On April 28/2010, during the regional launch for the press of the 2011 Sonata in New Orleans, Lousiana, we had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Deitz about the new Hyundai product.
—Michael, what do you think is the most significant aspect on the new 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
—Three as in one: design, fuel economy and safety. In details, the vehicle offers standard Bluetooth connectivity, a large car interior and the efficiency of 35mpg on the highway naturally due to the new engine technology and the new transmission.
—At the technical breefing earlier today you mentioned that the totally new 2011 Hyundai Sonata was designed and built here in the United Estates… so, there’s no any Korean intervention at all in the vehicle?
—A hundred percent in the exterior, the interior came from Korea, but the most important thing here is that we are a global company so, even though it was designed “in” America there was also some European input or world design because we want this design to appeal globally, not just for the United States… no, it’s too polarizing. We are manufacturing the vehicle in the Alabama facility, the engine it’s been produced on site there, as well as the transmission is produced in Georgia…
—...In Georgia? This means that is the same transmission used in the new Kia Sorento produced there?
—I’m not sure if this is the same transmission used in the Kia Sorento but that factory supplies transmissions to both on Hyundais and Kias…
—Tell me about the upcoming turbo engine for the Sonata…
—It’s a 2.0 turbo TDi engine with 274hp…
—Hold on a second, please… this is more powerful than the engine in the Genesis Coupe so… that means that —logically thinking— will we see that engine aboard the Genesis Coupe?
—Oh, I know that this is the number one question now asked but all I can say is… stay tuned!
—Anything else that you would like to add, Mike.
—We look forward to more customers having more reasons to come to Hyundai and experience the Hyundai brand.
—Thanks, Mike.
—You are welcome, Pepe. |
