A new study shines new light on potential Indian and Chinese car manufacturers. Conducted by AutoPacific, 15% of 30,000 new car and truck buyers said that they would purchase a car from a brand they never heard of.

“Not only are a significant number of people willing to consider Chinese and Indian brands, this group consists of highly desirable buyers who would be coveted by any manufacturer.” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “They tend to be young, well-educated, and affluent for their age and have good jobs in administrative, healthcare and middle management positions,”

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors, both South Korean companies, have been out in the American scene for a while now, so who knows when India and China will be stepping into the mix? A cheaper alternative to the heavily Japanese and American company saturated markets would be breath of fresh air in this economy.

via AutoRemarketing

Tags: autopacific, china, India, study

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You can add two more vehicles added to the 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award winners circle as the Hyundai Genesis and Elantra have likewise been voted in. Yesterday, we had posted about the Ford and the Porsche that were initially given the said distinction and today, two more familiar car models join them in this special citation.

“Hyundai has created two vehicles that owners say are nearly perfect just the way they are: their ideal vehicle,” said George Peterson, president, AutoPacific. “Owners of the Genesis and Elantra indicated through AutoPacific’s survey that they are driving a vehicle that meets their expectations, meaning they desire little to no change to their vehicle.”

Hyundai’s Genesis is in the premium car category with a starting price of just $33,000. This model boasts of performance and luxury features which one would normally find in high costing cars in the market today.

For the Hyundai Elantra, it has employed a safety standard in the compact segment and is equipped with six standard airbags. Elantra includes many extras such as the standard audio auxiliary input jack that are enhancements considered as great additions to a car full of features.

(Source) Press

Tags: additions, autopacific, auxiliary input jack, award winners, car models, Cars, distinction, enhancements, Ford, hyundai elantra, luxury features, Porsche, segment, winners circle

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Score one for the less heralded SUV of Kia Motors of America, the Kia Sportage as it bagged the AutoPacific Inc.’s 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award. These awards are handed out depending on how a vehicle matches the car owner’s expectations and apparent the Kia Sportage was able to achieve such a feat.

“We take great pride in knowing our owners are satisfied with their vehicles and Sportage’s recognition as an ideal vehicle is a tremendous compliment,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, Kia Motors America (KMA). “This second AutoPacific award directly reflects the satisfaction of smart, discerning Sportage owners, and this type of consumer feedback validates Kia’s commitment to providing high levels of quality, style, safety and practicality in all of our vehicles.”

Among the features that feted the Kia Sportage this award included the following:

• Passenger and Cargo Space
• Off-Road Capabilities
• Fuel Economy
• Six Airbags with full-length side curtain airbags
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service and USB and auxiliary input jacks
• 2.0-liter engine delivers impressive fuel economy at 20 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway)

(Source) Press

Tags: autopacific, auxiliary input, cargo space, complimentary service, consumer feedback, curtain airbags, fuel economy, input jacks, KIA, kia motors america, kia sportage, liter engine, michael sprague, mpg city, practicality, quality style, road capabilities, satellite radio, score one

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