Howdy Webriders! Dr. VW here with an interesting news report. Once again, Hyundai proves that it can run circles around the Big Three in terms of surviving in this economy. It was previously reported that Hyundai recently put an excellent insurance program in place, as well as the introduction of the new Genesis, which won the North American Car of the Year award. Apparently these two successes have translated into meaningful rewards. Hit the jump to find out!

First- check out the original report.

In a nutshell- every automaker (even Toyota!) is suffering staggering sales losses and decreased market share… while Hyundai is bucking the trend and surging forward on both fronts. The combination of increased quality, low prices, and economic safety nets for buyers has led to a trifecta of success that must have the CEO’s of the Big Three throwing paperweights around the boardroom. The elephant in the room is if other companies will follow suit, hoping to mimic the Korean automakers astounding performance in the current economy. It may be the Big Three’s last hope for survival.

There is a potential backlash here though- what if the economy hasn’t hit rock bottom, and a majority of new Hyundai buyers end up needing the insurance/ assurance package being offered? This could lead to perfectly good, but used (read devalued), Hyundai’s being returned to the lots in droves– which could effectively kill the brand. It’s a house of cards for sure, but Hyundai seems to be taking the bet that the economy will rebound before it has to make good on it’s promises. Only time will tell.

Dr. VW- out.