2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited on 2040-cars

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Frankfurt Motor Show Notes: Why Jaguar decided to build an SUV

It was inevitable. Jaguar had to make an SUV, and that notion became reality this week with the debut of the F-Pace, an all-wheel-drive five-seater that will launch in the United States next spring. Some purists may cringe. But in an era when Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and other traditional luxury brands are all building or (planning to build) SUVs, Jaguar had to evolve. While it seems like a leap for Jaguar to make an SUV, longtime design director Ian Callum said it's been in the works for years. "The first time I was asked the question was when I arrived 16 years ago," he said. So in 1999 (and probably well before that), Jaguar was already thinking SUV. What took so long? "It wasn't a priority," Callum said. Jaguar was concentrating on fixing its existing lineup, which was pockmarked with holes and poorly selling products, like the X-Type. Along the way, Jaguar and sister brand Land Rover were sold by Ford to Indian conglomerate Tata Motors. Flash forward several years, and Jaguar and Land Rover are both experiencing a resurgence in the United States and around the world. Jaguar's lineup is flush with the E-Type's modern successor, the F-Type, plus a new version of the XF. The XJ received a 2016 freshening, and the smaller XE sedan is on the way. Jaguar put its house in order as other factors conspired to make a crossover timely. Fuel prices stayed relatively low, and consumers in the US and China remained steadfast in their love for utility vehicles of all stripes. Making a Jaguar SUV became a priority. "The world was telling us in no uncertain terms this is what they wanted," Callum said. "Not to be in the sector would be a little naive for the sake of purity." Jaguar proved its intent two years ago when it revealed the C-X17 crossover concept at Frankfurt, and the final production model is close to the prototype's striking looks. "I thought we managed to maintain that spirit," Callum said. It's a true Jaguar, with cues from the F-Type, 1968 XJ, and other famous models. Who would have thought Jaguar would make an SUV? "I certainly didn't," Callum admitted. But the F-Pace is here. If Callum is okay with it, purists can be, too. Quick Hits Opel retrenches for 2016 and beyond Opel used the Frankfurt show to display its new generation of the Astra, a critical vehicle line for the German division of General Motors.

Hyundai going with AeroVironment for dealership PHEV chargers

Hyundai will partner with AeroVironment as the supplier for charging stations at dealers for the 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. The 240-volt chargers will be able to top up the PHEV in less than three hours. Customers can also order AeroVironment's home chargers directly from the automaker's showrooms. AeroVironment is a veteran to working with automakers on charging solutions and has experience partnering with Fiat, Ford, Nissan, and BMW. The company also installed a network of locations along the I-5 corridor in Oregon. Customers can already buy the Sonata PHEV in ten states, including California, for a starting price of $35,435 (after $835 destination but before any tax incentives). The sedan has a total output of 202 horsepower from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor. The 9.8-kWh lithium-polymer battery offers 27 miles of electric range and an EPA-estimated 99 miles per gallon equivalent. Hyundai dealers might have more green cars on the lot to use these chargers in the coming years. The company reportedly has a project codenamed AE under development, and rumor indicates that hybrid, PHEV, and EV models could be on the way. Hyundai Motor America Picks AeroVironment to Provide Dealer Charging Stations for the All-new 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid Model AeroVironment to provide reliable and easy-to-use EV charging stations in Hyundai dealerships Hyundai becomes the seventh major auto manufacturer to choose AeroVironment as its preferred dealer charging station provider Hyundai drivers have the option to purchase AeroVironment's portable TurboCord charging system or its wall-mounted EVSE-RS charging station SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 24, 2015 – Hyundai Motor America has selected AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) as the preferred provider for charging system installation at its dealerships across North America for its all-new 2016 Hyundai Sonata Plug-in Hybrid. Hyundai is the seventh plug-in electric vehicle (EV) auto manufacturer to choose AeroVironment as one of its suppliers. The 2016 Sonata Plug-in Hybrid comes with a high-capacity lithium-polymer hybrid battery system that delivers an all-electric range of 27 miles before switching to hybrid mode. The Sonata Plug-in Hybrid also comes with a lifetime hybrid battery warranty. The AeroVironment 240-volt TurboCord and the EVSE-RS charging station can charge the Sonata Plug-in Hybrid in less than three hours versus the approximate nine hours needed using a standard 120-volt charging cable.

Hyundai Super Bowl ads use humor, Ryan Reynolds to sell 2017 Elantra

If you watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, expect to see a lot of Hyundai advertising. The South Korean automaker has two spots set to air during the game and two others that will premier before kick-off. The in-game commercials are now online, and they both use humor to market the 2017 Elantra. Ryanville (above) is an odd commercial about a town full of Ryan Reynolds clones, and two smitten women drive through the village to gawk at the actor. It's a forgettable ad unless you really like Reynolds, but Hyundai gets plenty of opportunities to show off the Elantra, including features like the available pre-collision braking. If you want something with a little more action, watch The Chase (below). Angry bears run after a frightened couple, and the Elantra's voice-activated start feature allows the people to get out of trouble in the nick of time. The ad finishes with a little humor to lighten the mood. This commercial still isn't memorable, but it's the better one of this pair. Hyundai hasn't released either ad for before the Super Bowl yet. First Date will star comedian Kevin Hart in a spot for the Genesis sedan, and Better will highlight the automaker's desire to improve its vehicles and customer experience. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds Serve Up Humor While Showcasing Latest Hyundai Vehicle Technologies FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 28, 2016 – In its first year as an official NFL sponsor, Hyundai will delight Super Bowl 50 fans with four entertaining ads set to run on Super Bowl Sunday. Hyundai will run a 60-second ad in the coveted pre-kick time slot, two 30-second ads during the game and a 60-second ad during the pre-game show. With help from A-list celebrities Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds, Hyundai will highlight the safety, technology and convenience features of its all-new 2017 Elantra and premium 2016 Genesis sedan. Hyundai will build on the creative digitally with heavy social media activity that will drive additional anticipation and awareness of the Super Bowl spots. Creative was developed by Hyundai's agency of record, INNOCEAN Worldwide. "Super Bowl Sunday is our opportunity to participate in the most-watched TV and live event in the U.S.