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Hyundai missing Q1 earnings targets blamed on slow US sales

Slow US growth is hampering profits at Hyundai. In its first quarter financial statement, the Korean automaker reported a profit of 1.93 trillion won ($1.86 billion). According to Reuters, this is less than analysts' expectations and nearly the same as last year.
According to the report, US sales fell by 3 percent in Q1 2014. To make matters worse, the high value of the South Korean currency caused lower profits on models exported from there. On the bright side, Hyundai's Chinese sales rose by 9 percent, according to Reuters. It's also working on building a fourth factory there.
The company has had a rough time in the US throughout the quarter. John Krafcik, the CEO of Hyundai of America, stepped down on January 1, and the company was already predicting slow growth in sales for 2014. Falling quality scores for the Sonata and Elantra aren't helping matters either. However, there may be hope on the way. The second-generation Genesis Sedan was introduced to the US in Detroit, and the redesigned Sonata was recently shown in New York. Successful launches of these important models could prove crucial.

Rockstar Performance creates off-road Hyundai Tucson for SEMA

Hyundai is rapidly filling its space for this year's SEMA Show on November 3 in Las Vegas, NV, but the latest addition to the growing list of debuts takes a slightly different approach. Rather than going for all-out power like the rest, Rockstar Performance Garage is bringing a tuned 2016 Tucson that's custom modified to head off-road. To handle getting through mud and over rocks, Rockstar Performance gives the Tucson a major suspension upgrade. Some 2.5-inch, adjustable coilovers are fitted at the front, and the rear is equipped with 2.5-inch shocks with remote reservoirs and progressive springs. To get the power to the dirt, 32-inch Mickey Thompson tires are mounted on some 17-inch wheels. "The focus behind this build was to create an off-roader that nobody expected," says Nic Ashby, owner and general partner of Rockstar Performance Garage. The tuners give the Tucson a meaner look thanks to a black paint job that's trimmed with yellow and silver accents, and the roof features a custom rack with an LED light bar. Inside, the stereo gets an upgrade with improved speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. The powerplant isn't left alone, either, and Rockstar Performance fits new parts for the turbo piping and intercooler, plus a Magnaflow exhaust, to get the most from the 1.6-liter engine. Rockstar Performance's work should be quite a contrast next to the lowered, blue, 700-horsepower Tucson from Bisimoto Engineering also coming to SEMA. Related Video: ROCKSTAR PERFORMANCE GARAGE TURNS 2016 TUCSON INTO A TRUE OFF-ROADER FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 12, 2015 – Rockstar Performance Garage (RPG), the off-road specialists, have revealed details on its 2016 Tucson SEMA build. This is the first year that Hyundai has teamed up with the off-road gurus at RPG, injecting off-road lifeblood into Hyundai's popular CUV. The car will be revealed at Hyundai's SEMA press conference on November 3 at 11:30 a.m. PT, in Las Vegas. The bumper-to-bumper overhaul started with the most important piece of any serious off-roader: the suspension. The Tucson now sits six inches over stock height, riding on massive, 32-in. MTZ P3 tires from Mickey Thompson, and a fully-custom, adjustable shocks and struts system from King Shocks. The vehicle's wheel wells were reconstructed to create space for the new setup, now able to fit the massive suspension and tire combination.

Hyundai recalls 10k Genesis Coupes for detached driveshafts

Hyundai has issued a recall for 10,800 examples of the Genesis Coupe. The problem with vehicles affected rests with the differential, which may have been misaligned with the crossmember of the rear suspension. In such a case, the bolts securing the differential may loosen, and could lead to the driveshaft disconnecting entirely, resulting in the complete loss of propulsion. The recall specifically affects certain models manufactured between December 28, 2011, and April 6, 2015. The problem is only with those units fitted with the six-speed manual transmission and not the eight-speed automatic. To address the problem, owners will be asked to bring their Genesis Coupes in to their local dealer to "verify the proper assembly of the differential." The Genesis Coupe was first introduced in its home market back in 2008, and arrived in North America the following year as a 2010 model. The most recent revision happened in 2013 – the model year with which this recall begins. A completely new model is expected to arrive soon as part of the new Genesis luxury sub-brand's lineup. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Rear Suspension Bolts may be Loose Report Receipt Date: NOV 16, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V756000 Component(s): POWER TRAIN , SUSPENSION Potential Number of Units Affected: 10,800 Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America SUMMARY: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Genesis Coupe vehicles manufactured December 28, 2011, to April 6, 2015, equipped with manual transmissions. In the affected vehicles, if the differential and the suspension rear crossmember were not properly aligned during vehicle assembly, the bolts that secure the differential may loosen. CONSEQUENCE: If the rear differential loosens from its mounting position, the driveshaft may disconnect from the differential, resulting in a loss of propulsion and an increased risk of a crash. REMEDY: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper assembly of the differential, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 11, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 135. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.