mysterious Hyundai prototypes be cruising through the desert hills with a few Priuses in tow?
Our photographers believe these mules hint at an all-new hybrid model, which makes us think of the Blue Will concept from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. At the time, Hyundai said the concept could be a preview of a future dedicated hybrid that would compete with the Prius.
We don't know what it all means for sure, but our spy photographers found four heavily modified Elantra GT prototypes driving around with a standard Prius and a Prius V. As if that wasn't enough of a clue, the four changed Elantras represent different approaches Hyundai might be using to go after Toyota, since there were two versions driving by our photographer's lenses, with different rear extensions indicating that both the standard Prius and the larger V might be in Hyundai's sights.

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.