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Hyundai promoting younger execs in bid to 'smoothen an eventual leadership succession'

Experience versus the next generation. It's the decision any organization has to make when it comes to its succession of leadership. But even companies that value wisdom over vitality will eventually have to hand the reins to a new generation of leaders. And that seems to be what the Hyundai Motor Group is preparing for. The Korean automaker has promoted three executives in their early 50s to the rank of Executive Vice President. Chief marketing officer Cho Won-hong (50), PR chief Kong Young-woon (50) and Kim Gyun (52), head of strategic planning at Kia, are all being promoted to the role, putting them in senior leadership positions at one of the world's largest automakers. Reuters frames the promotions as earmarked to "smoothen an eventual leadership succession" at Hyundai. The family-owned company is currently chaired by Chung Mong-koo (76), who has given little indication that he's preparing to step down in the near future. But when he does, he's widely expected to relinquish control to his only son, current vice-chairman and former Kia president Chung Eui-sun (44, pictured), who is said to have chosen the aforementioned US-educated Cho for the promotion. News Source: ReutersImage Credit: SAMUEL KUBANI/AFP/Getty Hirings/Firings/Layoffs Hyundai Kia

Super Bowl LVII car commercial roundup: Watch them all here

Fewer automakers than usual spent money advertising during Super Bowl LVII. In total, there were only five traditional ad spots from three big OEMs. A number of car-adjacent ads aired during the Big Game, too, and we’ll bring you those ads in this roundup alongside the more obvious ones. WeÂ’ve compiled all of the automotive-related commercials for you here in this post so you donÂ’t have to go searching for them elsewhere. Read on below to see what aired as the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. Ram's Super Bowl spot offers a cure for 'Premature Electrification' This commercial revealed the new electric Ram Rev pickup, and itÂ’s themed like a prescription ad for an antidote to "Premature Electrification.” A concerned narrator in the Ram spot asks if you're afraid that going electric too soon will mean "you might not be able to last as long as you like," and there's a guy on a pier who's going to need some new equipment if he wants to catch fish. We're also told there are "options being designed to extend range in satisfying ways," so if this truck isn't right for you, you have choices. All the commercial's missing is a silly medical marketing name and six seconds of speed-reading gibberish about side effects like intestinal bleeding and death. Which are two more good things. Jeep 4xe Super Bowl commercial highlights modern version of 'Electric Boogie' JeepÂ’s “Electric Boogie” commercial follows the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe in a variety of simulated off-road situations. Though fun, the soundtrack is the real star of the show. The songÂ’s original artist, Marcia Griffiths, was joined by Grammy winner Shaggy, Jamila Falak, Amber Lee, and Moyann on the track. The modernized re-recording celebrates 40 years since GriffithsÂ’ original track, and Jeep says the track is available for streaming now. Kia returns to the Super Bowl with the tale of 'Binky Dad' This year, Kia follows the adventure of "Binky Dad" in his quest to fetch his daughter's lost pacifier, which naturally takes him over just about every bit of terrain you might encounter upon leaving the civilized confines of Southern California for the not-so-civilized mountains of ... probably also California. It features the refreshed 2023 Kia Telluride, which probably doesnÂ’t need much advertising to see these days, but Kia went for it with the strong three-row SUV anyway.

Kia shows off 2 tuned Stingers, modified Cadenza at SEMA

Ascendant Korean automaker Kia is leaving its mark on the SEMA Show in Las Vegas with two versions of its forthcoming 2018 Stinger GT, including the wide-body version developed with West Coast Customs that we previewed recently, and a sumptuous version of its premium sedan it's calling the Cadenza Obsidian. The third model is the Stinger GT Federation, which Kia says marks its foray into offering high-performance aftermarket parts through suppliers in conjunction with a vehicle launch (the production Stinger hits showrooms in December). Kia pairs the GT Federation with Air Design USA performance kits like a rear spoiler, rear diffuser and redesigned hood vents that contrast with the fastback's custom creamy-orange paint. The GT-standard twin-turbo 3.3-liter engine gets an added 15 horsepower, taking it to an estimated 380 hp, thanks to a K&N cold-air intake and a low-restriction quad-tipped Borla exhaust. It also gets Eibach springs, beefier antiroll bars and a reduced ride height, plus staggered 20-inch TSW wheels with Falken tires. Kia teamed with West Coast Customs for both the Stinger GT Wide Body and the Cadenza Obsidian sedan. The latter gets an upscale aesthetic makeover with ultra-dark ceramic window tint, metallic black body paint and copper accents inside and out. It rides on a lowered suspension with stiffened sport springs and custom 20-inch gloss-black Keen wheels with Cosmic Copper trim. Inside, there's hand-stitched suede dashboard top panel, "butter-soft" brown leather seats with suede inserts, and custom brown suede door panels. Oh, and there's a Harmon Kardon 630-watt premium sound system with an integrated subwoofer — perfect for belting out "Let It Go" at full voice during your morning commute. Kia also revealed new details about the Stinger GT Wide Body, which takes its inspiration from grand-touring racing cars of the 1970s. Its suspension has been lowered 1.4 inches up front and 1.2 inches in the rear, and it rides on 21-inch Keen forged wheels fitted with high-performance tires. The body gets wide fenders, a lightweight carbon-fiber aero kit and rear diffuser, plus quad-port exhaust tips. Inside, the makeover features custom blue leather seat piping, a hand-stitched gray leather dash panel, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and gloss-black center console trim.