Hyundai plans to sell 50,000 of the Veracruz in the United States

South Korea's largest automaker, introduced the Veracruz sport utility vehicle Thursday as it aims to win more sales in the United States by adding premium models.

The automaker plans to sell 50,000 Veracruz SUVs in the United States a year, half its overall sales target, the Seoul-based company said in an e-mailed statement.

The SUV, which has a 3.0 liter diesel engine, costs between 32 million won ($33,000) and 41 million won. It goes on sale in South Korea beginning today.

Hyundai is relying on the Veracruz to revive its sales growth in the United States, the world's largest auto market.

The company has also reshaped its U.S. management this year, as it seeks to change its image from a maker of low-cost models, such as the Sonata sedan and Santa Fe SUV, to a premium brand carmaker.

"Hyundai is trying to tap into a major segment of the U.S. auto market with the Veracruz," said Kim Hag Ju, a head of research at Samsung Securities Co. in Seoul. "It'll be the first step for the company to form its premium brand image if the model becomes successful."





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EL34 - 10/13/2006 12:58:42 PM

-1 Boost

That thing has a face only a mother could love.

I'm sorry I don't go for that evil monster look.

And it does look like an insect.

Autoegr525 - 10/13/2006 3:51:26 PM

+1 Boost

I can't imagine spending 32 million of anything for a car. That is a rediculous unit of currency.

Rupert - 10/13/2006 4:59:55 PM

+1 Boost

you've obviously never been to turkey.

uesed to be 3.3 million lira per pound.
i paid 25 million for a t shirt.
a car? 2.5 billion (american billion) for a 20000 dollar car.

mac075 - 10/13/2006 11:59:31 PM

+1 Boost

Hyundai missed their mark with the Veracruz - the SantaFe was a pleasant surprise as was the Azera. So who designed this ugly thing??? Car companies are not getting it - they try too many looks. In my opinion a car of any brand should be recognizable even without a badge on it.... this is true for cars like BMW, Bemz. Audi, Volvo and a few others - but lower end companies keep mixing up their DNA with experiments gone bad... changing their core identity and reinventing themselves, which is fine and for Hyundai has worked over the last decade, but it's time to focus and make cohesive looking products because people already believe in the name. I guess if I want results I should go work for a car company; ugh, anyone hiring?

S4cabriofox - 10/14/2006 6:48:44 PM

+1 Boost

Very true.

There's no way they're going to be able to sell 50K of these ugly mothers, when you could get an eye-pleasing Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and even the Lexus RX.

And it doesn't look very premium to me. They've taken a step backwards- the new Santa Fe is far better-looking.

RCboy18 - 10/16/2006 10:11:45 PM

+1 Boost

yeah sure, bring em to the U.S., its not like other wannabees havent ever been sold here!