Hyundai launched its new Genesis Coupe in the Korean market at an event on Jeju Island, Korea. The coupe follows on the heels of the the Genesis sports sedan, which was launched in South Korea and the U.S. earlier this year. While the sedan is focused on luxury, the new Genesis Coupe gives Hyundai some added sporting credentials thanks to its performance-focused front-engine rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Hyundai’s planned replacement for the Getz hatchback overseas, the upcoming i20, has been spotted testing ahead of its global market launch, expected early next year. The i20 hasn’t yet been confirmed for Australian sale, but the current Getz is Hyundai’s single most popular model on the market, and though it lags slightly behind Toyota’s Yaris, it trounces the competing Volkswagen Polo, Honda Jazz and Ford Fiesta in annual sales, and its importance to Hyundai Australia’s lineup is strong.

Efficiency has become one of the hottest buzz-words of the show car circuit, thanks to the rising cost of fuel. Korean company Hyundai is just one of the manufacturers in the auto industry to become aware of the need to offer efficient, low-emissions vehicles - not just in the car salon, but in dealership showrooms - and it’s launching a full line of 'i-Blue' cars that focus on doing just that.

Hyundai is preparing to launch the world’s first hybrid vehicle powered by advanced lithium-polymer batteries and capable of running on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Recently named the world’s fifth-largest carmaker in conjunction with its Kia subsidiary, Hyundai is making strides to build a product line that reflects its status among the world’s top manufacturers.

The annual NRMA car theft ratings have been announced for 2008 and have been compiled using a host of different statistics including real-world theft figures and the number of anti-theft devices, break-in resistance features and vehicle identity systems installed. An important finding was that by simply adding a $2 self-voiding identification label, car manufacturers could greatly improve theft deterrence.