Hyundai to launch new small car in India

Hyundai Motor India to launch new small car in India...

According to Senior General Manager at Hyundai Motor India, Mr. Lee, the Korean largest car maker is going to launch an all-new mini-car in India next year. The development of yet un-named mini-car is in the final phase with final design already completed.

Information on this brand-new model so far are slim, but we have found out that the automaker will use a highly sophisticated 0.8L three-cylinder gasoline engine to power the vehicle.

Initially, the new model will be marketed exclusively for Indian market, according to Hyundai representative, but it is very likely that the company will also begin shipping the model to various international markets, including China, South Korea, Middle East and Europe.

The new product is scheduled to make its official premiere in the first half of 2011, while first production models are expected to hit the Indian roads in the second half of 2011. Pricing and other specifications of this new Hyundai car will be announced closer to its release date.

Hyundai tops Japanese automakers in brand loyalty

Brand loyalty for Hyundai recently surpassed that of Honda and replaced Toyota, allowing Hyundai to take the No. 1 spot among car shoppers, according to the latest Kelley Blue Book's Market Intelligence data.

Up from third place in Q4 2009, Hyundai saw the greatest increase in loyalty in February 2010, with Hyundai owners looking at new models within the brand increasing by 10.4 percentage points to 56.3 percent.

Furthermore, according to Kelley Blue Book Values data, throughout the month of February 2010 Hyundai outperformed the overall car segment average by a healthy margin. Hyundai values increased 2 percent month-over-month, relative to a 0.3 percent increase for the entire car segment.

"A large part of Hyundai's momentum is a result of introducing passionate new products like the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson," said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "To sustain this momentum, Hyundai should continue to promote its attractive new-vehicle lineup, solid warranty offer and strong price-points to new-car shoppers."

In addition to topping brand loyalty, the all-new 2011 Sonata was named to kbb.com's Top 10 Most-Researched New Vehicles list for the first time. In February, the Sonata was the fifth most-researched new car on kbb.com alongside 'Top 10 Most-Researched' mainstays such as Accord, Civic, Camry and CR-V.

"2009 marked an unprecedented year for the Hyundai brand and we are well poised to keep the momentum going in 2010," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "With impressive new vehicles like the all-new Sonata and our dedication to deliver stylish, fuel efficient and affordable vehicles, more customers are adding Hyundai models to their shopping lists." [Source: Hyundai]