During the Management Briefing Serminars, Krafcik mentioned that Hyundai’s market share in the US increased by 50% since 2008 when they became fuel economy’s market leader.  Moreover, Hyundai’s CEO said the getting their entire fleet to achieve 50mpg is a “huge leap.”  Still, he strongly believes that it can be done through determination and thorough research and development.  The American car company will employ powertrains improvements and the addition of light weight materials.  Krafcik said the 80% of its entire line up will still carry the traditional gasoline engines while the remaining 20% will carry the electric, hybrid, and other alternative innovations for fuel engines.

Since the car company does not build pick-up trucks or other heavy vehicles, it would be easier for them to commit their pledge in achieving the average of 50mpg.  Krafcik confirmed that the car company has no plans for developing car pick-ups.

Krafcik used the customized 2011 Sonata to stress the point and to give us an insight on what to expect from this car company henceforth.   The model was customized earlier this year.  Hyundai abstained from using the standard V6 engines when they found out that only 10% of the people who purchase middle-sized sedans want a V6 engine under the hood.  Ergo, Hyundai opted for a 4-cyclinder engine and it achieved an average of 35mpg on highway driving.

The KND-5 at first glance looks like a version of the Hyudai Azera and has similarities with the BMW 7-series. The KND-5 will be on sale in South Korea latter part of 2009 and will be rolling down the US dealerships after.

The KND-5 completes the fleet of Kia as the near luxury sedan with its siblings,like the Lotze or Amanti, classified as midsized sedans.

The VG strikes a nice stance with its very elegant lines from front to end. It will blast the road with its LED headlamps like the other luxury sedan competitors in the market today.

The grille of the concept car remains true to its symbolism of the tigers roar for continued countenance. The designers also installed twenty inch wheels to further refine the look of the new member of the Kia line up.

The muscular stance of the KND-5 is softened a bit by the sleek sunroof that extends to the tip of the windshield giving the car a very open façade.

Under the hood, the power of this car will be coming from a Lamda 3.5L V6 engine. The KND 5 has a wheelbase of 2845 mm, width of 1850mm, height of 1475mm, and a length of 4945mm.

The designers expect toning down the interior of the car as it goes to the assembly line.