2024 Hyundai Venue Limited on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Hyundai missing Q1 earnings targets blamed on slow US sales

Slow US growth is hampering profits at Hyundai. In its first quarter financial statement, the Korean automaker reported a profit of 1.93 trillion won ($1.86 billion). According to Reuters, this is less than analysts' expectations and nearly the same as last year.
According to the report, US sales fell by 3 percent in Q1 2014. To make matters worse, the high value of the South Korean currency caused lower profits on models exported from there. On the bright side, Hyundai's Chinese sales rose by 9 percent, according to Reuters. It's also working on building a fourth factory there.
The company has had a rough time in the US throughout the quarter. John Krafcik, the CEO of Hyundai of America, stepped down on January 1, and the company was already predicting slow growth in sales for 2014. Falling quality scores for the Sonata and Elantra aren't helping matters either. However, there may be hope on the way. The second-generation Genesis Sedan was introduced to the US in Detroit, and the redesigned Sonata was recently shown in New York. Successful launches of these important models could prove crucial.

2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe dumps turbo four, goes V6 only

Hyundai's rear-wheel-drive Genesis Coupe has been soldiering along for several years with the choice of either a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 3.8-liter V6, but that's about to change. Hyundai Motor America spokesperson Jim Trainor has confirmed to Autoblog: "The 2.0L Turbo engine will be discontinued starting with the 2015 model year, allowing us to reposition Genesis Coupe with its more premium performance buyer."
Rumors of the change first emerged over at The Korean Car Blog, which cited the company's ordering system as proof of the change, and it claims that there are some other changes in store for the 2015 Coupe as well. According to KCB, the base Genesis will use the 3.6 and will continue to be offered with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. Upgrading to the R-Spec model will add LED running lights, but other exterior appearance changes are unclear. Finally, the Grand Touring version will be dropped entirely, and the Ultimate trim will gain optional brown leather.

Hyundai unveils new i10

Hyundai has just revealed the new i10, the sub-Accent five-door sold in Europe. The diminutive city car first went on sale in 2007, but received a light facelift in 2011, to bring it more in line with Hyundai's then-new styling theme. The new model is an even more style-conscious offering, with a gaping front fascia, integrated LED running lights (because, why not?), and a stylish side strakes integrated into the doors.
The new model is longer (80 millimeters or 3.14 inches) and wider (65 mm or 2.5 in) than the car it replaces, but is 50 mm (2.0 in) lower than the old i10. The result is a purported best-in-class legroom and cargo space, while the lower overall height should lead to a slightly better driving experience. The wheelbase has been stretched an inconsequential five millimeters as well, as part of its move to a new platform.
Hyundai hasn't announced any engines just yet, although we'd suspect the regular suite of three- and four-cylinder engines, with both gas and diesel options will be available. The new i10 begins production in September, and will do battle with A-segment stalwarts like the Fiat Panda, Renault Twingo and Volkswagen Up!.