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Hyundai celebrates selling one-millionth Santa Fe

Hyundai celebrated a milestone yesterday when it sold the one-millionth Santa Fe crossover, which was the Korean automaker's first-and-only SUV when it was introduced in 2000. Hyundai credits the Santa Fe as being a key factor to the company's growth and success in the US, but it didn't describe the one-millionth Santa Fe or say where it was sold.
Before Hyundai introduced the crossover, which has been offered in short- and long-wheelbase versions from the start, it was primarily known for making inexpensive economy cars. Today the majority of Santa Fes are produced at its factory in West Point, Georgia, though they were previously made at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing plant in Montgomery, Alabama. Today the Alabama plant makes Sonata and Elantra sedans. Hyundai says it will produce nearly 500,000 vehicles in the US this year, and will sell a total of 700,000 vehicles here.
Check out the press release below, for more details.

Hyundai and Kia introduce new predictive transmission tech

Hyundai and Kia have announced that the two have developed a new transmission control system that optimizes shift logic to both improve efficiency and reduce "gear hunting." The system utilizes real-time traffic data, built-in 3D navigation and the same sensors that feed the cars' advanced safety and driver assist tech to proactively choose the right gear — even neutral in some cases — to reduce both fuel consumption and wear-and-tear. The Korean sister brands call it the "Information Communication Technology Connected Shift System," or "ICT" for short, and Hyundai says it delivers not just improved frugality, but a better all-around driving experience. ICT programming allows the transmission control unit to collect and interpret traffic, camera, sensor, navigation route, elevation and topographical data.  "Using all of these inputs, the TCU predicts the optimal shift scenario for real-time driving situations through an artificial intelligence algorithm and shifts the gears accordingly," the announcement said. "For example, when a relatively long slow down is expected and radar detects no speed irregularities with the car ahead, the transmission clutch temporarily switches to neutral mode to improve fuel efficiency." While this sounds like a primarily green play, there are quality-of-life improvements too. For example, ICT can also optimize gear selection and shift points for safer highway merges, effectively implementing the equivalent of a "Sport Mode" driving profile when a little extra punch is called for.  Hyundai says the resulting decrease in shifts was significant; in some test scenarios, such as roads with lots of curves, the number of shifts executed by the transmission was reduced by almost half. As an added bonus, these vehicles also utilized their brakes less often (11%), which would reduce wear (and accompanying maintenance costs) over time.  ICT is somewhat future-proof, too, as it was developed to incorporate vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) data should such networks improve down the line.  The announcement did not say when the new tech would reach customers, committing only to introducing the technology "on future vehicles." If we're betting, the smart money says it will probably on a new Genesis model and trickle down from there. Related Video:

2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo gets 7-speed DCT, Rally Edition model

The Hyundai Veloster lineup gets a little sweeter for 2016, with the Korean automaker showing off a host of new upgrades here at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. Most significantly, the Turbo model gets a brand-new, seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Elsewhere in the lineup, there's a new Rally Edition model, and even the base, naturally aspirated Veloster gets a few tweaks. Hyundai will only offer 1,200 examples of its limited edition Veloster, pictured at right. Based on the Turbo R-Spec, the Rally Edition adds more performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch Rays lightweight wheels, faux carbon fiber aero accents, unique badging, and a brand-new matte blue paint job. The limited-production Veloster will arrive at dealers in May. In addition to a seven-speed DCT, the Veloster Turbo gets a new wheel design, redesigned seats, and a new look to the gauge cluster. Non-turbo Velosters get a spiffy new 17-inch wheel design, and optional black seats with yellow accents. Have a look at the refreshed Veloster range in the gallery above, and look just below for all the details in the company's press blast. New Rally Edition Model Adds both Dynamic and Aesthetic Upgrades to Turbo R-Spec Model CHICAGO, February 13, 2015 – Hyundai unveiled a new Rally Edition, coupled with significant design, dynamic and connectivity enhancements to its Veloster coupe at the Chicago Auto Show today. The Veloster Rally Edition builds upon Veloster Turbo R-Spec enthusiast credentials, with a more performance-focused suspension, RAYS® lightweight wheels with wide 225/40R18 tires, carbon-fiber-look aero accents, unique badging and floor mats. The Rally Edition is a limited production run planned for 1,200 units, all in a stunning Matte Blue paint, guaranteeing exclusivity to its enthusiast owners. 2016 Veloster will be available at dealers in May 2015. In addition, the 2016 Veloster Turbo model now offers a performance-oriented 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a new machined-finish turbo-exclusive wheel design, a sportier seat design, enhanced electroluminescent gauge cluster and black headliner. The Veloster non-turbo receives a new 17-inch wheel design and available black seats with yellow accents. Also for 2016, all Veloster models offer a revised hood appearance without vent accents, a dark gray grille surround, 10mm-wider tires fitted to all 18-inch wheels, and new audio/navigation system functions (HD Radio®, Apple Siri®, and next-generation Blue Link®).