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Weekly Recap: Hyundai spins off Genesis as new luxury division

Hyundai is creating a standalone luxury division that will use the Genesis name in an ambitious move that could bring the Korean automaker more profits, sales, and prestige. The Genesis division launches in December in Korea, followed by a rollout in other markets, including the United States in 2016. The brand will have six models by 2020. They will all start with a "G" for Genesis, then have a number, like 70, 80, or 90 to represent their segment, Hyundai said. The vehicles will also get more upscale design to differentiate them from other Hyundais. Luc Donckerwolke, a veteran Volkswagen Group designer who joined Hyundai earlier this year, will oversee a new Prestige Design unit at the company. The current winged Genesis emblem will be restyled and worn by all of the brand's luxury vehicles. Hyundai says its new division will focus on technology, customer service, and will have "refined performance character." The current Genesis sedan offers a 5.0-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower. Naturally, Hyundai is optimistic for its new Genesis brand, but it will face immediate challenges as it enters a crowded and competitive market with a long list of entrenched competitors. Brands with storied histories like Cadillac and Lincoln have struggled recently, and even top-selling brands Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus aren't immune to potential troubles. Rumors have persisted that Hyundai harbored luxury ambitions since it first launched the Genesis sedan in 2008. OTHER NEWS & NOTES SEMA shows aftermarket's strength Further evidence of the auto industry's momentum was on display at the SEMA show this week as carmakers and tuners again turned out in full force. The Ford Cobra Jet Mustang, a Chevy Silverado customized by Kid Rock, and a Kia Forte Koup Mud Bogger were among the prominent displays. The show attracts more than 140,000 people per year, including 2,400 exhibitors, who come to buy and sell products. SEMA is a barometer for customization trends in the aftermarket, a key reason automakers attend. "They represent things we are thinking about and want to get some exposure," Mopar boss Pietro Gorlier said. Honda previews next-gen Ridgeline In other SEMA news, Honda previewed the next generation of its Ridgeline pickup at the show with a race-prepped vehicle that will compete in the Score Baja 1000 this year. The hood, side profile, roof, and front fascia offer hints of what the new truck will look like in production trim. Art St.

Recharge Wrap-up: Green Car award for Volvo XC90, MN air better from biodiesel

The Honda CR-V could return with a plug-in hybrid option. Expected to debut in the fall of 2017, the PHEV could use a 2.0-liter I4 plus an electric motor. It's possible that the new CR-V is being developed in North America, and will borrow design cues from the Honda Civic. There also could be a seven-seat version. Beyond that, details are pretty scarce. Read more at Hybrid Cars, and from Response JP. UC Davis will present findings from a CARB-commissioned study on customer valuation of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Dr. Ken Kurani of the university's Institute of Transportation Studies will report on consumer attitudes toward ZEVs, and the differences between those valuations and market behavior. In Kurani's survey, respondents had the opportunity to design their own car with an in-survey game. Almost a quarter of people designed some sort of EV, including plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. Read more from CARB, or at Green Car Congress. Minnesota's biodiesel efforts have improved air quality. According to the American Lung Association in Minnesota, summer and winter blends of biodiesel have prevented the emission of 130 tons of particulate matter, 319 tons of hydrocarbon and 2,634 tons of carbon monoxide every year, as well as a total of 3.7 million tons of CO2 over the last 10 years. Minnesota requires a B10 biodiesel blend during the summer months, and B5 throughout the winter. Read more from Biodiesel Magazine. The Volvo XC90 has received the Canadian Green Car Award for Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle. Beating out the Ford Explorer 2.3-liter EcoBoost and the Honda Pilot, Volvo's seven-seat crossover was chosen for its mass market appeal, and a variety of qualities both practical and green. Judges look at value, fuel economy, emissions, performance and technology among other features. The XC90 is available as a plug-in hybrid with about 17 miles of all-electric driving range. Read more in the press release below. Volvo XC90 Wins Canadian Green Car Award The Most Awarded SUV Named Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle RICHMOND HILL, ON. (April 7th, 2016.) The judges of the 2016 Canadian Green Car Award announced their category winners today, with the Volvo XC90 winning the Most Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle category. The other finalists in the category were the Ford Explorer 2.3-litre EcoBoost and the Honda Pilot.

Honda invests $215M in Ohio Earth Dreams production

Honda has announced a $215 million investment in a pair of its Ohio operations, taking its total tally for North American operations up to $2.7 billion in three years. The announcement was made at the 2013 Center For Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City.
$180 million of the investment is earmarked for Honda's Anna, OH engine plant. The money will allow the facility to increase its aluminum die casting and increase production of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology engines. Think of Earth Dreams as sort of like Mazda's Skyactiv line, only ED is limited to a new line of engines, rather than a full suite of automotive components. Anna will also be getting a new technical center to train engineers, techs, and line workers on powertrain technology.
The remaining $35 million is slated for Honda's main Ohio operations in Marysville. A 160,000-square-foot facility will be constructed near Honda's current properties, which will house another technical training center to focus on automotive manufacturing. The new building will also house Honda's North American Services group, as well as a new heritage center.