2002 Hyundai Gl on 2040-cars

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Marchionne now considering 'Plan B' partners for FCA merger

Okay Sergio, just stop. With the sting of rejection from General Motors CEO Mary Barra still fresh, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne is moving on and trying to find another automaker to merge with. FCA may not be giving up hope on a merger with GM, but that doesn't mean it isn't at least considering alternatives. Sergio's so-called "Plan Bs" include the Volkswagen Group, as well as smaller Asian outfits, like Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Hyundai. Bloomberg reports that France's beleaguered PSA Peugeot Citroen could as a sort of "fallback" option due to its relative lack of volume, an unidentified source claimed. There are, of course, problems with each option. According to Bloomberg, Volkswagen expects complete control of a company, but the Agnelli family, which holds a large portion of FCA stock, is loathe to relinquish its stake in the company. On top of that, VAG just isn't looking to make a deal right now. Mazda, meanwhile, is enjoying a new partnership with Toyota and Suzuki is partially owned by VW. Honda and Hyundai have never expressed any interest in a partnership with a western automaker. That kind of just leaves the French then, but even that remains a long shot. As Bloomberg tells it, PSA boss Carlos Tavares is still working on a turn-around plan, and would want at least another six months to execute before even considering a deal with FCA. And even then, Tavares hasn't given any indication that he's considering a pairing. News Source: BloombergImage Credit: Paul Sancya / AP Chrysler Fiat GM Honda Hyundai Mazda Suzuki Citroen Peugeot Sergio Marchionne FCA Mary Barra psa peugeot citroen

Hyundai Genesis sedan recall swells to 43,500

Hyundai is expanding a recall we reported on a few weeks back regarding some 2009 to 2012 Genesis Sedans. In our earlier post we mentioned some 40,000 units were affected, but that only 27,500 were covered under the original, voluntary recall.
Now, the recall has grown, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with Hyundai asking the owners of 43,500 affected vehicles to report in for service. The issue relates to brake fluid that doesn't prevent corrosion of the hydraulic electronic control unit, a problem that has led to 23 complains, a documented crash for one owner and another owner losing control of their vehicle.
Owners of the affected sedans are being notified by Hyundai and asked to report to dealers to have the brake fluid replaced. Naturally, the work will be done free of charge. Take a look below for the official NHTSA bulletin.

Hyundai spices up Euro lineup with i20 Coupe, i30 Turbo, revised i40

Hyundai's model line in North America is made up of nameplates like Accent, Elantra and Sonata, but across the pond in Europe, the Korean automaker takes an alphanumeric approach. And it's just revealed a whole slate of new models. Arguably the most enticing of the fresh batch of Hyundais destined for Europe is the new i20 Coupe. Joining the recently refreshed, Ford Fiesta-sized i20 five-door hatch, the new three-door gets a more rakish roofline, beefed-up wheel arches and other visual enhancements to appeal to a younger demographic. European buyers will be able to choose between four engines – two diesels and two gasoline units – ranging from 1.1 liters to 1.4 liters, offering anywhere between 74 horsepower up to 99 hp, with a new 1.0-liter turbo three to follow. Hyundai Motor Europe has also revealed a refreshed version of its Focus-sized i30 with refreshed styling and upgraded equipment. The kicker, though, is the new i30 Turbo that packs the Korean automaker's 1.6-liter turbo four, but detuned from the 201 horsepower it produces in the Veloster Turbo and Kia Cee'd GT to "only" 183 hp. Although the refreshed i30 is available in three-door hatch, five-door hatch or wagon bodystyles, and with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch, the turbo engine is only being offered with the manual and in hatchback form. Finally, Hyundai has also announced a refreshed version of the i40. Just a bit smaller than the Ford Fusion/Mondeo, the i40 is available in sedan and wagon forms, and benefits in this latest iteration from updated sheetmetal, a more refined cabin, upgraded equipment and a new diesel engine displacing 1.7 liters and putting out 113 or 139 horsepower, channeled through a six-speed manual or (on the more powerful version) a seven-speed DCT. Interested parties will want to scope out images of all the new models in the accompanying galleries and details in the trio of press releases below. DIFFERENTIATED BY DESIGN: HYUNDAI MOTOR INTRODUCES NEW GENERATION i20 COUPE - Hyundai Motor reveals New Generation i20 Coupe - Clear design differentiation for unique three-door - Extends the appeal of New Generation i20 to younger customers High Wycombe, 10 December 2014 - Hyundai Motor has today unveiled the New Generation i20 Coupe. For the first time, Hyundai has created a three-door B-segment car that is significantly differentiated from the five-door model.