U.S. Demand for Smaller Cars Could Hit Korean Carmakers Hyundai Enters Luxury Battle with Launch of Genesis Korea’s Rivals Shine At Detroit Auto Show Toyota Mulls Prius Hybrid Release for Korea Paying More, Producing Less: Whither Hyundai?

This is according to John Krafcik, vice president for product development and strategic planning for Hyundai Motor America, who was speaking at the Genesis showcase at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Sunday local time. Krafcik said that the final price will be decided in March or April.

Local press in the U.S. expressed surprise at the car's strengths, saying that the low-priced luxury sedan shows that Hyundai has "evolved" and that it could shake up the global auto industry. Auto experts and journalists spoke highly of the Genesis' overall quality. Korea's largest automaker plans to export 20,000 Genesis cars this year.

Kia Motors meanwhile showed off the new Mohave full-sized SUV and announced a plan to enter the U.S. premium SUV market. Kia has set a North American sales target for the Mohave of 12,000 units this year and 25,000 next year.

(englishnews@chosun.com )