Hyundai Adds Investment, Jobs To Support U.S. Production

Some really good news coming from Hyundai!

With the all-new, Hyundai Elantra off to a red-hot start in this country, the automaker already has announced a new investment of $173 million in its U.S. manufacturing facilities—located in Montgomery, Ala.—to keep up with demand. And notably, this investment also will mean an additional 214 new jobs for the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama complex, which builds both the Elantra and the Hyundai Sonata.

The primary focus of the new investment will be production of the Elantra’s high-tech, high-efficiency I4 engine. This 1.8-liter powerplant is an amazing 73 lbs. lighter than the previous Elantra’s four-cylinder engine, yet it delivers 10 more hp and 18 percent better highway fuel efficiency. All told, the engine’s new spec sheet shows 148 hp, 131 lb.-ft. of torque and EPA ratings of 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined. And unlike rivals that only offer 40 mpg in special models with higher costs, the Elantra delivers that fuel-economy performance in all configurations, regardless of whether they’re kitted out with a manual transmission or an automatic. Key powertrain components responsible for these results include:

• An aluminum block and head for lighter weight
• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
• A Variable Induction System (VIS)
• A roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)
• Electronic throttle control
• An offset crankshaft

Hyundai’s Alabama investment also will increase production capacity for the 2.4-liter I4 engine that’s the standard powerplant in the Sonata, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. (The latter two are built at Kia’s nearby U.S. manufacturing facilities in West Point, Ga.; Kia is an affiliate of Hyundai.)

Readmore:http://www.hyundaiinthenews.com/hyundai-adds-investment-jobs-to-support-u-s-production/#more-984

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Hyundai Hope On Wheels

 

A wonderful program beginning in September. Read below for more details:

Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a partnership of Hyundai dealers across the U.S. and Hyundai Motor America, today announced a new nationwide initiative to raise funds to fight childhood cancer. Hyundai dealers have pledged to donate a total of $3 million dollars to Hope on Wheels based on vehicles sold during the month of September (National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month). This will be matched by a $3 million contribution from Hyundai Motor America so that through this effort, Hyundai will donate a minimum of $6 million in the month of September to children's hospitals and other non-profit organizations across the country in the form of "Hyundai Hope Grants." These Hope Grants will fund childhood cancer research projects as well as survivorship programs and other resources designed to improve quality of life for children with cancer.

Hyundai and its dealers are expanding their historic commitment to battling childhood cancer with the "Hyundai Gives Hope on Wheels" September program. By the end of the year, through this new initiative and existing fundraising programs, Hope on Wheels will have awarded more than $22 million dollars to support the fight against childhood cancer since it became involved with this cause more than a decade ago.

"Hyundai and its dealers have been committed to fighting childhood cancer since 1998. After visiting children's hospitals across the country and meeting thousands of extraordinary children affected by childhood cancer, we wanted to share their stories with our communities and customers," said John Krafcik, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "This September, our goal is to raise more awareness of this issue than we ever have before to support the fight against this dreaded disease with the hope of seeing more children go on to live long, happy lives, free of cancer."

Even though there have been many advances in therapies and treatment, cancer still remains the leading cause of death by disease in children in the U.S. While 85 percent of most childhood cancers are being cured today, three out of five children will suffer long-term health effects from treatment that will remain with them throughout their lives.

"As we've met numerous children, families, doctors and support teams that help kids fight cancer over the years, we've become more and more aware of how many different resources are needed to assist kids and families through cancer - from diagnosis through treatment and beyond," said Mike Kelly, Dealer Board Member, Hyundai Hope on Wheels Foundation and dealer owner of Mike Kelly Hyundai, Butler, PA. "Cutting edge medical research and educational, psychological and emotional support services are all crucial parts of cancer treatment for children and families, and Hyundai's new September initiative will support the people and organizations that are working directly with children and families fighting cancer."

During the month of September, Hope on Wheels will visit about sixty organizations across the country to distribute Hyundai Hope Grants in an amount of $100,000 each. These funds are designed to underwrite direct research projects and support meaningful initiatives undertaken by doctors, nurses, social workers, child life specialists and other professionals who work with children with cancer.

For more information on Hyundai Hope on Wheels, visit www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org.

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The Red-light Camera Quiz

 

Red-light cameras may seem technologically cut-and dry, but that's far from reality. They've saved lives, but they've also stirred up more controversy that most other traffic control devices on the roads to date. See how knowledgeable you are about some of the more picayune and esoteric aspects of this growing debate.

Follow the link to get started: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/red-light-camera-quiz.htm

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Hot Weather Tips For Your Car

Check out these hot weather tips for your car.

The prolonged hot weather we've been having is hard on vehicles, but a little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring that you don't wind up stranded on the side of the road withering in the heat while waiting for a tow truck.

Cars are complicated beasts and, of course, anything can go wrong at any time. But experts say there are four main problem areas that crop up as the mercury rises: batteries, tires, radiators and air conditioners.

"The extreme heat makes the acid and the fluid inside of them (car batteries) expand, which can cause them to start leaking," says Jim Kilgo, a supervisor at Austin's Groovy Automotive and Groovy Lube. "That causes battery failure in the long run."

Sarah Schimmer, AAA Texas public affairs representative, recommends that drivers keep in mind the age of their vehicles' batteries, especially in hot weather. "If it's older than 2 to 3 years, have it tested and consider having it changed out," she suggests.

Heat raises tire pressure, which is why manufacturers recommend checking their inflation before driving. And worn treads compound the effect. "As you drive during any month of the year, your tires' PSI (pounds per square inch) will raise from 5 to 8 pounds," Kilgo explains. "When it gets hot like this, it's going to raise even more. If you've got weak tires — worn tires — you've got a better chance of having a blowout."

Here's a bonus: Properly inflated tires in good condition (don't forget your spare) will improve your gas mileage.

If you see a car stranded on the shoulder and it's not up on a jack, chances are it has overheated. Your car is already working harder than normal in extreme heat, and low coolant levels can spell disaster for its engine. Belts stretch and hoses deteriorate with age; long periods of extreme heat can accelerate the process.

"A hose failure can cause an engine to blow almost before you can shut it down in this heat," Kilgo says.

"If you've got worn hoses that haven't been replaced in a while, you've got a better chance of a hose rupturing now than you do at any other time."

Read more: http://www.statesman.com/life/hot-weather-car-care-tips-1579503.html

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Hyundai Accent Best-Selling Sub-Compact Car For July

According to Korean auto maker Hyundai, its new Accent vehicle was the best-selling sub-compact car for the month of July. July was the first full month of sales for this vehicle, which combines modern style and good fuel economy for the road. In an August 8 press release, Hyundai presented a very minimal chart showing the Hyundai Accent at the top of the list of small cars, with a figure of 6,938 that, while not labeled, is probably supposed to represent units sold per month. The Nissan Versa comes in next with just over 5000 units, followed by the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

In discussing why the Hyundai Accent beat the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta models, staffers at Hyundai mentioned the fuel savings that this car generates, as well as a guarantee on trade-in value from participating dealerships. Generally, consumers are selecting these kinds of small cars anticipating that gas prices might be all over the chart through this year and the next.

The 2012 Hyundai Accent is part of a full 2012 lineup appearing on American lots this season. Other models include the Hyundai Elantra, the Sonata and Sonata Hybrid, and the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. All of these are becoming attractive choices for car buyers who are looking for something new and different, as Hyundai has been edging up to the big Japanese car makers for years. Staffers also cite the 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty as well as roadside assistance as other incentives for buying one of their high miles per gallon vehicles. All of this seems to really appeal to American buyers as the Hyundai Accent dominates consumer reports lists and puts its mark on today’s auto industry.

Read more: http://www.autoloandaily.com/hyundai-hawks-accent-2948

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Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator

 

While installing and using child safety seats may appear to be easy enough, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that close to 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child restraints ... and if you are one of them, that child safety seat may not protect your child the way it should. Use this locator to find a child safety seat inspection station nearest you. Certified technicians will inspect your child safety seat and show you how to correctly install and use it.

              http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

            You can filter results by State/Zip Code as well as with Spanish-speaking technicians, and/or having local Child Passenger Safety events.

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Tips On How To Properly Wash and Wax Your Car

Check out the tips below on how to properly wash and wax your car.

More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars-products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives. And almost half of motorists don't ever wax their vehicles.

"Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection, yet surveys show that 48 percent of motorists don't wax their vehicles at all," said Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc.

Motorists should avoid dish detergent, which contains harsh chemicals that, intended to cut through grease, will strip away the wax finish on your car. Some are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. For best results, a formulated automotive wash is recommended, one that gently lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.

Washing an automobile on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. The Car Care Council recommends the following dos and don'ts when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:

• Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
• Do fill your bucket with warm water.
• Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
• Do spray the car often with water.
• Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
• Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
• Don't neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.

"The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth," Webb said. "Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution."

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