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Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Genesis

Ford Focus sales are up 44% despite a less than attractive exterior refresh -- most credit Sync.
"Play artist Michael Bolton"

Microsoft has been the news most frequently for its bid to purchase Yahoo for $47.5B. Now that the bid has been withdrawn, some of the company's other partnerships are able to break through the heavy "Yahoo fog".

Microsoft announced today that it reached an agreement to provide Sync technology to Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Although the financial details of the agreement weren't announced, the first vehicles to roll off the assembly featuring an infotainment system similar to Ford's Sync will be available in 2010.

Ford heavily marketed its Sync system and has seen the sales of Sync-capable vehicle surpass the 130,000 unit mark. The availability of Sync is seen as one of the big reasons why Ford's refreshed Focus has seen a huge uptick in sales despite the fact that the design of the vehicle has been universally panned.

As with Ford's Sync, the Hyundai/Kia vehicles will feature speech recognition along with the ability to control phones and multimedia devices via Bluetooth or via a USB cable. Hyundai’s system, however, will have the advantage of being based on Microsoft's next generation platform and will be software upgradeable.

"Microsoft is certainly raising their level of involvement and their competitiveness in the automotive industry," said Telematics Research Group analyst Phil Magney. "It makes it one of the top operating systems that automakers must consider in developing their ‘infotainment’ systems."

"We see demand manifest across all income levels, all age levels," added Consumer Electronics Association industry analysis director Steve Koenig. "It's really resonating with consumers' digital lifestyle. We're starting to see consumers beginning to demand it and expect it."

Hyundai's new Microsoft-developed infotainment system should come just in time for South Korean automaker's two upcoming models: the Genesis and the Genesis Coupe. The Genesis is aimed at Lexus buyers and offers comparable equipment levels for thousands less. The Genesis Coupe, on the other hand, is going straight after other RWD two-doors on the market like the Ford Mustang, Nissan 350Z, and Infiniti G35.

Comments     Threshold


Sync
By Joey B on 5/6/2008 9:57:13 AM , Rating: 3
Sync is currently upgradeable and can have programs installed to it via USB.

Also, I don't know where you were getting your information that the new focus has been "universally panned" but I have not read one bad review on the focus. In fact, I am searching for a bad review for it right now and have not seen one. CNET has given it an 8.1 rating (Excellent) and its users have given it a 7.1 rating (Very Good). Even if you can come up with some sources to show that it has been criticized for its design, it still isn't universal.




RE: Sync
By SanLC504 on 5/6/2008 10:22:26 AM , Rating: 4
The CNET review, if you've read the whole thing, is about 95% Microsoft SYNC and 5% remainder of car. CNET is a technology website, so quoting a review from it is going to be moot since they're focused on TECHNOLOGY, primarily computer/media related.

There is no doubt that Microsoft SYNC is probably one of the best integrated OEM media powerhouses ever installed in a vehicle, but the vehicle IS panned by many AUTOMOTIVE websites. It placed last out of eight in a Car and Driver comparison, with the first paragraph criticizing the entire exterior of the vehicle. Motor Trend calls the exterior "gimmicky" and "breaks no new ground." Road and Track call the exterior "plain."

However, all three of the websites rave about Microsoft's SYNC system, so I think Microsoft has a winner on its hands.


RE: Sync
By AlphaVirus on 5/6/2008 10:30:10 AM , Rating: 2
Well I think what all these reviews forget, the market of the Ford Focus being usually teens with no income and lower income people looking for a car that goes from A-to-B.

It upset me how both Ford and Chevy disgruntled many regulars with the Taurus and Malibu. They used to be price in the low teens ($14,000 average) but now they are reaching the 30 thousands for certain models.

Of course there is nothing wrong with change but when you disband from your core customers there is a problem.


RE: Sync
By FITCamaro on 5/6/2008 10:45:02 AM , Rating: 2
The new Malibu is also a far better car than it used to be. Higher quality = higher price. I've been in one of the new Malibus and it was a great car. The interior was nice and the power was adequate.


RE: Sync
By AlphaVirus on 5/6/2008 12:22:34 PM , Rating: 2
I absolutely agree but it leaves the people who buy one every new design out in the dust. I have to admit I do like the revamps that were made, the motors are MUCH better than before and hopefully the transmission has been swapped out as well (I have not researched them yet).

I do not mind better quality but it makes it harder for some to purchase the new models that they were used to. Now they are stuck with a Hyundai or worse...a Kia.


RE: Sync
By FITCamaro on 5/6/2008 1:17:15 PM , Rating: 2
Vehicle prices are only going to go up thanks to the new mileage requirements. Especially for anything but the smallest of vehicles.


RE: Sync
By AlphaVirus on 5/6/2008 2:16:22 PM , Rating: 2
Yeah I guess that does make a lot of sense. Emissions controls plays a big part in the equation also. The emissions on the new Taurus and Malibu are better than the Lexus truck hybrids, I was surprised to see that.

I guess with that patents, R&D, manufacturing upgrades, etc. all the company costs trickle down to the customer.


RE: Sync
By Spuke on 5/6/2008 4:22:41 PM , Rating: 2
Even those are going up. Have you seen the prices on the new Matrix XRS? How's 24k sound? And that car doesn't even have all the new tech goodies (DI, HCCI, Hybird, etc).

Prediction: 2010 Toyota Corolla - base price: $24,995


RE: Sync
By Hoser McMoose on 5/7/2008 12:25:09 AM , Rating: 2
Due to the rather large drop in the U.S. dollar over the past couple years prices for ALL vehicles (and most other goods sold on global markets) are going to go up in price.

Even cars that are assembled in the U.S. use lots of parts and raw materials that are imported, and costs for most of these have risen significantly in the past two years. The only reason why the price of final products hasn't gone up along with them is because the U.S. economy is currently pretty weak and sales are down even at current prices. However car makers can't keep going on selling cars for so much less here then everywhere else in the world.

Example: the Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall Astra sells for about $18,000 in the U.S., 17,100 euros in France ($26,500) and 17,450 pounds in the U.K. ($34,300). Taxes and a higher cost of doing business explains maybe half of the price difference, but the rest is simply that prices are severely depressed in the U.S. right now given the current state of the currency.

In real world terms this means to pay off your bills and do some smart investing, because inflation is going to go through the roof.


RE: Sync
By Samus on 5/7/2008 6:56:09 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Vehicle prices are only going to go up thanks to the new mileage requirements. Especially for anything but the smallest of vehicles.


Prices of everything are going up, world-wide. The only thing getting cheaper is technology, because more people are using it than previously through history.

However, the same principle doesn't apply to cars, or gas, or food, or pretty much anything else...because demand makes them more expensive. Just because more people drive now than they did 20 years ago isn't going to make cars cheaper. Cars still increase in price faster than inflation, but you have to admit, cars are only getting better, every year, on all fronts.


RE: Sync
By Noya on 5/6/2008 1:31:12 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Now they are stuck with a Hyundai or worse...a Kia


I think most automotive experts would wager that's an improvement. Hyundai and Kia are virtually the same company, akin to Chevrolet and Pontiac.


RE: Sync
By AlphaVirus on 5/6/2008 2:13:45 PM , Rating: 1
Toyota and Lexus are virtually the same company, doesnt mean a Toyota is as good as a Lexus. Toyota is hype, Lexus is stability.


RE: Sync
By mdogs444 on 5/6/2008 2:17:50 PM , Rating: 2
Lexus & Toyota share virtually the same motor & drivetrains. The biggest differences are upgraded interiors (better audio systems, softer leather, real wood grain, higher performance wheels/tires, etc) and the like. This is basically the same for all makers: VW/Audi, GM/Cadillac, Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti.

If you are going to care the dependability of the two - I'd say their the same. If you're going to compare the initial quality, and life long quality...then Lexus obviously has the leg up.


RE: Sync
By AlphaVirus on 5/6/2008 4:44:02 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
If you are going to care the dependability of the two - I'd say their the same.

They are actually different. Toyota is not as good as Lexus.

Review the attach recalls documents for monthly recalls
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls...
It has Toyota listed on 4/6 reports and Lexus on 1/6.

Should we pull up reports for consecutive years instead or perhaps another website?
http://www.internetautoguide.com/auto-recalls/01-i...
Toyota - 368 recalls (26 cars) 14.15avg
Lexus - 58 (12 cars) 4.8avg

Are we done yet or do I have to prove my point with a picture book?


RE: Sync
By mdogs444 on 5/6/2008 5:13:02 PM , Rating: 2
I wasn't disagreeing with you in any way. Just merely stating that the auto's themselves share much in common, outside of aesthics.

I havent looked into any recalls, however, it would only make sense though as Toyota uses a wider range of motors in their cars than lexus does, not to mention they have more cars to choose from.

I would assume that if it was a motor based recall, and the motor was shared across the Toyota and Lexus platforms, then they'd both be recalled.


RE: Sync
By AlphaVirus on 5/7/2008 10:09:59 AM , Rating: 2
Thats the only thing I dont think any of us have time to do, check all the motors and major parts each company use. I would assume that they do use similar parts generally but I would think Lexus is using higher quality and more durable parts as overall they have much less recalls.

Of course you can get either to last for a long time if you take care of it, but I am merely talking about initial quality and lasting quality.


RE: Sync
By Reclaimer77 on 5/6/2008 5:54:27 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Are we done yet or do I have to prove my point with a picture book?


Your going just by recalls alone ? Not exactly conclusive of overall dependability.

Japanese car companies in general are FAR more proactive about recalls. I think thats a good thing. A lot of the time Ford or GM will KNOW about recallable issues and let them slide because its not 'cost effective'. Or will only take action if enough people are injured or lawsuits are filed.

My Toyota Tacoma had a " recall ". They mailed me a letter stating that, after 10 years or something, the seat belt release button could crack due to long term sun exposure. How is that a quality issue ? I was MORE than happy to take it to the dealer, for free, and have this 'issue' resolved. I wasn't even going to keep the truck that long anyway. It just impressed me that Toyota was so on the ball about it and showed how they really do care about their products and stand behind them.

I'm not saying your wrong. You could be right. But to say " Toyota is all hype " and posting a few links of recalls with no details is just weak. I have OWNED Toyota's and I know better.


RE: Sync
By AlphaVirus on 5/7/2008 10:25:52 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Your going just by recalls alone ? Not exactly conclusive of overall dependability.

Recalls are made based on a manufacture's finding or too many customer complaints. Of course you can't go 100% on only recalls as everyone treats their cars different, but it does give some basis.

quote:
Japanese car companies in general are FAR more proactive about recalls.

quote:
My Toyota Tacoma had a " recall ". They mailed me a letter stating

Is this your reasoning to say Japanese car companies are more proactive? If so thats more of an opinion, unless you have owned several Domestic and Foreign vehicles to base that on. And note, my mother-inlaw gets the same mailings from her American car company.
quote:
after 10 years or something, the seat belt release button could crack due to long term sun exposure. How is that a quality issue ?

I think if you read this again, you will see how this is a quality issue. Anytime you have a recall it is usually due to a quality issue spotted by the manufacture or from all the customers coming in to the dealership complaining.
quote:
I was MORE than happy to take it to the dealer, for free,

Well that is what you do when you get a recall, you think they are going to CHARGE you for it?
quote:
But to say " Toyota is all hype "

I am sorry for talking about Toyota in such a childish way. I received bad news that day so I was a little upset already, I should not have taken it out on the DT community. You guys are too cool for that. :)
quote:
and posting a few links of recalls with no details is just weak.

There is details, read my post again and you will see the numbers listed. Recalls are regulated by government agencies so there is some backing to my reason of posting those links.