Hyundai Automotive Groups has announced that approximately 50,000 cars will be recalled due to a light switch problem. The car models affected include that of vehicles produced between September and November of 2006.

Hyundai Automotive Group consists of Hyundai Motor Co. (005380.SE) and Kia Motors Corp. (000270.SE), which together form the world’s fifth-largest car maker by sales.

“Brake lights of some of Hyundai and Kia models were found not to function when drivers stepped on brakes due to the switch flaws,” the ministry said in a statement.

Hyundai will recall a total of 37,794 cars of five models and Kia a combined 10,842 vehicles of five models, the statement said.

The cars subject to be recalled include: new Santa Fe, Veracruz sport utility vehicles, new Avante, new Sonata and new Grandeur sedans from Hyundai and Grand Carnival, new Carnival, new Sportage, new Carens and Sorento SUVs from Kia Motors, it said.

(Source) Wall Street Journal

Tags: avante, car maker, car models, grand carnival, grandeur, hyundai motor, hyundai motor co, kia models, kia motors corp, light switch, new sportage, sedans, sorento, sport utility vehicles, switch problem

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At a time when hybrids and fuel efficient cars are increasing in demand, leave it to Kia Motors to come up with a vehicle to satisfy those areas. Kia Motors Corp. yesterday unveiled the liquefied petroleum gas-electric hybrid version of the Forte and its eco-friendly sub-brand Eco Dynamics.

Eco Dynamics is a sub-brand that represents ecology and economics and the company’s aim of developing environmentally friendly automotive technologies, the logo for which will be used on hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles to be launched in the future.

The hybrid Forte is equipped with a 1.6-liter LPG engine and an electric motor to support the internal combustion engine during acceleration and when the vehicle is started.

The LPI hybrid Forte is the world’s first hybrid vehicle to be fitted with a lithium-ion polymer battery, which is lighter and smaller but has higher output than nickel-metal hydride batteries. The company also altered the exterior and interior design of the hybrid Forte to set it apart from the normal version of the vehicle. The company said that it plans to develop a distinct tune that will be played when the hybrid Forte is started to further differentiate the car from conventional vehicles and use the tune in advertising campaigns.

The hybrid Forte will also be shown at the Seoul Motor Show that opens on April 2.

(Source) Korea Herald

Tags: acceleration, advertising campaigns, automotive technologies, conventional vehicles, hybrid vehicle, hybrid version, hybrids, hydrogen powered vehicles, internal combustion engine, kia motors corp, korea herald, liquefied petroleum gas, lithium, lithium ion polymer, lithium ion polymer battery, nickel metal hydride batteries, plug in hybrid, Seoul

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