Hyundai lets it all hang out

Hyundai is not about to let anyone forget the brand's strong showings in recent J.D. Power studies. Hyundai last week had its U.S. headquarters in Fountain Valley, Calif., wrapped in a banner showing the trophy the Tucson won for highest initial quality in its category in the Initial Quality Study, and the award the Azera won in the APEAL Study for most appealing large car. It is part of Hyundai's "Rethink" marketing campaign to promote the awards. The window wrap is meant to turn Hyundai headquarters into a virtual trophy case, with the J.D. Power trophies appearing as if they are sitting inside.

ICE JOB - There's no question which was the coolest car at the British International Motor Show, which ended yesterday. It was this life-sized Ford Focus convertible, made entirely of ice. Ford says it took ice carvers 160 hours to create the highly detailed sculpture in a giant freezer. Carvers could work only 40 minutes at a time because of the temperature - about 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The finished product weighed 6½ tons, about what five normal Focus models weigh.

UH, YEAH, THAT'S IT - When General Motors' top designer, Ed Welburn, was in California this month unveiling the GMC Acadia crossover, he was interviewed by the crew of the Tom Joyner syndicated radio show. Joyner wanted to know the exact definition of a crossover, and Welburn's proper corporate answer was that a crossover has all the attributes of a SUV, but that it is also sporty and has the riding comforts of a sedan. That wasn't enough for Joyner's sidekick, comedian J. Anthony Brown. Quipped Brown: So what you're really trying to tell us is that with this car you can have a baby seat in the back, ride your woman around in comfort and still be sporty and a player? Gushed Welburn: "Now you got it."

WHAT THE BOSS DRIVES - So what does the CEO of your company drive? Something luxurious and pricey, no doubt. That's what most employees think, according to a survey by online automotive service Cars.com and Careerbuilder.com. In fact, more than half of the 340 high-ranking execs in the survey of 2,344 adults spent an average of less than $25,000 for their primary vehicles. And one in four said he spent less than 20 grand.