Hyundai Sonata is launched in the Middle East

• Hyundai has officially launched its new Sonata mid-size sedan in the Middle East. The Sonata is the second Hyundai model to feature the brand’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design concept, while also offering modern styling, remarkable performance, and the practical application of the company’s latest technologies such as Smart Trunk function and Blind Spot Detection. The improved 7th generation model is the result of three years of research and development conducted by Hyundai in the Middle East and around the globe, in order to maximize product competitiveness and satisfy the diverse needs of the Middle East market. It is now on sale across the region. Unveiled at the Royal Automobile Museum of Jordan, the Sonata is expected to continue the popularity of a model that has traditionally been one of Hyundai’s best-selling models in the Middle East since it was first introduced. In 2013, the Sonata sold over 26,000 units across the Middle East — a region that is set to become Hyundai’s biggest market after the US. Since its introduction in 1985, cumulative global sales of the Sonata have reached almost seven million units. Tom Lee, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East Regional Headquarters, said: “The All-New Sonata has been subjected to numerous performance tests, and has undergone thorough quality checking, both on a global level, and on-ground in the Middle East, and we believe that the model represents a significant step forward in all aspects in the mid-size sedan segment.”
• Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said the company has no plans to increase its Aston Martin stake or become involved in operational matters at sports car maker, The huge difference in size between the two companies is one reason why Daimler won’t get involved in running Aston Martin, Zestche said. Daimler sells more than one million Mercedes-Benz cars a year while Aston Martin’s annual sales volume is about 4,000 cars.
“I don’t think we could do a better job running the company than Aston Martin’s management,” Zetsche said.

• Inside Rolls-Royce, the first ever public exhibition in the marque’s history opened its doors to the public in London during November. The exhibition was held at Saatchi Gallery, in London’s Chelsea district. The public are invited to attend free of charge over a period of four days. For visitors attending a series of children’s workshops for budding young designers were also held. The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Team was on hand to lead interactive sessions. “For a long time we have been inspired by the notion that Rolls-Royce captivates an audience far beyond those that choose to commission one of our motor cars,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “By opening the doors to a wider audience than ever before, we are inviting visitors to explore the passion, creativity and attention to detail that come together to make the Best Cars in the World.

• Qoros, the new international car brand headquartered in China, has entered the LA Auto Show Design Challenge with its innovative ‘Q: Qoros Qloud Qubed’ concept. The 2014 competition brief challenges international automotive design teams to explore how technology will transform vehicles to connect with human senses in 2029. The winner of the competition’s People’s Choice Award will be determined by the submission receiving the most votes on the LA Auto Show’s Facebook page. The ‘Q: Qoros Qloud Qubed’ submission from Qoros — designed by Jamie Barrett, Aditya Mahajan and Alex O’Brien amongst others — conceives an intelligent, multi-dimensional personal management assistant. Q will learn from the driver over a period of time through the five senses, with the dynamics of the vehicle/driver relationship modelled in much the same way as a human relationship, developing and growing over time.