2006 Hyundai Sonata Gls Sedan 4-door 3.3l on 2040-cars

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NHTSA closes investigations into Ford Taurus, Hyundai Santa Fe

Ford and Hyundai are out from under the scrutinizing eyes of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after the government agency said it was closing investigations against both automakers over vehicle safety concerns.
Ford was being investigated for reported damaged speed control cables on Ford Taurus (shown above) and Mercury Sable models, both built between 2000 and 2003. Vehicles with the company's Duratec engines allegedly failed to allow owners to brake as expected. Owners lodged 100 complaints and were involved in five accidents, according to NHTSA records. The American automaker responded to the reports, and on June 21 of this year, said that it would inspect and repair all affected vehicles, regardless of the mileage.
Hyundai was under investigation for a reported loose fastener on the steering shaft of its 2011 Santa Fe (shown in the gallery below). After NHTSA launched its inquiry, the Korean automaker responded with its own investigation that yielded four affected vehicles. Following the inspection of 680 vehicles at its assembly plant, Hyundai said the issue was due to employee error and that no further defects have been found.

2017 Genesis G90 First Drive

The Genesis G90, new flagship of a new brand, makes me think of Shakespeare. Specifically, the tragedy of Troilus and Cressida, one of the Bard's more obscure and difficult works. But not because that play has much to do with the G90, but because that oft-forgotten work lent the Toyota Cressida, itself an obscure thing, its name. We're playing six degrees of Kevin Bacon with old playwrights and forgotten Toyota sedans because the luxurious Toyota Cressida directly paved the way for the Lexus LS400 to emerge a few years later. Since Lexus was the most phenomenal success to emerge from the late 1980s Japanese luxury brand movement, what better template for success? Genesis's Cressida was the Hyundai Equus. Both were uniquely badged, both sat slightly apart from a much less luxurious lineup. Both were not quite translated to American tastes, attempting to pass off indigenous flavors as export bonuses. The Cressida was pinched and cramped within, and frosted with gimmicky electronics; the Equus was tailor-made to a Korean businessperson's tastes. Both tested the waters and proved to product planners that there was room for a luxury brand. Lose the battle, win the war. Don't tell that to Troilus, though. Genesis won't quit with the G90. They're planning six vehicles by 2020, and the G80 (the old Hyundai Genesis sedan) is going on sale in September. A smaller G70 sedan will follow up later on. We expect an all-wheel drive coupe (or coupeish four-door) to replace the unloved Genesis Coupe, which should be significantly more upscale and luxurious to compete with the German brands. If it looks anything like the Vision G coupe concept from 2015, that won't be hard. Erwin Raphael, brand manager in the US for Genesis, tells us that a small SUV built on the G70 platform and a mid-sized one built on the G80 platform will follow (and in this SUV-crazy market, can't come soon enough). The slide below, provided by Genesis, shows the way forward. Genesis will craft its luxury brand not only with product, but also with a few customer service pillars that are worth a mention. Genesis expects most of their cars will be leased, and so they include a bunch of perks crafted to a typical lease period, like free service. On top of that, all Genesis dealers will offer a valet-style service to pick up your car for maintenance while dropping off a loaner. Other brands and dealerships do this piecemeal, but it will be a brand-wide pillar for Genesis.

Hyundai announces upcoming Creta sub-compact crossover

The market for subcompact SUVs is booming, and the next automaker to get in on the action will be Hyundai. The Korean automaker has not only announced the imminent arrival of its first subcompact crossover, but has given it a name, as well. Like some of its other crossovers, Hyundai's forthcoming baby high-rider takes its name from a geographical place – but unlike the Tucson and Santa Fe, the discontinued Veracruz, or the conceptual Santa Cruz, that place isn't in North America. The name Creta is derived from the Greek isle of Crete, and is meant to evoke the notion of creativity, says Hyundai. (The marketing team is evidently hoping people don't associate it with the term "cretin" in the process.) The model is slated to launch in India sometime in the second half of this year, but whether it makes its little way to US showrooms remains to be seen. Wherever it is sold, however, the Hyundai Creta will ostensibly take on the likes of the Chevy Trax, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke and Honda HR-V/Vezel in this burgeoning segment. Hyundai Motor Reveals Name Of New Global Sub-compact SUV: 'Creta' - Creta is the first sub-compact SUV model to be developed by Hyundai Motor - Global launch will start in India, in second half of 2015 June 2, 2015 - Hyundai Motor Company has today announced the name of its first sub-compact SUV: 'Creta'. The global roll-out of this all-new model will start in the second half of 2015 in India. The name 'Creta' derives primarily from the name for Crete, the largest of the Greek islands. Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete was the focal point for Greece's global prowess in trade and culture, in its heyday connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. Creta will be an influential global model for the Hyundai Motor brand in one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments, helping the company to reach out to many more consumers in new and established international markets. Consistent with the core concepts underpinning Hyundai Motor's Modern Premium brand direction – SIMPLE, CREATIVE, CARING – the 'Creta' name is simple and easy to remember. Pronunciation of Creta deliberately evokes welcome similarities with the term 'creative', and draws on positive associations with the Mediterranean island of Crete, which is famed for combining a relaxed and tranquil environment with a vibrant, energetic approach to outdoor activities.