 Don Wood Automotive
Welcome to Don Wood Auto Blog. We are commited to providing you the latest news realting to Don Wood Automotive and the Products and Services we provide.
Don Wood sells New Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Scion vehcles; Polaris ATV and Ranger utility vehicles; Vespa, Piaggio, Kymco and Genuine Scooters; Used Cars, Trucks, SUVs, and Vans; Used Motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. We have the financing expertise to help you get the lowest interest rates or meet special finance needs.
Our service department provides maintenance repair, auto repair, and warranty repairs. Factory trained technicians, who are ASE certified and factory certified to meet your most difficult vehicle repair needs.
Don Wood Parts department offer easy online parts ordering, large inventory of OEM parts and accessories. Our parts staff is trained to meet your needs quickly and efficiently.
Don Wood's dealerships, sell Tires and wheels from Goodyear, Bridgetone, Dunlop, Nexxen, Kelly, Falcon, Michelin, and Yokohama. When you buy tires form Don Wood you are eligible to participate in our Customer Care Club, which includes road hazard protection.
Our collision repair facility can handle small dents, to body benders, and we fix them quickly...We're the collision repair experts in Athens, Ohio. We use only OEM (original equipment parts). Don Wood Automotive has "state of the art" frame repair machine in our auto body repair facility.Our paint color matching system from PPG uses the latest computer software to ensure a perfect paint match and finish. We offer a lifetime paint guarantee.We are a DRP (direct repair facility) for many major insurance providers. We welcome the opportunity to provide free estimates for all insurance providers such as Grange, Progressive, Cincinnati, Nationwide, Geico, and Allstate etc... We make it easy to get your vehicle fixed quickly.
Don Wood Automotive has five locations in Athens and Logan, Ohio. Please look to us for all of your vehicle and powersports needs.
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By The Staff of Don Wood Ford, on August 31st, 2010
2011 Ford Edge
- Ford Edge sales this weekend hit 400,000, more than any midsize crossover since its introduction in late 2006
- The crossover segment is one of the most fiercely contested in the industry, expanding 220 percent since 2006 – and expected to grow another 20 percent this year
- The new 2011 Ford Edge began shipping this weekend from Oakville Assembly Complex and is arriving in dealership showrooms
- 2011 Ford Edge introduces America to the revolutionary MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology and offers unbeatable fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway
ATHENS, OH – Sales of Ford Edge, which arrived on the market in late 2006, hit 400,000 this weekend – more than any midsize crossover vehicle during the same period.
Also this past weekend, the new 2011 Ford Edge began shipping from Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario to dealerships across the United States and Canada.
“Edge competes in one of the fastest-growing and most fiercely competitive segments in the industry,” said Amy Marentic, Ford’s Crossover Group Marketing Manager. “Still, Edge is growing sales at an incredible rate.”
As of July, Edge sales for the year were up 33 percent over last year – more than double the overall industry sales.
In 2006 when Edge was introduced, the midsize crossover segment accounted for 4.3 percent of the retail industry. Last year, that number grew to 9.5 percent. And this year, it’s expected to top 11 percent, making the segment the same size as full-size pickups and more than sports cars.
Now comes the new 2011 Ford Edge with three new powertrains, bold new styling, improved driving dynamics and industry-leading MyFord Touch technology.
“Edge was a breakthrough entry into the crossover market when it launched four years ago,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Ford, Athens, Ohio. “It’s already one of the most popular crossovers, and sales are rapidly increasing.
The 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited, which account for about 80 percent of all Edge sales, have EPA-estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive), which is unsurpassed in each category among V6 competitors.
The new Edge is now 1 mpg better city and 2 mpg better highway – with even greater power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 horsepower, best-in-class among V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge.
MyFord Touch, standard on the 2011 Edge Limited, 2011 Edge Sport and available on the 2011 Edge SEL, defines an all-new in-car experience. It takes vehicle interior design into the realm of popular personal electronics devices such as laptop computers, mobile phones and MP3 players.
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By The Staff of Don Wood Hyundai, on August 31st, 2010
 Top Fleet Fuel Economy, Styling and Engineering Merge at Hyundai
Hyundai is enjoying record sales in the United States during a down market resulting from a tough economy. Newly engineered models like the Tucson and 2011 Sonata
showcase dramatic advannces in styling, the kind that gets a second look as it glides down the highway. But there’s a secret ingredient, too.
Certainly, programs such as the Hyundai Advantage fed off the importance of economic news by offering a solution to potential buyers hesistating because of uncertainty about the employment picture. But the unheralded Hyundai secret to success may be MPG. After quietly sneaking past competitors to achieve the highest fleet miles per gallon average, Hyundai pledges more.
Comments from several Hyundai officials reveal a corporate goal of 50 MPG averge fleet fuel economy within 15 years. Instead of fighting to lessen federal fuel economy mandates, Hyundai is aggressively pushing its engineers to bring more fuel economy to Hyundai owners — faster.
“We’re committed to setting the pace in this industry on fuel economy, and we’re inspired by the possibilities that our advanced Blue Drive technologies afford,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Getting to 50 mpg and beyond seems like a huge leap, but by making this commitment and aligning our R&D initiatives now, we know we can get there.”
“As Hyundai keeps challenging traditional automotive thinking, we’re seeing a new kind of Hyundai buyer, still loving the value, but also impressed with the engineering and styling breakthroughs incorporated throughout the lineup,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Hyundai, Athens, Ohio. “Their leadership in fuel economy breakthroughs will continue.”
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By The Staff of Don Wood Ford, on August 27th, 2010
 Ford Advancing Lithium-Ion Battery Performance
- Ford is using two proprietary wireless monitoring methods to improve lithium-ion battery capability and durability by collecting real-time performance data and making software updates on its battery systems in the lab and on vehicles in the field
- Remote monitoring has significantly reduced test-fleet downtime and allowed Ford to more than double its battery lab-testing capability
- Ford is conducting rigorous lifecycle tests of new lithium-ion battery systems to evaluate the technology’s ability to recharge under a broad range of environmental conditions
- The advanced battery and fleet vehicle research supports Ford’s global electrification plan, which includes five new vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013 – the Transit Connect Electric, Focus Electric, two next-generation hybrids and a plug-in hybrid
ATHENS, OH – Ford Motor Company is leveraging the Internet and wireless technology to accelerate testing and refinement of the advanced lithium-ion battery systems that will power its upcoming plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Ford’s rapid progress is enabled by two monitoring methods that allow engineers to collect real-time performance data from batteries in the lab and on vehicles in the field via a secure Internet server, and wirelessly update system software to improve capability and durability. These proprietary methods have significantly reduced test-fleet downtime and allowed Ford to more than double its battery lab-testing capability.
“Remote monitoring allows us to access real-time data and make continuous improvements very quickly,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford director, Electrification Program and Engineering. “This degree of efficiency would have been unthinkable a few years ago and will help Ford bring more fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles to market more quickly than ever before.”
Ford will launch two zero-emission all-electric vehicles – the Transit Connect Electric light commercial van in North America in late 2010 and in Europe in 2011, followed by the Focus Electric passenger car in North America in 2011 and Europe in 2012. Two next-generation hybrid electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle follow in North America in 2012 and Europe in 2013.
Testing the limits
Ford’s future hybrid and electric vehicles will use new lithium-ion battery systems that offer about twice the energy content of the nickel-metal-hydride systems used today, and take up less space inside the vehicle. Although lithium-ion batteries are widely used in the consumer electronics industry, the larger systems to be used in vehicles are designed to manage greater electrical loads under harsher conditions. Only through rigorous testing can the new systems be properly calibrated.
Ford’s battery researchers are focusing on lithium-ion technology’s ability to recharge under a range of conditions including state of charge (from empty to full), battery age (from new to old) and environmental temperatures (from freezing cold to scorching hot).
Ford researchers are conducting rigorous lifecycle tests of new lithium-ion battery systems to evaluate the technology’s ability to recharge under a broad range of environmental conditions.
“So far, we’ve been impressed by our system’s exceptionally low internal resistance, which means the battery charges very quickly and efficiently,” said Ted Miller, manager, Advanced Energy Storage Technology. “As we continue our testing, we will be able to calculate the system’s optimal recharge rate while maximizing battery life.”
Whether testing battery systems in the lab or fleet vehicles on the road, Ford engineers use the remote battery and vehicle test monitoring system to collect real-time data and identify opportunities to implement software updates to manage thermal load and maximize power capability, energy capacity and lifecycle durability. This method has already led to at least 20 major design improvements for Ford’s future plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles.
“Improved battery performance is the secret to all-electric and hybrid vehicles,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Ford, Athens, Ohio. “Ford’s advanced testing and development has already led to dramatic improvements.”
By The Staff of Don Wood Ford, on August 27th, 2010
 2011 Ford Fiesta: Top Safety Pick -- and Style, Too! ATHENS, OH – NEW FORD FIESTA TOP SAFETY PICK
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- The 2011 Ford Fiesta has earned a 2010 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) – it is the first mini-car to do so since the introduction of a new roof strength test
- Fiesta’s energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment
- Fiesta features the most standard airbags in the mini-car segment and standard stability control – a requirement for any Top Safety Pick vehicle
- Ford has the most Top Safety Picks of any automaker
The 2011 Ford Fiesta is the first mini-car to earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since the introduction of a new roof strength test. The award applies to vehicles built after July 2010. The Fiesta is the eighth Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F – News) vehicle to earn the Institute’s top designation – breaking a tie with Toyota for the most “Top Safety Picks” of any automaker.
Fiesta’s extensive use of high-strength steels, Trinity front crash structure, Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture® and advanced airbag technologies helped the car perform well in IIHS testing. Fiesta’s energy-absorbing body structure is optimized for strength and stiffness and designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Plus, it features the most standard airbags in its segment, as well as standard electronic stability control – a must-have feature for Top Safety Pick eligibility.
“Fiesta is proof that a small car can deliver big safety, and earning a Top Safety Pick further demonstrates Ford’s commitment to providing all of our customers with world-class crash protection,” said Sue Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Fiesta combines rigidity and more airbags – smartly deployed – than its competition, as well as standard stability control.”
Strong and stylish
Beneath Fiesta’s stylish exterior is a robust structure, crafted from high-strength steels engineered to preserve quality and enhance driver and passenger safety.
Fiesta uses significant cold- and hot-formed high-strength steel in the body structure. These components add rigidity and save weight, increasing structural efficiency while also helping Fiesta deliver class-leading fuel efficiency of 40 mpg, which is achieved with Ford’s new six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission.
More than 55 percent of Fiesta’s body structure uses these high-strength or ultra-high-strength steels in the floor structure, front rails, beams and in the ultra-rigid, integrated body reinforcement ring designed to help better protect occupants in side impacts. These light but strong metals in Fiesta’s robust body shell help enhance crash protection by adding strength, rigidity and durability.
Segment-busting safety
The Fiesta body shell is well equipped with safety features to help protect its occupants in the event of a collision, including the most standard airbags in the segment.
Fiesta offers a segment-exclusive driver’s knee airbag, developed to help reduce lower leg injuries in the event of a frontal collision and to work together with other safety features. The knee airbag joins a suite of Fiesta safety features including dual-stage first-row airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. A knee airbag won’t be found in Honda Fit, Nissan Versa or Toyota Yaris. Move up to Civic, Sentra and Corolla and you still won’t find a driver’s knee airbag.
“Smart” Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) sensors determine occupant weight and seat belt status to optimize deployment force. Smart sensors include the class-exclusive side-impact sensor that uses pressure to react up to 30 percent faster than previous sensor offerings.
Also available on the Fiesta is Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with ESC (electronic stability control), which uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring vehicle speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When AdvanceTrac senses wheel slip, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied where needed to help the driver keep the car tracking on its intended path.
“It didn’t take long for independent tests to underscore the safetty engineered into the new 2011 Ford Fiesta,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Ford, Athens, Ohio.
By The Staff of Don Wood Ford, on August 27th, 2010
- Ford is installing Wi-Fi® access points on its assembly lines to wirelessly deliver SYNC® software to new Wi-Fi-enabled MyFord Touch™-equipped vehicles as they are being built
- On-the-line software downloads allow Ford to use a common SYNC hardware module for every vehicle, reducing complexity, improving quality and saving cost
- The Oakville, Ontario, assembly plant, which produces the all-new 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, will be first to have the on-the-assembly-line Wi-Fi capability, with Chicago Assembly, home of the new 2011 Ford Explorer, and other global Ford manufacturing sites soon to follow
2011 Ford Edge with MyFord Touch first to receive SYNC software downloads via Wi-Fi access points on the assembly line
ATHENS, OH – Ford is the first automaker to use Wi-Fi provisioning on the assembly line to wirelessly deliver SYNC software to vehicles equipped with the new MyFord Touch driver connect technology as they are being built. The new on-the-assembly-line Wi-Fi capability eliminates the need for building, stocking and storing multiple SYNC hardware modules, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and saving cost.
“Using wireless software installation via Wi-Fi, we can stock just one type of SYNC module powering MyFord Touch and loaded with a basic software package,” explained Sukhwinder Wadhwa, SYNC global platform manager. “We eliminate around 90 unique part numbers, each of which would have to be updated every time a change is made – this system really boosts quality control.”
Earlier in the year, Ford announced that the next-generation SYNC system that powers MyFord Touch would feature a built-in Wi-Fi receiver. Now, Ford is further capitalizing on the limitless possibilities of this in-car wireless connection, making communication between the vehicle and the assembly line a reality.
The Oakville, Ontario, assembly line that produces the all-new 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX will be the first to feature wireless access points for software installation. In turn, the Edge and MKX will become the first vehicles to get their infotainment software installed via Wi-Fi while moving down the line.
A global endeavor, Ford is also targeting Chicago Assembly Plant, which is building the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer, for Wi-Fi installation capabilities. Plant locations throughout the world that will support the 2012 Ford Focus launch will soon follow.
Wireless proposition
Going wireless for software delivery addresses a number of manufacturing complexity and potential quality issues for Ford as more and more features and services are added to SYNC across multiple vehicle lines and continents.
“As we began developing the different levels of MyFord driver connect technology, we grew increasingly concerned with the number of different hardware configurations we were going to have to keep on hand,” said Wadhwa.
Through the Wi-Fi connection, SYNC software options totaling as much as 300 megabytes of data can be installed and configured wirelessly, including:
- The addition of the SYNC app Traffic, Directions & Information in U.S. markets
- Market-appropriate languages for voice-activated commands and system prompts
- Option-specific graphics and icons for navigation, system information and instrument panel screens
- Unique system color schemes for MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch
- Units of measurement settings for fuel economy, speed and distance
“SYNC is rapidly bringing the the newst leaps in electronic technology and convenience to the Ford/Lincoln lineups,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Ford, Athens, Ohio. “The newest SYNC adds all kinds of options for the Ford owner.”
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By The Staff of Don Wood Ford, on August 27th, 2010
 New Ford Fiesta Engineered for Safety, Economy and Style
- More than 55 percent of the body structure features high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel, ensuring occupant safety
- Lightweight body structure boosts fuel economy and lowers CO2 emissions
- All 2011 Fiesta models are equipped with a driver-side airbag. Trend and Sport models include a passenger-side airbag as standard equipment
- Under the stylish exterior of the new Ford Fiesta is a powerful body structure that can protect occupants in the event of a collision. More than 55 percent of the body structure is high-strength steel, including dual-phase steel and ultra-high-strength aluminised Boron steel.
ATHENS, OH – The 2011 Ford Fiesta’s shape is designed to provide added protection: the car is both rigid and stiff torsionally, surrounding occupants with a secure, safe cabin.
Although its body structure has been beefed up, Fiesta is still lightweight. Safety improvements have not compromised fuel economy or efforts to limit CO2 emissions.
“Safety is a very important attribute for the new Fiesta, but achieving real weight reduction was another key objective,” said Bernd Liesenfelder, body engineering manager for Fiesta. “High-strength steels, both cold- and hot-formed, were the key to delivering the light weight and high strength we need for structural efficiency. The material we use on Fiesta set new benchmarks in the small car segment.”
Structural strength for safety
Ford’s safety strategy employs high-strength steels to reinforce areas of the vehicle that are essential for crash protection. These include the floor structure, front rails and beams, and an ultra-rigid, integrated bodyside reinforcement ring to protect against side impact.
High-strength materials are used to create a stiff B-pillar section and a stiff rocker section fore and aft. This disperses the force of a side impact collision laterally to the opposite side of the car via chassis cross members. The integrated bodyside reinforcement ring also helps dissipate the force of front and rear impacts, and resists intrusion in case of a side impact.
“Safety performance is about more than just counting airbags,” said Joerg Beyer, chief carline engineer for the Fiesta. “At Ford, creating a very strong body structure to protect occupants comes first. With a robust structure, we can optimise our Intelligent Protection System to provide a tailored, protective cabin.”
Crash performance was evaluated using advanced computer simulation technology before real crash tests took place. “Simulation allows us to determine where performance issues may need to be addressed in the development stage, not in prototype,” Beyer added.
These high-strength elements are manufactured into an integrated sub assembly before they are joined to the vehicle in the body shop of the production line. This new process ensures better joint strength and greater precision.
“We discovered the benefits of the door rings when conducting front and side impact tests,” Liesenfelder said. “The ring structure helps us ensure minimal damage to the door openings in crash testing and is proof of the integrity of the safety cell.”
Even more high-strength steel
More high-strength steel can be found in other parts of the Fiesta’s body structure. Dual-phase steel front frame rails and side rails feature structural actuation points – called trigger points – to initiate predictable collapse in crush zones. By forming the “triggers”, this hardens the dual-phase material giving it the unique ability to both absorb and resist the force of an impact.
“The front of the rail is a crush zone but to avoid overloading the backup structures, the rail is designed to bend and counter-bend while still offering very stiff resistance against further intrusion,” Liesenfelder explained. “We call this a ‘crush-bend-bend-bend’ strategy.”
Fiesta’s underfloor structural beams – so-called ‘sled runners’ – also are formed from dual-phase steel as are lateral reinforcements that are designed to manage side impact force
To help support the use of high strength steels, advanced manufacturing techniques were employed, including the use of new robotic welding heads.
Intelligent Protection System
As part of Ford’s Intelligent Protection System (IPS), all Fiesta models are equipped with a driver-side airbag. Trend and Sport models include a passenger-side airbag as standard equipment.
Part of Ford’s IPS technology includes extensive airbag sensor calibration testing. Engineers worked to ensure that the airbags are activated quickly and deployed in appropriate circumstances.
Three-point safety belts with dual-stage digressive load-limiting pre-tensioners are standard for both front seat occupants. In the rear, three-point safety belts are provided for the two outboard passengers. The retractors pull the safety belt tightly to position the occupant ideally for airbag effectiveness. Dual-stage digressive load limiting features allow for a slight reduction in belt tension to reduce the possibility of a chest injury in the event of a crash.
Adjustable head rests optimise whiplash protection and front seats feature an anti-submarine design.
For additional driver safety, a special carpet underlay called a crash pad is placed between the floor panel and carpet to minimise impact to the lower leg during a crash. A safety belt reminder system is standard and reminds the driver to buckle up before driving.
“Many once said it was important to drive a big, heavy car because of safety. The new Ford Fiesta is a great example of using smart engineering to increase safety, gas mileage and design options,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Ford, Athens, Ohio.
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By Don Wood Toyota Staff, on August 26th, 2010
ATHENS, OH – Toyota released the following statement in response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) report to members of Congress on August 10, 2011 regarding its ongoing research on unintended acceleration and event data recorder readings:
Toyota’s own vehicle evaluations have confirmed that the remedies it developed for sticking accelerator pedal and potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured or incompatible floor mat are effective. We have also confirmed several different causes for unintended acceleration reports, including pedal entrapment by floor mats, pedal misapplication and vehicle functions where a slight increase in engine speed is normal, such as engine idle up from a cold start or air conditioning loads.
Having conducted more than 4,000 on-site vehicle inspections, in no case have we found electronic throttle controls to be a cause of unintended acceleration. Toyota is committed to listening more attentively to our customers and continuing to investigate unintended acceleration concerns.
“Our Toyota technicians have completed checks and recall work on hundreds of cars in the last few months. What we have found is consistent with the preliminary report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Toyota, Athens, Ohio. “We remain committed to working with any of our Toyota customers who have a concern.”
By The Staff of Don Wood Hyundai, on August 13th, 2010
Athens, OH – Tapping into the passion of college football fans, Hyundai Motor America and the local Hyundai of El Paso dealership have agreed to be the title sponsor of the Sun Bowl. Hyundai signed a four-year contract to serve as the game’s title sponsor for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
“This is a great opportunity for Hyundai to share its good news and great cars with legions of football fans across the country,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Hyundai, Athens, Ohio. “When car shoppers see the new Hyundai lineup, then drive one, they’re impressed.”
The title sponsorship continues Hyundai’s “Big Voices in Big Places” strategy, positioning the Hyundai brand in the highest profile advertising venues including the NFL’s Super Bowl, an exclusive automotive sponsorship of the Academy Awards and a global sponsorship of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
“The sponsorship of the Sun Bowl provides us with another great stage to tell the Hyundai story,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “College football fans are among the most passionate and dedicated fans there are and this sponsorship is an excellent way to reach this audience.”
The Sun Bowl is one of the oldest college football bowl games in the nation. First played in 1935, the Sun Bowl matches teams from the ACC and Pac-10 conferences. Through the years, the Sun Bowl has featured many college football stars that went on to outstanding pro football careers. The Sun Bowl annually generates close to $15 million in direct spending in the El Paso metropolitan area, making it the largest single event in terms of annual economic impact in El Paso. The 77th annual Hyundai Sun Bowl is slated for Dec. 31, 2010 at noon (MST) at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso and will be broadcast on CBS.
By The Staff of Don Wood Hyundai, on August 13th, 2010
Athens, OH – Hyundai Sonata was the most-shopped vehicle in May according to data from Compete, a Kantar Media company. Sonata was on more shopping lists (130,000) than any vehicle in the industry, topping perennial leaders like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Ford Fusion according to Compete’s analysis of website traffic patterns.
Demand for Hyundai hit an all-time high of 324,000 shoppers on the strength of Sonata and the all-new 2010 Tucson. This drove Hyundai’s share of market interest (SMI) to 11.6 percent, up from 7.4 percent in Dec. 2009. That growth propelled Hyundai past Nissan (11.2 percent) and closer to Honda (12.9 percent) and Toyota (14.2 percent). Industry-wide, May 2010 shopper volume (2.8 million) was the strongest since February 2008.
“Consumers are discovering that the all-new 2011 Sonata builds on the nameplate’s legacy of value with exciting design, best-in-class fuel economy and outstanding residual value,” said Scott Margason, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The combination makes Sonata a top contender in the competitive mid-size category, so we are pleased, but not surprised, by the market reception so far.”
Hyundai’s all-new 2011 Sonata represents a modern approach to the traditional midsize sedan segment by using only advanced four-cylinder engines, emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition. The Sonata launched with a new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle offers class-leading fuel economy of 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 198 horsepower standard. Both hybrid and turbo powertrain options will be available at the end of the year.
“We saw interest rising for the Sonata immediately after its introduction around the Super Bowl, and it has stayed red hot ever since,” said Dennis Bulgarelli, director of Automotive at Compete. “Not only are we seeing prospects put Hyundai on their shopping lists in record numbers, we’re also seeing Hyundai do a great job converting those shoppers to buyers. Its May sales of nearly 50,000 were 33 percent higher than a year ago, with Sonata sales nearly doubling year-over-year.”
“The earlier Sonatas were popular value leaders and owners love them,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Hyundai, Athens, Ohio.
By The Staff of Don Wood Hyundai, on August 13th, 2010
Athens, OH – Edmunds.com named both the Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Azera to its list of Used Car Best Bets for 2010. The model years 2003 to 2008 Elantra topped the Compact Sedan category and the model years 2006 to 2008 Azera won out in the Large Sedan segment. Edmunds.com, a premier online resource for automotive information, chose this year’s Used Car Best Bets based on reliability, safety, value, and availability. This year all cars and trucks from the 2003 to 2008 model years were eligible.
“With class-leading interior space, outstanding handling and overall refinement, it’s clear that Elantra offers terrific value,” said Tracy Bowes, national manager, Retail Operations, Hyundai Motor America. “Additionally, the award winning Azera continues to top the large sedan segment, packing in more value, upgrades and standard equipment year after year. Both these cars boast Hyundai’s class-leading safety technology, allowing them to maintain their reliability and strong residual values at resale.”
Elantra and Azera are great new car values and now independent ratings verify it’s its a Best Bet in used car value, too,” said Jeff Wood, President of Don Wood Hyundai, Athens, Ohio.
In order to put together this list of top choices in the used vehicle market, the Edmunds.com editors looked at consumer ratings as well as sources that report on reliability and longevity, and applied their own experience and judgment to determine a vehicle’s reliability. They also regarded how the vehicles rated in various crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
“A complete redesign in 2001 earned the Hyundai Elantra our respect, which was bolstered further by a tough tour of duty in our long-term fleet,” said Edmunds.com editors. “In addition to peppy performance and a smooth ride, the Elantra offers solid build quality, reliability and operating economy. Impressive crash test scores are another feather in the Elantra’s cap.”
“Offering an upscale look inside and out and a number of unexpected luxury features for a reasonable price, the Azera also boasts the solid build quality and steadfast reliability that Hyundai is becoming known for,” added the editors. “Strong crash test scores, smooth and refined performance and a quiet ride round out the Azera’s impressive resumé.”
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