Hyundai Hexa Space Concept

Hyundai has just made a debut of the Hexa Space Concept at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. The new concept vehicle is innovative in terms of the utilization of interior space. Hexa Space, codenamed HND-7, has all the best of the Hyundai brand characteristics: for instance the “Fluidic Sculpture” design which includes the bold character lines on the side panels; and on the other hand other elements of family design, such as Hyundai’s distinctive hexagonal grille, which now is applied to the seat designs. TO be more precise the vehicle features eight slim hexagonally shaped seats. They all fit together like puzzle pieces in order to maximize the internal space while minimizing vehicle width. Brilliant, isn’t it! Moreover the hexagon is known as an optimum shape for space efficiency.

The target customers of the Hexa Space are the young urban families in their 30s and 40s, or customers who live a practical and dynamic lifestyle in big cities. The unique seat design for example offers multiple configurations for seating. The centre seats fold flat for greater comfort, the second row folds flat to create a limousine function, the back row folds flat for light-cargo use. Additionally the seven seats fold flat for heavy hauling and all eight seats fold flat for camping. The centre seat in the first two rows of Hexa Space is positioned slightly behind the seats on either side, allowing passengers to sit three-abreast without feeling cramped. And can you imagine that all this will come in just one car! Moreover the rear doors are designed in such way that they lift out and slide back, creating wide-open entry on each side. Not forgetting the Hexa Space’s interior, which is made with high-tech features, including a touch-screen centre console, a push-button shifter and a cluster ionizer air purifier. In addition several storage spaces are tucked throughout the interior. However, despite the spaciousness of the interior, the concept vehicle has incredible narrowed width, which makes it perfect for the urban streets. In details, externally, Hexa Space is 4,300 mm long, 1,820 mm wide and 1,647 mm high. The wheelbase is 2,750 mm and runs on 19-inch tires. Furthermore Hexa Space is powered by Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-liter turbo GDI engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai to sell 7 million vehicles in 2012

South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group aims to sell 7 million vehicles in 2012, an increase of 6.1% from 6.6 million units it sold globally last year.

The company said it will continue to increase investments in developing environment-friendly vehicles such as hybrid and electric cars to strengthen its global market presence.

Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo said in order to achieve the 7 million target, the group has to keep up with fast-changing global trends by setting up an organized cooperation system for better communication among its production facilities and sales locations across the world.

"In 2012, growth of the car industry is forecast to slow down and competition will be fiercer," Mong-koo said.

"We have to establish a foothold as one of the global top companies with more solid management.

"The third plant by Beijing Hyundai and an assembly line in Brazil will start mass production later this year, which will complete their global production network with 30 production facilities in nine countries."

The automaker also plans to increase the number of experts and expand investment in developing environment-friendly technologies and a high-end brake system.

The automaker said it would invest a total of KRW14.1 trillion ($12.16bn) in 2012 as part of its investment and employment plan ever, to increase its R&D competitiveness.

The company will invest KRW5.1 trillion ($ 4.40bn) in R&D (compared to KRW4.6 trillion in 2011) and KRW9 trillion ($7.76bn) in facilities (compared to KRW7.6 trillion in 2011).

Of the amount to be invested in R&D, the company will use KRW4.6 trillion ($3.96bn), or 90% on the automobiles sector, to accelerate the development of eco-friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles.

The automaker said that of the investments in facilities, about KRW3 trillion ($2.58bn) will be spent upgrading and building domestic and overseas manufacturing plants for Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors, as well as strengthening their sales and aftersales service networks.