Car Blog

Hyundai, Kia and Ford Accelerate on Cars.com as Longtime Market Leaders See Declining Interest

Amidst concerns over the Toyota recall, interest in several of the brand’s popular models declined sharply in February on Cars.com. According to the most recent Cars.com Consumer Search Index, which tracks the fluctuation of consumer contact with dealers originating from the site, 6 of the top 10 decreases were for Toyota models including Rav4, Corolla, Camry, Highlander, Prius and FJ Cruiser. GM rounded out the top ten decreases, with four models experiencing sharp declines in consumer interest – Sierra 1500, Corvette, Tahoe and Equinox.

The Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia benefited directly from Toyota’s troubles. Interest in the new Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sorento skyrocketed in the month of February according to Cars.com. In addition to the two Korean manufacturers, Ford continued its strong performance on the site which has helped propel the manufacturer past GM in terms of total sales for the first time since 1998.

The Hyundai Sonata topped Cars.com’s list of new cars experiencing the largest increase in consumer contacts to dealers, with a whopping 106 percent increase. The Sonata was followed by the Hyundai Tucson at 83 percent and the Kia Sorento at 69 percent. Ford also had three cars in the top 10. The new Fusion, Escape and F-150 ranked 6th, 7th and 8th respectively.

The Toyota Sienna, which wasn’t part of the recall and received positive reviews on Cars.com for its recent redesign, surprisingly bucked the trend and ranked 4th out of the 10 vehicles experiencing the largest increase in consumer contacts to dealers.

“The aggressive marketing efforts on the part of Hyundai and Kia are working when it comes to generating interest among car shoppers,” said Cars.com Editor in Chief Patrick Olsen. “It’s nothing short of surprising to see the activity that the new Toyota Sienna has generated, considering all the turmoil surrounding the automaker’s recalls.”

Cars.com Consumer Search Index – February 2010:

February Movers// % Increase in Consumer Contacts to   Dealers
Hyundai Sonata 106%
Hyundai Tucson 83%
Kia Sorento 69%
Toyota Sienna 30%
Honda Odyssey 19%
Ford Fusion 15%
Ford Escape 11%
Ford F150 10%
Honda Civic 9%
Chevrolet Camaro 7%

February Losers// % Decrease in Consumer Contacts to   Dealers
GMC Sierra 1500 51%
Toyota RAV4 50%
Toyota Camry 38%
Toyota Corolla 37%
Toyota Highlander 37%
Chevrolet Corvette 35%
Toyota Prius 34%
Chevrolet Tahoe 33%
Chevrolet Equinox 28%
Toyota FJ Cruiser 25%

Toyota announced manufacturers suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the redesigned 2011 Avalon sedan. Also announced were the MSRP for 2011 Sienna models equipped with the new Auto Access Seat.

The base MSRP for the entry-level Avalon grade remains unchanged from the 2010 base Avalon XLS at $32,245, while gaining a significant amount of new standard equipment, reflecting an excellent value. The MSRP for the Avalon Limited will be $35,485, an increase of $200, or 0.6 percent, while also receiving an array of new standard features over the 2010 model. Both Avalon grades will go on sale in mid-March.

Designed for any passenger who may need assistance getting in and out of a vehicle, the innovative, industry-first factory installed Sienna Auto Access Seat (AAS) is now available exclusively on the LE and XLE V6 Sienna grades. The base MSRP for the Sienna LE with AAS is $35,135, and the Sienna XLE with AAS is $39,445.

2011 Avalon

Simplifying the customer ordering process, the number of Avalon model grades has been reduced from three to two, while the amount of standard equipment has increased, reducing the number of options and packages by 40 percent.

For 2011, Avalon receives distinctive new exterior styling and a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies. The exterior has a wider, more substantial grille that ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps. The new headlamps and taillamps utilize light pipes for the first time on a Toyota vehicle to create a signature, night-time appearance. The front fog lamps, now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, provide a wider angle of illumination. New 17-inch wheels on the Limited grade feature a 10-spoke design with a mirror finish.

A new Avalon interior features a contemporary style that remains spacious and elegant, while adding thoughtfully integrated amenities, coordinated colors and updated wood-grain materials.

A comprehensive infusion of technology was designed into the new interior to ensure enhanced function and connectivity. New standard equipment includes Bluetooth hands-free phone and music streaming to the audio system from a compatible device, XM® satellite radio (subscription required), and both USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for iPod® and other audio devices. Each of the three available audio systems can control iPods seamlessly using switches located on the steering wheel and display track information stored in the device.

The Avalon grade’s standard nine-speaker system offers exceptional sound quality, while the Limited grade features a standard 12-speaker, 660-watt JBL Premium Synthesis audio system with enhanced two-coil sub-woofer. The system uses 12 speakers and a 12-channel digital amplifier to deliver profoundly rich, full sound to all seats of the vehicle.

Additional standard equipment on the Limited grade includes enlarged perforated leather seats and seatbacks, driver and passenger eight-way power with lumbar support, driver’s seat and outside mirror memory systems, driver’s seat cushion extension, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, Smart Key System with push button start, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, and power rear sunshade.

All Avalon models continue to come standard with a DOHC 3.5-liter V6 with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) mated to an electronically-controlled six-speed transmission with sequential shift, generating 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. Avalon’s expected EPA-estimated mileage ratings of 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway are as good as or better than any other V6 engine in the segment. Avalon is rated as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).

The redesigned Avalon continues to feature Toyota’s standard Star Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and TRAC traction control system. Avalon also receives a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system. This braking system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions. Seven airbags, including a front knee bag for the driver, and front side curtain airbags for both rows, are also standard.

Restyled at Calty Design Research Centers in California and Michigan and engineered at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, the Avalon will continue to be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK).

2011 Sienna Auto Access Seat Models

The factory-installed Auto Access Seat features a one-touch operation and benefits from the all-new Sienna’s spacious interior and wide-opening sliding doors. A seat-mounted ingress/egress switch and a wireless remote control allows for easy and flexible seat operation. The seat rotates 90 degrees and can be lowered to within 19 inches of the ground to further facilitate easier passenger transfers at the exact height required.

Once inside, the Auto Access Seat occupant can utilize reclining and slide switches located on both sides of the seat. This allows operation of up to four inches of slide travel and reclining of up to 24 degrees. The auto-recline feature also allows for safe head clearance through the door frame during entry and exit.

Sienna AAS models will go on sale in mid-March. Consumers can contact their local Toyota dealer to place orders. Further information on the new Sienna AAS models can be found on YouTube by searching “Sienna Auto Access Seat.” Additional information will be available on the Toyota Mobility Website (www.toyotamobility.com) beginning in April.

Toyota MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee of $750 for Avalon and $800 for the Sienna AAS. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.

Vehicle/Model Body NEW Number Grade Doors Style Trans MSRP MY

AVALON
3544 Avalon V6 4 Sedan 6ECTi $32,245 11MY

Avalon
3554 Limited V6 4 Sedan 6ECTi $35,485 11MY

Vehicle/Model Body NEW Number Grade Doors Style Trans MSRP MY

Sienna
Sienna LE
5335 V6 AAS 5 Van 6AT $35,135 11MY

Sienna
5345 XLE V6 AAS 5 Van 6AT $39,445 11MY

Officials with Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), Inc. were joined by dignitaries from the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, the State of Georgia, and local city and county officials to celebrate the official grand opening of Kia’s first-ever U.S. automobile manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, capable of producing 300,000 cars annually for the North American and global markets.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 500 VIPs from Korea and the U.S., including Chairman of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group Mong-Koo Chung; Group President and CEO of KMMG and Kia Motors America (KMA) Byung-Mo Ahn; Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue; and a number of other high-ranking Korean government and State of Georgia officials.

“Kia is proud to call West Point, Georgia home and we look forward to many years of growing together,” said Ahn. “Continued diligent work has helped elevate Kia to one of the fastest growing automobile brands around the globe. With the successful launch of the 2011 Kia Sorento CUV and establishment of our first manufacturing plant in the United States, the Kia brand is well positioned for further growth and to become a worldwide leader in quality and innovation.”

Representing a $1 billion investment by Kia Motors Corporation, the sprawling, new 2.2 million-square-foot automobile manufacturing plant is situated on more than 2,200 acres of land between Exit 2 and Exit 6 along Interstate 85 in West Point. KMMG consists of four main shops: stamping, welding, paint and assembly. The site also includes a transmission shop, module shop and a two-mile test track where every vehicle produced by KMMG will be thoroughly tested. KMMG’s general assembly area is outfitted with more than a half mile of height-adjustable conveyors to achieve the most favorable installation position for each team member and reduce physical fatigue. It is outfitted with wood flooring, which provides a more comfortable and forgiving work environment for team members.

Governor Perdue noted today’s event meant the continuation of a mutually beneficial partnership between the State of Georgia and Kia that will mean many great things for the State in years to come.

“This is a momentous day for Georgia as Kia Motors has brought thousands of new jobs to this area, and is truly delivering as a tremendous corporate citizen,” said Governor Perdue. “We value our relationship with Kia and pledge to continue providing specialized training through the Kia Georgia Training Center that will guarantee a quality workforce and the future success of this plant in Georgia.”

The massive Kia automobile manufacturing plant and its supplier companies have already provided thousands of jobs. KMMG currently employs more than 1,200 team members and is expected to nearly double that number by the end of the year, while onsite and nearby suppliers will create up to 7,500 additional jobs in the region.

Randy Jackson, director of human resources and administration, said he was glad that KMMG could help give back to the local community through job creation, community development and tourism.

“The Grand Opening marks a new milestone for Kia,” Jackson said. “Beginning this spring, we are pleased to open our doors to the community and have them see firsthand the quality and craftsmanship that is built into every Kia vehicle. We hope every Kia owner, and anyone thinking about purchasing a Kia, will visit us.”

Mass production of the all-new 2011 Kia Sorento CUV began on Nov. 16, 2009 with the product officially going on sale in the U.S. in January of this year. Selling 7,398 units in its first month, the 2011 Sorento was Kia’s best-selling vehicle in January.

“The outstanding early performance of the first vehicle produced from our West Point, Georgia plant is a significant achievement for KMMG, KMA and the Kia brand as a whole,” said Ahn. “As we grow we will continue to expand our line of vehicles here and abroad while staying true to the Kia brand tenets of value, quality, safety and technology; and KMMG will play a prominent role in achieving our goals.”

Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. (KMMG) is the first manufacturing site in North America for Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, Korea. KMMG is located on 2,200 acres in West Point, Georgia, and began mass production of the 2011 Kia Sorento on November 16, 2009. At full capacity, the plant will have the ability to build 300,000 vehicles annually from U.S. and globally sourced parts.