| OLV Concept at 2003 Detroit Motor Show A product of the Advanced Design Team at the Namyang R&D Center, the OLV concept presents Hyundai’s response to the challenge of how to put the fun back into sport utility vehicles.
Flexibility was a main imperative for the low-cost, high-fun OLV which allows people to take their recreational equipment with them to outdoor destinations or to simply carry home the weekly groceries from the supermarket. True to its economical precepts, the OLV is powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine but with the help of a Borg-Warner supercharger and intercooler system, the OLV has up to 200hp at its disposal for some adrenalin pumping fun. Among its most distinctive design features is the modular roof which is made up of three separate panels that can be removed manually and then stored and secured to the roof rack. This allows the driver and passengers to remove one, two or all three panels for maximum open-air fun. The convertible trunk configuration recognizes that consumer needs are not always best served with an SUT-style open bed while acknowledging that a conventional trunk is the most useful storage solution for most people and most of the time. OLV is designed to meet that need, but still allows the trunk to be converted into an open utility bed when necessary. The convertible trunk operates as a typical trunk in standard layout. However when large cargo needs to be moved, the rear window hinges up, the trunk lid is removed and the tailgate drops down to form a utility bed. The trunk lid can then be reattached to the tailgate and the side guards installed to complete the transformation from trunk to utility bed. The Best of Both Worlds Many consumers drawn to the SUV segment have grown tired of their truck-like ride and handling. The emergence of car-based SUVs is a solution that maintains the advantage of utility while adding a smooth ride, more responsive handling and better fuel economy. The OLV offers all of those advantages and builds in a level of functional and tough utility that has been steadily declining in the market. The OLV marks a return to the fun and durability of SUVs with an interior that uses materials resistant to water, scratches and dents. The unique tailgate on the OLV is made of injection-molded urethane that is so durable it does not require a paint coating for protection from the elements and cargo. Its flat floorpan is designed to make light work of cleanups and can even be hosed down without worry about causing damage to sensitive electronics.
“We see the OLV as a fun, affordable vehicle available at a compact sedan price,” said Doug Mottram, national manager, Product Planning at Hyundai Motor America. “The OLV became a reality through a strong cooperative relationship between Hyundai design and product planning. No existing products were referenced in the OLV development – only market-based thoughts have led to the OLV concept vehicle displayed at the North American International Auto Show.” Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are sold and services by over 600 dealers across the United States and command a 2.3 percent share of the U.S. market as of November 2002. Hyundai Motor America, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea, serves as the company’s U.S. distributor. In early 2002, Hyundai Motor Co. announced plans to invest US$1.1 billion in a U.S. assembly facility in Montgomery Alabama. To become fully operational by 2005, the U.S. plant will have an annual production capacity for 300,000 vehicles.
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