Hyundai employees donates over 400 bikes to Toys for Tots

The employees of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama donated more than 400 bicycles to the United States Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program on Wednesday.

This is an annual tradition for Hyundai, and Senior Manager Kevin Graham says every year his team members line up to help out.

This year, the employees of HMMA stepped it up and donated 421 bicycles and several boxes of toys. That's 23 more bicycles than they gave last year.

"It really speaks to the spirit of this company and the team members who make it up, that they're so willing this time of year to open their wallets and purses to provide this kind of donation," says Graham, who also tells us team members from every department contributed this year.

First Sergeant Danny Langford with the Marine Corps was on hand to accept the donation. He says his unit is responsible for collecting toys for as many as 8,000 kids around the Montgomery area.

Langford says with Hyundai's and other donations, they expect to have at least 20,000 toys by the end of Wednesday. He also says this one of their biggest years ever in terms of donations.

Source

Hyundai Ioniq sedan gets green styling

Hyundai Motor Co.’s new Ioniq sedan, which will come with three different electrified powertrains, will sport coupe-like styling with design flourishes that telegraph its environmental credentials while delivering “class-leading” aerodynamics, the company said.

Fresh renderings released by the company depict compact packaging with clean lines, a low hood and a raised rear deck. The front end gets an emphasized fog light recess.

The Ioniq, which will debut next month in South Korea, will come in a traditional hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric set up.

Hyundai says the Ioniq is the first nameplate from any manufacturer to offer either an electric, traditional gasoline-electric hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Prius, Leaf rival

The car takes
on the Toyota Prius hybrid and Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, while underpinning Hyundai’s next-generation green car strategy for meeting increasingly stringent global emissions rules.

To improve fuel economy, the Ioniq incorporates active grille flaps to better channel airflow around the car. The hexagonal grille is also topped by gloss-black detailing that flows into the headlights to differentiate the eco-car from the rest of the lineup.

Inside, designers strived for a smooth, simple, clutter-free feel, Hyundai said.

After its Korean debut, the Ioniq will be shown at the Geneva and New York auto shows in March. Hyundai says the Ioniq will combine class-leading fuel efficiency with “a fun, responsive drive and attractive design.”

Charged name

The first half of the nameplate’s moniker, ion, comes from the name for an electrically charged atom, a nod to the electrified powertrain. The second part comes from “unique.” The “Q” is depicted in the car’s logo to express a “visual breakthrough” that symbolized the “fresh new approach” of the vehicle, the carmaker said.

The vehicle gets an exclusive all-new platform designed to fit all three of the Ioniq’s powertrain options. The all-electric version will utilize a high-capacity lithium ion battery. Hyundai did not say what battery types will be deployed in the other variants.

Source

Genesis of Genesis: 5 Reasons Why the Hyundai Luxury Spinoff Will Work

In early November, Hyundai announced that it would be splitting the Genesis luxury sedan off into its own brand. It then dropped the curtain on the newest flagship of the newly spun-off Genesis franchise. These moves were expected, but were also the absolute right thing to do for Hyundai to continue its campaign of establishing the Korean automaker as a legitimate rival to big-name luxury players in the market. Here’s why.

Perfect Time to Grow
Hyundai has come a long way since its humble entry into the U.S. market in 2008. It now has the strongest product portfolio in the brand’s history, with attractive offerings such as the new Tucson and popular Sonata. And those products are so strong on their own, they do not need the gravitas of a car like the Genesis pull buyers into dealerships. These cars can stand on their own four wheels, so to speak.

Positioned for Success
When the Genesis first debuted it had style that amounted to an upscale, rear-wheel drive Sonata. With this current generation—and its big, bold grille—the Genesis as developed a style all its own. Hyundai has shown that it is following the trend of automakers like Audi and BMW, where the front end design of many of its vehicles look very alike. It would be pretty hard to have that design philosophy for every vehicle except for its flagship sedan. Meanwhile Hyundai is not forcing dealers to create standalone showrooms for its Genesis brand (if a dealer thinks its own showroom would be more successful in that market, they have the option), which is a smart, low-cost approach.

Making Sense of the Equus
The Equus is an incredible feat for Hyundai. Where the first and second Genesis sedans proved Hyundai could make a competent performance-luxury sedan (in the ilk of the BMW 5 Series), the Equus showcased what Hyundai could do when it wanted to make its own Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

But like the first-generation Genesis, the styling of the Equus was somewhat anonymous, and so the move to Genesis G90 for the next generation of the car, and bearing styling very close to the current Genesis, it continues to set up the spinoff brand for success.

Letting the Coupe Be Different
Despite the similar name, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and sedan have always looked quite different. It was a strange move to have the similar names, and yet the coupe is a car with a completely different feel. Putting it under a Genesis brand name, rather than the actual model name makes a bit more sense, but also lets the Coupe do its own thing and allows the fun-to-drive two-door to grow in its own unique ways.

Oh, the Possibilities
Hyundai says the new brand will have six models in the coming years. It is unclear if that includes the current three (Genesis, Genesis Coupe, G90) or means six additional models. But this is important because of where there is money to be made. A compact, BMW 3 Series competitor is necessary for any luxury brand to achieve necessary sales numbers, while the compact crossover market is the fastest growing segment in the industry.

So what of the sixth? Perhaps a large luxury coupe, slotted above the current Genesis Coupe? The Hyundai HCD-16 Vision G Concept showcased the automaker’s interpretation of a beamy luxury coupe. All we know is these new cars would not be possible without Genesis splitting off as its own brand.

Source

Wishing everyone a happy holiday season from Gary Rome Hyundai!

New Hyundai diesel

The engine is fitted with a common rail injection system and this is matched to an electronic variable geometry turbo-charger

Korean engine manufacturer Hyundai has added a new diesel engine to its R-Series range of small high speed diesels which is particularly suited to applications in RIBs and smaller patrol and work boats. Rated at 200 hp in its light duty form this engine is based on a 4 cylinder block coupled to an aluminium cylinder head. The R-200 engine is both turbo-charged and inter-cooled and can meet EPA Tier 3 emission requirements in the USA and IMO Tier 2 and is RCD compliant in the EU. The engine is fitted with a common rail injection system and this is matched to an electronic variable geometry turbo-charger. There are four valves per cylinder on this 2.2 litre engine which has a dry weight of 280 kg. Hyundai claims a low fuel consumption for this new engine at a maximum of 40 litres per hour at full speed. The engine has a full electronic monitoring, alarm and diagnosis system coupled to a dashboard display. The engine is fresh water cooled via a seawater heat exchanger and there is a connection built into the cooling system to allow for a cabin heating facility to be incorporated. The engine fuel filter incorporates a water sensing detector and there are both low and high pressure fuel pumps.The R-200 is fully adaptable to a variety of propulsion systems. Version R-200P is designed for shaft drive via a gearbox whilst R-200J is designed for water jet propulsion. The unit can also drive through a Mercury Bravo 3X stern drive and this version is the R-200S.This new engine is part of an extensive range of diesels marketed by Hyundai that range from 125 hp up to 500 hp. They are all based on high performance car and truck diesels and they can be adapted to a wide range of marine applications. They are marketed under the Hyundai Seasall name.

Source

Five Facts About Hyundai You Didn’t Know

Hyundai has been on a roll lately with a bunch of exciting new developments. The Korean automaker has announced a new standalone luxury brand called Genesis and will be introducing a vehicle that is built from the ground up to be a hybrid vehicle.

But we found a few other neat facts you may not know about Hyundai. Here’s some neat trivia about Hyundai you can use to impress your know-it-all car friends:

Hyundai finally broke the 10M sales mark in the U.S. this year

The Korean automaker finally cracked the 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S. mark. Since introducing its first vehicle in 1986, the company has managed to crack the 10 million mark in just under 30 years, not an easy feat in the competitive U.S. market. Helping to hit the 10 million mark, Hyundai opened its Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) plant in 2005, which has built 2,660,314 vehicles since opening, mostly Sonatas and Elantras.

Sonata and Elantra make up exactly 50% of the sales

While Hyundai has a strong crossover lineup, it’s the sales of the sedans that are really surprising. The Sonata and Elantra each make up 25 percent of the company’s sales and exactly 50 percent of the sales combined.

Both the Sonata and Elantra have had their best sales ever in the past five years, with the Elantra hitting 247,912 customers in 2013 and the Sonata selling 230,605 units in 2012.

This Econobox Was Designed by the Same Man Who Designed the BMW M1

You may have heard of the Excel, the subcompact car that Hyundai entered the U.S. market with. However, don’t think this small, cheap vehicle was taken lightly by the market. It sold 168,882 units in its first year.

The Excel, which has nothing in common with the Microsoft spreadsheet program, was apparently designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the same man who designed the BMW M1, Lotus Esprit and the Delorean DMC-12. The Excel isn’t quite as sexy as those other vehicles, but its pricentag sure was attractive, coming in at $4,995.

Hyundai Rolls its Own Steel

Hyundai actually makes its own steel rather than depend on the work of suppliers. This is a pretty big departure from the norm in the industry, and, as a result, Hyundai can make its steel with its own specifications.

Lots of Industry Firsts
Hyundai has been around for nearly 30 years, and the automaker has not only broken into the mainstream market, but has also lead the industry in its own unique way. Hyundai and its sister company Kia were the first and only mainstream automakers to use a lithium polymer battery, which can found in the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata Hybrids. This type of battery is lighter and more compact than the usual lithium ion batteries used in hybrids. 

Continuing this trend on leading the way in technology, Hyundai was the first automaker to offer the Android Auto smartphone integration system. 

The automaker is also the first in the industry to offer a lifetime battery replacement guarantee on its hybrid vehicles. A common concern to new hybrid buyer is the cost of a battery replacement, but Hyundai ensures those buyers don’t need to worry.

And finally on the subject of hybrid vehicles, with the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, is the first automaker to offer a hybrid electric model, plug-in hybrid electric model or battery-powered electric model of the same body styled vehicle. All three powertrains will be offered on the Ioniq, the first times that’s happened in the industry.

Source

2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid's Advanced Powertrain Named To Ward's 10 Best Engines List

The technologically advanced powertrain of the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) was named to the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines list. This is the first time that a plug-in hybrid powertrain has made the list.

"For Hyundai's first entry into the plug-in hybrid segment, Hyundai engineers did an impeccable job blending fuel efficiency with refinement and daily usability," said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief, WardsAuto World magazine. "Transitions between all-electric and hybrid modes are completely seamless, something that drivers will undoubtedly appreciate on long journeys, and the six-speed automatic transmission gives drivers a greater sense of connection, compared with other hybrids in the segment."

The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid offers the efficiency of an alternative powertrain with a unique aerodynamic exterior design, best-in-class total interior volume, premium features and advanced safety technologies, all at an excellent value. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid gives drivers the best of both worlds by providing the power delivery of a conventional gasoline engine, perfect for long trips, with the additional benefit of environmentally friendly all-electric range for commuting.

The vehicle is powered by Hyundai's 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder GDI engine, which produces 154 horsepower and 140 lb. ft. of torque. Unlike other hybrids in the segment, the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid utilizes a six-speed automatic transmission with a 50 kW electric motor in place of the standard torque converter. The powerful electric motor, coupled with the automatic transmission, gives drivers a heightened sense of connection over CVT transmissions common to the hybrid segment. Lastly, the vehicle's 9.8 kWh lithium polymer battery pack provides a best-in-segment all-electric range (AER) of 27 miles, so many consumers will be able to complete their daily commute without using a single drop of fuel.

"Receiving this award demonstrates Hyundai's continued momentum as a leader in advanced powertrains," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "We see significant potential with the Sonata PHEV as being a 'best of both worlds' zero carbon solution and this award provides a recognized platform to highlight the technological and environmental leadership of the entire Sonata family."

This is the 22nd year for Ward's 10 Best Engines, a competition created to recognize outstanding powertrain achievement, world-class technologies and those rare engines or electric propulsion systems that are so compelling that they help sell the vehicle. To be eligible, a new or significantly improved engine or propulsion system must be on sale in a production vehicle during the first quarter of 2016, with a base price capped at $61,000.

Ward's 10 Best Engines is the ultimate list that defines the industry's outstanding powertrains. Since the list began in 1995, Hyundai has been honored five times: the Tau V-8 was in 2009 (4.6-liter), 2010 (4.6-liter) and 2011 (5.0-liter); the Gamma I-4 in 2012; and the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain in 2015. The 2016 awards ceremony will take place at a banquet during the North American International Auto Show on January 13, 2016, in Detroit.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and In-Vehicle Service Scheduling.

Source

Can Hyundai Genesis Brand Take on BMW With its Large, Ultra-Posh G90 Sedan?

Hyundai recently announced plans to launch a luxury-oriented sub-brand called Genesis in the not-too-distant future. Making good on its promise in record time, the company has introduced the South Korean version of the G90, a large sedan positioned at the very top of Genesis’ lineup.

Billed as a replacement for the aging Hyundai Equus, the G90, known as the EQ900 in its home country, is a monumentally important vehicle because it ushers in the Korean automaker’s “Athletic Elegance” design language, which will lend styling cues to every model in the Genesis lineup. The G90 wears an elegant-looking front end characterized by a large hexagonal grille with thin vertical slats, boomerang-shaped LED headlights, a long piece of chrome trim at the bottom of the bumper, and a prominently-placed winged Genesis emblem. In retrospect, the Vision G concept that Hyundai quietly introduced earlier this year was an accurate preview of the G90.

Inside, Hyundai’s newest sedan puts a huge emphasis on luxury with a 22-way adjustable driver’s seat, a 12.3-inch high-resolution screen built into the dash, Genesis-specific leather upholstery provided by Italy’s Concerio Pasubio SPA, and real wood trim all around. Engineers spent countless hours fine-tuning the cabin in order to make it as quiet as possible, and they developed a doctor-approved Smart Posture Caring (SPC) System that detects how tall the driver is and automatically adjusts the seat, steering wheel, door mirror, and heads-up display.

In South Korea, the G90 is offered with three engines: the familiar 3.8-liter V6 rated at 310 horsepower, a new 3.3-liter V6 tuned to deliver 365 hp, and a range-topping 5.0-liter V8 that generates a healthy 419 ponies. Hailed as Hyundai’s first-ever twin-turbocharged mill, the V6 sends the G90 from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the V8 allows the S-Class-sized sedan to perform the same task in 5.7 seconds.

All engines are bolted to an eight-speed automatic transmission that spins the rear wheels, and all-wheel drive is available at an extra cost. Additionally, safety-minded buyers can select autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. The G90 can also be equipped with Hyundai’s semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assistance technology, but it seems like that feature will only be available in South Korea.

Although Genesis hasn’t revealed when the G90 will make its North American debut, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it in the metal for the first time in a little over a month at the Detroit Motor Show.

What’s next?

Hyundai will take on well established companies like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus by launching a total of six all-new Genesis-branded models before the end of the decade.

Further details haven’t been made public yet, but a recent rumor claims the G90 will quickly be joined by a large SUV that will fight head-to-head against the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. Additionally, Australian website Motoring reports the lineup will include a 3-Series-fighting sedan called G70, a smaller crossover, a sports coupe, and an entry-level sedan ambitiously aimed at the BMW 3 Series.

Source

2016 Hyundai i20 WRC aims straight for VW's rally heart

Yesterday at its German headquarters, Hyundai Motorsport unveiled the next generation i20 WRC. Piggybacking off its success in last year's World Rally Championship and the new WRC-spec i20, Hyundai is finally releasing an R5 edition of its five-door hatch. The R5-spec car will be able to compete in more events than the WRC version, and will bring an even heavier Hyundai presence.

The new i20 WRC sports a turbocharged 1.6-liter I4 capable of 300 hp at 6,000 rpm and 295 ft-lbs of torque – no change from last season. Naturally a paddle-shifted sequential gearbox sends the power to the front and rear mechanical differntials -- also the same from last year. In fact, there doesn’t appear to be a big change in any of the hardware, besides the body of course. Hyundai says that this new car is stiffer and more capable than last season's ride. The car still sports a Shell and Mobis livery and carries over many of the styling characteristics of the previous model.

It only takes one trip to the pits of a WRC event to see that Hyundai has clear intentions with its racing program – winning. Unlike the normal service areas that generally include a tent for the cars, a semi-trailer and a rest area for staff, Hyundai drags a completely enclosed garage to every event.

With all the experience the drivers have had with the Hyundai i20 WRC cars, the improved car might put Hyundai in a spot to take the championship. Watch out Volkswagen, Hyundai is coming for you.

Source

Hyundai Sonata Apple CarPlay Update Coming Soon (2015) & Android Auto Hybrid Confusion

When Hyundai launched the 2015 Sonata they created a lot of tech buzz because they said that the model with the tech/navigation package would get updates to Android and Apple CarPlay. The Android Auto update was released earlier this year. We can tell you that we have word from a source familiar with the matter, that Hyundai will be making an announcement regarding Apple CarPlay within the next few weeks, we suspect it will an update to Apple CarPlay, as promised.

The original news release stated “By integrating CarPlay into our core-volume Sonata, Hyundai is one of the first volume manufacturers to bring CarPlay to market and it will be available on 2015 Sonatas equipped with navigation later in the 2015 model year.” We have seen CarPlay working in Hyundai Sonatas at the 2014 LA Auto Show as well as CES 2015. However, GM was the first to launch CarPlay across its vehicles.

It is a little past the original estimate for deployment but the update to Apple CarPlay is coming sooner than later.

Previously, when Hyundai released the update for Android Auto it was first available by going to the dealer for the update. Later on, the update was available online for download to a computer than transferred to the Sonata via a USB drive. We suspected the update to CarPlay will be done in a similar way.

For CarPlay to work properly it requires a Lightning connector and an iPhone with iOS 8 or greater.

Hyundai plans to no longer offer CD players in its 2016 model year vehicles and instead only offer digital music options.

There is another issue that we are investigating for a reader. There has been great confusion over if there will be Android Auto or CarPlay for the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. An owner of 2016 Hyundai Hybrid has been trying to find out if and when his Sonata Hybrid will be updated to Android Auto. He has contacted customer support and tried to contact the public relations staff of Hyundai. When we contacted Hyundai we were told that they are investigating the matter. Some articles have Hyundai PR people stating that Hyundai Sonata Hybrids will have Android Auto and CarPlay. The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid owner is a keen Android fan and wants the navigation features of Google Maps.

There are rumors that the reason Hyundai does not have Android Auto for the 2016 Hybrid Sonata is because Google has not given them the software.

There is usually a problem switching out head units/stereos with cars that have electric functions. For instance if you have a basic radio in a Nissan Leaf without the electric CarWings app, you can replace the radio. Electric cars often have too many proprietary programs running to aftermarket makers such as Pioneer or Dual to accommodate. We will keep you posted when we find out more about the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Android Auto confusion.

Source

Hyundai Genesis And Tucson Earn IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ Awards

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With added strenuous criteria in one of the industry's already rigorous testing of vehicle safety, the 2016 Hyundai Genesis and 2016 Tucson earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) 2016 TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards. The IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award helps consumers pick vehicles that offer the highest level of crash protection.

"Safety is a top priority at Hyundai, so we are pleased to see two of our vehicles of our vehicles on this prestigious list," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Hyundai's emphasis on safety continues to shine through with the advanced safety technologies across our vehicle lineup, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning with lane keep assist as well as emergency brake assist."

IIHS rates vehicles in a small overlap front crash, moderate overlap front crash, side and roof strength, and head restraint tests, as well as a standard or optional front crash prevention system. Winners of the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award must earn good ratings for occupant protection in all five of the evaluations. For the first time, a good rating in the small overlap front crash test is required to earn the award.

"The Genesis is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), nine airbags and energy-absorbing front airbags, while the Tucson has AEB, helping these vehicles earn our top rating," said Adrian Lund, IIHS president. "Both earned a required good rating in the small overlap front crash evaluation and a superior- or advanced-rated front crash prevention system with automatic braking capabilities, a key criteria to qualify for a TOP SAFETY PICK+ award."

The 2016 Genesis is equipped with many advanced safety technology options, including ESC, Lane Departure Warning System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution, Lane Change Assist and a rearview camera. In addition, the Genesis includes Sensory Surround Safety Technologies that help driver alertness and focus on total occupant safety, and even the safety of other drivers nearby.

Multiple advanced safety technology options are also available on the 2016 Tucson, including AEB with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Backup Warning Sensors and a standard rearview camera. In addition, advanced high-strength steel represents more than 50 percent of the new Tucson's structure, for enhanced crash safety. The vehicle also features a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts drivers if one or more tires are under-inflated, and includes the tire's location.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and In-Vehicle Service Scheduling.

Source

Five Facts About Hyundai You Didn’t Know

Hyundai has been on a roll lately with a bunch of exciting new developments. The Korean automaker has announced a new standalone luxury brand called Genesis and will be introducing a vehicle that is built from the ground up to be a hybrid vehicle.

But we found a few other neat facts you may not know about Hyundai. Here’s some neat trivia about Hyundai you can use to impress your know-it-all car friends:

Hyundai finally broke the 10M sales mark in the U.S. this year

The Korean automaker finally cracked the 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S. mark. Since introducing its first vehicle in 1986, the company has managed to crack the 10 million mark in just under 30 years, not an easy feat in the competitive U.S. market. Helping to hit the 10 million mark, Hyundai opened its Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) plant in 2005, which has built 2,660,314 vehicles since opening, mostly Sonatas and Elantras.

Sonata and Elantra make up exactly 50% of the sales

While Hyundai has a strong crossover lineup, it’s the sales of the sedans that are really surprising. The Sonata and Elantra each make up 25 percent of the company’s sales and exactly 50 percent of the sales combined.

Both the Sonata and Elantra have had their best sales ever in the past five years, with the Elantra hitting 247,912 customers in 2013 and the Sonata selling 230,605 units in 2012.

This Econobox Was Designed by the Same Man Who Designed the BMW M1

You may have heard of the Excel, the subcompact car that Hyundai entered the U.S. market with. However, don’t think this small, cheap vehicle was taken lightly by the market. It sold 168,882 units in its first year.

The Excel, which has nothing in common with the Microsoft spreadsheet program, was apparently designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the same man who designed the BMW M1, Lotus Esprit and the Delorean DMC-12. The Excel isn’t quite as sexy as those other vehicles, but its pricentag sure was attractive, coming in at $4,995.

Hyundai Rolls its Own Steel

Hyundai actually makes its own steel rather than depend on the work of suppliers. This is a pretty big departure from the norm in the industry, and, as a result, Hyundai can make its steel with its own specifications.

Lots of Industry Firsts

Hyundai has been around for nearly 30 years, and the automaker has not only broken into the mainstream market, but has also lead the industry in its own unique way. Hyundai and its sister company Kia were the first and only mainstream automakers to use a lithium polymer battery, which can found in the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata Hybrids. This type of battery is lighter and more compact than the usual lithium ion batteries used in hybrids.

Continuing this trend on leading the way in technology, Hyundai was the first automaker to offer the Android Auto smartphone integration system.

The automaker is also the first in the industry to offer a lifetime battery replacement guarantee on its hybrid vehicles. A common concern to new hybrid buyer is the cost of a battery replacement, but Hyundai ensures those buyers don’t need to worry.

And finally on the subject of hybrid vehicles, with the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq hybrid, is the first automaker to offer a hybrid electric model, plug-in hybrid electric model or battery-powered electric model of the same body styled vehicle. All three powertrains will be offered on the Ioniq, the first times that’s happened in the industry.

Source