2019 Kia Sorento Lx on 2040-cars

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Hyundai, Kia recalling 1.2 million vehicles for seized engines

The Basics: Hyundai and Kia are recalling a total of 1,190,160 vehicles because the engine may seize, resulting in a crash. The vehicles affected are the 2013-2014 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport and the 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage. The Problem: Errors during the machining process can cause a bearing in the engine to prematurely wear. This could cause the part to fail and the engine to seize. This in turn may cause a vehicle to crash. The issue was found due to the high number of warranty repairs for a recurring issue. Injuries/Deaths: There was no information on the websites for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hyundai, or Kia. We've reached out to the automakers for comment. The Fix: For Hyundai, the automaker will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine, replacing the engine short block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 19, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 162. The same goes for Kia, though the recall is expected to begin May 25, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147. If You Own One: Wait for the notification letters from Hyundai and Kia. When possible, take your vehicle to your local dealer. If you want more details, contact either automaker at the number above. Related Video: Recalls Hyundai Kia kia sorento kia sportage hyundai santa fe sport

Hyundai-Kia forecasts slowest sales growth in 8 years

Even with the arrival of the new Hyundai Genesis Sedan (above) and the expected introduction of at least two other new vehicles in 2014, Hyundai-Kia is estimating its sales will only increase by about 4.1 percent this year. Bloomberg has found that figure, which works out to a total of 7.86 million vehicles worldwide, to be lower than average analyst estimates of eight million vehicles. If the automaker is correct, that figure will represent the most sluggish growth for the Korean brands since 2006.
Based on an exchange rate of 1,050 won to the dollar - right now it's trading at anywhere from 1,050 to 1,052 depending on where you look - Hyundai is predicting a 3.8-percent uptick for sales of 4.9 million units, while Kia is expecting a 4.7-percent uptick for sales of 2.96 million units. That exchange rate is predicted to be part of what will hamper sales this year, with a stronger South Korean won making Japanese cars more price-competitive when cross-shopped. It's unclear how Hyundai derived its exchange rate, but 1,050 won to the dollar almost matches the 52-week high for all of 2013.
The company chairman mentioned a "low growth era" in the world economy, and weaker US sales are rumored to at least part of the reason John Krafcik recently vacated the post of Hyundai Motor America CEO, a post that has been filled by executive vice president of sales, David Zuchowski. That unexpected news capped a year in which two top execs resigned over quality issues and recalls and Hyundai agreed to settle a consolidated lawsuit over inflated fuel economy ratings for $395 million.

Kia slices K900 pricing amidst slow sales

Kia is learning the same hard lesson that Volkswagen learned so many years ago – it's not easy for a volume brand to sell a luxury car. The K900 luxury sedan has suffered through slow sales, moving just over 1,300 vehicles last year, and now the South Korean company is trimming the cost of entry to entice consumers. A new K900 Premium lowers the sedan's price by $5,000, from $59,500 to $54,500, not including a $900 destination charge, Motor Authority reports. While the price is lower, previously standard items, such as LED headlights, Nappa leather and a 17-speaker Lexicon stereo have been packaged as part of a new Luxury trim, which will maintain the original starting price. The two-tier scheme will force consumers to make a new decision about their K900, but that won't extend to the brute under the hood. A 5.0-liter V8 remains a standard item, making even the K900 Premium a tempting option for anyone that values straight-line thrust in a comfortable package. What are your thoughts? Is Kia merely rearranging the deck chairs on a sedan-shaped Titanic, or do you think trimming the price will do some good for the slow-selling K900? The new price is already reflected on Kia's consumer website, so head over, mess about and then come back and have your say about the move in Comments.