“Hyundai is Awesome” – Honda chief exec.
There was a time when you would rather walk than drive in Hyundai, not too long ago. Some may still have that natural reaction engrained in them. Hyundai have been associated with cheap and practical, and they know it. That’s what made last year’s Superbowl commercial so funny. The commercial depicted the infuriation of Lexus and BMW board members at the result of the Genesis winning the car of the year award.
Youtube Clip
Now the skit made for comedic value, is fast becoming a reality. Both Nissan and Honda have acknowledged Hyundai’s continued improvement. Honda’s chief executive recently referred to the South Korean automaker as “Awesome”. Nissan also recognize them as “the biggest threat for the Japanese automakers”.
“Hyundai is awesome,” said Honda Motor Co. chief executive Takanobu Ito in an interview with The Associated Press this week. “They are undoubtedly a threat because their products are cheap, and the quality is improving.”
Sushi & Barbecue
Hyundai’s September 2009 sales were up 27% from September 2008. The only automaker to post an improvement in the U.S. market.
“We have to offer the equivalents of sushi, tempura and kaiseki to compete against Korean barbecue,” Nissan Motor Co. senior vice-president Shiro Nakamura, said.
In contrast, 3Q figures showed a $185 million loss for Nissan, while Hyundai were up $691 million. Don’t expect those profits to fall, as their new 2010 line appears to show their commitment to continual improvement. Click for the 2010 new look Tucson.
