Ucarmagazine

Today, Microsoft Corp. and Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group (HKAG) entered into a long-term agreement to co-develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems. Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, and Mongku Chung, chairman of HKAG, were present as Martin Thall, general manager of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit, and Hyun Soon Lee, president and chief technology officer of HKAG, signed the agreement in Seoul.

Together, Microsoft and HKAG will deliver new and innovative solutions based on the Microsoft Auto software platform, bringing the future of in-car technology to Hyundai-Kia drivers worldwide.

“These new systems will redefine consumer experiences in the car,” Thall said. “Since the spring of 2006, HKAG and Microsoft have been sharing their vision for the future of in-car technology. We’re now aligned to develop the next generation of in-car infotainment systems.”

“We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver high-performance infotainment solutions to our customers,” Lee said. “The advanced capabilities, flexibility and low price point make the Microsoft Auto software platform an attractive solution for us.”

The first product, a next-generation infotainment system that provides voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices, will be introduced in the North American market in 2010. It will further apply to Asian and European markets, and expand into multimedia and navigation devices. These easy-to-use infotainment systems will allow consumers to enjoy music in various digital formats.

The next-generation infotainment systems are comparable to mini-PCs. Even after product launch, new functions can be added or upgraded in the form of software program updates, an innovation to existing in-car multimedia technology.

The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group’s adoption of the Microsoft Auto software platform increases Microsoft’s presence in the Asian car market and enhances the global automotive business. The engineering and marketing teams of Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit in Redmond, Wash., will be working directly with counterparts at HKAG in Seoul to support this goal. Microsoft Auto-powered systems are currently available in Fiat Auto Group vehicles in Europe and South America and Ford Motor Co. vehicles in North America.

In a related announcement, Microsoft and Hyundai-Kia, along with the Institute for Information Technology Advancement (IITA), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to co-establish an automotive IT innovation center with the goal of promoting innovation and opportunities for Korean software and device vendors in the global market.

Hyundai Motor Co., which is planning to boost sales in China by as much as 65 percent this year, officially opened its second automotive assembly plant in China on April 8.

The new plant, which cost $790 million and took 24 months to build, will produce Yuedong, a variant of the all-new Elantra which has been modified to suit the tastes and needs of the Chinese car buyer.

The new plant, capable of initially building 200,000 units annually, is owned and operated by Beijing Hyundai Motor Co. (BHMC), a 50-50 joint venture between Hyundai Motor Co. and Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. With the completion of this new plant, BHMC’s production capacity now reaches 500,000 units annually. And as more new models are added to BHMC’s lineup of products, the production capacity of the second plant will be increased to 300,000 by 2010, bringing BHMC’s total capacity to 600,000 and reaching a market share of about 8 percent.

Attending the official opening ceremony for the new plant were Hyundai Chairman and CEO Mong-Koo Chung, Mayor of Beijing Guo Jin Long as well as almost 600 other company executives, high-ranking government officials, parts suppliers and media members.

“By expanding its production capacity to 600,000 units a year, Beijing Hyundai now surely stands as the greatest automaker in China. Starting with the Yuedong Elantra, we will continuously introduce a new stream of vehicles tailored exclusively for China –cars which reflect the needs and preferences of our Chinese customers,” said Chairman Chung.

“With the newly opened technical center, we will strengthen our brand power and secure improved price competitiveness¡¦and although many changes can be expected on the Chinese automotive landscape, I am convinced that Beijing Hyundai will steadily develop into the best company in the Chinese automotive industry through the close cooperation between Hyundai Motor Co. and Beijing Automotive Industry Holdings,” he added.

The new plant, which will be able to simultaneously produce four different models from one line, encompasses Hyundai Motor’s most modern technologies and expertise. The plant will initially produce only the Yuedong and new models will be introduced one by one by 2010. Hyundai¡¯s existing No. 1 plant in China currently produces five models: EF Sonata, NF Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, and Accent.

The land area of the new plant, which is located nearby the first plant, is 1.15 million sq. meters, while the building is 240,000 sq. meters. Construction began in April 2006. The technical center is built on 165,000 sq. meters of land, including facilities such as a design center, engine testing center and proving ground. The technical center will focus on developing strategic models for the Chinese market and ways to improve price competitiveness and quality.

The iconic Hyundai Coupe has always been a real head turner. Now it is joined in the showroom this month by a limited edition model, called the TSIII. This promises to really strain the neck muscles of passers-by with extra styling enhancements and exclusive color options.

Four paint color options of Stone Black, Rose Red, Crystal White or Carbon Grey are available. Crystal White and Rose Red have never been offered on the Coupe before and are exclusively available on the TSIII in very limited numbers.

To complement and contrast with these colors, the 17” alloy wheels have a special anthracite finish.

At the rear the quad exhaust pipes deliver a sportier engine note, while a larger boot spoiler with integral brake light gives the TSIII a more purposeful look.

Inside the cabin, TSIII features quilted leather sports seats offering more support and comfort to enhance the driving experience. Matching quilted door trims complete the look. Elsewhere in the interior, chrome sill guards with a TSIII logo, metal trimmed pedals and footrest add to the sporty feel of the cabin. Air conditioning with climate control, heated front seats and cruise control all come as standard on the TSIII, along with iPod compatible stereo and metal-look finishes on the steering wheel, center console and air vents.

It’s not just the looks that have been enhanced. To increase road holding the TSIII comes with Eibach sport springs which also give the Coupe a lower, more aggressive stance.

To keep the car affordable and insurable the engine and transmission remain unchanged in the limited edition, offering a mix of affordability and outright performance. The TSIII is powered by a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC petrol engine, developing 141 bhp. It can crack the 0-62 mph sprint in just 9.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 129 mph.

The Coupe TSIII represents outstanding value for money with a price of just £1,575 over the current Coupe SIII 2.0.

The TSIII is in showrooms now for a short period and numbers are strictly limited. The Coupe, as with all Hyundai cars, comes with the famous Hyundai unlimited mileage, Five Year Warranty package.