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| 2006 Kia Sedona Pictures: Kia Canada |
Hyundai announced yesterday, October 27th, that they had revised their decision of a few months ago to cancel their plans for a minivan. In early June of 2005, Hyundai introduced pictures of their all-new Entourage people mover. It was to share most of its underpinnings and platform with sister company Kia's revised Sedona. Roughly two months ago, Hyundai abandoned the idea stating that they were to concentrate their efforts and resources on an all-new 7-seater SUV.This week, they decided to go ahead with a spring 2006 introduction of the 2007 Entourage minivan. They also intend to launch a crossover 6-seater minivan as well as the unibody 7-passenger SUV at around the same time.This resolution comes on the heels of a survey that
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| 2006 Kia Sedona Pictures: Kia Canada |
indicates that consumers' interests are moving from full-size SUVs to minivans. Based on the fact that 40% of those interviewed will be considering a more social-conscience friendly minivan over a truck, Hyundai will not pass this opportunity to try and get their slice of the lucrative minivan segment.
Hyundai is a carmaker that is quickly moving to the top of many buyers' list in North America. Their completely revised Sonata sedan is proof positive that the head-honchos in Korea are not fooling around. Hyundai's winning recipe has always been big content for a low price. The Entourage will be no different. Powering the van will be the same 260 + hp 3.8L V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission soon to be found under the hood of the Azera flagship sedan. Standard safety features will abound: six air bags, active headrests and traction control. Following more studying, Hyundai found that 80% of minivan owners want power sliding doors. Hyundai will therefore include them at no extra cost in the Entourage. Not only will this please the buyers but it will reduce production costs as well. To furt
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| 2006 Kia Sedona Pictures: Kia Canada |
her distinguish the Entourage from the Sedona, Hyundai has asked their development teams to give the vehicle a very distinctive "Hyundai" look. Speaking of competitors, rivalry will be fierce. Other than these last two, add in the GM quartet, the heavy hitting Toyota Sienna, the Ford Freestar and the Mazda MPV.Pictures shown are on the 2006 Kia Sedona. No pictures of the Entourage are yet available.