Geneva Preview: Hyundai announces SUV Concept and FD compact hatch

Hyundai’s packing an SUV concept along with the all new “FD” compact hatch in its bags for the Geneva Show that will open its doors to the public on the 8th of March. Starting off with the yet unnamed SUV concept, Hyundai informs us that it’ll feature advanced materials from its co-operation partner GE Plastics with more info coming later on.

As for Hyundai’s Golf contender codenamed “FD”, the Korean car manufacture doesn’t give us any specific details, but we know that it’s a every, very, very…toned down production version of the Paris Show Arnejs concept based on the Kia Cee'd. Talking about the Cee'd, I had the chance to drive it last night and to tell you the truth, I was quite impressed in terms of ride quality and the interior (design & quality-wise it puts several European hot shots to shame). Ok, it doesn’t come close to handling like a Focus but overall it’s a safe, well built car with plenty of interior space, priced well bellow the competition. -Continued: Click “Read More…” to see the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: THREE WORLD PREMIERES FROM HYUNDAI AT THE 2007 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

• C-segment hatchback world premiere
• New product naming strategy to be introduced
• Advanced materials concept SUV with outstanding pedestrian safety

Hyundai Motor Company will unveil its new European C-segment hatchback at its press conference at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday 6 March 2007. Codenamed “FD”, this will be the first ever car from the Korean manufacturer designed specifically for Europe.

In developing the FD, Hyundai focused on combining cultivated dynamics with sleek, sophisticated styling, generous equipment levels and up-to-the-minute safety package. The car is due to go on sale across Europe in the summer.

With the launch of FD, Hyundai will simultaneously introduce a new alphanumerical naming strategy for all its products going forward. In the past, product names have been chosen to express the values inherent in, or associated with, each individual Hyundai model. Now, however, Hyundai is taking a more holistic approach to its vehicle nomenclature.

The new nomenclature will display a clearer technology-orientation and be closely linked to Hyundai’s brand promise of “Quality, Self-assurance, and Inspiring”. Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK Ltd, Tony Whitehorn, said: “Geneva marks a significant turning point in the history of Hyundai, which has grown at a phenomenal rate in its relatively brief history to become the world’s sixth largest motor manufacturer.

“The launch of FD, combined with the new naming strategy, the imminent arrival of a 300,000 unit European manufacturing facility and new advanced R&D facilities and European Headquarters in Germany, signals Hyundai’s development into a mainstream European manufacturer with serious intentions to provide high quality and affordable cars designed and built specifically to European tastes.”

New Concept Offers Glimpse of the Future

As the latest example of its advanced vehicle research, Hyundai will also present a crossover-SUV concept at its Geneva press conference. Using advanced materials from its co-operation partner GE Plastics, Hyundai’s European designers have developed an SUV that is environmentally friendly and also offers outstanding results in computer-animated pedestrian safety tests.

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