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Comments
Value buyers, which I think most, if not all, of the Hyundai buyers/owners are may never understand why people pay the premium to go luxury. Which is one of the major reasons that led me to believe that the Genesis will not succeed while carrying a Hyundai badge. Well, if you think selling 1,100 units per month with HEAVY discounts then I rest my case...
Also, let's get this straight, in "Hyundai buyers may never understand why people pay premium for luxury" I do NOT mean that people who buy Hyundai cannot afford luxury. Two totally different statements so those of you who want to put words in my mouth, stop. I am sure the captain agrees with me on this one.
Where is the heavy discount? If you go to Hyundai's website and check out the deals being offered by them, the Genesis has NONE!!! So...any deals happening are through the dealerships.
Hyundai Special Offers
And if you think BMW doesn't offer discounts...
Passport BMW Special Offers
Oh yeah...I'm a value shopper myself, but I do understand the premium thing. I don't knock those that desire to go that route, to each their own.
Okay, okay...I'm sorry about that one. I just find that to be so hilarious.
Sorry for the interruption, but as a BMW owner, I must point out that "Beemer" denotes a BMW motorcycle. If you're referring to a BMW automobile, the correct term is "Bimmer".
You're quite welcome.
Incidentally, I visited a Hyundai dealer a few weeks ago & looked at a Genesis. While I didn't drive it - I'm not now in the market for a new car - I must say that I liked what I saw. The car looks better in the metal - more stylish & less generic - than it does in photographs, & it's certainly well put together. Material & build quality are first-rate.
I also had an interesting chat with a salesman, a courteous & competent chap, who said that he wished that the Genesis was available with AWD. In my relatively affluent & import-friendly zip code, most premium German & Japanese car buyers choose AWD when it's available. One rarely sees a BMW 3 or 5 series that isn't an xi, or a Mercedes C, E or S class that isn't a 4-Matic, even though our winters aren't all that severe. He was afraid that Genesis sales would dry up as soon as the first snow flake fell.
Now I happen to believe that the benefits of AWD are exaggerated (my Bimmer has RWD), but if I wanted to buy a Genesis, I'd be foolish not to take advantage of this salesman's fears & wait until right after the 1st winter storm to make my offer.
Sorry. I've never quite got used to that convention, which seems to be largely restricted to your side of the pond. And I have nothing against either BMWs or their owners -- the dripping condescension of the post I responded to just sent me frothing over the top.
Amen! but it is something that sells regardless of what real value it has. It has certainly become fashionable to have those 3 letters on your trunk lid.
Many AWD vehicles started life FWD and are really FWD about 100% of the time - only reverting to RWD in slippery conditions AND below certain speeds. In many parts of the country where really bad road condtions are infrequent (or non existent), I believe that we are better served saving the gas and some of that added mechanical complexity as well. If Hyundai, in this case, decides to come out with an AWD Genesis, it's only because they are wanting to keep up with the Joneses.
My side of the pond? I'm a New Yorker. Are you a Brit?
I am in Cali and here we also use Beemer for BMW bikes and Bimmer for BMW cars.
Gosh Captain...I can only wonder why that would be? :confuse: Maybe you don't intend for your posts to seem as such, but I have to point out (as others have seen as well), there are plenty of times you actually do come across like you're dumping on anything Hyundai This is not intended to start an argument or debate, just pointing out an observation to your pondering.
Can't we simply look at a manufacturer that has suddenly decided to spread its wings, has come out with several commendably competitve products recently ann then discuss why those products don't do as well as perhaps they should in the market place?
Did you're fingers cramp up while typing that? It actually would seem you threw a compliment in there. :surprise: Seriously...if we are talking the Genesis, numbers have been shown that indicate that it is doing just as well as other vehicles of the same type. What's the problem?
And frankly, Captain, the tenor of your posts reminds me of nothing so much as the snobbery and complacency that fatally undermined the British car industry in the face of patient, iterative design and engineering innovation by a far earlier wave of foreign (and hence, of course, inherently inferior) competition.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Back on topic - so, let's forget the fact for a second financially Hyundai has estimated the luxury nameplate would only break-even after some double digit years, who's to say the brand would be a guaranteed success, with ZERO brand equity? It took years and years for Lexus to become established, for the most part; Infiniti is still getting its bearings together (while most people still put down as Infinity); and Acura has not even come close to a household luxury brand despite the fact it was the first Asian luxury nameplate in the US. Even the Germans, namely BMW and Mercedes, having dominated this segment, has been seen as susceptible.
Regarding the decision, again, Hyundai did what it felt was the best option for the US market. And we know the Genesis under the Hyundai umbrella has been resilient, if nothing else, despite the crisis being experienced in recent months. Continued "dumping" isn't going to do much so let's see how the Genesis plays along.
Personally I feel the arrival of the Genesis family (with the upcoming coupe) helps in three general areas:
1) the products themselves, of course
2) other products within the fleet
3) increased perception of the brand/company
As an aside, those who predicted the Genesis would be DOA like the Phaeton - show yourself
You didn't just call them out did ya? :shades: There are a few enjoying a little bit of crow, but will hardly admit it. Either that, or they'll try and take a new angle to explain why the Genesis will be a failure.
Personally I feel the arrival of the Genesis family (with the upcoming coupe) helps in three general areas:
1) the products themselves, of course
2) other products within the fleet
3) increased perception of the brand/company
I agree completely with you here (another point the nay sayers debated vehemently). Product awareness has indeed shot up with the amount of advertising that's been behind the Genesis. When's the last time you've heard of any tv show being sponsored by any other Hyundai vehicle? Yeah, there was a show that debuted and all the ads leading up to it said, "...brought to you by the Hyundai Genesis." No other car in the Hyundai stable has enjoyed the amount of attention that the Genesis has received...even before it was brought to market. As I said early on, folks would be interested to see what this car was about and it would also have them taking a look at the other cars that are offered. All of the other models definitely benefit indirectly.
Yeah...okay, whatever you say Captain. You've never said ANYTHING negative in regards to the Genesis in any posting, huh? :confuse:
Why pay 60k+
Written by: WillyB on 11/12/2008
Detailed Ratings
Overall Rating
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 9
Vehicle
2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I just got out of my 2002 S-500 sport M Benz. This car has it all! BMW,Lexus,Audi,Infinit, Mbenz all better watch out. This car is the real deal. I have always driven high line flagship cars and this is one awesome tight smooth killer looking car. Hyundai has the complete package with this quiet sleek machine. I highly suggest you give this car a test drive if your considering spending 30k to 40k on a ride. This is the complete package with out killing your wallet.
Favorite Features
Looks, style, options, "Quiet"!!! it all there
Suggested Improvements
little wider room in the driver area width. 19inch rims, power trunk, power folding mirrors,
Here's another one...
Awesome Awesome Car
Written by: chuck on 09/08/2008
Detailed Ratings
Overall Rating
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I traded in my CLK for this car. I was looking at the BMW 550, Lexus LS640, and the Mercedes. After the test drive in this car, I was sold and bought it on the spot. Performance is in between the Lexus (soft) and BMW, just right for me. Lexicon audio system is also pretty awesome. Like the person earlier, I enjoy telling my friends and coworkers that I traded in my MB for a Hyundai.
Favorite Features
Lexicon audio, smooth quite ride, handling, amazing bargain,
Suggested Improvements
Wish the dealerships were more accommodating like other luxury brands.
Written by: mn778 on 08/23/2008
Detailed Ratings
Overall Rating
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 10
Vehicle
2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I've owned bm'ers since '89. Just had my '05 745 turned in and said goodbye! The Genesis is every bit the luxo ride. The V6 is faster than my 745 was. Every day I fall further in love with it. The tech package is great[much easier than the i Drive!] Best thing is I can buy two genesis's for the price of a loaded 7! Great Car.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
The person below seems to feel that the Genesis offered him enough of a compromise to make him feel a Hyundai was worth a look. I mean...the BMW experience should have brought him back, right?
Mission Accomplished!!!
Written by: imtraveler on 08/15/2008
Detailed Ratings
Overall Rating
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 9
Vehicle
2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 4dr Sedan (3.8L 6cyl 6A)
Review
I was following & really looking forward to this motor car, so I bought it! Owned 7 series & was nice compromise, esp. price. Hyundai's first foray with an all-new RWD platform & V8 engine in this class is impressive. My car turns heads and I love its understated execution. Has the luxury amenities I need and $$$ to spare. Wish it was sold in a dedicated channel -- i.e., Genesis brand -- wouldn't mind stripping the H logo and replacing it with domestic market Genesis wings logo (front, back, wheel hub & horn pad)
Favorite Features
Easy to drive, smooth, quiet and refined. Love the DIS, Lexicon audio & driver cooled seats.
Suggested Improvements
Wish that the brakes were more on par with vehicles in this class (see BMW b/mark). Prefer a bit firmer handling & less body roll. Would look dynamite with some nice wheels. Agree that pass seat should be cooled as well. Need much better dealer experience & MORE advertising!! Brand needs enhancement
I just posted these few cases where folks have traded in a premium sedan for the Genesis just to show it does indeed happen. Mainly aimed at the nay sayers that just feel it simply couldn't happen. :P
Give it a chance
IMO, the Genesis is a damn fine car being sold at the right price but also at the wrong place. As much as a 'screaming deal' as it may be, it has NOT been available anywhere near long enough to be sure that it will not suffer the same fate or even to declare it a success -from a business point of view.
Anyway, check this out, the Genesis has already sold more, a lot more, than the entire US run (roughly 5 years IIRC) of Phaetons in just a few months. In its best year (2004), VW sold 1,939 units in a whole year. While I'd agree the Phaeton was a very good car, it never really had a chance, so yes, I'd contend it was DOA.
On another note, how can you say the Genesis is marketed at the wrong place?
Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
of course not, the Genesis is unarguably a helluva lot of car for the money - although I think it and Hyundai would do better with it with a new brand name, a new group of genuine luxury dealers etc. adding with the Genesis things like the Veracruz etc. The point of my post, was really that you 'H' guys seem ready to decare that the Genesis as some sort of unmitigated success , but IMO it is plainly too early to make such declarations - not at a paltry 1000 cars/mo.. It may be another year or two before we know whether the car buyer is ready for $40k Hyundais.
Actually Captain, the Genesis can be deemed a success in terms of the fact that it's the first vehicle in the Hyundai stable that has boosted brand awareness and also showing the directions that Hyundai can go.
If that is not a success, I don't know what is.
Or more like the fact the Genesis was not the perfect luxury car on Hyundai's first attempt?
If "upgrading" customer service means adding leather couches and lab coats, and a silver-plated espresso machine, with commensurate increases in price of the Genesis, I'd just as soon take the relatively utilitarian customer lounge at my neighborhood dealer while retaining its already high level of service.
Playing devil's advocate...if we weren't in the recesssion we're in...would the sales of those cars be as bad as they are now? Personally, I don't care if the sales of those cars are on the decline, the fact that sales of the Genesis seem to be steady shows something.
Or more like the fact the Genesis was not the perfect luxury car on Hyundai's first attempt?
As it has been pointed out...the LS wasn't a perfect luxury sedan on the first attempt.
If "upgrading" customer service means adding leather couches and lab coats...
Personally...I agree with you on this. I don't believe all of that is necessary to have upgraded service. It means more to me to have a service department that is attentive to your needs. One that doesn't act like you're a burden, but the reason why they are there to begin with. One that can provide you with a comfortable (not lavish) waiting area is fine by me. Lab coats...what exactly does a lab coat mean? Dr. Frankenstein wore a lab coat. Sorry...I'd rather talk to the guy whose hands are greasy & oil because he actually works on the cars. :shades:
In the end, just don't make me feel like I wasted my time by bringing my car to you. To me...that's great service. I can easily walk down the street to any of the markets or restaurants and get what I want to eat.
Exactly. Ever been to a Saturn dealership? Even though the vehicles aren't that expensive and the surroundings are not luxurious, the experience is pleasant. Why? Because the environment is clean and comfortable, and the dealership personnel (sales, service, and administration) are trained to treat customers with respect. It doesn't cost much to provide that kind of service. But Hyundai dealers (and Honda dealers and Toyota dealers and. . .) do not uniformly provide it. Some do quite well--others exemplify the bad old days of the car business. It doesn't help matters that many Hyundai dealerships got their start as adjuncts to used car businesses, and some still function that way.
I believe that Hyundai could adopt the Saturn model of customer service and reach customers who might otherwise still be skeptical about the brand's quality. A separate certification program for those wishing to sell the Genesis would be a start.
And no, I don't work for Saturn. Or for Hyundai, for that matter.
I also own a Saturn and the service department at the dealer I go to offers quite a pleasant experience as well.
On a not-entirely-unrelated note, two new Hyundai dealerships have sprung up within 30 miles of here, competing with an established one in a somewhat impoverished area. One is owned and operated by a guy who's been operating a failing Mitsubishi dealership here for a couple of years, and the other is an offshoot of a fairly large (if not very reputable) Ford dealership. Neither one appears to have invested much money in either inventory or facilities, and neither appears to offer much competition for the older store, a small but reasonably attractive facility with an iffy reputation.
I'm sure Hyundai could find a way to "punish" those dealers that don't live up to standards they could set and reward those that carry out or exceed those standards. However, I don't think it'll be something they would act on unless there was enough consumer complaint in that direction.
First in-house V8. First V8 of any kind for the North American market.
Hyundai certainly deserves this. The Tau engine is powerful, it can also run on regular gas, and its fuel economy is the best for a V8 car.
Heck, some of the V6 models offer the same/lower F/E.
thanks in advance
Knowing that I'll definitely go with a USB stick.
mn778,
Just out of curiosity...can you change song even though the screen is blank?
thanks in advance
Knowing that I'll definitely go with a USB stick.
The only thing I'm unsure of is what formats the head unit can read. I know for sure it'll read MP3, but I don't know if it'll read WMA or not, an owner would have to chime in on that one.
Korean Auto Imports - Genesis Items
However, I'm really not feeling this new mesh grille they've made...