At first, Americans used to build the best cars on the market. Cadillacs, Mustangs, Corvettes ruled the roads. Then, power came in the hands of the Japanese with their Toyotas and Nissans that showed that cars need not be unreliable. Now, modern day threat comes from Koreans – specifically Hyundai/Kia.
Hyundai/Kia, now the world’s fifth-biggest carmaker in the world, is the envy of global rivals. Its class leading design, oodles of features and backed by affordable prices have made sure that it has given headaches to every single manufacturer in the world. But how did Hyundai get from making the ‘Accident’ to the revolutionary Genesis.
Here are some excerpts from an article from AutoNews explaining Hyundai’s Accent (pun intended):
It’s raining Sub Compact SUVs in the world. First, there was the Renault Duster then came the Ford EcoSport. Later, Chevrolet decided that it also wants to join the fray. Now, our friends at CarAdvice report that Hyundai has started working on a Sub Compact SUV to rival the likes of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. The Korean automaker has entrusted the responsibility of developing this new SUV to its Brazilian unit.
The new sub compact SUV will be based on all-new light-car-sized B-segment platform. This new platform will first support a 5 door hatchback (codenamed HB). Later, it will spawn into 4 door sedan and finally a Sub Compact SUV that will sit below the recently unveiled Santa Fe. The new SUV will initially be launched in Brazil and will be exported to Latin America and then to the rest of the world.
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You have seen the spyshots, you have seen the concept and you also know about the engine options, but it doesn’t end there. Thanks to our friends at TheKoreanCarBlog, we bring and exclusive insight into the production ready model. The brochure of the upcoming 2013 Santa FE has been leaked on to the web and it reveals some really juicy details.
Let’s start with the best news possible – The 2013 Fluidic Santa FE gets some sizzling hot features which include:
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This should comes as no surprise to IAB viewers that the current Santa Fe is all set to bid adieu to this world and a new boy will take its place. The current Santa Fe is a second generation model which was introduced way back in 2007 and carries the old design language. The all new Santa FE (which may be called as the ix45 in select markets) adopts the new Fluidic sculpture design with a slight twist.
Hyundai calls the new design of the Santa FE ‘Storm Edge’ and claims that it is an evolution of the fluidic design. The two renderings were posted by Hyundai on their official twitter account yesterday. As expected, the 2013 Santa Fe will get a much sharper design to keep up with the rest of the family line up. However, you shouldn’t be surprised with the official renderings either.
Back in January, two spy shots were released of the production ready vehicle which we have comprehensively discuss over here. The official renderings do reveal a surprisingly detail.
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The Santa Fe made its India debut very late. In fact, it was so late that the company was already working on new model as it was being launched in India. The current Santa Fe that we see running on the roads was launched way back in 2006 at North American International Auto and a mild facelift followed in 2010
MotorTrend confirms that the new Santa Fe will make its international debut at the 2012 New York Motor Show this April. The new Santa Fe codenamed (ix45) will don the fluidic design that was recently adopted by Hyundai worldwide. It will also have a lot of technology packed in it donated by the new Sonata. It will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 274-horses and a Euro6 2.0-liter diesel engine rated at 150HP.
Back home, the Santa Fe is imported as a CBU in India thus the sticker price is very expensive. Hyundai India wanted to test the waters with the Santa Fe and it seems they have received a good response. Hyundai may choose to bring the new Santa Fe through the CKD route to drop the prices and gain volumes.
We are live at the Hyundai conference in New Delhi where the Korean giant has given us glimpse of the concept Hexa Space, popularly known as HND-7. The Hexa Space is a glimpse of a future MPV that will seat 8 people in utmost comfort. Why is it called “Hexa Space?” you ask.
Just like the launches of 2011, the second largest car manufacturer of India plans to stuff its pavilion with some insane cars starting with the HND-7, a concept form of soon to come MPV from Hyundai motors. The HND-7 is just a design study right now but could possibly spawn a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga rival in the future.
Giving company to the HND-7 (image above is not related) will be the Avante sedan which will draw the spectators’ attention owing to its sporty looks. Internationally, available in both petrol and diesel version along with manual and automatic, the Avante will sit above the Verna challenging the Cruze and Laura.
Hyundai India has recently been on a roll when it comes to launches. Right from the new i10, the fluidic Verna to the mighty EON and everything in between, Hyundai has pretty much been there and done that. The company plans to continue this onslaught for the next five years.
Because of new entrants in the market, Hyundai’s share fallen to 18.3 percent from 21 percent in the past 12-18 months plans. In order to protect its share and gain some more traction, Hyundai India has decided attack is the best form of defense. Hyundai India has planned 15 launches in the next 5 years to woo the customers to the Hyundai brand. A few that we can think of are:
Of course, it will not be all sunshine for Hyundai. All the bigwigs in the industry have similar ambitions and similar plans. India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki has lined up 15-20 cars by 2015. 6-8 new models will come from General Motors, 8 from Ford by mid-decade, and 10 from Renault-Nissan.
Sure, new models will continuously pump numbers in the balance sheet. But what other areas do you think Hyundai India should work on to become the market leader?
At first, Americans used to build the best cars on the market. Cadillacs, Mustangs, Corvettes ruled the roads. Then, power came in the hands of the Japanese with their Toyotas and Nissans that showed that cars need not be unreliable. Now, modern day threat comes from Koreans – specifically Hyundai/Kia.
