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Hyundai confirms a shift to EVs, unveils fuel cell SUV

SEOUL — Hyundai confirmed on Thursday it was placing electric vehicles at the center of its product strategy — one that includes plans for a premium long-distance electric car as it seeks to catch up to Tesla and other rivals. Like Toyota, Hyundai had initially championed fuel cell technology as the future of eco-friendly vehicles but has found itself shifting to electric as Tesla shot to prominence and battery-powered cars have gained government backing in China. Hyundai's debut of its more modestly priced Ionic hybrid and electric has been well-received. But the pure electric's per-charge driving range is much shorter than the Tesla Model 3 or Chevrolet Bolt. Toyota is now also working on longer-distance, fast-charging electric vehicles. Hyundai first started signaling this strategic shift back in May when it first discussed plans to launch an electric sedan under its high-end Genesis brand in 2021 with a range of 500 km (310 miles) per charge. It will also introduce an electric version of its Kona small crossover with a range of 390 km in the first half of next year. "We're strengthening our eco-friendly car strategy, centering on electric vehicles," Executive Vice President Lee Kwang-guk told a news conference, calling the technology mainstream and realistic. The automaker and affiliate Kia, which together rank fifth in global vehicle sales, also said they were adding three plug-in vehicles to their plans for eco-friendly cars, bringing the total to 31 models by 2020. Underscoring Hyundai's electric shift, those plans include eight battery-powered and two fuel-cell vehicles — a contrast to its 2014 announcement for 22 models, of which only two were slated to be battery-powered. Hyundai also confirmed a Reuters report that it is developing its first scaleable, dedicated electric vehicle platform, which will allow the company to produce multiple models with longer driving ranges. HYDROGEN SUV Hyundai unveiled a near production version of its new fuel cell SUV with a driving range of more than 580 km per charge, compared with the 415 km for its current Tucson fuel cell SUV. The mid-sized SUV will be launched in Korea early next year, followed by U.S. and European markets. A fuel cell electric bus is slated to be unveiled late this year, while a sedan-type fuel cell car is also planned. Even so, analysts noted that gaining traction with fuel cells was going to be a long hard slog partly due to a lack of charging infrastructure.

Kia recalls 12k 2016 Sorento models for faulty accelerator pedal

Kia is recalling 12,361 examples of the 2016 Sorento in the US because the accelerator pedal may stop working correctly. All of the affected vehicles were made between October 27, 2014, and January 29, 2015. According to the recall documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, a capacitor on the circuit board for the accelerator assembly may be improperly soldered. This can trigger a fault, causing the 2016 Sorento enters Limp Home Mode or in some other cases go into Forced Idle Mode, which only allows idling speed. In either situation, the check engine or electronic stability control lights would likely illuminate, according to Kia. Still, if this fault occurs, the lack of acceleration can put drivers in danger. To repair things, Kia will replace the entire accelerator pedal assembly with an improved unit. Changing out the parts will take about an hour, and obviously this will be done at no cost to owners. According to the NHTSA documents, there have been no accidents or injuries as a result of this problem. You can also read Kia's FAQ to owners and the full report on the recall in PDF format, as well. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Vehicle may not be able to Accelerate Report Receipt Date: FEB 13, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V089000 Component(s): VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Potential Number of Units Affected: 12,361 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) KIA SORENTO 2016 Details Manufacturer: Kia Motors America SUMMARY: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle. CONSEQUENCE: If the vehicle is unable to be accelerated, there is an increased risk of a crash. REMEDY: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in February 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC115. 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.

Limited-edition Kia Stinger GTS gets all-wheel drive with a drift mode

The Kia Stinger is currently available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, each with fairly distinct characters. With the limited-edition Stinger GTS, Kia wants to blend the best parts of each and create a third option for buyers: Drift Mode. Although the GTS will still be available as RWD or AWD, the all-wheel setup is focal point of the new limited-edition model. Revised to integrate "rear-wheel DNA," the new D-AWD system features a mechanical limited-slip rear differential for improved traction and power distribution. Kia also says the control logic has been tuned with a new transmission shift pattern, improved stability control, better slip control, and countersteer detection. The D-AWD-equipped Stinger GTS will have three different driving modes: comfort, sport, and drift. Comfort mode sends 60 percent of power to the rear, sport mode sends 80 percent to the rear, and drift mode gives the rear wheels 100 percent control. Drift mode will also hold gears to maintain power. No powertrain alterations will be made, as the GTS will get the 365-horsepower twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The rest of the changes aim to make the GTS feel slightly aftermarket. It gets an exclusive Federation Orange paint job, a Stinger emblem on the rear, and a rear GTS badge. Kia also gave the GTS real carbon fiber on the hood, side mirror caps, and side vents. Inside, the GTS is equipped with a Chamude headliner, an Alcantara steering wheel and center console, a wireless smartphone charger, a 720-watt Harmon/Kardon sound system, and a sunroof. Kia plans to start production of the GTS this spring and is limiting the run to 800 units. The RWD model starts at $44,995, and the AWD model starts at $47,495. Featured Gallery 2020 Kia Stinger GTS: New York 2019 View 14 Photos Related Gallery Kia Stinger GTS View 16 Photos News Source: KiaImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2019 Drew Phillips / Autoblog.com New York Auto Show Kia Hatchback Performance Sedan 2019 new york auto show drift mode