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Is There Room in the Luxury Market for Hyundai?

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Comments

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    Are these numbers published anywhere? Until then, put up or...

    And it obviously doesn't include the coupe, does it? So H propagandists can include the coupe to spin things one way, and exclude it for a spin in a new direction. Fun.

    Virtually everything Krafic says implies near or equality. Implication is subjective.

    Who else is making such PR disguised as news statements at insideline?

    What is your motivation to defend the swoopy H to the death? Sometimes it seems your only posting here is in reply to me. Why can't you ignore me if you don't like my style? You have no other recourse.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    edited September 2010
    The link to the Krafcik article in which the numbers were published was posted earlier in this discussion. The discussion has a Search feature.

    The coupe doesn't have a V8, so including the coupe in a discussion of how many cars have V6s and which have V8s would be illogical.

    I posted the other InsideLine interviews with other automotive company heads earlier, because someone (you, maybe) complained that InsideLine was showing favoritism to Hyundai by publishing the Krafcik interview. The discussion has a Search feature.

    I think you are mistaking posts from someone who thinks Hyundai has a decent chance for success in the luxury market (and who has 10 years of Hyundai ownership experience) with someone who is defending Hyundai "to the death". I know you would like me to ignore your posts, because then you could blast away indiscriminately at Hyundai, e.g. charge HMA's execs with publicly lying about their business results, with no one to call you on it. Sorry, won't happen. But I am impressed (and a bit surprised) you have time and interest enough to have read and analyzed every statement John Krafcik has made about Hyundai, to the point you know that virtually everything he says implies near equality or equality of Hyundai to other luxury automakers. Are you retired by chance?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    edited September 2010
    I do not recall any numbers given and there is apparently no source data on the web. Please abandon your "search function" cop out, and put up or...

    But total Genesis sales always include the coupe. Except for when a spin prevents it...

    I haven't bothered to look for any of Krafcik's PR babble elsewhere, I've only seen the insideline material, and it is all pretty shallow.

    I'll "blast away" whether or not you ignore me, but really, for your sanity, you should ignore me, as you lack the ability to "call out" in any meaningful way. Are you a bigtime shareholder or a sycophant overpaid underworked HUSA exec by chance? :shades:
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    Since apparently only you are interested in disputing Mr. Krafcik's statement about V6 vs. V8 sales of the Genesis sedan and need actual sales numbers, here's an idea: contact Hyundai Customer Affairs (1-800-633-5151, or consumeraffairs@hmausa.com) and ask them for the details behind the 45% number. As you like to say... put up or...

    So you made your judgment about everything (sorry, now it's "virtually everything") Krafcik has said from a single article?

    Re sycophant... check the definition. It includes false accusation and calumniation. Say hi to Herr Lieb next time you are in the office.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    because someone (you, maybe) complained that InsideLine was showing favoritism to Hyundai by publishing the Krafcik interview
    no that would be me - the article that I read was nothing more than corporate spin explaining why Krafcik thought the Gen Sedan was such a success (yeah right?) and therefore the upcoming Equus was not such a big step up and therefore not destined to suffer the same fate as the Phaeton. My question, that I never received an answer to, was that the 'interview' was such pro Hyundai propoganda ( that is Krafcik's job after all) that why was such an opportunity not granted to somebody else that could use the same sort of favorable press. I'm confident that Toyota USAs headman would be more than happy to 'interview' away their latest set of problems, for example. Where's that Edmund's interview???
    IMO, it seems that Edmund's knows who's likely to butter its bread - and pay for all those Hyundai ad sidebars that appear on this forum. Hyundai has never really had too many problems spending a few bucks on self promotion, have they?
    I recall no comments at all about Gen product mix BTW, and would doubt your (or even Krafcik's 45% claims (if he really made them)). Sorry it just doesn't make any sense and is also counter to what happens with about every other mfgr I know of.

    this from the 1 consumer review on the Equus BTW :
    never had a car that is so comfortable. We drive to Florida every winter and he has no (back) problems, even the Camry does not compare, we had one of those!
    had me rolling on the floor! About a car you can't even buy yet, doesn't know the difference between a Sonata (I'm guessing) and an Equus, and obviously a target luxury buyer for Hyundai!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    My question, that I never received an answer to, was that the 'interview' was such pro Hyundai propoganda ( that is Krafcik's job after all) that why was such an opportunity not granted to somebody else that could use the same sort of favorable press.

    Yes, you did receive an answer to your question, thanks to Edmunds.com's Jeannie Fallon and me. Go take a look back a few pages to refresh your memory--it was in late June.

    Pay for all the Hyundai ad sidebars... that's a good one. :D Here's one for you. Go to www.edmunds.com (home page), and click on the New Cars tab. Tell us what special ad you see, that pops up in the middle of the brand listing. Something from Mercedes about the E Class, yes? A few days ago, it was about Lexus' summer sale. Those luxury automakers don't have any problem spending a few bucks on self-promotion on Edmunds.com, do they? :P

    It is a little ridiculous though for you to challenge the fact that John Krafcik made a comment about engine mix on the Genesis, when that article has been posted in this discussion and it's an easy task to find it via your favorite search engine.

    Don't you have anything better to do than rehash stuff that's already been answered, and challenge things that are indisputable and easily verified? Just because you don't remember something, or haven't read something, or don't understand something, or don't believe something, doesn't mean it couldn't have happened.

    Is anyone interested in a serious discussion on this topic? :sick:
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    I'm not the one making the claims, it is not my job to put up. It's pretty hard to imagine since as far as I know we don't even get Genesis sales numbers of coupe vs sedan.

    So far from what I have seen, Krafic seems about as stable and grounded as Fox News.

    Sycophant is a tool used in the creation of most mucky-muck suits.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    You have made the claim that the information given to the press by HMA's president/CEO about engine mix on the Genesis sedan is false. You are basically calling him a liar (just like captain2 called Jeannie Fallon from edmunds.com a liar a couple of months ago). It is up to you to prove your accusation, or drop it. Or do you live in an alternate universe where someone can accuse someone else of something, and the one accused has to prove the accusation is false? Whatever happened to the good ol' American "innocent until proven guilty"?

    If that's all you guys can do is whine, "Liar, liar, pants on fire!", it's time to give it a rest and let someone else have their say here, don't you think?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    edited September 2010
    Actually, I never said anything was absolutely false, I have only said the numbers seem surprising and doubtful. I see nothing backing up the claim made by the beloved suit, the information is conveniently not available. Nice red herring, but absolutely not comparable to "innocent until proven guilty" (which is often a lie anyway)...statements are made with nothing behind them, that's not relatable to innocence. The suit and his followers can't show any data.

    I don't have the ability nor the desire to prevent anyone from "having their say"...I'm not any kind of wannabe censor, unlike others...you're not a host or admin here, no matter how you'd love to control the thoughts and statements of others about the beloved swoopy H.

    Please dude, if you don't like it, you can ignore me...I don't want to give anyone an ulcer. :shades:
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
  • toyetoye Member Posts: 351
    You have one person that will never, never be a Hyundai owner or admirer. I don't care how good, original, or respected that Hyundai has and will continue to become that person will never step into a current or future model. Won't admit to any acomplishments or ground breaking technology.

    I don't why that person is so bias against Hyundai... are they jealous of all the attention for the last 3 or so years of nothing but postive reviews and winning over skeptics (public opinion; the press etc.)

    This is a new world in the auto industry if Hyundai doesn't do it some other car company will Nothing can be #1 forever.
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,058
    Let's put to bed the debate-

    From the Article...

    Gripes? Naturally, we have a couple. The 3.8's ride, as we've experienced in the V-8 Genesis 4.6, can be "a bit pebbly and nervous," as Loh puts it. And during aggressive cornering over uneven pavement, the Genesis tended to exhibit an unwanted kickback through the helm.

    This sounds exactly like what I have said time and time again. I am glad that it is in print. Especially the kickback "through the helm".

    As for winning the comparo.... It proves what I have been saying all along, that the Taurus and Avalon (Max too why wasn't it included?) are the primary competition for the Genesis. Against those it does very well and will win most (if not all) of the comparisions due to handling well and a slightly more upscale interior.

    Winning this comparison does nothing to prove Hyundai's place in the luxury arena, since neither car tested against is "luxury".

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    It's hard to ignore you when you keep inserting yourself into my discussions with others with, for example, baseless accusations of corporate executives lying about simple statements of fact about their products.

    If someone says "the sales mix of our car is 45% V8s", and you say you doubt the person is providing factual information, it's not some gray area, something that is "partially true" or "partially false." It's either true or false. You don't believe the statement. Hence you are calling HMA's President and CEO a liar. It's pretty simple. No amount of back-tracking on your part will change it.

    Krafcik certainly could provide data to back his statement. But why does he have to? It would be impractical and ridiculous in the extreme, to expect every public statement of fact from every Hyundai employee to be backed by all the detailed info. "Please see Appendix A, which is 14 pages long, for all the detailed data that backs up the statements I made in this interview, because one person out there doesn't believe anything a Hyundai employee says." Yeah, right. Maybe Hyundai is waiting for those "big guys" in the luxury market to take the lead in providing this kind of info, then they will follow that lead. That would make some people here very happy--Hyundai taking the lead from other luxury automakers vs. taking a different approach.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    Here is the current month of motor trend and look at the findings
    and where are you coming up with an opinion that 'we' are 'geni' detractors??? :confuse:

    whether the Genesis is a good car or a bad car, or even whether it is judged better than the other upscale sedans it competes with - is NOT what this forum is supposed to be about - which, of course, is about precisely what the title says - can Hyundai find a place in the luxury market. I don't believe any of your regular 'detractors' (not me, not fintail, not tjc) have ever said much negative about the car itself - actually quite to the contrary. Only that a Hyundai labelled product will never find a place in the luxury market - not with a Hyundai badge - and not for quite a few different reasons.
    I would suggest to you that the mere fact that Motor Trend wants to test the Gen sedan against things like the Av and Taurus (other upscale sedans) only lends some support to the whole contention that Hyundai will never find that luxury place.
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    My post was To rebut and use a current article that put a Toyota vs he genesis and the geni won the comparison- they are priced the same - and it proves for the money that hyndiaa is a builds a better car as noted by car experts. I used a comparison test - it just so happens that ford prices the taurus in the same range- btw did anyone catch the avg age of people selecting these cars. - now to get back on he topic - that same mag in the same issue long term tested a v8 geni an said for it's first attempt in this category was a huge success- and they can't wait for the second generation.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    Actually, if I was shopping for a toastercar, I wouldn't hesitate to shop the swoopy H...and if I had a friend or family member shopping for similar, I'd advise them to take a look. I have nothing against the brand itself, and maybe as I am not a Korean nationalist, I don't get defensive about it. I could play devils advocate with GM or VW, but that's just no fun ;)

    Groundbreaking technology?

    Nothing but favorable reviews? Perhaps you should read some non-NA (never met a car we didn't like) press.

    Making toastercars doesn't translate into excellence and desirability in other ends of the market.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    What do you mean? You can see my name, shrug your shoulders, and skip the post. I don't have a gun to anyone's head.

    How can you claim statement of fact when the source data does not exist? I see the term "our car", which is apparently narrowed down to the sedan, but when other sales figures are mentioned, all variants are included. Funny how that works. If you want to think I am calling the propagandist a liar, think that way. I couldn't care less.

    All that would need to be done would be a provided breakdown of sales by body and engine type. Shouldn't be hard. Might be a couple hundred characters, an average paragraph at best.

    I don't see the "big guys" in the upper end of the market providing arrogant PR disguised as news statements to insideline, either. But with the banner ad population I see here, I guess you get what you pay for.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    I will grant you that in a few short years Hyundai has advanced to whatever point it needs to to compete with the likes of Toyota, Nissan and all the other mass market 'toastercar' (love that term) mfgrs.. Once an afterthought and an also ran, the other major mass market mfgrs had better start taking H more seriously. But relative to this topic - not the point.
    What I have a problem with though, is the contention that any Hyundai badged product will ever compete (either in real terms or esp. in brand perception terms) with those true lux mfgrs - a room currently occupied by the Germans, and even the premium J3 brands (to a lesser extent IMO) - all of which is the point.
  • toyetoye Member Posts: 351
    Should always try to keep an open mind.
    Never underestimate Hyundai!
    Or else you will be greatly surprised.
    But I know you can't help who you are!
    :shades:

    Learned that trick from your Govenor!!!!
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    How can you claim statement of fact when the source data does not exist?

    You encourage me to ignore your posts, but keep asking me questions--real gems of questions, like the one above. How do you KNOW the source data does not exist? Of course the source data exists--it's sales data! Do you think Krafcik pulled the 45% number out of thin air? Have you ever been the president/CEO of a company, or even worked in sales management? They have con calls or meetings every week (maybe every day) on sales data, sliced every which way. This is data that Krafcik would have at his fingertips. Especially since it is exceptional for the class.

    But, since you have asserted "the source data does not exist", fine--prove it. As you tell me all the time, "put up or shut up" (yes, I finished it for you--it's clear that is what you meant every time you said "put up or...").

    While you're at it, please provide the link to the following cars and break down of sales by body and engine type (shouldn't be hard, right?):

    BMW 3 Series
    BMW 5 Series
    MB C Class
    MB E Class
    MB S Class
    Toyota Corolla / Matrix (no, not luxury, but if this info is so important, every manufacturer should provide it for every vehicle, yes?)

    If you won't or can't provide that info, then you shouldn't expect anyone else to provide it either.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    edited September 2010
    That's fine. I'll bet Hyundai won't mind selling vehicles in the $30k to over $60k range, which Toyota and Nissan do today in the US. So what if you or others don't consider Hyundai to be a "true luxury manufacturer"--it's all about selling vehicles, and doing so profitably. And on both scores, Hyundai is doing very well.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    I would suggest to you that the mere fact that Motor Trend wants to test the Gen sedan against things like the Av and Taurus (other upscale sedans) only lends some support to the whole contention that Hyundai will never find that luxury place.

    I see. So if an automobile magazine tests a car like the Genesis against certain other cars, it is a sign that the car (e.g. Genesis) is in that class of cars. Do I have that right?

    Therefore, the Genesis must be in the same class as the MB E Class, the Jaguar XJ, and the Lexus GS:

    http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/0810_2009_hyundai_genesis_4_6_luxury- _car_comparison/index.html
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    I ask you, you don't have to answer. No gun at your head. I don't control you....at least I don't think so ;)

    Geez, if Jimmy got this data from a conference call, he might have even mis-heard or mis-remembered the information, if it was prepared correctly at all.
    Who knows if it was ever even seen in hardcopy form.

    The onus is not on me to prove anything. These numbers are apparently not available to anyone but employees.

    The proposed sales data for cars you list are as irrelevant as a 40K Euro Grandeur on the Autobahn - not applicable to the surroundings...none of their suits are making odd-looking claims about sales breakdowns. Yet another red herring distraction.

    I don't work in the industry, I'm not of the overpaid underworked exec class, I don't have access to the data...and neither do the fanboys, apparently,

    I'm not the one who made a claim with nothing to back it up other than babble from a suit.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    I believe things when I see them, especially when it comes to competing at certain levels. The higher you go, the harder it is.

    Don't get me started on governors...around here you get bleeding heart tax 'n spend liberal or sinister bank-owning pawn of the housing and property development industry...yuck
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    High praise, from a somewhat surprising source: R&T (10/10, p. 46, at the start of their 2011 summary for Hyundai):

    By all accounts, the Genesis sedan has been a smashing success.

    Later, in their long-term test update (29,700 miles), they have more to say about the Genesis 4.6:

    By far the most popular car in our fleet for long-distance trips, the Genesis is proving to be a very dependable machine with few vices. ... The only repair we've had so far was a tire puncture in the left rear ($25).

    There's not much to dislike about the Hyundai Genesis. About the only thing I don't like is the unnatural level of steering assist at speed on the highway. It's clear that Hyundai didn't want to overboost the rack, but in doing so they've created steering that's a tad too heavy and not especially communicative.

    The Genesis has become one of my favorite cars in the fleet for day-to-day driving. Hyundai has done a terrific job making this car work so well on many levels. It is not the fanciest car in this class, nor the most sophisticated, nor the most image-conscious--but it does everything expected of it in a way that makes you respect the solid straightforward engineering and design of the car.

    What is sometimes lost in all the debate is what I think is a key fact: the Genesis sedan was Hyundai's first serious foray into the luxury market (at least the US market). Yet the likes of R&T's editors proclaim it a smashing success, by all accounts. Makes me wonder what #2 will be like, and #3, and...
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Maybe when the Equus leaves the stable we'll have something new to get acrimonious about, but we're for now.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2011
    And we can talk about it in here ... so long as the talk is about Hyundai and we're not spurring each other down a muddy path with off-topic bits about each other's pedigrees. Hopefully we won't have to put anyone on a short rein. That would be tacky. ;)

    Saddle up!

    2011 Hyundai Equus Signature: Introduction

    image
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    Thanks Steve. You won't regret it.

    Equus ia a super nice car. From what I'm hearing, their service will make even the most jaded customers happy.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You know, I was a bit underwhelmed when I saw a couple at the Detroit Auto Show. Sedans don't impress me much anyway I guess. But if Hyundai gave me one to test drive for a year, I wouldn't turn 'em down. :D
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,058
    The last time I had my Genesis in for service, I checked out the Equus. It was nice, no very nice. Fit and finish were fantastic and the interior had a very nice feel to it. It is also a big car (think BMW 750/ Lexus LS). I really liked it. The dealer offered me keys to it, but since it is out of my price range I chose not to.

    I think that Hyundai will sell some, but not that many. The Genesis has hardly been a run-a-way success and a car 15/20K more isn't going to fly either. I believe they are bringing it here to show "what they can do".

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I believe they are bringing it here to show "what they can do".

    I'm in that camp as well. But their goal IIRC is to sell about 2,000 of them in North America. That's a low target and I'll bet they achieve it.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    60K....that's a spicy meatball. I think I'll still take a late model S-class, I can have massaging seats in that too, I get better styling (something is off about those wheels too, gotta love KDM flair) and if I want an ipad, I'll just buy one :shades:
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2011
    Heh, tell us something we didn't already know. :P

    The Equus testing will be blogged about on an almost daily basis, so if you are one of those interested in a future purchase, how the various drivers at the Edmunds home office react should be of interest.

    The rest of us will be interested to see what glitches develop over the next year.

    Here's where you can read all the blog posts:
    2011 Hyundai Equus Signature Long-Term Road Tests Archives
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    It might make a hell of a used buy, no doubt it is very comfortable and cosseting,and I am sure build quality is laudable...but I have to believe it handles awkwardly and some of the design is less than elegant. Also, some of the features like massaging seats and reclining rear seats are far from new - I could get the latter in an S-class 30 years ago. I'll be interested in glitches too, but I doubt anything will really fail - no really new tech is being pioneered here.

    60K, in a very crowded highline market ...tough sell. High class livery car maybe?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I have to believe you haven't driven one either. :shades:

    The reviews are coming in that it's a luxo-barge ride. Just as you'd expect.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    I haven't even seen one on the road yet. When the S, 7, A8, LS, and XJ are so good these days, I can't see why I'd go elsewhere.

    I'll bet a nice German handles better :shades:
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited February 2011
    I can't see why I'd go elsewhere.

    Which continues to beg the question of why you are in here. Are you expecting to see a car wreck LOL?

    It sounds like the target is 2,000 sales this year. I'm not sure if that means anything though. Could be that Hyundai just wanted to have a halo car they could put some tricked out stuff in so they can trickle down some of the bits that work to the Sonata. Not that Sonata sales need any help.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    I'm playing devils advocate :shades: ...and I will see a wreck when some declare it is every bit as good as the established competition. This isn't a reverse engineered W126 like was the first LS.

    So, roughly 160 sales per month, or 5 per day. I guess it could happen. I wonder if they'll give a sweetheart lease too.
  • chrisrodacchrisrodac Member Posts: 1
    Is gas kit available is Hyundai i20 model. If yes then is it CNG or is it LPG. Which will be more cost effective in terms of mileage?
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,058
    So, roughly 160 sales per month, or 5 per day. I guess it could happen. I wonder if they'll give a sweetheart lease too.

    I am sure they will if it doesn't sell... got to move them somehow.

    The way the Equus is priced it puts the large luxury car at the price point of a loaded 5, E or M midsize. If I had the budget for a 60K car I would consider it. OTOH, a 2 year old LS460 would be cheaper and have more snob appeal.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    edited February 2011
    The reviews are coming in that it's a luxo-barge ride. Just as you'd expect

    At 60K, it better have a luxo barge ride!

    At my point in life, I don't flog or race my cars. For 60K, I want luxury, reliability, and a quiet soft ride. I used to like lean, great handling cars, but I grew up. I still appreciate good handling cars. However, if I had one, I would test its limits about 2-3 times before growing bored. I would spend the other 6-10 years driving it strictly for comfort. If a person cares more than a little about extraordinary handling, maybe they shouldn't even be looking at the Equus.

    Not saying I would be happy with a total dog that couldn't handle its way out of a jam. I think the Equus is a competent, safe car that won't wallow on turns or dive under hard braking, but don't really care about handling nuance. I'll leave that to the car magazine guys since I don't have a track or skid pad.

    Glad this thread is back. Nice hearing from you guys again!
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    Or a 3 year old S (not hard to find AWD there either), current 7er will hit that level pretty soon, A8 and XJ won't be far behind either - all will probably give better handling and design. But if the new thing floats one's boat...more power to them.

    I think some might underestimate how much of a role snob appeal plays at that end.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    ...and I will see a wreck when some declare it is every bit as good as the established competition.

    OK, then, go ahead and visualize that wreck. The LS is "established competition" and Equus was deemed not only every bit as good as, but better than, the LS in at least one (read "some") professional review:

    http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/10q4/2011_hyundai_equus_vs._2010- _lexus_ls460l-comparison_tests
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    edited February 2011
    Meh...the LS has always been the softest and worst to drive of any of them, and it is only a real competitor in one and a half markets. Remember, this part of autodom sells all over the world in relatively similar form. The original LS copied a worldwide competitor, the Equus mimics a localized success. I'll wager the Equus finds buyers primarily in NA and in nationalist Korea, although it could lure in a Chinese sweatshop owner or two, as it is a copy :shades:

    Funny test too, base Equus vs overloaded LWB AWD LS isotank, but that's the media for you.
  • bobadbobad Member Posts: 1,587
    I'll wager the Equus finds buyers primarily in NA and in nationalist Korea, although it could lure in a Chinese sweatshop owner or two, as it is a copy

    And maybe even some folks who are a little nervous about Toyota.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    You're probably right.

    If an LS suffered "unintended acceleration", would the driver notice? :shades:
  • toyetoye Member Posts: 351
    Now that Hyundai is now offering the Equus along with the Genesis and the upcoming changes in the 2012 models it now even more fitting that Hyundai may be able to get a little respect in the luxury market. They are working hard earn the respect and not just relying on its "label" or " its past reputation" I hear they are also working on a serious "3 fighter" as well.

    Looking back....

    Just think in the past three years since the introduction of the Genesis has Hyundai moved forward. The new Genesis Coupe, Sonata, Tucson, Elantra, soon to be Veloster, Accent and Azera. Each one of them is at or near the top of their segment that have been introduced.
  • backybacky Member Posts: 18,949
    You didn't read the comparo, then? Or you would have noticed it was not the base Equus that was tested.

    You may not think the LS is a "real" competitor in this luxury class. I am sure many people, including the editors of C/D, would disagree with you.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,498
    Oops, I missed their "equal price" caveat. Silly me :shades:

    American automotive journalists, no doubt the most bought off on the planet, might disagree? Oh the shame! The way the LS doesn't sell in so many places tells enough of a story for me.

    Why didn't they compare it with the better driving (and mainly better looking) competition?
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 17,058
    Different strokes I guess, because for what I want from a car the LS460 is about as close to perfection as possible. Smooth, powerful and isloating. The S and 7 are fantastic cars, but I have ridden in both and the LS would be a better car for me.

    Does the S and 7 handle better? Most likely yes, but I just have to believe that the average US buyer isn't pushing these cars anyway. The majority of Americans do prefer the floaty, isolating ride most Lexus and Toyota models offer. There is a reason why the Camry sells so well and year after year doesn't lose its soft ride.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart

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