Hyundai Has arrived

Is there any doubt in anyone's mind that after some twenty plus

years in the north American auto market that Hyundai has definitely

arrived as a force to be reckoned with, while in the early days many

people dismissed the Korean manufacturer as a bottom feeder that

would only attract customers who aspired to more established brands but could not afford to.

This writer remembers an auto dealer friend commenting that Hyundai would be a good franchise for those without the means to Shop Toyota, GM or Ford, and maybe in the early days this could be partially true.

The fit and finish and overall refinement was sadly missing from

Hyundai's product line ,the cars for all intents and purposes where

warmed over versions of older generation Japanese designs.

The powertrains chassis and overall fit and finish couldn't match

what was coming out of Japan, but Hyundai had the ability to under price the Japanese and American competition and that was their

biggest asset,and Hyundai has always had a plan, come into the market cheap, with deep pockets,and stay in for the long run and establish yourself as a legitimate player in America.

And it now looks like they have, their cars are showing up with great designs and finish, generous powertrain warranties and plenty of standard equipment with a still very competitive price.

When I look into my own crystal ball I see a future where Hyundai

will increase market share and possibly make a bid for the near and maybe eventually high end luxury market.

I doubt there's anybody laughing in Detroit or Japan now.

J.