Official: Hyundai NA CEO Krafcik awarded Automotive Executive of the Year

Filed under: Etc., Hyundai

Hyundai North America CEO John Krafcik

Hyundai North America CEO John Krafcik is this year’s Automotive Executive of the Year. DNV Business Assurance presents the award each year, and this year, Robert Djurovic, executive director of the award program, said Krafcik won the nod because he “reshaped the way Hyundai approaches the market with consumer focus, compelling design and enduring value.” While speaking at the award ceremony, Krafcik said that he was humbled by the recognition and that he accepted the accolade on behalf of Hyundai team members, dealers and suppliers.

Krafcik joined Hyundai in 2004 as the vice president of product development and took on duties as chief executive in 2008. Since then, the automaker has seen a flurry of new products and a substantial jump in market share. His efforts have also helmed Hyundai to two North American Car of the Year awards in 2009 and 2012 for the Genesis and Elantra, respectively. Krafcik also helped Hyundai navigate through the company’s fuel economy debacle that began late last year, in which the automaker admitted it overstated the efficiency ratings of many of its automobiles.

The Automotive Executive of the Year Award has been recognizing industry leaders since 1964. You can read the full press release below for more information.

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Hyundai NA CEO Krafcik awarded Automotive Executive of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jun 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai CEO Krafcik warns against price war, short-term thinking

Filed under: GM, Hyundai, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

John KrafcikHyundai Motor America President and CEO John Krafcik believes that some automakers are starting a price war, which would be an unwise move that focuses solely on short-term sales.

General Motors had strong sales in January 2011, but its 23-percent gain was due to increased incentives and price-cutting. After GM made its move, Toyota followed suit.

Krafcik says that Hyundai, whose incentive spending is among the lowest in the industry, has no plans to join in this game. Heavy incentive spending leads to sharp up and downswings in an automaker’s accounting ledger. Hyundai sales rose 24 percent in 2010 and Krafcik expects to see improvements in 2011. While some automakers are fiddling with the radio, Krafcik is paying attention to the road in front of him.

[Source: The Economic Times]

Hyundai CEO Krafcik warns against price war, short-term thinking originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Accent to “kick Fiesta’s butt” says U.S. CEO John Krafcik

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Hatchback, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Verna/Accent

Given the chance to ask Hyundai’s US CEO John Krafcik a question, what would you ask? If you’re a Jalopnik reader, you’re apparently curious if Hyundai plans to bring over a five-door Accent hatchback. Krafcik took the time to answer the question in the affirmative, and then used the opportunity to proclaim that a five-door Hyundai Accent hatchback “will kick the Fiesta’s butt.”

Until we see the car in the flesh at the upcoming New York Auto Show and go for a drive, we’ll hold off on coming down on one side of the butt-kicking. However, with the recent run of new products flowing from Hyundai there is a strong chance that Krafcik’s words will hold true.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Hyundai Accent to “kick Fiesta’s butt” says U.S. CEO John Krafcik originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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