MomStart

Forget the Mommy Guilt, it's a new day

You are here: Home / Archives for Hyundai

Touring The Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama Plant

by 7 Comments

Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama

Travel consideration courtesy Hyundai.

At the end of June, I flew to Montgomery, Alabama for the first time to visit the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant. This is the first Hyundai assembly & manufacturing plant in the US, and is also hailed as one of the most advanced. I was eager to get behind the scenes and see how their cars are put together – from start to finish!

Golf carts

Our group loaded into golf carts, donning safety glasses and a headset with an audio tour.

HMMA

Although HMMA is open to the public for reserved tours, photography is usually prohibited; but since we were members of the media, they allowed us to bring our cameras inside to capture a rare glimpse inside the plant!

Welcome Journalists

The tour starts at the stamping shop and winds through the welding and paint shops before stopping at general assembly, test track, and the engine shop.

Plant tour

Cars being made

Car being assembled

As we wound through the plant, we saw the employees working on each stage of the vehicle. We also saw some of the areas they have inside the plant for everyone who works at the plant, including a gym and cafeteria. The HMMA plant workers are rotated out of their post in the assembly line all through the day and switched to different tasks, which is done to prevent both repetitive stress injuries as well as boredom.

Assembly line

The employees work side-by-side with robotic machinery, which was really something to behold. We all know that the technology which goes into modern manufacturing is very complex, but you don’t often see it with your own eyes. Watching the robots at work was one of my favorite parts of the tour – check out this video I took during the tour. It looked like a scene out of The Matrix to me:

These little transport robots drive around the plant carrying parts:

As we finished our tour, we came to an assembly line filled with brand new 2015 Hyundai Sonatas. From here, we got into one of the cars and drove it fresh off the plant with nothing but a map guiding us to a mysterious location for lunch.

Brand new Sonatas

The assembly line literally started moving under my feet right after this photo was taken, so we quickly hopped into the car before it rolled away! 😉 I drove the first leg of our journey, and I can’t think of a bigger adventure than stepping into a freshly-made car anddriving it off the assembly line into the countryside in a state I’ve never visited before!

2015 Hyundai Sonata

I have so many fun stories to share from our big road trip adventure, so stay tuned tomorrow for part two of my Alabama adventures with Hyundai!

Introducing The 2015 Hyundai Sonata #NewSonata

by 1 Comment

2015 Hyundai Sonata

Travel and related consideration courtesy Hyundai.

Last week, I flew to Montgomery, Alabama to get an up-close-and-personal look at the new 2015 Hyundai Sonata. And I do mean up close – I had the chance to literally drive this new Sonata off the assembly line at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant, and take a driving tour through the Alabama countryside! The Sonata has a ton of interesting features, and it was a lot of fun to drive – these are just a few of the things you’ll find in the 2015 Sonata:

  • More room than any of the comparable vehicles in its market
  • 7 airbags, including knee airbags – as someone with a history of knee issues, I really love the idea of helping protect this important area from impact.
  • Automatic high beams that turn on & off when they sense cars nearby
  • Blind spot detection
  • Lane-change assist
  • Driver position memory on seats, ideal for cars with multiple regular drivers
  • Hands-free smart trunk
  • Smart cruise control – detects when the car in front of you stops so that it can pause and resume appropriately
  • Rear parking sensors
  • AppleÂŽ CarPlay – compatible with Siri on iPhone 5 and higher, this works with your smartphone for hands-and-eyes-free voice operation of phone features such as making calls and listening to music

    • AppleÂŽ CarPlay

    The 2015 Sonata Base model starts at $21,150; other models include the Sonata Eco, which will start at $23,275 (Excluding freight charge), and the turbocharged Sonata Sport 2.0T, which will retail between $28,575-$33,525. I’ll be sharing all my adventures touring the HMMA plant and driving through Alabama in the new Sonata next week, so stay tuned!

The Zombie Apocalypse Car Will You Survive? @Hyundai Let’s You Design!

by Leave a Comment

At the Chicago Auto show Hyundai had their Zombie Apocalypse cars out again. This year one of the cars was a design that was first featured at Comicon last year. It’s an amazing design and will be featured on Walking Dead and inspires a real car that Hyundai is going to create. They are going to be selling a Walking Dead inspired car, but don’t get too excited. It has to be street safe you know so no knives, machine guns or Spikes, but I’m sure it’s still going to be Totally Awesome!

IMG_0662

Hyundai took home the second-ever Driving Engagement Award from the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show. The Walking Dead Chop Shop campaign was chosen as the most innovative social media campaign of 2013.

IMG_0665

I feel that if I had this car I would be ready for Zombies on my street. As long as the booster seats still fit. And I know they do. Now I just need to work a little more on my pantry and perhaps a better lock on the front door.

IMG_0668

Hyundai’s The Walking Dead Chop Shop gives fans the opportunity to outfit their own zombie survival machine through an interactive app and accompanying website: walkingdeadchopshop.com. Fans start by choosing a Hyundai vehicle – an Elantra, Veloster Turbo or Santa Fe – then add armor, survival accessories and designs from a wide range of options, including nearly 300 different car parts and custom graphic decals created in collaboration with Robert Kirkman and comic book artists at Skybound.

IMG_0669

Users are then able to share their creations with friends, get a survival score and test the vehicles out in scenarios inspired by the comic books. To date, over 190,000 Zombie Survival Machines have been created on the Chop Shop. Last year, the program also allowed fans to enter their designs into a contest where the winning design, selected by Kirkman, was built into a real car that Kirkman unveiled at New York Comic-Con.

IMG_0661

Drive in style, safety and Demolition!

IMG_0670

My Ride in The Hyundai New Santa Fe #NewSantaFe

by 2 Comments

I had the opportunity to take out the Hyundai New Santa Fe on a press trip with Hyundai in San Diego California and thought it would be fun to take some video while I was driving so I used my Sony Action Cam to take some video as I began my journey. I also took some video of my partner driving and this is our ride in the Hyundai New Santa Fe!

image

The New Hyundai Santa Fe has some features that I was really fond of, one of them being part of the GPS system. The speed limit was easy to see as you were using the GPS or the map feature. I found the seat to be very comfortable to sit in and I drove it for about an hour. I’m always happy when a car has dual-zone automatic temperature control and the Hyundai includes not only that but also CleanAir Ionizer. While driving the test cars like the Hyundai, I get quite spoiled when one is Push start and doesn’t need a key. Of course the base model of the Hyundai New Santa Fe does not include keyless entry. My driving partner and I drove both, a lower end model and a top of the line all decked out with bells and whistles model. And yes, I have found I prefer all the bells and whistles. The Sport Santa Fe begins at MSRP 24,450 and the Sport 2.OT begins at 27,700 and the GLS starts at 28,350 and the Limited starts at 33, 100.

image

The technology inside the Hyundai Santa Fe is really amazing if you’re a parent. You can set up a link between the vehicle and your phone alerting you to how fast the Santa Fe is going. So you’ll know if your teenager is following the speed limit laws. You can also set up a proximity alert. That means, you can create a field/area where you are allowing your child to drive to and if they drive out of that area you are alerted. I really like these features.

image

Wait a minute, now that I think about it, my absolute favorite feature was the full moon roof. This thing extends all the way back to the back seats, and I know the kids would love it too. But I loved it because while I was in San Diego, I put the window all the way back and then put my seat all the way back and then laid down and soaked up those sunny rays. It was amazing and comfy, I almost fell asleep.

image

The seating seats six or seven depending on if you choose to get four captain seats in the back or if you get two captain seats and one bench seat for the back row. You will find that the back three seats either way isn’t really made for adults. The back is very crowded. Folding the seats down is extremely easy, folding them flat just as easy, so you can end up with a lot of trunk space if you need it.

image

Did I like driving it? Yes, I did like driving it. I felt that it really had great control around the corners, I felt in control. The steering mode I must have been using really made me feel comfortable. Sport is my favorite mode.

Drivers enjoy a greater sense of control and satisfaction courtesy of Hyundai’s latest innovation, Driver Selectable Steering Mode. Select one of its three operating modes— Comfort, Normal and Sport—and adapt the Santa Fe’s steering characteristics to a range of driving preferences.

Handles well, drives well, is fun to drive.

 

Other Features:

Driver Select Steering:

Drivers enjoy a greater sense of control and satisfaction courtesy of Hyundai’s latest innovation, Driver Selectable Steering Mode. Select one of its three operating modes— Comfort, Normal and Sport—and adapt the Santa Fe’s steering characteristics to a range of driving preferences.

Blue Link:

Hyundai’s innovative Blue Link telematics system is standard on Santa Fe and has an array of features to make your life easier. Connect to Blue Link through your smartphone, a web application or an in-car system to start your vehicle remotely, locate a gas station, find a shortcut, learn about mechanical issues, call for help and much more.

Help On The Hills:

Offered as options or upgrades by some competitors, Santa Fe’s standard Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) minimizes backward roll when stopped on steep hills, while the Downhill Brake Control (DBC) helps you maintain control when you’re headed down steep hills.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show’s Women’s Day #SMP13 2/12

by 2 Comments

Having the opportunity to test drive so many cars lately has my interested in cars peeked. I mean, I’ve always enjoyed car shows. There is just something fun about a shiny car and how the body of cars varies so much from car to car and year to year. I received an invitation to the The 2013 Chicago Auto Show, unfortunately I won’t be able to attend but I’m sending Kas from Southern Bells Ways to Save in my place and she’s going to be covering the event for us at the press preview day.

image

The Chicago Auto Show realizes that women make purchasing decisions for the family, even big shopping decisions like car purchases, so they have a Women’s Day. Historically, Women’s Day has been filled with professional female guest speakers, manicure stations, delectable desserts and more. The Chicago Auto Show will again hold its annual Women’s Day event this year on Tuesday, February 12. Admission to the show is offered at a half-price discount – at just $6 a ticket – for all female attendees. The 2013 Chicago Auto Show’s Women’s Day is set to be a spectacular event that no lady will want to miss.

image

“It also serves as one of the best ways to accomplish a comparison shopping expedition for their new vehicle,” says 2012 auto show
Chairman Steve Foley Jr. “Instead of spending a day in the cold of going from dealership to dealership, shoppers can take a leisurely stroll around the show floor and get excellent advice and information from every manufacturer’s display and product specialists. And don’t be surprised if the specialist from “Brand A” doesn’t know everything about “Brand B” if they’re competing in the same segment. Everyone is very well schooled in helping potential customers make informed decisions. We’ve said for years that the best customer for any product is one who is well-informed. What better place to gather information than at the show?”image

I really wish I was going, my husband and I could really use a new car. Sharing one car is doable, but driving us both crazy too.  There are so many different brands, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Acura, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Subaru, Honda, GMC, Buick, Audi and many more.  You might want to make plans to attend on Women’s Day to save money and learn about all your options for your next car. Take advantage of the show’s website, www.ChicagoAutoShow.com, where, you can plan your adventure. You’ll find everything from getting to the show, where to park, show floor maps and listings of celebrity appearances to the show’s history section, buyers’ links and extensive photography. It’s a great place to start.

Driving Fun in the New 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe #NewSantaFe

by 25 Comments

I love driving in Utah. Remember when I drove to Utah with my kids from Seattle and then drove back. I had a blast and I can’t wait doing it again. Utah is a very beautiful state and capturing it from the window of the 2013 New Santa Fe by Hyundai ended up providing me with quite a few new beautiful shots. And a Picture is worth a thousand words right?

Hyundai undercarriage

Wait a minute, where is the car that is just the undercarriage. Someone needs to put some clothes on that car.

image

That looks better. Hyundai showed all of us at the #NewSantaFe event the interior, the exterior the inside and the outside of their cars and their business. They support charity which won me over right away. They are currently helping children who have cancer by raising money in the Hyundai Hope on Wheels campaign. So let’s dive into the finer points of the 2013 New Hyundai Santa Fe.

 

The Technology:

image

 

Back up camera
GPS
8 inch touch screen
XM Radio
Driver Selectable Steering Mode
Excellent Sound
Weather Report
Stock Report

I think all they need to add is a twitter or Facebook feed and I’m good to go! (not while I’m driving of course). My husband spends most of the time driving, so I’m in the passenger seat needing to entertain myself and I’d love to be able to check my feeds.
 

The Look and Feel

So it’s hard to say if heated seats should go in the tech or the look and feel. I finally decided feel because I love the feel of a heated seat. Plus they thought of the people in the back seat. And you can get a heated steering wheel and dual-zone automatic temperature control with CleanAir Ionizer.

Driver Selectable Steering Mode, yes I had this in technology but I needed to also put it in the Look and Feel because I loved being able to select it and my favorite selection was the sport selection.  The modes Comfort, Normal and Sport and your choice may change depending on the stretch of road. The sport really made me feel like I was turning the car, the other selections felt way to wiggly in my opinion.

There was a time in my life I would say no way do I ever want a sun or moon roof. When I saw the double panels for the back seat I was quite impressed image

I’m already in the process of reviewing another car and my kids have seen the double panels in the back and they LOVE having their own moon roof. The sun roof they always tell me it’s too bright, but that’s coming from kids that usually have rain 70 % of their lives living in Seattle.

All of the Santa Fe’s standard seats are covered in a YES EssentialsÂŽ seat cloth, which is stain resistant. Plus this material has an antibacterial feature to control odors. The fabric also has innovative anti-static technology that helps disperse the electrostatic charge that builds up as you enter and exit the vehicle. And the seat is very comfortable. I love feeling high up in my seat able to see the road and cushy in my seat while still really supported, yes I’m PICKY about my seat.

image

The Room Inside

From its brilliantly convenient dashboard bin and hidden cargo-area storage compartment, to its many easily accessible bottle and cupholders everywhere you look, thoughtful storage is right at hand. Re-read that sentence and remember back to my other car reviews, yes cupholders are one of the most important attributes a car can have after safety, price, response time. This had plenty of cupholders.

LOTS OF SPACE:

Hidden space in the trunk

image

The seats fold down

imageimage

Santa Fe Features that Might Interested You:

  • Substantial weight reduction (-266 lbs.)
  • High tensile steel ratio of 37.7% (vs. 7.8% for outgoing model)
  • All four-cylinder engine lineup for the Santa Fe Sport
  • Theta II 2.4-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine
  • EPA estimated highway fuel economy at 31 mpg (FWD A/T)
  • In-house six-speed automatic transmission
  • Hyundai’s first application of Active Cornering Control AWD for outstanding CUV driving dynamics
  • Segment first Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM)
  • Seven standard airbags – includes driver’s knee airbag
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated rear seats and manual rear side window sunshades
  • Power driver seat with four-way lumbar control and front passenger seats
  • Sliding and reclining second row seating with 40:20:40 folding seat back
  • Standard Blue Link – safety, service and infotainment telematics system
  • 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display with rearview camera
  • Third generation navigation and audio multimedia systems with an available eight-inch touchscreen display
  • 12-speaker Infinity Logic 7ÂŽ surround sound audio system (550-watts)

Note: not all features may be standard check out Hyundaiusa.com and build your own car.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is just a fun crossover that wants to be driven. It responds well, has great sound, and has the sexy curves it was made to drive.

Hyundai provided transportation and hotel accommodations while I was staying in Park City.