Hyundai Says No, But Kia Could Say Yes to Trucks

Hmmmm..... interesting....
Don't expect Hyundai to step into the pickup truck segment anytime soon, as company President and CEO John Krafcik is not interested in repeating the same mistakes other automotive manufactuers have made.

"Our brand resonates best with families, but that's where we have the lowest market penetration. There's tremendous upside for us in crossovers. ... More seven-passenger crossover capacity is No. 1 on our priority list for the U.S," he said.

Phelan suggests this will likely mean Hyundai won't jump into the van (minivan or other) or pickup truck segment, and that makes sense. Hyundai has done a pretty good job lately of creating some buzz for its mainstream Genesis, Elantra, Sonata and eye-catching Veloster.

"When we looked at other companies in their growth phase, this (over-expansion) was where the train came off the track," and pressure to boost production led to quality snafus, Krafcik said. Our guess he's talking specfically about Toyota's multibillion-dollar endeavor in San Antonio.

Still, with a seven-passenger, rear-wheel-drive crossover in the works, a good amount of money already dedicated to rear-drive platforms and some new hybrid powertrain technologies, it would not be a stretch for Hyundai's "downmarket" player, Kia, to make a play in the pickup truck segment. The Kia Mojove concept was floated around about 10 years ago, and that was when the company wasn't doing nearly as well or had access to nearly as many resources.

Maybe Hyundai isn't ready to step into the realm of a small- or medium-sized pickup truck, but Kia certainly could, and it could likely have some interesting design and technology options at its disposal. In 2004, Kia played with the idea of a half-ton competitor for the U.S., called the KCV-4 Mojave, but the project was officially killed in 2008 because of unstable gas prices and shrinking interest in a small pickup. At that time, the vehicle was to be based off the new Kia Sorento (concept design by Stanley Ivan pictured).

Whether or not something new could be based off another larger or smaller SUV or crossover remains to be seen. (Remember the Soulster?) Regardless, it almost certainly would require a new assembly plant or some serious modifications to an existing facility. For now, it looks like we'll have to wait and see, but they do have options.

Source;
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2012/02/hyundai-says-no-but-kia-could-say-yes.html

Kia Rio 2012 cars pictures

Kia Rio 2012 cars pictures Gallery and reviews http://modify-cars-wallpapers.blogspot.com/2011/09/saab-9-5-sportwagon-2012-cars.html

Kia Picanto 2012 cars prices

Kia Picanto 2012 cars prices with cars wallpaper gallery

2011 Kia Soul

Kia is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the Korea. Slowly, but surely this brand of car is making its way to the industry not only in Korea , but in other parts of the world as well this past few years. And to further cement its status in the industry the company has just introduced what they’ve got as far as innovation and designed is concerned and this through the newly unveiled vehicle called Kia Soul. The 2011 Kia Soul is a trendy hatch although it looks more of a minivan that was introduced by Kia earlier this year. The Kia Soul is a trendy 5-door vehicle that comes with unmistakable looks that will surely capture the attention of a new group consumer especially those people who are looking for trendy looking vehicles in the market. This crossover hatch has 4 doors and a tailgate thus, making it a five-door vehicle that comes with a large and rounded bulging hood and flared wheel guards that is responsible in giving it a powerful and robust appearance.

The Kia Soul is also the company’s first model to offer customers several package options as well as various customization options that will give a more personal touch and aesthetic sense. Checking the Kia Soul inside will surely expose you to a surprisingly large interior space that comes with high-backed front seats and rear seats mounted at a good height that gives great comfort even for the very tall passengers.

Impressive 2011 Kia Soul With Full Of Creation

Luxury 2011 Kia Soul With Soft Color

Amazing 2011 Kia Soul With Beautiful Lighting

2011 Kia Soul Interior View

Active 2011 Kia Soul

2011 Kia Soul Show Up

2011 Kia Soul Hatchback

Performance wise, its engine offers a good performance as it responds well to the pressure on its accelerator. It can carry itself well in urban traffic though it struggles a little at low revs. Overall, the Kia Soul truly shines on the road. The Kia Soul also ranks 12 out of 33 Affordable Small Cars in the industry. Apparently, this ranking is based on the analysis made on 30 published reviews and test drives made on this very impressive Kia Soul.

The Kia Soul in four well-equipped trim levels which include a base edition, the Soul Plus, Soul Exclaim and the Soul Sport. The Kia Soul is one of the most affordable cars in the market with a price ranging from $ 13,300 to $ 18,495.