Dealership Experience

Hyundai partnering with Thule to sell accessories at U.S. dealerships

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Nov 14, 2019, 1:39 pm

Thule's accessories fit Hyundai's entire line of SUVs and crossovers.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai

Beginning today, Thule accessories are available for sale at participating Hyundai dealerships across the U.S.

Included as part of the available lineup are bike racks, roof racks, winter and water sports racks, cargo carriers, and basket accessories. The selection is curated from the entire Thule catalogue.

2019 Hyundai Kona Thule accessoris roof rack Thule accessories are made for beach-goers and mountain-seekers.Photo courtesy of Hyundai

"This partnership with Thule proves to be great timing as we simultaneously grow our line of SUVs, including newcomers such as the Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Venue," said Mike O'Brien, vice president of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning for Hyundai Motor America. "Whether you go camping every weekend or need some extra space for your kid's soccer gear, Thule and Hyundai are making it simpler than ever for you to maximize your lifestyle with this new accessory partnership. Thule is the leader in this space and their lifetime warranty is a good match to our brand aspirations."

Hyundai has grown its lineup to include the hot-selling subcompact Kona SUV, new Hyundai Venue, and three-row Palisade SUV in the last 18 months. Last week the company announced plans to expand its portfolio even more in the coming years by adding 13 new products, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz utility vehicle.

Hyundai has also recently begun targeted advertising for adventure seekers, specifically with its Palisade campaign, which champions road tripping.

2019 Hyundai Kona Thule accessoris roof rack Thule's accesses are designed to help surfers, swimmers, and snowboarders (and everyone in between).Photo courtesy of Hyundai

"We are thrilled about our new partnership with Hyundai this year," said Tom Chimenti, director of original equipment sales, North America for Thule Group. "Our industry leading rack products are a perfect match for Hyundai's expanding line, and Thule's award winning offering of solutions to help transport your gear, regardless of activity, will be a great addition for any Hyundai owner looking to live an active lifestyle."

In addition to the products available at Hyundai dealerships, Thule designs and manufactures luggage, computer and camera bags, sports bags and backpacks, and child-related products such as baby joggers, child bike seats and bike trailers. The products are sold in more than 140 countries worldwide.

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LA Auto Show 2019

Hyundai Ioniq gets refresh for 2020, including more EV range

The Hyundai Ioniq has undergone a significant upgrade for the 2020 model year.

Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai's fuel-efficient Ioniq sedan is getting a long list of improvements for the 2020 model year, including a range boost for its EV model.

There are new front and rear fascias in all models. The cars' headlamps, taillights, and daytime running lamps have been upgraded. Ioniq has a new mesh-type grille in its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HV) variants. The Ioniq Electric gets a new pattern on its closed grille. New sill and wheel designs round out the exterior enhancements.

2020 Hyundai Ioniq front face grille EV Electric LED headlights wheels The Ioniq Electric has a unique grille.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai will sell the car in two additional paint jobs - Stellar Silver and Electric Shadow.

Sold in Ioniq Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and Electric variants, the model is the world's first car designed from the start to offer three electrified powertrains. Hyundai's Ioniq Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 58 mpg combined. The Ioniq Electric model has a new 38.3-kWh battery that has 36 percent more capacity giving drivers 170 miles of all-electric range. This is up from 124 miles in the 2019 model.

2020 Hyundai Ioniq exterior back rearview camera hidden Hyundai hides the Ioniq's rearview camera below the company's badge on the trunk.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

New for the 2020 model year, Ioniq models are all available with a 10.25-inch touch screen navigation system. There's a new center LCD information screen, upper and lower instrument panel, console upper cover, dark chrome instrument panel trim, touch screen climate controls, ambient lighting, and piano key controls.

The Ioniq Hybrid now comes with a standard 8-inch infotainment touch screen.

2020 Hyundai Ioniq interior screen shifter wheel Buyers can now get the 2020 Ioniq with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor America

All Ioniq's come standard with the Hyundai SmartSense technology package, which includes forward collision avoidance assist, high beam assist, and driver attention warning.

Hyundai equips each model with a 10-year powertrain warranty. The Hyundai Lifetime Hybrid/Electric Battery Warranty ensures that if IONIQ's Hybrid/Electric lithium-ion-polymer battery ever needs replacement, Hyundai will replace the battery and cover recycling costs for the old battery pack free-of-charge to the original owner.

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LA Auto Show 2019

2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback continues automaker's EV-focused future

The new Audi E-Tron Sportback made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week.

Photo courtesy of Audi AG
Audi has given the public a peek at an electric SUV, sports car, and a crossover, with promises of an all-electric-focused future on the tips of executives' tongues. At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi took one step closer to its vision with the debut of the 2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback.

The car is a four-door crossover with fastback-like styling similar to what you'll find in the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. Its dimensions are similar to the Audi E-Tron, but it sits lower and its roof slopes at a steeper angle. Exterior design cements the vehicle's positioning as an Audi and as an electric vehicle with many of the design hallmarks of the larger E-Tron SUV carried over into this new model.

2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback rear back silver gray grey The new model features a fastback style roofline.Photo courtesy of Audi AG

The model is available in 13 different paint jobs including new plasma blue metallic, which is exclusive to the crossover.

E-Tron Sportback S Line models come standard with 20-inch wheels and a sport air suspension in a nod to the lineage of Audi's more performance-focused models. It also has a more heavily contoured bumper and air curtains, S Line badging, an illuminated aluminum door silver, rear diffuser, and specific graphics on the car's instrument cluster. A black styling package is available.

Audi will offer the model in two trim levels: 2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback 50 Quattro and the 2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback 55 Quattro. Both models will have all-wheel drive.

2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback black profile side The crossover is sleek but maintains the porportions of the E-Tron SUV.Photo courtesy of Audi AG

Only the E-Tron Sportback 55 Quattro will be sold in the U.S. That model has 413 lb-ft of torque that it gets from two electric motors, one attached to each axle. Using Sport mode, drivers can enjoy a brief burst of 489 pound-feet of torque to help get them off the line in a jiffy. Audi claims a zero to 62 mph time of 5.7 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 124 mph.

Audi has engineered the model to have 50:50 weight distribution, which is ideal for any vehicle. It rides on standard standard 255/55 R19 size tires. Up to 22-inch wheels are available.

2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback side rear profile fastback roofline roof Because of slight design differences, the model is more fuel efficient than the E-Tron SUV.Photo courtesy of Audi AG

The new crossover has a 277-mile range in European testing thanks to its 95 kWh battery, but EPA estimates are expected to lower that by about 60 in for U.S. customers. The SUV can be charged up to 80 percent in under an hour at a 150-kW fast-charging station.

Most of the car's interior is identical to the Audi E-Tron SUV. Some of the fancier technology, like matrix LED headlights and cameras instead of side mirrors won't be coming to the U.S. due to government regulation.

2020 Audi E-Tron Sportback interior wheel screens controls The E-Tron SUV and E-Tron Sportback have very similar interiors.Photo courtesy of Audi AG

The car does have some nifty tech like dual screens in the center console that control infotainment and climate controls. The top screen is 12.1 inches and the lower is 8.6 inches. Audi virtual cockpit is standard and features a 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver.

Despite the car's fastback shape, headroom in the rear seats is diminished by on 20 mm in the new model compared to the E-Tron SUV.

The Audi e-tron Sportback can be ordered as of the end of November. It will arrive at European dealerships in the spring and reach the U.S. later.

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