2014 Hyundai Elantra Se on 2040-cars

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2014 Hyundai Veloster Re:Flex brings the bling

Despite launching in late 2011, Hyundai has managed to keep its funky Veloster hatchback relatively fresh in our minds, with the Turbo and R-Spec, several special edition models and even a cloth-roofed concept. Here at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, we're seeing the next iteration of Veloster creativity, the limited-edition Re:Flex.
The Veloster Re:Flex isn't a hugely different car from the standard hatchback, and the theme of this car is chrome, chrome, chrome. Hyundai has added 18-inch chrome-finished wheels, chrome door handles and chrome hood accents (yep). There's also the usual Re:Flex badging on the actual hatch itself. Inside, the Re:Flex gets full leather seating, in either black or red, and the car can be purchased in a new Ice Pearl color, in addition to Century White, Vitamin C (orange), Ultra Black and Boston Red.
Hyundai is only offering the Re:Flex edition on the base Veloster, powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine. All Re:Flex models are fitted with the company's six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (sorry, manual fans).

Hyundai will open up some hydrogen fuel cell patents in Korea

Last year, Tesla made its electric vehicle patents open source. Last month, Toyota did the same with some of its hydrogen fuel cell patents. Now, Hyundai is going to let some Korean companies get access to the automaker's patents as parts of a innovation center project in Gwangju, South Korea. Just Auto reports that about 1,000 "unused patents" belonging to Kia and Hyundai will be made available to participants in a new automotive start-up hub. There will be 12 of these hubs in Korea, not all focused on hydrogen fuel cells. Hyundai said that it will help raise $164 million to help turn Gwangju in a center for eco-friendly industry. Phil Floraday, Hyundai Motor America manager of Midwest Product Public Relations, told AutoblogGreen that, "The main purpose of the patents mentioned in the story will be to nurture small- and medium-sized businesses in the Gwangju area. While we cannot clarify all the patents at this time, we can tell you that they are not entirely focused on FCEV or eco-friendly patents only." Featured Gallery 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell View 29 Photos News Source: Just Auto Government/Legal Green Hyundai Hydrogen Cars patent

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.