"The people who want a high-quality vehicle - especially in the
area where
Hyundai is competing, small-to-midsize vehicles - aren't
looking for a lot of flash."
WHAT'S NEXT
Hyundai, though, has shown plenty of flash in its financial
performance. And it plans to blaze an even bigger trail.
In 2004, the Hyundai way of offering the model with the best mix of
price, warranty, and quality in its class earned it 456,000 new
customers in the
United States. By 2008, says Szakaly, its
pedal-to-the-metal sales performance will likely zoom to one
million, especially if a rumored new U.S. plant is built.
By the time the company hits that figure, as its quality rep takes
hold, auto analysts expect Hyundai to raise its prices. And lest
anyone think the South Korean automaker is satisfied with its
growing North American acceptance, new plants are being built in
China and
India to cater to the car cultures that are taking to the
roads of Asia.
Chris Susock, who's responsible for quality at the
Alabama plants,
knows just how far Hyundai has traveled. After all, when he got
started in the carmaking business for
Ford, the idea of going to
work for Hyundai never even crossed his mind.
"Back then," he says, "it was 'Buy a Coupe de Ville and get a
Hyundai for free.' "
But the work is paying off.
"The guy who bought the Hyundai last year is all of a sudden no
longer a joke," Susock says.
And the company he bought it from has no intention of forgetting
what it took to journey from punch line to powerhouse. When Power
met with Hyundai executives earlier this year, he was shown a
picture of the plaque from their Seoul headquarters that still
outlines his advice.
Power's description of Hyundai's efforts today?
"Top level."
.