Hyundai Santro has undoubtedly been one of the perfect family car for the middle-class families.&nbsp;

At one point, Santro even surpassed Maruti Suzuki&#39;s sales record and had set a benchmark for other car manufacturers.&nbsp;

However, it&#39;s production was axed from the line-up in 2015, to make way for other, more profitable new cars such as the Grand i10 and the new Elite i20.&nbsp;

But there is some good news for the Santro lovers, as the company plans to launch a newly designed model of the &#39;tall-boy design&#39;.&nbsp;

Hyundai confirmed that it will launch a new compact car in the second half of 2018.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The new hatchback (codename: Hyundai AH2) will be launched in August, as per media reports.

The car is expected to be based on the i10&prime; platform. It will measure 1,560 mm tall, 10 mm taller than the Hyundai i10, and will be 10-15 mm wider as well.&nbsp;

It will utilise a retuned version of the i10&rsquo;s 1,086 cc petrol engine producing around 70 bhp and 100 Nm.&nbsp;

The hatchback will debut the company&rsquo;s first AMT gearbox, a 5-speed unit and will come with a digital-analogue instrument console, a touchscreen infotainment system and one airbag for the driver&#39;s side.&nbsp;

Hyundai is targetting Tata Tiago and Maruti Celerio buyers with the launch of new Santro.&nbsp;

Pricing-wise, the car will be sandwiched between the Eon and the Grand i10.&nbsp;

If believed the reports, it will be a replacement for the aging Eon as the latter will not meet the upcoming Indian safety norms.

Old Santro's production was axed from the line-up in 2015

Hyundai Santro has undoubtedly been one of the perfect family car for the middle-class families. At one point, Santro even surpassed Maruti Suzuki's sales record and had set a benchmark for other car manufacturers. However, it's production was axed from the line-up in 2015, to make way for other, more profitable new cars such as the Grand i10 and the new Elite i20. But there is some good news for the Santro lovers, as the company plans to launch a newly designed model of the 'tall-boy design'. Hyundai confirmed that it will launch a new compact car in the second half of 2018. The new hatchback (codename: Hyundai AH2) will be launched in August, as per media reports. The car is expected to be based on the i10′ platform. It will measure 1,560 mm tall, 10 mm taller than the Hyundai i10, and will be 10-15 mm wider as well. It will utilise a retuned version of the i10’s 1,086 cc petrol engine producing around 70 bhp and 100 Nm. The hatchback will debut the company’s first AMT gearbox, a 5-speed unit and will come with a digital-analogue instrument console, a touchscreen infotainment system and one airbag for the driver's side. Hyundai is targetting Tata Tiago and Maruti Celerio buyers with the launch of new Santro. Pricing-wise, the car will be sandwiched between the Eon and the Grand i10. If believed the reports, it will be a replacement for the aging Eon as the latter will not meet the upcoming Indian safety norms.

Hyundai to launch all-new Santro this year

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the number two passenger vehicle company in India, has said it is aligned to the government&#39;s philosophy of all-electric vehicles in the country and claimed it will launch its first commercial all-electric vehicle a year before Maruti.

&quot;At Hyundai, we are very very conscious about our responsibility towards the country. That&#39;s why we have unveiled our first mass-produced electric vehicle, the Ioniq, at the Auto Expo today. We are ready for the technology, Ioniq is being sold in various countries. We are very sure that when the government&#39;s framework is ready, we will be the first company to launch the mass-produced electric vehicles in India,&quot; Puneet Anand, Marketing GM, Hyundai India, told WION.

&quot;We will be one year ahead of Maruti. We have already announced that by 2019, Hyundai will be launching an electric vehicle in India,&quot; he added.

Anand, however, said the onus is now on the government to expedite the process of going fully electric by 2030.

&quot;It&#39;s a very ambitious target, and we thank the government for taking this initiative. But at the same time, we have to look at the infrastructure and challenges, because it&#39;s a very big country. Looking at all these factors, I think the adoption of electric vehicles will be slow, but we will always be ready for that,&quot; Anand said.

The South Korean automaker today launched a new version of its premium compact hatchback <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/auto-expo-2018-hyundai-motor-india-unveils-all-new-elite-i20-for-for-rs-534-lakh-32070">Elite i20</a> priced between Rs 5.34 lakh and Rs 9.15 lakh.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/auto-expo-2018-next-generation-honda-amaze-unveiled-32059">Also Read: Next generation Honda Amaze unveiled</a>

The company has already announced its plans to invest over US $1 billion (around Rs 6,300 crore) in India in the next three years on new products, development of powertrain and setting up of a new office building.

The company plans to launch an electric vehicle next year and is also gearing up for the possible comeback of its popular model Santro around Diwali this year. 
HMIL has lined up nine products to be introduced between 2018 and 2020.

The company, which is completing 20 years in the Indian market, sold 6.78 lakh units last year in the country with a market share of around 16.5 per cent in the passenger vehicle segment.

Anand, however, said the onus is now on the government to expedite the process of going fully electric by 2030.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the number two passenger vehicle company in India, has said it is aligned to the government's philosophy of all-electric vehicles in the country and claimed it will launch its first commercial all-electric vehicle a year before Maruti. "At Hyundai, we are very very conscious about our responsibility towards the country. That's why we have unveiled our first mass-produced electric vehicle, the Ioniq, at the Auto Expo today. We are ready for the technology, Ioniq is being sold in various countries. We are very sure that when the government's framework is ready, we will be the first company to launch the mass-produced electric vehicles in India," Puneet Anand, Marketing GM, Hyundai India, told WION. "We will be one year ahead of Maruti. We have already announced that by 2019, Hyundai will be launching an electric vehicle in India," he added. Anand, however, said the onus is now on the government to expedite the process of going fully electric by 2030. "It's a very ambitious target, and we thank the government for taking this initiative. But at the same time, we have to look at the infrastructure and challenges, because it's a very big country. Looking at all these factors, I think the adoption of electric vehicles will be slow, but we will always be ready for that," Anand said. The South Korean automaker today launched a new version of its premium compact hatchback Elite i20 priced between Rs 5.34 lakh and Rs 9.15 lakh. Also Read: Next generation Honda Amaze unveiled The company has already announced its plans to invest over US $1 billion (around Rs 6,300 crore) in India in the next three years on new products, development of powertrain and setting up of a new office building. The company plans to launch an electric vehicle next year and is also gearing up for the possible comeback of its popular model Santro around Diwali this year. HMIL has lined up nine products to be introduced between 2018 and 2020. The company, which is completing 20 years in the Indian market, sold 6.78 lakh units last year in the country with a market share of around 16.5 per cent in the passenger vehicle segment.

Auto Expo 2018: Hyundai says will launch electric vehicle '1 year ahead of Maruti'

Hyundai&#39;s premium sedan, Verna, got two new variants today.

The South Korean giant introduced a new generation Verna in August 2017.

Today&#39;s launch has added two new petrol variants with a 1.4-litre engine, priced at Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 9.09 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new models come with a power output of 100PS and a fuel efficiency of 19.1 km per litre.

The variants will be offered in two trims E and EX with 6-speed manual transmission.

Verna&#39;s 1.6-litre petrol variants, priced between Rs 9.68 lakh and Rs 12.48 lakh, are already available in the market.

Its diesel 1.6 trims are tagged between Rs 9.42 lakh and Rs 12.87 lakh.&nbsp;

The introduction of the new variants aims at strengthening Verna&#39;s popularity and to an enhanced Sedan experience to its customers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Verna's 1.6-litre petrol variants, priced between Rs 9.68 lakh and Rs 12.48 lakh, are already available in the market

Hyundai's premium sedan, Verna, got two new variants today. The South Korean giant introduced a new generation Verna in August 2017. Today's launch has added two new petrol variants with a 1.4-litre engine, priced at Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 9.09 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The new models come with a power output of 100PS and a fuel efficiency of 19.1 km per litre. The variants will be offered in two trims E and EX with 6-speed manual transmission. Verna's 1.6-litre petrol variants, priced between Rs 9.68 lakh and Rs 12.48 lakh, are already available in the market. Its diesel 1.6 trims are tagged between Rs 9.42 lakh and Rs 12.87 lakh. The introduction of the new variants aims at strengthening Verna's popularity and to an enhanced Sedan experience to its customers. (With inputs from agencies)

Hyundai Verna gets new variant with 1.4L petrol engine, priced at Rs 7.79 lakh

South Korea&#39;s Hyundai Motor said on Monday it had replaced the head of its China operations - an appointment that comes on the heels of a supply disruption and as it struggles to deal with the fallout from a diplomatic row between the two nations.

Tao Hung Than, who is of Chinese descent, became CEO of Beijing Hyundai Motor on Friday, replacing Chang Won-shin, a company spokesperson said, without elaborating on the reason for the change. Chang held his job for less than a year.

Hyundai was recently forced to halt production for about a week at its joint venture with China&#39;s BAIC Motor Corp Ltd after a fuel-tank components supplier refused to provide parts due to non-payment.

South Korean firms have also been hit by a Chinese backlash over Seoul&#39;s decision to deploy the THAAD U.S. missile defence system to counter threats from nuclear-armed North Korea. China says the system poses a threat to its national security.

Hyundai Motor&#39;s sales from its Chinese factories plummeted 64 percent in April-June alone.

The management changes were first reported by South Korean media over the weekend.

Tao Hung Than, who is of Chinese descent, became CEO of Beijing Hyundai Motor on Friday, replacing Chang Won-shin, a company spokesperson said, without elaborating on the reason for the change. Chang held his job for less than a year.

South Korea's Hyundai Motor said on Monday it had replaced the head of its China operations - an appointment that comes on the heels of a supply disruption and as it struggles to deal with the fallout from a diplomatic row between the two nations. Tao Hung Than, who is of Chinese descent, became CEO of Beijing Hyundai Motor on Friday, replacing Chang Won-shin, a company spokesperson said, without elaborating on the reason for the change. Chang held his job for less than a year. Hyundai was recently forced to halt production for about a week at its joint venture with China's BAIC Motor Corp Ltd after a fuel-tank components supplier refused to provide parts due to non-payment. South Korean firms have also been hit by a Chinese backlash over Seoul's decision to deploy the THAAD U.S. missile defence system to counter threats from nuclear-armed North Korea. China says the system poses a threat to its national security. Hyundai Motor's sales from its Chinese factories plummeted 64 percent in April-June alone. The management changes were first reported by South Korean media over the weekend.

Hyundai Motor replaces China chief after supply disruption, diplomatic tensions

South Korean car manufacturers Hyundai and Kia were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/science-tech/hyundai-kia-ordered-to-recall-vehicles-after-whistleblower-report-15490">ordered by authorities to recall</a> 240,000 vehicles in South Korea. This was a result of several defects discovered, including issues with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/science-tech/hyundai-kia-ordered-to-recall-vehicles-after-whistleblower-report-15490">parking brake lights</a> and fuel hoses, and would affect models such as the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata.

This recall, though pales in comparison to a recall last month for 1.5 million cars in the US and South Korea from the same manufacturers. This was for 5 models including Hyundai&#39;s Sonata and Grandeur and was done because of potential engine stalling.

Here&#39;s a look at the various recalls that have been issued this year, compiled from news reports.

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If you look at the table above, you will see that several recalls have to do with airbags, especially those made by Takata. 13 carmakers issued a recall for <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/over-652k-vehicles-involved-latest-takata-airbag-recall-n708811">652,000 cars</a> in the US in March, cars which were fitted with the Takata airbags.

This is actually part of the world&#39;s largest recall, which started <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2016-06-02/sixty-million-car-bombs-inside-takata-s-air-bag-crisis">first in 2008</a> and could potentially affect over 100 million vehicles from several manufacturers. The issue was that because of a volatile chemical in the airbags, it could suddenly explode and send metal shrapnel into passengers. At least<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/majority-of-money-in-airbag-fraud-settlement-slated-for-automakers-not-actual-victims_us_58b3884ce4b060480e090796"> 11 have died and 200 hurt</a> in the US because of these exploding Takata airbags.

Car owners in India have been affected by the Takata recall too in 2017 with <a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/auto/car-news/honda-recalls-41850-units-of-jazz-city-accord-and-civic-over-airbag-failure/532163/">Honda recalling</a> around 42,000 cars&mdash;including models such as the City, Accord and Civic&mdash;and Toyota recalling 23,000 units of the <a href="http://www.financialexpress.com/auto/car-news/toyota-to-recall-over-23000-units-of-corolla-altis-in-india-over-faulty-takata-airbags/618968/">Corolla Altis</a>.

Because there is no official policy on car recalls in India, presently any such recall is <a href="http://pibregional.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1487569">voluntarily done</a> by the manufacturer.

Carmakers Hyundai and Kia recalled 240,000 cars this week. So who else has recalled their cars this year?

South Korean car manufacturers Hyundai and Kia were ordered by authorities to recall 240,000 vehicles in South Korea. This was a result of several defects discovered, including issues with the parking brake lights and fuel hoses, and would affect models such as the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata. This recall, though pales in comparison to a recall last month for 1.5 million cars in the US and South Korea from the same manufacturers. This was for 5 models including Hyundai's Sonata and Grandeur and was done because of potential engine stalling. Here's a look at the various recalls that have been issued this year, compiled from news reports. If you look at the table above, you will see that several recalls have to do with airbags, especially those made by Takata. 13 carmakers issued a recall for 652,000 cars in the US in March, cars which were fitted with the Takata airbags. This is actually part of the world's largest recall, which started first in 2008 and could potentially affect over 100 million vehicles from several manufacturers. The issue was that because of a volatile chemical in the airbags, it could suddenly explode and send metal shrapnel into passengers. At least 11 have died and 200 hurt in the US because of these exploding Takata airbags. Car owners in India have been affected by the Takata recall too in 2017 with Honda recalling around 42,000 cars—including models such as the City, Accord and Civic—and Toyota recalling 23,000 units of the Corolla Altis. Because there is no official policy on car recalls in India, presently any such recall is voluntarily done by the manufacturer.

Analysis: Cars recalled worldwide in 2017

South Korea&#39;s biggest automaker Hyundai Motor posted a 21 per cent drop in first-quarter profits on Wednesday, hammered by the fallout from a diplomatic spat between Seoul and Beijing over a US missile defence system.

In a statement, Hyundai said it posted 1.46 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) in net profits during the January to March period, its 13th consecutive quarter of profit downturn.&nbsp;

&quot;Partial suspensions at factories increased cost burdens while bigger marketing fees were spent to overcome the global economic slowdown,&quot; the company said.

The firm said it recorded strong sales in emerging markets like Russia and Brazil but added that &quot;weak demand&quot; by Chinese consumers resulted in a drop in overseas sales.

Sales in China plunged 44 per cent last month. Beijing has been infuriated by the deployment of the THAAD missile defence system in the South and has imposed a series of measures seen as economic retaliation.

Seoul and Washington say the system is intended to guard against missile threats from the nuclear-armed North.

But China fears it will weaken its own ballistic capabilities and says it upsets the regional security balance.&nbsp;

Worldwide, Hyundai sold fewer than 1.1 million cars in the first quarter, 1.6 per cent fewer than the same period last year.

The company forecast more challenges ahead in the face of slow global growth and spreading trade protectionism.

(AFP)

In a statement, Hyundai said it posted 1.46 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) in net profits during the January to March period, its 13th consecutive quarter of profit downturn

South Korea's biggest automaker Hyundai Motor posted a 21 per cent drop in first-quarter profits on Wednesday, hammered by the fallout from a diplomatic spat between Seoul and Beijing over a US missile defence system. In a statement, Hyundai said it posted 1.46 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) in net profits during the January to March period, its 13th consecutive quarter of profit downturn. "Partial suspensions at factories increased cost burdens while bigger marketing fees were spent to overcome the global economic slowdown," the company said. The firm said it recorded strong sales in emerging markets like Russia and Brazil but added that "weak demand" by Chinese consumers resulted in a drop in overseas sales. Sales in China plunged 44 per cent last month. Beijing has been infuriated by the deployment of the THAAD missile defence system in the South and has imposed a series of measures seen as economic retaliation. Seoul and Washington say the system is intended to guard against missile threats from the nuclear-armed North. But China fears it will weaken its own ballistic capabilities and says it upsets the regional security balance. Worldwide, Hyundai sold fewer than 1.1 million cars in the first quarter, 1.6 per cent fewer than the same period last year. The company forecast more challenges ahead in the face of slow global growth and spreading trade protectionism. (AFP)

Hyundai Motor posts 21% drop in first-quarter profits

South Korean automaker Hyundai has decided to phase out its popular hatchback i10 in India as it shifts focus to more premium and modern products. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, has stopped production of the small car, which was first introduced in 2007.

Till date, Hyundai has sold a total of 16.95 lakh units of the model in domestic as well as global markets. It is one of the products that helped Hyundai cement its place in India. &quot;We have stopped manufacturing the model,&quot; a company official told PTI.

The South Korean firm already has a successful replacement for the model in Grand i10, which continues to rake in great monthly numbers since its launch in the middle of 2013. Although Grand i10 was supposed to replace i10, the company continued to sell i10 for a few more years as demand continued to pour in for the model from various quarters, including fleet operators.

Hyundai, which is the second-largest carmaker in India, is shifting its focus towards more premium products in the country.

It plans to introduce a total of eight products in the country in 2017-20, of which three will be completely fresh while the rest will be new versions of the existing ones.

Hyundai is also looking for a big play in the hybrid segment with plans to introduce its model Ioniq in 2018, besides mild-hybrids in its compact cars and SUVs.

With pollution becoming a major issue, the company plans to explore alternative fuel technologies and avail of benefits from government incentives for such vehicles. HMIL does not have a hybrid vehicle in its portfolio in India.

(PTI)

Till date, Hyundai has sold a total of 16.95 lakh units of the model in domestic as well as global markets

South Korean automaker Hyundai has decided to phase out its popular hatchback i10 in India as it shifts focus to more premium and modern products. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, has stopped production of the small car, which was first introduced in 2007. Till date, Hyundai has sold a total of 16.95 lakh units of the model in domestic as well as global markets. It is one of the products that helped Hyundai cement its place in India. "We have stopped manufacturing the model," a company official told PTI. The South Korean firm already has a successful replacement for the model in Grand i10, which continues to rake in great monthly numbers since its launch in the middle of 2013. Although Grand i10 was supposed to replace i10, the company continued to sell i10 for a few more years as demand continued to pour in for the model from various quarters, including fleet operators. Hyundai, which is the second-largest carmaker in India, is shifting its focus towards more premium products in the country. It plans to introduce a total of eight products in the country in 2017-20, of which three will be completely fresh while the rest will be new versions of the existing ones. Hyundai is also looking for a big play in the hybrid segment with plans to introduce its model Ioniq in 2018, besides mild-hybrids in its compact cars and SUVs. With pollution becoming a major issue, the company plans to explore alternative fuel technologies and avail of benefits from government incentives for such vehicles. HMIL does not have a hybrid vehicle in its portfolio in India. (PTI)

Hyundai will not sell its popular i10 car in India anymore

General Motors Co has confirmed it will invest an additional $1 billion in its US factories in 2017 and will move some parts production from Mexico to the United States that was previously handled by a supplier. 
The investments are in addition to the $2.9 billion the automaker announced last year, GM said.&nbsp;

GM and other automakers have been sharply criticized by Republican US President-elect Donald Trump for building vehicles in Mexico that are imported into the United States. Trump will be sworn in on Friday. 
GM said the $1 billion investment will create or retain 1,500 jobs. The Detroit automaker said details of individual projects will be announced throughout the year.

&quot;Thank you to General Motors and Walmart for starting the big jobs push back into the U.S.,&quot; Trump tweeted, referring as well to WalMart Stores Inc&#39;s announcement that it will hire 10,000 US workers in 2017 as part of a plan previously announced by the discount retailer.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thank you to General Motors and Walmart for starting the big jobs push back into the U.S.!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/821415698278875137">January 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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GM also said it will begin work on bringing axle production for its next generation of full-size pickup trucks, including work previously done in Mexico, to operations in Michigan, creating 450 US jobs.&nbsp;

The part was previously built by American Axle &amp; Manufacturing Holdings Inc. American Axle did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

GM spokeswoman Joanne Krell said the automaker planned to add 7,000 new US jobs over the next two to three years. Krell said the decisions being announced &quot;had been in the works for some time&quot; but she added &quot;the timing was good for us to share what we are doing.&quot;

The 7,000 figure includes the 450 jobs on axle production, 1,500 jobs tied to the $1 billion announcement and more than 5,000 new jobs tied to engineering, GM Financial and advanced technology.

GM in 2014 announced it was investing $5 billion in Mexico and doubling production capacity by 2018. GM said last week it had no plans to cancel Mexican investments despite Trump pressure. GM said it had added about 6,000 US jobs, consisting of 4,000 hourly and 2,000 salaried positions, since the end of 2015 for a total American workforce of 103,000.

Since GM&#39;s bankruptcy restructuring in 2009, when it had 77,000 US employees, it has added more than 25,000 jobs as it boosted production, acquired an auto finance company and brought information technology work in house.

The United Auto Workers union said GM&#39;s new investments &quot;have emerged as a result of the 2015&quot; contract with the union. GM shares slightly rose in midday trading, up 0.6 per cent, or $0.23 per share, to $37.57.

Trump, who made bringing back manufacturing to the United States a large part of his successful election campaign, has been touting recent automaker investments in the United States.

&quot;With all of the jobs I am bringing back into the US (even before taking office), with all of the new auto plants coming back into our country and with the massive cost reductions I have negotiated on military purchases and more, I believe the people are seeing &quot;big stuff,&quot; Trump said in a pair of tweets.

Trump has been inaccurate in describing some US auto investments, wrongly saying last week that Fiat Chrysler was planning to build a new factory in the United States. The company announced it is investing $1 billion in two existing plants, adding 2,000 jobs.

On January 3, Trump threatened to impose a &quot;big border tax&quot; on GM for making some of its Chevrolet Cruze compacts in Mexico - and he has extended that threat to German automakers like BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp over building vehicles abroad. Separately, Hyundai Motor Group said on Tuesday in South Korea that it plans to boost US investment by 50 per cent to $3.1 billion over five years and may build a new plant in the United States.

Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp, which make up the Hyundai Motor Group, have not been directly criticized by Trump but they may have felt vulnerable because among major brands, they have one of the lowest ratios of cars built in the United States to cars sold. GM also said an unnamed supplier has committed to make components for GM&#39;s next-generation full-size pickup trucks in Michigan, moving 100 supplier jobs from Mexico to the United States.

(Reuters)

GM said the investment will create or retain 1,500 jobs and also promised to announce more individual projects during the year

General Motors Co has confirmed it will invest an additional $1 billion in its US factories in 2017 and will move some parts production from Mexico to the United States that was previously handled by a supplier. The investments are in addition to the $2.9 billion the automaker announced last year, GM said. GM and other automakers have been sharply criticized by Republican US President-elect Donald Trump for building vehicles in Mexico that are imported into the United States. Trump will be sworn in on Friday. GM said the $1 billion investment will create or retain 1,500 jobs. The Detroit automaker said details of individual projects will be announced throughout the year. "Thank you to General Motors and Walmart for starting the big jobs push back into the U.S.," Trump tweeted, referring as well to WalMart Stores Inc's announcement that it will hire 10,000 US workers in 2017 as part of a plan previously announced by the discount retailer. Thank you to General Motors and Walmart for starting the big jobs push back into the U.S.! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2017 × GM also said it will begin work on bringing axle production for its next generation of full-size pickup trucks, including work previously done in Mexico, to operations in Michigan, creating 450 US jobs. The part was previously built by American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. American Axle did not immediately respond to a request for comment. GM spokeswoman Joanne Krell said the automaker planned to add 7,000 new US jobs over the next two to three years. Krell said the decisions being announced "had been in the works for some time" but she added "the timing was good for us to share what we are doing." The 7,000 figure includes the 450 jobs on axle production, 1,500 jobs tied to the $1 billion announcement and more than 5,000 new jobs tied to engineering, GM Financial and advanced technology. GM in 2014 announced it was investing $5 billion in Mexico and doubling production capacity by 2018. GM said last week it had no plans to cancel Mexican investments despite Trump pressure. GM said it had added about 6,000 US jobs, consisting of 4,000 hourly and 2,000 salaried positions, since the end of 2015 for a total American workforce of 103,000. Since GM's bankruptcy restructuring in 2009, when it had 77,000 US employees, it has added more than 25,000 jobs as it boosted production, acquired an auto finance company and brought information technology work in house. The United Auto Workers union said GM's new investments "have emerged as a result of the 2015" contract with the union. GM shares slightly rose in midday trading, up 0.6 per cent, or $0.23 per share, to $37.57. Trump, who made bringing back manufacturing to the United States a large part of his successful election campaign, has been touting recent automaker investments in the United States. "With all of the jobs I am bringing back into the US (even before taking office), with all of the new auto plants coming back into our country and with the massive cost reductions I have negotiated on military purchases and more, I believe the people are seeing "big stuff," Trump said in a pair of tweets. Trump has been inaccurate in describing some US auto investments, wrongly saying last week that Fiat Chrysler was planning to build a new factory in the United States. The company announced it is investing $1 billion in two existing plants, adding 2,000 jobs. On January 3, Trump threatened to impose a "big border tax" on GM for making some of its Chevrolet Cruze compacts in Mexico - and he has extended that threat to German automakers like BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp over building vehicles abroad. Separately, Hyundai Motor Group said on Tuesday in South Korea that it plans to boost US investment by 50 per cent to $3.1 billion over five years and may build a new plant in the United States. Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp, which make up the Hyundai Motor Group, have not been directly criticized by Trump but they may have felt vulnerable because among major brands, they have one of the lowest ratios of cars built in the United States to cars sold. GM also said an unnamed supplier has committed to make components for GM's next-generation full-size pickup trucks in Michigan, moving 100 supplier jobs from Mexico to the United States. (Reuters)

General Motors to invest $1 billion in US, Trump tweets 'thank you'

Strengthening its SUV portfolio, Hyundai Motor India has launched the all-new Tucson. The new SUV is priced between Rs 18.99 lakh and Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Hyundai has introduced the third generation Tucson in both petrol and diesel variants. The manual petrol variant is priced at Rs 18.99 lakh, while the diesel models are priced between Rs 21.59 lakh and Rs 23.48 lakh.

The petrol automatic is priced at Rs 21.79 lakh, while the one with diesel powertrain carries a price tag of Rs 24.99 lakh.

The petrol version with manual transmission comes with 155 PS of power and is claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of 13.03 km/ litre. The petrol automatic is touted to deliver a fuel efficiency of 12.95 km/ litre.

The diesel variant with manual transmission offers 185 PS of power and a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.42 km/litre. The diesel automatic, on the other hand, is said to offer a fuel efficiency of 16.38 km/ litre.

&quot;With the launch of all new Tucson, we aim to strengthen presence in the premium segment with strong leadership positions,&quot; said Hyundai Motor India MD &amp; CEO YK Koo.

New features in the Tucson include a puddle lamp, downhill brake control and front and rear parking sensors.

Hyundai Motor India aims to have four SUV models in its product portfolio in the next four years.

The company also plans to launch a sub 4-metre compact SUV in order to fill the gap that lies below Creta. It had showcased concept compact SUV Carlino at the Auto Expo this year in February. The model is in the works right now.

With Tucson, the company now has three SUVs along with Creta and Santa Fe.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The new SUV is priced between Rs 18.99 lakh and Rs 24.99 lakh

Strengthening its SUV portfolio, Hyundai Motor India has launched the all-new Tucson. The new SUV is priced between Rs 18.99 lakh and Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Hyundai has introduced the third generation Tucson in both petrol and diesel variants. The manual petrol variant is priced at Rs 18.99 lakh, while the diesel models are priced between Rs 21.59 lakh and Rs 23.48 lakh. The petrol automatic is priced at Rs 21.79 lakh, while the one with diesel powertrain carries a price tag of Rs 24.99 lakh. The petrol version with manual transmission comes with 155 PS of power and is claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of 13.03 km/ litre. The petrol automatic is touted to deliver a fuel efficiency of 12.95 km/ litre. The diesel variant with manual transmission offers 185 PS of power and a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.42 km/litre. The diesel automatic, on the other hand, is said to offer a fuel efficiency of 16.38 km/ litre. "With the launch of all new Tucson, we aim to strengthen presence in the premium segment with strong leadership positions," said Hyundai Motor India MD & CEO YK Koo. New features in the Tucson include a puddle lamp, downhill brake control and front and rear parking sensors. Hyundai Motor India aims to have four SUV models in its product portfolio in the next four years. The company also plans to launch a sub 4-metre compact SUV in order to fill the gap that lies below Creta. It had showcased concept compact SUV Carlino at the Auto Expo this year in February. The model is in the works right now. With Tucson, the company now has three SUVs along with Creta and Santa Fe. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Hyundai Tucson launched in India; prices start at Rs 18.99 lakh

South Korean prosecutors investigating a corruption scandal engulfing President Park-Geun Hye have quizzed Samsung group scion and the chairman of Hyundai Motor, a report said Sunday.

Lee Jae-Yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics and the heir-apparent of the Samsung group, was being questioned by prosecutors, Yonhap news agency said.&nbsp;

It cited an official at the Seoul prosecutors&#39; office, which is probing whether Park pressured the firms to donate millions of dollars to dubious foundations controlled by her longtime confidant, Choi Soon-Sil.

Samsung made the largest donation of more than $15 million and is accused of separately offering 2.8 million euros ($3.1 million) to Choi to bankroll her daughter&#39;s equestrian training in Germany.

Hyundai Motor chairman Chung Mong-Koo was also quizzed along with the bosses of other powerful conglomerates, Yonhap said.&nbsp;

The president reportedly had a meeting last July with the top businessmen at her office and urged them to donate money to the two cultural foundations that Choi used for personal gain.

Prosecutors also announced Sunday a plan to quiz Park this week. If this happens she will be the first South Korean president to be questioned by prosecutors while in office.&nbsp;

The &quot;donations&quot; from the firms amounted to nearly $70 million, including 20 billion won ($17.5 million) from Samsung and 12.8 billion won from Hyundai.

Choi was arrested recently for allegedly using her ties with Park to coerce donations from the firms and meddling in a wide range of state affairs although she holds no official position.&nbsp;

The scandal has sparked nationwide fury and massive protests calling for Park to resign.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Prosecutors questioned the bosses of the conglomerates whether President Park pressured the firms to make donations to dubious foundations

South Korean prosecutors investigating a corruption scandal engulfing President Park-Geun Hye have quizzed Samsung group scion and the chairman of Hyundai Motor, a report said Sunday. Lee Jae-Yong, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics and the heir-apparent of the Samsung group, was being questioned by prosecutors, Yonhap news agency said. It cited an official at the Seoul prosecutors' office, which is probing whether Park pressured the firms to donate millions of dollars to dubious foundations controlled by her longtime confidant, Choi Soon-Sil. Samsung made the largest donation of more than $15 million and is accused of separately offering 2.8 million euros ($3.1 million) to Choi to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany. Hyundai Motor chairman Chung Mong-Koo was also quizzed along with the bosses of other powerful conglomerates, Yonhap said. The president reportedly had a meeting last July with the top businessmen at her office and urged them to donate money to the two cultural foundations that Choi used for personal gain. Prosecutors also announced Sunday a plan to quiz Park this week. If this happens she will be the first South Korean president to be questioned by prosecutors while in office. The "donations" from the firms amounted to nearly $70 million, including 20 billion won ($17.5 million) from Samsung and 12.8 billion won from Hyundai. Choi was arrested recently for allegedly using her ties with Park to coerce donations from the firms and meddling in a wide range of state affairs although she holds no official position. The scandal has sparked nationwide fury and massive protests calling for Park to resign. (AFP)

Samsung, Hyundai bosses quizzed in South Korea scandal probe

Hyundai Motor&rsquo;s South Korean labour union staged their first full strike on Monday in more than a decade after negotiations over a wage increase failed. 
 
Nearly 50,000 workers at Hyundai Motor&#39;s three plants across the country walked off the job throughout Monday, said a spokesman for its labour union. 
 
This is the first full strike at the company in 12 years. 
 
The union also plans to stage a six-hour partial strike from Tuesday to Friday, the union spokesman said. 
 
Hyundai&#39;s union has staged partial strikes every year since 2012, including nearly 20 such stoppages this year, demanding higher wages and better benefits. 
 
Hyundai Motor shares ended down 1.1 per cent at 140,500 Won, compared with a 0.3 per cent fall on the broader market. 
 
Hyundai Motor&#39;s unionised workers in South Korea last month overwhelmingly voted down a tentative wage deal which was less generous than last year&#39;s package. 
 
The latest demands from workers include a wage increase of 7.2 per cent as well as bonuses for employees that would in total be worth 30 per cent of last year&#39;s net profit. 
 
Hyundai is South Korea&#39;s biggest automaker and, along with its smaller affiliate Kia, forms the world&#39;s fifth-largest car making group. 
 
But it has struggled in recent years due to currency swings and slumping sales in emerging markets including China. 
 
Hyundai has reported a drop in net profit for 10 consecutive quarters, most recently the second quarter of this year. 
 
The firm has estimated the financial losses from the series of strikes staged so far this year at more than two trillion won ($1.8 billion). 
 
(WION with inouts from agencies)

Nearly 50,000 workers at Hyundai Motor's three plants across South Korea walked off the job throughout on Monday, demanding higher wages

Hyundai Motor’s South Korean labour union staged their first full strike on Monday in more than a decade after negotiations over a wage increase failed. Nearly 50,000 workers at Hyundai Motor's three plants across the country walked off the job throughout Monday, said a spokesman for its labour union. This is the first full strike at the company in 12 years. The union also plans to stage a six-hour partial strike from Tuesday to Friday, the union spokesman said. Hyundai's union has staged partial strikes every year since 2012, including nearly 20 such stoppages this year, demanding higher wages and better benefits. Hyundai Motor shares ended down 1.1 per cent at 140,500 Won, compared with a 0.3 per cent fall on the broader market. Hyundai Motor's unionised workers in South Korea last month overwhelmingly voted down a tentative wage deal which was less generous than last year's package. The latest demands from workers include a wage increase of 7.2 per cent as well as bonuses for employees that would in total be worth 30 per cent of last year's net profit. Hyundai is South Korea's biggest automaker and, along with its smaller affiliate Kia, forms the world's fifth-largest car making group. But it has struggled in recent years due to currency swings and slumping sales in emerging markets including China. Hyundai has reported a drop in net profit for 10 consecutive quarters, most recently the second quarter of this year. The firm has estimated the financial losses from the series of strikes staged so far this year at more than two trillion won ($1.8 billion). (WION with inouts from agencies)

Hyundai workers on first full strike in 12 years

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