>>What logic? I simply pointed out that Korea has an import tariff ranging from 2.5 to 25%. I don't know whether Korean manufacturers build/export larger vehicles anyway - AFAIK they market none in the UK.. IAC why would they want a plant in the U.S. to build more large vehicles when U.S. manufacturers already produce far more than anyone wants ?
>>
>>Regards,
>>Viv
>
>The Hyundai vehicles have made an amazing turnaround in the U.S. The original vehicles were plagued with terrible maintenance problems and no resale value. The vehicles today are very well reviewed and have the longest warranty of any vehicle in the U.S as far as I know. Due to the history and terrible 'name' of the original vehicles sold here though, it will be sometime before they are truly appreciated here. They are still considered low-end, cheap, and unreliable as a name brand while the newer models are anything but.

I think the same thing is basically true in the U.K. The only Korean U.K. importers that I am aware of are:

(a) Ssangyong who sell a large (by U.K. standards) 4WD vehicle with, I believe, a Mercedes engine.
(b) Kia/Hyundai and Daewoo who both import smaller cars and, I think, throw in pretty comprehensive warranties and free servicing for about three years.....

Ah - here's a link:http://www.autozine.org/Manufacturer/Korea.htm
Looks like their sales figures have rocketed here in the last 3-4 years.....
Also like the 'Overseas design studio in LA' attribute for Hyundai :-}

Best,
Viv