The big game is still a few days away but we’ve got copies of the two commercials that Hyundai plans to run during the 2010 Superbowl.

The first ad, titled “Paint”, will feature the 2011 Sonata. It plans to run during the first quarter of the big game.  This commercial is a bit more serious than you would think a Superbowl Ad would be.  It tries to bring correlation between classic musical Sonatas and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata- claiming “works of art are meant to last.” It ends claiming the 2011 Sonata paint quality is better than a Mercedes CLS550.

The second ad is decidedly lighter and a more “traditional” Superbowl Ad. It will run during the second quarter.  It features Brett Farve and is a took into the future during the year 2020.  Farve is still deciding if he wants to retire, but at least the 10-year warranty on the Hyundai you bought this year will still be good (barely).

So what do you think folks?

Hyundai’s Press Release

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF., Feb. 2, 2010 – Hyundai will be one of the most visible sponsors of Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, February 7 with a total of eight ads airing throughout the day. 2010 marks Hyundai’s third consecutive year of advertising during the nation’s largest sporting event and second consecutive year sponsoring the Kickoff Show.

Hyundai’s Super Bowl blitz will be highlighted by two in-game ads. The first, titled “Paint,” will kick off an aggressive campaign supporting the 2011 Sonata. Slotted for the first quarter of the game, the spot will feature the all-new sedan, which boasts 200 horsepower[1] while maintaining best-in-class fuel economy of 35 mile-per-gallon highway. The 2011 Sonata will reach dealerships this month.

The second in-game ad, titled “10 years/Favre,” scheduled for the second quarter, will feature Brett Favre, quarterback of this season’s NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings. Favre, who holds the NFL “iron man” record for most consecutive games started, will be included in a spot featuring Hyundai’s 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. In the 30-second ad, Favre accepts the Most Valuable Player award after the 2020 football season.

“The Super Bowl is not only a showcase for great football, but also for the most significant advertising, reaching an estimated 95 million viewers in the U.S.,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president of marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “Following in the footsteps of our 2008 and 2009 Super Bowl focused on the new Genesis and Genesis Coupe, we are focusing this year’s Super Bowl campaign on the all-new 2011 Sonata, the most significant new model introduction in our history.”

For added visibility on Super Bowl Sunday, Hyundai is the title sponsor of the “Hyundai Kickoff Show,” which begins at 6:00 p.m. ET and leads directly into the game. Hyundai will air three different 30-second ads during the Kickoff Show, including one in the time slot immediately preceding the game. Voiceovers and animations featuring Hyundai will be integrated after each commercial break.

In addition to highlighting the all-new Sonata, pre- and post-game spots will showcase the all-new Tucson and revamped Hyundai Assurance consumer protection program.

Sonata and Tucson lead a wave of new model introductions from Hyundai which will revamp its fleet called “24/7 Version 2.0.” The new product blitz will introduce seven new models in a 24-month period – the second aggressive overhaul of the Hyundai fleet since 2004. Both models usher in a new era of modern design for the Hyundai brand, while retaining its heritage of quality, safety and value. 2010 will also feature the introduction of an all-new flagship large sedan based on the Equus which is available internationally. Next year, Hyundai will also introduce redesigned Accent and Elantra models, and two all-new introductions including a sporty coupe and crossover.

Hyundai Assurance was extended and enhanced for 2010. The trend-setting program, initiated in 2009, includes a vehicle return option for new-car buyers, Hyundai’s 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and roadside assistance programs. Hyundai Assurance is the most comprehensive consumer safety net for new-car buyers in the industry.

Hyundai’s aggressive Super Bowl advertising extends its “Big Voices in Big Places” strategy, which includes high-profile advertising in sporting events, entertainment awards shows and outdoor video board placement. The strategy will continue next month as Hyundai is the exclusive automotive sponsor of the Academy Awards® with eight spots planned for the March 7 broadcast.

Jeff Bridges, now in his third year working with Hyundai advertising, will continue to serve as the narrator for the upcoming campaign.

This odd looking duck is a look into what Hyundai is doing with hybrids. Powered by a direct-injected 1.6L that puts out 152 HP and a 100kw electric motor and a CVT transmission. Hyundai says this combination is good for 50-55 mpg in hybrid mode and 106 mpg in plug-in mode. Operating on electric only mode the plug-in hybrid is expected to do 40 miles, which is the same as the Chevy Volt.

This is Hyundai’s test bed for a lot of tech. Dubbing the design ‘eco-sleek’ it packs organic LED displays for the gauges and touch screen HVAC controls. Other tech goodies aid in fuel economy, with an exhaust manifold mounted thermo-electric generator, roof-mounted solar cells and regenerative braking. The thermo-electric generator converts heat to electricity to power auxiliary device. Hyundai has coupled this with low-resistance tires and brake pads to reduce friction.

Even more interesting tech is packed into the Blue-Will, including an integrated bike rack. To save weight, carbon-fiber reinforced plastics and nano composites have been applied to the side sills, moldings and fenders.

Press Release :

HYUNDAI BLUE-WILL CONCEPT MAKES NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW DEBUT
Blue-Will Concept Foreshadows Future Plug-in Hybrid from Hyundai

DETROIT, 01/11/2010

Following Hyundai’s successful ascent to the top of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) report in November, the Blue-Will Plug-in Hybrid concept makes its U.S. debut at the 2010 North American International Auto.

BLUE-WILL HIGHLIGHTS

* Blue-Will foreshadows coming plug-in hybrid technology from Hyundai
* Four-seat sedan concept explores future design direction of compact cars
* Features panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries
* Thermal generator converts hot exhaust gases into electricity

Blue-Will serves as a test bed of new ideas that range from roof-mounted solar cells to drive-by-wire steering, lithium polymer batteries and touch-screen controls, and foreshadows future focused hybrid production vehicles from Hyundai. Blue-Will promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles on a single charge and a fuel economy rating of more than 100 miles per gallon. Codenamed HND-4, the Blue-Will is the fourth in a series of innovative concept vehicles to come out of the Namyang Design Center.

“Blue-Will’s bold character lines and fluidic sculpture design language give the perfect expression to the advanced eco-friendly technologies found beneath the skin,” said Oh Suk-Geun, executive vice president of design, Hyundai Motor Company. “At a time of rising concern about the environment and our energy future, Blue-Will demonstrates to eco-conscious car buyers everywhere that Hyundai has practical hybrid solutions that will appear on the next generation of vehicles.”

EXTERIOR

“Eco-sleek” was the core concept driving the design process. Its sweeping character lines and detailed form, key aspects of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design approach, elevate this next-generation hybrid to a more distinctive solution than current in-market hybrids. Blue-Will’s slippery surface treatment extends to the underbody where a full-length cover has been applied to minimize aerodynamic drag while maximizing fuel economy.

The LED panel on the front expresses a highly distinctive, futuristic image. The rear bike rack, neatly integrated into the trunk, adds an extra measure of convenience. To minimize weight, advanced materials such as carbon-fiber reinforced plastics and nano composites have been applied to the side sills, moldings and fenders.

Recycled PET material was used for the headlamp bezel, and PLA and PA11 bioplastics have also been used on interior and exterior parts.

INTERIOR

Thanks to the rapid advances in information technologies, designers had a free hand to redefine the interior of a compact car achieving a “digital flow” throughout the cabin. The conventional gauge cluster has been replaced by an ultra-thin Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (LED) display mounted on the steering column that is adjustable for rake and distance. Thin-film TOLED technology allows information to be displayed in high resolution color.

HND-4 designers designed the center stack with a simple and clean look thanks to high-tech touch-screen control technology which operates the HVAC, drive (PRNDL) selector and infotainment systems. The focal point of this display is the Eco-Coach. Eco-Coach graphically promotes fuel-saving habits by providing continuous feedback on fuel consumption and driving efficiency. Infotainment capabilities include Bluetooth-enabled speakers.

HYBRID BLUE DRIVE ARCHITECTURE

The Blue-Will concept is powered by an all-aluminum 152-horsepower Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) 1.6-liter engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). A 100kw electric motor is at the heart of Hyundai’s proprietary parallel hybrid drive architecture. The wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. This parallel hybrid drive architecture serves as the foundation for future Hyundai hybrids, starting with the Sonata hybrid coming later this year in the U.S.

For maximum luggage space, the fuel tank is located under the rear seat where it is neatly bundled alongside the lithium polymer battery that can be recharged using household current. Hyundai was the first automaker in the world to apply lithium polymer batteries in a mass production vehicle last July, when the Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) went on sale in Korea. This advanced battery technology will power Hyundai’s 2011 Sonata hybrid later this year.

A further expression of the Blue-Will’s design flexibility is found on its panoramic roof where the glass integrates dye-sensitized solar cells without impeding visibility. The solar cells provide a trickle charge that helps operate a cabin cooling fan, reducing interior temperatures while the car is parked in the sun.

THERMAL GENERATOR: ENERGY-SAVING INNOVATION

Energy from hot exhaust gases is recaptured by a thermal generator which is fitted into the exhaust manifold. The thermal generator then converts the heat into electrical energy to help power auxiliary systems.

Efficiencies are further improved by low-rolling resistance tires and low-drag brakes, where special attention has been paid to the engineering of the brake pads and calipers.

Ford scored big in this year’s Consumer Reports 2009 Car Reliability Survey. As the only Detroit automaker to be labeled with “world-class” reliability, 46 of 51 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury products scored average or above average.  General Motors did well with some of its new offerings but Chrysler continued to struggle.  Who took home the “most reliable” and “least reliable” titles? Read on and find out…

The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan scored as the highest family sedans aside from the Toyota Prius and both beat the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Lincoln’s MKZ also topped it’s rivals, scoring higher than the Acura TL and Lexus ES. Ford’s Flex also continued the good news, but all-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKZ, MKS, and MKX all scored below average.

“It’s rare for Consumer Reports to see family sedans from domestic carmakers continue to beat the reliability scores of such highly regarded Japanese models as the Camry and Accord,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Automotive Test Center.

Mr Champion also noted that the last time a domestic sedan had better reliability than Camry or Accord was the Buick Regal in 2004.

But the news isn’t just confined to Ford Motor Company. The most reliable vehicle for 2009 is the Honda Insight and the worse is the Volkswagen Touareg. Interestingly, hybrids took five of the top sight spots for most reliable family cars.

Among the least reliable vehicles in their respective classes are the AWD Lexus GS, Nissan Versa sedan and Subaru Impreza WRX.

It’s a mixed bag for other domestic manufactures. Newer General Motors products such as the Chevy Malibu V6, Buick Lucerne, Chevy Traverse, and AWD Buick Enclave did well. Both the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the GMC Sierra 1500 earned a Consumer Reports’ Recommendation.

Chrysler on the other hand didn’t fair well at all. More than one-third of all Chrysler products tested landed “much worse” than average in reliability. The only Chrysler model that the magazine could reccomend was the new Dodge Ram 1500.

Out of 48 top models, 36 are Asian. 18 are Toyota, eight are Honda, four are Nissan, and Hyundai / Kia / Subaru have three each.

On the European front, Mercedes-Benz has made a signifigant come-back with most models “average or better”. CR noted the GLK for doing exceptionally well. BMW had mixed results with the 535i sedan and X3 SUV declining in reliability. The 135i, making it’s debut in the survey this year also scores below average.

Volkswagen and Audi also gain spots according to Consumer Reports. The VW Rabbit and new CC earn top scores. The Volkswagen Jetta TDi is the only diesel that the magazine recommends.

We could keep going on for hours but with all the same information included in the below press release- take a look for yourself.

Consumer Reports’ Annual Automotive Reliability results will be available at www.ConsumerReports.org soon or on newsstands November 3rd.

Article photograph [Ford Fusion] by Zane Merva / AutoInsane.com

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CONSUMER REPORTS’ 2009 ANNUAL CAR RELIABILITY SURVEY:

FORD SECURES PLACE AMONG WORLD’S MOST RELIABLE CARMAKERS

Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan Reliability Tops Honda Accord and Toyota Camry

YONKERS, NY — Ford has secured its position as the only Detroit automaker with world-class reliability. About 90 percent (46 of 51) of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln products were found to have average or better reliability, according to Consumer Reports’ 2009 Annual Car Reliability Survey. The results were announced today at an Automotive Press Association luncheon in Detroit.

Ford’s sustained production of vehicles that are as dependable—or better than—some of the industry’s best dispels the notion that only Japanese manufacturers make reliable cars. Other than the Toyota Prius, the reliability of the 4-cylinder Fusion and Milan ranks higher than that of any other family sedan. Both of those Ford Motor Company products continue to beat the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, while the upscale Lincoln MKZ tops its rivals, the Acura TL and Lexus ES.

“It’s rare for Consumer Reports to see family sedans from domestic carmakers continue to beat the reliability scores of such highly regarded Japanese models as the Camry and Accord,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Automotive Test Center. The last domestic sedan that had better reliability than the Camry and Accord was the Buick Regal in 2004, he noted.

Ford’s position as the most reliable domestic carmaker includes good scores for its new Ford Flex SUV. But the Lincoln division has had mixed results; some models score below their Ford equivalents. All-wheel-drive versions of the Lincoln MKS, MKX, and MKZ, essentially high-end versions of the Ford Taurus, Edge, and Fusion, respectively, are all below average.

More details, and a list of models with the best and worst predicted-reliability Ratings, will appear first on www.ConsumerReports.org. The reliability report will also appear in the December issue of Consumer Reports, on sale November 3, and in the latest Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst New Cars for 2010, which also includes predicted-reliability ratings for more than 300 models.

A large margin separates the best from the worst. The least reliable vehicle, the Volkswagen Touareg, is 27 times more likely to have a problem than the most reliable car, the Honda Insight.

In addition to the Insight, small car reliability scores stood out. Twenty of 37 small cars have above-average predicted-reliability including the Honda Fit, Scion xD and Volkswagen Golf. Family cars fared nearly as well, with 21 out of 42 scoring above average. Five of the eight most reliable family cars are hybrids, including the Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Even good brands falter. Among the least reliable vehicles in their respective classes are the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS, the Nissan Versa sedan, and the Subaru Impreza WRX.

General Motors shows some bright spots, Chrysler still struggles

Some newer GM products are bright spots. Overall 20 of the 48 GM models Consumer Reports surveyed have average reliability scores, while the Chevrolet Malibu V6 has shown better-than-average scores and is on par with the most reliable family sedans. The Buick Lucerne did well in Consumer Reports road tests, and it scores average in reliability.

The Chevrolet Traverse SUV also makes the cut, as does its cousin, the Buick Enclave, but only in the all-wheel-drive version. The reliability scores of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 pickups has improved enough to earn Consumer Reports’ Recommendation. CR only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on the Annual Auto Survey, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

GM has a number of strong contenders either just released or in the pipeline, but they are too new for CR to have reliability data on them.

Chrysler continues to struggle. More than one-third of Chrysler products are much worse than average, including its new car-based SUV, the Dodge Journey. Last year, Consumers Reports couldn’t Recommend any of its products either because of mediocre performance, poor reliability scores, or both. However, this year CR can recommend one important vehicle in Chrysler’s lineup: the four-wheel-drive version of the redesigned Dodge Ram 1500 pickup. It did well in CR road tests and rates average in reliability.

Asian brands still in command

Of the 48 models with top reliability scores, 36 are Asian—Toyota accounts for 18; Honda, eight; Nissan, four; and Hyundai/Kia and Subaru, three each. With only a few exceptions, Japanese vehicles are consistently good. All Honda and Acura products have average or above average reliability. Although, Toyota, with its Lexus and Scion brands, provides a broader product range, the Lexus GS AWD is the only Toyota model with below average reliability.

Models from Nissan and its Infiniti luxury division have mostly been very reliable. The once-troublesome Infiniti QX56 and Nissan Armada are now average, as is the four-wheel-drive Nissan Titan, although its rear-wheel-drive version is still troublesome. The Nissan Versa has produced uneven results. Over the last two surveys, the hatchback has been average while the sedan has been far below average. The Nissan Quest minivan also remains troublesome.

Hyundai and Kia continue to make reliable cars. The Hyundai Elantra and Tucson, and the Kia Sportage get top marks. The new Hyundai Genesis V6 is better than average; the V8 version is average. Only Kia’s Sedona minivan and Sorento SUV score below average.

European models continue to rally

European brands continue to improve. Mercedes-Benz has significantly rebounded, with most models average or better, and the GLK did exceptionally well in its first year in CR’s survey. Scores from rival BMW are more mixed. The 535i sedan and X3 SUV declined in reliability, and the 135i, debuting in this survey, scores below average. Some BMW models have average or better reliability, but the 328i versions are the only ones that we have tested and can Recommend.

Volkswagen and Audi are also staging a nice reliability recovery. The Volkswagen Rabbit (Golf) and the new CC earn top scores. The VW Jetta’s Recommendation now extends to the diesel version, making it the only diesel Consumer Reports currently recommends.

Both the VW Passat and Audi A3 have improved so that they now have average reliability scores. The new VW Tiguan SUV is average. The Audi Q7 SUV continues to be much worse than average, but not as bad as its platform mate, the VW Touareg, which not only scores poorly but has the worst new-car predicted reliability score in the survey.

All of Volvo’s sedans are average or better, but Volvo’s XC90 SUV is below average. Porsche, which has been doing quite well in our survey of late, has one serious hiccup this year: The Boxster drops to below average, which strikes it from Consumer Reports Recommended list. But the Cayenne SUV im-proved to average.

Findings are based on responses on more than 1.4 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or its Web site, www.ConsumerReports.org, the biggest response in the Annual Auto Survey’s history. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2009 by Consumer Reports’ National Survey Research Center and covered model years 2000 to 2009.

Consumer Reports’ expert team of statisticians and automotive engineers used the survey data to predict reliability of new 2010 models. Predicted reliability is CR’s forecast of how well models currently on sale are likely to hold up. To calculate predicted-reliability ratings, CR averages the overall reliability scores (used car verdicts) for the most recent three model years, provided that the model remained unchanged in that period and also didn’t substantially change for 2010. If a model was new or redesigned in the past couple of years, one or two years’ data may be used, or if that’s all that’s available.

Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey is used in determining which makes and models are recommended to consumers by CR. Consumer Reports recommends only models that have performed well in tests conducted at its 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut, and that have average or better predicted reliability based on its annual survey. In addition, vehicles must perform well in government or insurance-industry crash and rollover tests, if tested, in order to be Recommended. Occasionally, Consumer Reports may recommend a redesigned model too new to have compiled a reliability record if the previous generation, and the manufacturer’s reliability track record has been consistently outstanding, and if the model meets the other criteria.

Full reliability history charts and predicted-reliability ratings on hundreds of 2010 models, plus a list of what’s up and what’s down, best and worst models, and a comparison chart of brands can be found online at www.ConsumerReports.org, in the December issue and in the latest Consumer Reports Cars publication, Best & Worst New Car for 2010 ($5.99 U.S./$6.99 Canada), on sale November 17, 2009 everywhere magazines are sold.

In August, reviewing the Genesis Coupe, I mentioned that Hyundai’s new deluxe Genesis sedan had been named the North American Car of the Year for 2009; and fortunately the Coupe wasn’t available then or it might have deadlocked the jury. Which one to pick? A better question might be, how can these two cars even be related? The two-door is a hooligan’s delight; the four-door not only looks completely different, inside and out, it has a different powertrain and mission specialty. (But it too can satisfy the inner bad boy. Person.)

At less than $40,000, this Genesis could almost pass as the body double for a certain German sedan that costs twice as much. Within limits—see paragraph #4, below—that’s how it behaves, too. This is a super-cruiser that ate up a two-day, 800-mile blast across northern New England (coastal Maine through the White Mountains, the Green Mountains and into upstate New York and back) and begged for more. This 4.6 model, named for its V-8 engine, packs a 375hp wallop, but it delivered 24 mpg at an average speed of 53 mph. With a creamy-smooth six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, merely the pressure of one’s big toe is enough to catapult the 4,000-pound Genesis around the motor homes and packs of Harleys that clog the foliage routes at this season. Winding secondary roads, even pitted with potholes, don’t upset the car. And on divided-lane highways, Genesis doesn’t just run with the big dogs, it’s one of them—quiet and stable at speed and in crosswinds, and with tremendous brakes for those oops moments.

The cabin is a lovely place in which to spend a few hours—full of fine materials, shown off in tasteful hues and elegantly highlighted here and there with touches of chrome or glossy wood. As befits a sedan, there is ample room for four adults, five if necessary, and a trunk deep enough to create an echo. The “stripper” 4.6—$37,250—has about every mod con one could expect, from rain-sensing wipers and dual-zone automatic heating/cooling to a power rear sunshade and tire-pressure monitors. It lacks only features such as swiveling headlamps, backup sensors and a rear-view camera, GPS and so on, which are of course available for not much more. The entry-level 3.8 model, with a 290hp V-6, is kitted out the same way but is a couple of ticks slower to 60 mph and starts at just $32,250.

There must be a flaw in this brilliant car, and it finally surfaced: At high speed in high cornering angles, the steering begins to fight back and the wheel wants to move in the hands. Not enough to throw the car off-line, but there it is. At normal velocities, the Genesis steering is predictable and precise, if numb. OK, I feel better now.

Hyundai says its Genesis received the highest score among midsize premium cars in the J.D. Power 2009 Automotive Performance Execution and Layout Study. As the maker avers on the car’s Monroney, its window sticker: “Genesis offers an unprecedented combination of performance, luxury, and fuel efficiency.” To which we would add only, “at an unbeatable price.”

Ford Motor Company has announced today that they will offer their own plan to inspire customer confidence, offering up to 12 months of vehicle payments should a buyer lose their employment. The plan bests Hyundai’s plan which only offers three months of payments should the buyer lose their job.

Update: GM will offer “GM Total Confidence” to compete with Ford/Hyundai assurance plans

The initiative runs through June 1st of this year and covers any new Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicle. The plan also offers zero-percent financing on select models. The move comes after Hyundai announced that they would sweeten their “assurance” plan to make up to three months of payments on a new vehicle should the buyer lose their job. After three months the customer has the opportunity to return their car with no pentalty to their credit score. The Ford plan goes a step further offering 12-months of payments.

“Just as important is additional charity support we will provide in conjunction with our local dealers, who are mindful of how non-profit organizations are struggling during this economic downturn,” Czubay said. “Ford and our dealers have always stepped up to take an active lead role in the community, and that’s why we are also including a charity element as part of the Ford Advantage Plan.”

The Ford plan will cover a monthly payment up to $700.  No word on if a customer can return the car with no credit penalty if they have not yet found another job after the 12-month period has expired.

Ford’s Press Release

FORD INTRODUCES BEST-IN-INDUSTRY PLAN TO IMPROVE CONSUMER CONFIDENCE, JUMP-START VEHICLE SALES

* Ford leads the industry in boosting consumer confidence with the new Ford Advantage Plan
* Ford will cover payments for up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle if customers lose their jobs
* 0 percent financing is also offered through Ford Motor Credit on select Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles
* Ford also is working with its dealers to introduce a local charity support program

DEARBORN, Mich., March 31, 2009 – Ford Motor Company is introducing the most comprehensive program available to boost consumers’ buying confidence and begin rebuilding the American economy with the new Ford Advantage Plan.

The plan gives customers another reason to “Drive One” with payment protection of up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, 0 percent financing on select vehicles and added local charity support.

“Consumers remain anxious about the economy and their own outlook for the future. We at Ford want to do our part to rebuild faith in the marketplace by offering payment protection on every new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle for up to a year if our customers lose their jobs,” said Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing.

“Just as important is additional charity support we will provide in conjunction with our local dealers, who are mindful of how non-profit organizations are struggling during this economic downturn,” Czubay said. “Ford and our dealers have always stepped up to take an active lead role in the community, and that’s why we are also including a charity element as part of the Ford Advantage Plan.”

Ford Commitment to Local Communities
In 2008, more than 18,000 Ford U.S. employees volunteered 100,000 hours to help people in their local communities – that’s the equivalent of nearly $2 million dollars of in-kind corporate contributions. To continue the momentum, in April, Ford will introduce a program in partnership with its dealers throughout the country to assist local charities impacted by the economic downturn. Ford will announce complete details of this expansive community outreach effort in April.

All Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles are covered under the Ford Advantage Plan. The program runs from today through June 1.

In addition to providing 12 months of payment protection of up to $700 per month, customers can take advantage of 0 percent financing on select Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles through Ford’s financing partner, Ford Motor Credit.

Additional Peace of Mind – Ford Quality, Safety and Fuel Efficiency
When selecting their next Ford vehicle, customers also can take comfort in knowing that Ford’s newest vehicles are the best or among the best in fuel economy and cost of ownership.

The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are America’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans, and the Fusion has a higher residual value than the Toyota Camry after three years of ownership, according to the Automotive Leasing Guide (ALG).

Ford maintains strong residual values throughout its product lineup. Vehicles with strong residual values retain more of their value at the end of their lease contract period. The 2009 Ford F-150 recently received a “Residual Value” award from ALG for retaining the highest percentage of its original price among 2009 full-size light duty pickups at the end of a conventional three-year lease, based on ALG projections. The Ford Escape has a 10-point residual value advantage versus the Chevrolet Equinox after three years of ownership, and the Ford Focus has the highest residual value of any domestic product in the small car segment.

“Ford’s improvements in quality have contributed significantly to our year-over-year improvements in residual values,” added Czubay.

In addition, Ford’s quality is now on par with Toyota and Honda, and Ford continues to have more top safety picks than any other brand.

“This is the strongest product lineup we have ever offered,” Czubay said. “When you combine these great products with payment protection, 0 percent financing and support for local charities, customers can feel confident about getting back into the market for a new car or truck.”

Hyundai has announced it will take the “Hyundai Assurance” program to the next level. “Hyundai Assurance Plus” will not only let you give the car back if you lose your job, but they will also give you 90 days of payment forgiveness while you keep the car and look for another job.

The details

A few weeks ago Hyundai pulled an unprecedented trump card in the auto industry. They promised if a buyer of one of their cars lost their job within the first year of ownership, Hyundai would take the car back with no penalty.

Now the company is introducing “Hyundai Assurance Plus”, which sweetens the deal. Customers can still return their new Hyundai if they involuntarily lose their job within the first year of ownership.  With “Assurance Plus”, owners can take time to find a new job- up to 90 days, before they have to worry about returning their new pride and joy. Hyundai will even forgive payments during the 90 day period with no expectations of repayment.

The program does come with a few caveats. New owners must have made two payments on their car before they can use the 90 day loan payment break. Owners must also have been employed at least 90 days before exercising the option.  The program’s crux is that any event, Hyundai will only cover up to $7,500 in negative equity.

Don’t miss: Our road test of the Hyundai Genesis

Our take

This is pretty good news if you’re in the market for a car and concerned about your job. However, the two seem completely opposite in realm. If you’re concerned about your job- most likely you’re not shopping for a car. But- if this situation applys to you, it’s a great insurance policy to cover for the worst.

Press release: Hyundai introduces “Assurance Plus”

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 02/19/2009 Hyundai Motor America will expand the protection offered by the innovative Hyundai Assurance program with Hyundai Assurance Plus, adding 90 days of payment relief to the existing protection plan. Hyundai Assurance Plus is part of Hyundai’s Spring Sales Event, which runs from Feb. 23 to April 30, 2009. Hyundai Assurance, which debuted in January, allows consumers to return any new Hyundai leased or financed in 2009 if the owner unexpectedly loses his/her income within one year of the purchase date. Both Hyundai Assurance and Hyundai Assurance Plus are available at all participating Hyundai dealerships nationwide. For full details about the programs, visit: www.HyundaiUSA.com.

Hyundai Assurance Plus provides a one-time, 90-day payment relief benefit in the event of involuntary unemployment or physical disability. For qualifying consumers, this benefit helps them keep their vehicle for three months while attempting to replace their income. Hyundai Assurance Plus pays the lender a lump sum equal to 90 days of loan or lease payments.

To qualify for Hyundai Assurance benefits, consumers must have made at least two scheduled payments on their loan or lease, be current on all payments and have been employed for at least 90 days prior to filing for the benefit. Consumers who utilize their payment relief benefit can still return their vehicle within a year of the qualifying event under the terms of the program. This payment is not pro-rated and never has to be re-paid, even if the owner regains health and/or returns to work inside the 90-day period. The total payment relief benefit provided to an owner will be deducted from the Hyundai Assurance maximum benefit of $7,500 if the vehicle return option is exercised.

“We continue to look for ways to help consumers in this challenging economic environment, so we’re offering unprecedented financial protection when they finance or lease a Hyundai,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “With our 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty, Hyundai Assurance, and now Hyundai Assurance Plus, we’re telling consumers that we are all in this together, and we’ll get through this together.”

Hyundai Assurance, the first program of its kind for an automaker in the U.S. auto industry, allows consumers to walk away from a financing obligation when certain adverse life events occur, providing protection from financial shortfalls that arise from vehicle depreciation (negative equity) up to $7,500. Hyundai Assurance and Hyundai Assurance Plus are complimentary for one full year from the purchase date, cover all Hyundai models and are available to everyone.

Hyundai Assurance and Hyundai Assurance Plus are complimentary for the first 12 months of the financing or lease date for vehicles financed through any lender or financing source. These programs complement America’s Best Warranty as standard protection on new vehicles from a participating Hyundai dealer, and supplement all existing consumer incentives. The programs are available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment history or financed amount of the vehicle.

Covered circumstances for Hyundai Assurance include:
· Involuntary unemployment
· Physical disability
· Loss of driver’s license due to medical impairment
· International employment transfer
· Self-employed personal bankruptcy
· Accidental death

Payment relief benefits under Hyundai Assurance Plus are available in the event of:
· Involuntary unemployment
· Physical disability

Hyundai Assurance is offered to Hyundai Motor America exclusively by WALKAWAY USA, LLC.

Strap in your seat belt and brace yourself for some sweet rear wheel drive fun! The Genesis coupe has not even hit American shores yet and there are already loads of photos of modified coupes from overseas popping up all over the internet. Here is a gigantic collection of modified Hyundai Genesis Coupes photos from various online enthusiast forums. From the looks of these pics, it already looks like aftermarket support for this car is starting to go strong and should be a big hit for the tuner crowd here in America!

 

Fresh off it’s 2009 North American Car of the Year award we wanted to see if the Hyundai Genesis Sedan was truly worthy of the win or a product made entirely of clever marketing.  We drive one and you find out.

Summary – As Tested
As-Tested Price: $32,250
Engine: 290-horsepower DOHC 3.8L V6
Transmission: 6-speed Aisin B600 automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 18-city, 21-combined, 27-highway
Observed Fuel Economy: 19.5 mpg
Days/Miles Tested: 14 days / 891 miles

Conclusion
The paradigm shift that moves Hyundai out of the bargain bin and into the “A-List” automaker isle

Strengths

• Sewing machine smooth V6
• Well balanced and fun to drive
• Mercedes-like interior design is classy

Weaknesses

• 6-speed automatic that comes with the V6 is soft / mushy
• Exterior design is a mash-up of styling from other brands
• Don’t even bother trying after a dusting of snow

Vehicle Dynamics & Performance
With 290-horsepower, the base V6 is hardly “base.”  It’s a wonderfully smooth engine that sounds as satisfying as a sewing machine. We wish Hyundai would have splurged for the ZF transmission found in the V8 model – we found the Aisen unit in the V6 to be little mushy.

Driving the Genesis is nothing but a pleasure.  A well balanced chassis and smooth ride are definitely tuned for highway cruising comfort but never give so much as to make back road carving a chore.  Rear-wheel-drive character gives the Genesis a nice edge but did make us think twice before venturing out on slick winter roads.

Design Execution, Appearance, Fit & Finish
If there’s one area that Hyundai is still showing some weakness- it’s exterior styling.  There’s no real unique visual element to the Genesis. Instead, you’ll find little bits of other brands everywhere you look. Some Mercedes in the grille, Infiniti in the headlamps, perhaps a little BMW in the rear.  That’s not a bad thing mind you- we just wish the Genesis was a little more unique.  LED tail lamps, complete with light pipes, are upscale and a nice touch.

Inside, Hyundai has again done well.  The interior is smooth, refined, and well fitted.  Switch gear has a solid feel and console materials are soft to the touch.  The wood accents are prone to reflect sunlight into the drivers eyes but at least the grain looks realistic and upscale.

Audio, Electronics, & Technology
Even though our model did not have the much touted Lexicon audio system, we were impressed. The Genesis is equipped with a USB/Aux input port for iPod and thumb-drive playability.  The audio system was also able to play burned MP3 CDs.  Sound quality was well above par for this price range and peaked our interest to how well the Lexicon system must perform.

Hyundai offers a full navigation and 40-gig hard drive multimedia system if you so choose. Adaptive HID headlights are also on the option sheet.  Fully loaded- the Genesis is an audiophile’s dream.

Comfort & Ergonomics
Not only does the Genesis perform on the road but it coddles you in comfort at the same time.  We appreciated heated seats that actually got hot and an HVAC system that kept the interior comfortable without much fuss.

The steering wheel on the Genesis is bloated and odd.  We often found our thumbs moving in awkward angles, stretching to adjust the audio system volume or to set the cruise control.  A thinner and more ergonomic design would go a long way to improve the driver interface.

Optionally, the Genesis is avaliable with a slew of luxury items. Automatic rain sensing wipers, back-up camera, park assist, and even a cooled drivers seat. All the right stuff to compete with Lexus and Infiniti.

Closing Words
Admittedly, the Genesis we had a chance to drive was a base V6 with none of the goodies that Hyundai has been touting in its marketing.  In a way though, it worked in the Genesis’s favor. Even without the 528-watt Lexicon stereo, 375-horsepower V8, or BMW shared ZF-automatic, the car was a stunner. The Genesis is a great car without them and lets face it- many won’t opt for those options anyways.   All the luxury and horsepower in the world can’t overcome a bad car- which is exactly why the Genesis doesn’t need them.  We look forward to driving the V8 in the future, but for our money the V6 is more than enough to impress.

Check out our Road Test Gallery
We’ve got a huge set of photos from our time in the 2009 Hyundai Genesis.  Click the image below and take a look.

Fresh off it’s 2009 North American Car of the Year award we wanted to see if the Hyundai Genesis Sedan was truly worthy of the win or a product made entirely of clever marketing. We drive one and you find out. [Read the entire road test review here]

 

We’re back. The massive ice storm that hit the northeast six days ago was devastating to the state of New Hampshire and Northeastern Region of the US. It’s also the reason why things have been so quiet around here for the past week.

The storm hit harder than the National Weather Service predicted it would. Over  one-half inch of ice slowly accumulated on any and every outdoor surface. Though warm enough to rain in the atmosphere- the ground level temperature hovered between 28 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Executive Editor Zane Merva’s home lost power sometime early Friday morning.  Around 3am he was getting really concerned by the sounds of the breaking and falling tree limbs.  Turns out, the sounds of breaking wood and showering ice are not the least bit comforting when they surround you in the dark. By morning he escaped damage but found a foot-wide pine 3-feet from the house (photos below). He is still without power.

New Hampshire’s utility company, Public Service of NH (PSNH) had at worst 320,000 of its 500,000 customers without electricity. As of today it’s down to under 70,000. God bless the generator.

The damage done to New Hampshire’s power grid was extensive. Just to give you some perspective, PSNH has reported that between Friday and Sunday, the company had already used a year’s worth of supplies and materials. Each day they are receiving approximately 19 semi-loads of parts a day which are being installed by over 720 utility crews from New Hampshire, Connecticut, Ohio, Maryland, and Canada.  We’ve have never seen so many utility trucks in one area our whole lives.

AutoInsane’s office came back online with utilities and limited internet yesterday.  Late this morning our high-speed internet connection was restored.  Then it went out again this afternoon.

So, back to the grind tomorrow-hopefully! We apologize for the unscheduled gap in service and hope things will be set for us to get back to work first thing in the morning.  Hopefully as we have the time and money to bring on more contributors and editors we will avoid things like this in the future. Although- we hope not to have to go through this ever again.

During the storm we had quite a bit of fun driving the new 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan. Sure, it’s RWD- but handles surprisingly well as long as the snow is under a few inches. Look for our Road Test of it soon.

And here are a few incredible photos we shot right after the storm.  You really do not want to miss these!

 

Sorry gaming fans but Hyundai is not creating a new Sega Genesis. But if ‘Sonic the hedgehog’ could choose a car to drive, this would be his first choice. What better way for Hyundai to show off its new addition to their 2010 lineup then to have customized versions on display at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The new 2010 Genesis will be Hyundai’s answer to competition against cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Nissan 370z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and the Mazda RX-8. The Genesis will be rear wheel drive and offered with two available engine models; a turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder with 212 horsepower and a naturally aspirated 3.8 liter V6 with 306 horsepower. Both engines will come with a standard six-speed manual gearbox. Optional transmissions include a ZF six-speed automatic, with manual shift capability on the V6, and a five-speed Shiftronic automatic on the four-cylinder.

Below you will find photos of three amazing customized Hyundai Genesis coupe’s that were on display at this years SEMA show. HKS built a time-attack race ready version, while the Rhys Millen Racing team built a Formula D drift racing series car. The last modified Genesis coupe was built by Street Concepts who created a very evil modified looking custom Genesis.

 

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan has been getting many raves and reviews. To promote it’s luxurious appeal, Hyundai had a couple Genesis sedans given the VIP customized treatment for the 2008 SEMA Show. The new Hyundai Genesis is offered in a 3.8-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and a higher model which has a 4.6-liter V8 with 375 horsepower. The Genesis is controlled by a six-speed automatic with manual shift capability transmission and is rear wheel drive. The new 2009 Genesis is being compared to the likes of Lexus and BMW quality and performance which is a huge step for Hyundai. This car is definitely one that will go down into the history books for Hyundai as it is their first true luxury sport sedan.

At this years SEMA show in Las Vegas, Hyundai wanted to show off the Genesis and it’s luxurious and look at me appeal. So they allowed a couple to be customized to truly show it off in all its glory. Below you will see Genesis sedans that were customized by DUB Magazine and RKSport.