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Asian automakers still reluctant to use more aluminum

There's a logical progression of technology in the auto industry. We've seen it with things like carbon-ceramic brakes, which use to be the sole domain of six-figure sports cars, where they often cost as much as an entry level Toyota Corolla. Now, you can get them on a BMW M3 (they're still pricey, at $8,150). Who knows, maybe in the next four a five years, they'll be available on something like a muscle car or hot hatchback. Aluminum has had a similar progression, although it's further along, moving from the realm of Audi and Jaguar luxury sedans to Ford's most important product, the F-150. With the stuff set to arrive in such a big way on the market, we should logically expect an all-aluminum Toyota Camry or Honda Accord soon, right? Um, wrong. Reuters has a great report on what's keeping Asian manufacturers away from aluminum, and it demonstrates yet another stark philosophical difference between automakers in the east and those in the west. Of course, there's a pricing argument at play. But it's more than just the cost of aluminum sheet (shown above) versus steel. Manufacturing an aluminum car requires extensive retooling of existing factories, not to mention new relationships with suppliers and other logistical and financial nightmares. Factor that in with what Reuters calls Asian automaker's preference towards "evolutionary upgrades," and the case for an all-aluminum Accord is a difficult one. Instead, manufacturers in the east are focusing on developing even stronger steel as a means of trimming fat, although analysts question how long that practice can continue. Jeff Wang, the automotive sales director for aluminum supplier Novelis, predicts that we'll see a bump in aluminum usage from Japanese and Korean brands in the next two to three years, and that it will be driven by an influx of aluminum-based vehicles from western automakers into China. Only time will tell if he's proven right. News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Sean Gallup / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Honda Hyundai Mazda Nissan Toyota Technology aluminum

Hyundai planning 250-mile electric vehicle by 2020

Until plug-in vehicle buyers stop caring about all-electric range - and who knows when that might happen - the distance an EV can travel on a full charge will remain an important selling point. Most US drivers go less than 40 miles a day, but that's not stopping at least two high-profile automakers from building a 200-mile EV. Both the Chevy Bolt EV and the Tesla Model 3 are shooting for this target. They won't rest on their laurels. Hyundai is prepping a 250-mile electric vehicle for 2020. Byung Ki Ahn, Hyundai's director, eco-vehicle performance development group, revealed the plans to Autoblog today after also confirming a 200-mile EV for 2018. This is above and beyond the Ioniq EV that will launch in the US later this year with 110 miles of range. Hyundai already had revealed its plan to offer 26 new green models by 2020, including plug-ins, hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, but there were no specific details about the EVs mentioned there. The EV world will be quite different in four years, but Hyundai thinks it has a strategy to get its customers prepared for the launch of the three Ioniq models, which include a plug-in hybrid and a standard hybrid, and future EVs. Until now, the company believes, according to Chris Hosford, Hyundai's corporate communications executive director, the automotive industry has not yet adequately communicated the advantages and differences of plug-in vehicles to customers. As Hyundai prepares to flood the market with green models in the next few years, expect lots of educational materials to come from Hyundai dealerships, as well as commercials. "We know there is a lot of education necessary," Hosford said. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Hyundai Ioniq: New York 2016 View 11 Photos Green Marketing/Advertising Hyundai AutoblogGreen Exclusive Electric exclusive range anxiety ev range hyundai ev

Hyundai releases series of KDM Genesis videos

We had plenty of nice things to say about the sleek, new Hyundai Genesis Sedan when we drove the Korean domestic market version late last month. And while we're still waiting to find out just when the new rear-driver will arrive in the US market, Hyundai's home-market operations have released a series of videos on the new sedan.
Now, unfortunately, all the videos are in Korean. While we haven't the foggiest idea of what they're actually saying, the eight videos in the series give a great look at the new Genesis Sedan in motion, as well as showing off some of the development process behind the newest member of the Hyundai family.
We've embedded all eight videos below for your viewing pleasure. Have a look below.