Auto Shows? Still Relevant!

Living large in Los Angeles.

I just received an update from the Los Angeles Auto Show, the first of the big U.S. shows of the auto show season. Held in November or December each year, the L.A. venue is a great place to go to find out about the latest cars for sale as well as to see where the industry is heading.

L.A. Update

I attended the 2008 show, but stayed away in 2009. Though I haven’t committed myself to flying to L.A. this year, I certainly am interested in what this show has to offer. L.A. typically emphasizes fuel efficient and clean burning cars, attributes of critical importance to the Southern California community.

Indeed, if you are a press person you can test a number of vehicles during the show; I drove the hydrogen cell Honda FCX Clarity while there, a unique opportunity to get hold of a very rare vehicle.

This year’s show promises to be spectacular with 20 North American and 20 world debuts already in the works. Detroit has a show in January, Chicago in February and New York in March or April, but the Los Angeles show is first for the auto show season and a place where manufacturers love to showcase their wares.

L.A. Debuts

Look for Nissan to roll out it revised Quest minivan at this year’s show as well as introduce the LEAF, its electric car just in time for sales to begin in December. Also, Fiat will show up after a 27-year absence. Yes, that means the teen-girl friendly Fiat 500 will be on display in addition to a handful of concept models I imagine.

Last year’s show was pushed into December, but this year they’ve moved it back to November with press days on Nov. 17 and 18 followed by the public show running from Nov. 19-28.

Death Watch

Some people think auto shows will eventually be killed off by the Internet, but I for one think that there is a lot of life left in these shows. Thanks to hands on displays, customers can experience what cars are all about and speak to knowledgeable representatives about their products. Try doing all that online!

2011 Kia Sorento Unwrapped & Produced Stateside

2011 Kia Sorento

Kia Motors is waging a friendly battle with its former rival and current business partner, Hyundai Motors. Both Korean automakers have been defying industry trends and are selling more cars and gaining market share at the expense of American, European, and other Asian manufacturers.

That rivalry between the two companies (Hyundai owns 38% of Kia) can be seen with every new product introduction. While Hyundai has been concentrating on the upper end of the market with the Genesis sedan and coupe as well as the midrange Hyundai Sonata, Kia has recently released the compact Koup sedan and coupe, and introduced the 2011 edition of its compact crossover Sorento.

Wider, longer & much more stylish than the outgoing 2009 model.

Friendly Hyundai Competition

The competition between Hyundai and Kia isn’t so much a model v. model comparison, rather how well each new model is received by the car shopping public. Judging by the most recent sales figures Hyundai (+45.9%) and Kia (+18.3%) posted very strong gains for November 2009 and besides Subaru will likely be the only car companies seeing an increase in year over year sales when 2009 draws to a close.

The Sorento has managed to hold its own in an automotive segment that has grown in importance over the past several years. The Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, and the Chevy Equinox are strong contenders for Kia, even the Hyundai Tucson presents a challenge to the Sorento.

The Kia Sorento features an updated, modern interior with all of the expected appointments found in a vehicle in this class.

New USA Facility

Kia recently opened its first manufacturing facility in the United States, a plant in West Point, Georgia that is up and running. Indeed, the 2011 Sorento is the first model to be produced at that plant and it will arrive in Kia showrooms this January.

Two engines are offered with the five/seven passenger CUV. A 2.4L I4 is standard while a 3.5L V6 is optional, both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia says that the six cylinder gets 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft of torque, besting such rivals as the Ford Escape and the Honda CR-V.

Like the Toyota RAV4, the all new Kia Sorento offers third row seating to carry as many as seven passengers. With seats folded down, this American-built CUV has plenty of storage space.

Well Equipped CUV

Air conditioning, tilt wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, push button start, premium sound system, are among the many standard items with the Kia Sorento while optional voice activated navigation, rear view camera, and air ionization purification technology is optional. Safety features include ABS, ESC, EBD; front active headrests; front, side, and side curtain airbags; while the hood has been re-engineered to soften the blow of contact with a pedestrian and bicyclist.

Available in front- or all-wheel-drive, the 2011 Kia Sorento is longer and roomier than the previous generation model, offering some of the best storage capacity of crossovers in its segment.

Kia has yet to announce pricing for the 2011 Sorento. However, expect that when prices are announced that they’ll be near the $21,545 base MSRP of the outgoing 2009 model as no 2010 model is being offered.

Source: Kia Motors America

2011 Hyundai Sonata: Stylish, Affordable, Roomy, Efficient

Fluidic sculpture new design language for Hyundai models

2011 Hyundai Sonata

On Wednesday at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai Motors rolled out the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, the sixth generation of this five passenger midsize sedan model. Incorporating what Hyundai now calls its fluidic sculpture design language, the all new Sonata will go into production in Alabama this month and begin to arrive in Hyundai dealerships in January. The striking design of the Sonata is a game changer for the Korean automaker. But that shouldn’t be a surprise for most people who follow this brand and have witnessed Hyundai going from strength to strength over the past few years. Most telling of late has been both the Genesis sedan and Genesis coupe, both models receiving rave reviews and numerous awards. In addition, the Hyundai Assurance plan has helped draw attention to the Korean brand, offering skittish customers an opportunity to return their car in the event of losing their jobs. That program was rolled out during last season’s Super Bowl, bringing Hyundai to tens of millions of viewers all at once.

Four Cylinders Only

Making a clear departure from what its competitors are doing, Hyundai has decided not to offer a V6 engine with the 2011 Sonata. Instead, the company is relying upon new technology which makes its 2.4L Theta I4 engine lighter but more powerful than previous generation motors. Moreover, a turbo version of that engine will also be made available and Hyundai’s first hybrid model will also grace the Sonata line. The Sonata hybrid will feature a lithium-ion battery pack instead of the nickel-cadmium powerpacks found in so many of today’s models including the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, and Honda Civic, among others.

Segment Leading Fuel Economy

Hyundai says that the base Sonata will deliver 23 mpg city, 35 mpg highway which will help it edge out the base Ford Fusion for segment honors. The Fusion delivers 23/34 economy; Hyundai hasn’t said if the hybrid Sonata will match the Fusion Hybrid’s 41/36 mpg, however. Six-speed automatic and manual transmission will be offered with the Sonata, matching the current industry benchmark offered by both Ford and Chevrolet. Toyota and Honda still feature 5-speed transmissions. Bluetooth; XM Satellite Radio with navigation and data services; TouchScreen navigation; and iPod connectivity is standard across the model line.

Safety and Price

Customers will note a number of important safety features with the 2011 Sonata including six airbags; ABS with brake assist; four-wheel disc brakes; electronic brake distribution; and more. Perhaps most surprising about the next generation Sonata is its price: the base model will retail for under $20,000. Source: Hyundai Motor America