Hyundai's Having a Ball, Sonata and Tucson Driving US Sales to the Moon

According to US Hyundai CEO John Krafcik, Hyundai is looking to set an "all-time" sales record in September partially thanks to high demand for the new Sonata sedan.

Krafcik told Autonews that September "looks fantastic [for Hyundai]. The industry looks decent -- I wouldn't say great -- but I think we're going to be fine." That's because the two latest Hyundai models to arrive have been the well received Sonata and the crisp Tucson.

Due to the firm's recent product /quality blitz, sales for 2010 have risen 17% so far and should help Hyundai pass its 500,000 unit United States sales goal this year. This follows an industry-wide drop in sales after various clunker programs in which Hyundai benefited significantly, so good for them.

These sales also include the company's very conservative goals for its Lexus-fighting Equus. Regarding the Equus' target market of full-size luxury shoppers in the market for something fresh, Krafcik continued, "We recognize that's a tough segment...We're going in with a 2,000 to 3,000 units a year sales objective, which would give us a 6 to 7 percent share."

Other than the top-line Equus, the Genesis Sedan and Coupe will receive mild updates to stay up to date; on the low end, expect the Sonata and Tucson to hold down the fort until the new Accent, Elantra sedan, Veloster small coupe (see the latest spy shots here), and Azera saloon appear in the next year or so.

Expect to see more and more of these out-of-left field Hyundais in the future as the Koreans begin to take advantage of Japanese automakers' lack of direction.

By Phil Alex

Source: Autonews (sub. req.)

2011 Hyundai Sonata being investigated for faulty steering system

We all know Hyundai has pulled a 180-degree turn in brand image over the past few years, but alas, no one (including Ferrari) is immune to the threat of recalls. The NHTSA has recently begun a preliminary investigation of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata for an issue with the steering system. Approximately 16,300 of the Alabama-built units could be affected, although there have been no official complaints, injuries, or accidents yet.

According to the NHTSA, "the intermediate steering shaft assembly upper universal joint" can fully detach or a "cross-threaded pinch bolt" could strip upper universal joint connection threads; both these issues could lead to a loss of, or faulty, steering.

Regulators also mentioned the steering problem could lead to a "compromised brake system", a case in which the shaft drops out and could hinder brake application.

Thankfully, this is being caught and handled early on. The last thing Hyundai needs is a major safety hiccup as it expands its range into Lexus territory and hopes to bring out a new Azera in 2012.

By Phil Alex