Local Hyundai Distributor Unveils All-New 2010 Tucson

With its functional styling, solid build quality, a choice between fuel-efficient gasoline and common-rail diesel engines, and a price tag that’s hard to beat, the Hyundai Tucson has been a perennial hot-seller in the compact SUV stakes.

And while that state of affairs might cause some automakers to rest on their laurels, Hyundai had absolutely no intention of doing so. Hence the head-turning all-new 2010 Tucson that was unveiled to much Gary V.-led song-and-dance fanfare last week at the A. Venue hall in Makati Ave.

With its provocative front end and curvaceous lines, the 2010 Tucson’s head-turning styling should handily vault it to the top of the wishlist of people shopping for a compact SUV. The flowing and graceful design starts at the front with a sexy hood character line, followed by a “Z” form side character line that exhibits a strong and artistic 3-dimensional embellishment for a dynamic sports car-like profile. Read more

Hyundai is now 4th Automaker in the World

Despite the global economic crisis that various industries faced early this year, Hyundai emerged as a strong, challenger brand, posting sales that albeit modest, continue to reinforce its presence in both domestic and overseas markets. With its upbeat sales performance, the Hyundai Automative Group has another reason to celebrate, now that it has moved up to number four in global auto sales rankings. Hyundai Automotive Group sold a total of 2.153 million units in the first six months of this year, according to the US-based Automotive News. This latest milestone for Hyundai also counts as a victory for Asian automakers, as it is one of two Asian brands to ever be included in the Global Top 5 rankings.

From rank 10 in 2000, Hyundai Automotive Group rose to sixth place in 2006, and kept its Top 5 position since 2007. Now up another notch in the global arena, Hyundai remains optimistic that its sales performance will continue to gain momentum, especially since July global sales snapped up for Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s number one automaker.

Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) posted a remarkable 36.6 percent rise in July global sales compared to a year earlier. Also beefing up HMC’s success is its promising growth in the domestic market, as its sales rose 15.4 percent to 60,638 units in July from 52,535 units a year earlier. Read more

Korean Cars Fast Becoming a Force in Philippine Market

Korean vehicle manufacturers are fast making a dent in the market currently dominated by Japanese brands.

Kia and the relatively newer entrant Hyundai have in fact been aggressively expanding, and their sales are growing despite the slump being experienced by the market.

Both brands still maintain separate businesses in the Philippines despite the fact that they have common ownership under the Hyundai Automotive Group. The Group in 2008 was the largest automaker in Asia and one of the top five in the world.

Locally, the two hype up on their price competitiveness, quality and innovative features to make the discerning customer bite.

Kia traces its beginnings in the Philippines to Columbian Autocar Corp. (CAC) which was named sole distributor of Kia vehicles and manufacturer of Kia light commercial vehicles in the Philippines. Its foray into then People’s Car program was through the Kia Pride subcompact car which drew rave reviews when it was launched locally. Read more

Hyundai Invasion 2.1 Continues

More and more customers and motorists are catching on to the Hyundai INVASION 2.1 phenomenon as they soak up great deals for the i10, Accent, Getz, Tucson, and Santa Fe.

During the first leg of the INVASION 2.1 in various malls all over the country, the Hyundai i10 got mall goers excited over its chic and sleek Euro-inspired style, and its lineup of cutting-edge features, including its fuel-efficient engines that come in 1.1-liter and 1.2-liter variants—pretty handy but powerful nonetheless for exhilarating city drives. What further made car buyers take a second look at the Hyundai i10 at the INVASION 2.1, especially the i10 1.1 GL MT, was its inviting price that made it easier to own. For a down payment of only 75,600* pesos, car buyers were able to get hold of this pocket rocket and finally enjoy the i10 1.1 GL MT’s smooth, exciting ride. Read more

Korean Car Distributor Granted Regulatory Approval

Korean automobile distributor Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) received regulatory approval on Wednesday to hike its capital fourfold to P1 billion.

British Virgin Islands firm Kibo Holdings Ltd., which owns half of HARI, increased its stake in the company by subscribing to the entire stock increase but paid for only P200 million, documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) showed. Read more

Toyota Achieves Highest Ranking in Philippines Customer Satisfaction Study

Toyota ranks highest in customer satisfaction with authorized dealer after-sales service in the Philippines, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2008 Philippines Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) StudySM released today.

Now in its eighth year, the study measures new-vehicle owner satisfaction with the after-sales service process by examining dealership performance in seven factors. In order of importance, they are: problems experienced; service quality; user-friendly service; service delivery; service advisor; service initiation; and in-service experience. CSI performance is reported as an index score based on a 1,000-point scale. Overall customer satisfaction shows improvement with a score of 837 this year—an increase of 23 points since 2007. Read more