1.   Best-known for selling inexpensive cars with short life spans, the Korean automaker takes a major leap forward with the redesigned Sonata.

2.   By acquiring Korean automakers, American companies may be able to gain better access to the highly protected Korean market, and build cars with cheaper parts.

3.   By contrast, two other Korean automakers are having strong years.

4.   Customers will include Korean automakers Hyundai Corp., Daewoo Corp., Kia Motors Corp. and Ssangyong Corp., the companies said.

5.   Hughes visited Seoul just a week after General Motors said it was merely interested in making a substantial investment in the Korean automaker.

6.   It was the first time Korean automakers sold fewer vehicles at home than they did overseas.

7.   Korean automakers and the government say they have opened the market to imports.

8.   Korean automaker Hyundai Corp. is also considering plans to build a Turkish plant.

9.   Korean automaker Kia followed suit with its attractive but limited Sportage.

10.   Korean automakers and their creditors have held out for prices that might at least allow them to cover a large chunk of their debts.