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Amen to that!
By using that logic, it leads me to think when the brand is expensive, success is generally easier to acheive (??) Or, in the case Maybach, for example, having only sold 150 units units last year, some success there (before someone tells me they're ultra-luxury, and yes to that, except they are well, well short of the goal). It is still raising prices for the 2008 model year, by the way
Amen to that!
I agree. But how about cheaper and just as good where it counts?
So, no, being expensive does not mean success is easier to achieve.
A good paper to start with is :2006-01-1665 : The Newly Developed Suspension of Hyundai SantaFe
Again, your "where it counts" might not be the same as my "where it counts".
No?
Hyundai sales dropped because they only sold previous generation models in china.
Tell that to Hyundai, I am sure they'll embrace that idea...
:confuse:
Does a 62 come with a chauffeur? :P
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119329736526171125.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
On another note, the overall U.S. auto market is deteriorating but everyone knows that by now.
However, it's not all "living happily after" for the Hyundai camp IMO. The biggest concern is Sonata, spin it all you want but let's face it, the car did NOT live up to the expectation. This car, which rivals Accord/Camry in about every category but cost a lot less was suppose to be a major player in the midsize segment. But that's not the case as we see today. Granted that it is doing better than the previous generation but the fact that there is a big gap between it and the top 3 sellers (Camry, Accord and Altima) tells me that Hyundai is not there yet.
Second, the perception is still haunting Hyundai and I think that has played a big role for the no-so-desirable Sonata sales. I personally would recommend any Hyundai models to my family, relatives and friend. As matter of fact, I told my mom to get a Sonata when she will be replacing her Camry. However, for myself if I am financially capable I would still go with Toyota and Honda over Hyundai. Why? Same reason why I don't buy domestics: since I have great experience with Toyota/Honda it'll take a big let down plus awesome products from Hyundai to sway me away. I know that not everyone operates the same way as me but let's face it, you know there are also A LOT of people who think just like me.
Hyundai has come a long way and I think it's on the right path. I have a few beef with the company on the way they are introducing the Genesis but that wouldn't overshadow the fact that I think Hyundai is getting there to match its Japanese counterparts. Public perception is still a big issue but time, and only time (along with good products, of course) will take care of it.
If the most perfect car in the world came along at a great price, but nobody had ever heard of it, only a few insiders would buy it. Sales would ramp up very slowly, year by year, until it reached a tipping point (as I have mentioned before). Once critical mass has been reached (a certain number of cars on the road with satisfied owners) sales would start increasing faster and faster and eventually reflect how good the hypothetical car is. Someone more expert in marketing can probably refine my example. (Joe97?)
That said, Hyundai cars obviously haven't reached the magical tipping point yet. Remember that quality and value are leading indicators of future sales, and sales is a lagging indicator of past quality and value. Unless cars are brought to market that are better values than the Hyundai line, I see sales slowly creeping up. Of course the economy will have to be factored into that.
Also, how do you think the 2009 Sonata, with the improvements that have been noted here in Town Hall, will be received by the public? Do you think those improvements will be enough to keep sales maxed out (15k a month)?
Finally... what does the Sonata taking the #4 spot in the mid-sized family sedan market have to do with whether there's room in the luxury market for Hyundai?
Finally... what does the Sonata taking the #4 spot in the mid-sized family sedan market have to do with whether there's room in the luxury market for Hyundai?
Probably nothing. So based on your suggestion let's talk nothing other than Hyundai going luxury.
Not any more. Factory nav is coming to a car nearest to you.
Hyundai has come a long way and I think it's on the right path.
And I would add to this Hyundai has a long way to go, as well.
To answer your question, you would need to know how many factory-nav models of Camry, Accord, and Altima are sold each year.
Very little but adding the option would help further
Your statement was different. And it's true that factory nav is filtering down to non-luxury cars. Even cars like the Civic and Mazda3 can be had in the U.S. with factory nav. And in many other countries (but not the U.S.), small Hyundais like the Elantra can be purchased with factory nav. But in many countries, a car like the Elantra would be considered an upscale car. Not in the U.S. though!
That said, Hyundai cars obviously haven't reached the magical tipping point yet. Remember that quality and value are leading indicators of future sales, and sales is a lagging indicator of past quality and value. Unless cars are brought to market that are better values than the Hyundai line, I see sales slowly creeping up. Of course the economy will have to be factored into that.
Agreed.
That's one of the obstacles Hyundai is facing, Hyundai knows they have a quality line-up on its hand, on-par, if not better than competitors; the industry professionals know, read the reviews and comparos; the consumers/owners know, go look at the ratings for Azera, for example. What about the rest of the US, then? FWIW, Hyundai is tackling the problem. It is going to be solved overnight, but Hyundai is heading in the right direction.
The upcoming BH will only to solidfy Hyundai's position, Hyundai brand image, perception, recongition, and the whole nine yards
Yes. Power windows are also a feature associated with luxury cars, yet almost every car now features them. Even the Subaru Forester is/will be having nav as an option.
While the BH will definitely make waves among enthusiasts and enthusiast magazines, I can't even guess how it will sell. Hyundai is short on test drivers, and the BH could get some butts in the seats. Reading about the Sonata got my attention, actually driving the car is what sealed the deal. It's possible that the BH could help sell some lesser Hyundai's.
I have been working with this individual closely for the last few months waiting on the Navi-equipped Veracruz to come. He contacted me today after researching some questions I had about the soon to be released Navi unit.
The Veracruz Navi unit will NOT have a backup camera option nor will it be bluetooth compatible. Needless to say I'm not getting the Navi option since I can get a superior unit for a fraction of the price aftermarket.
This news has me in disbelief that Hyundai would go through the trouble of integrating a Navigation unit into a flagship model thats compared to a Lexus yet they omit some key elements that are quickly becoming common.
While I still enjoy the Hyundai products I must admit my confidence in Hyundai joining the big leagues has faltered.
I would like to know how Backy, Sephia and Joe feel about this since they enjoy the Hyundai products like I do.
Craig
BTW, Craig, did your contact mention when we'd actually see the navigation-equipped vehicles? So far, all we have is "they're coming in 2008". When will nav-equipped models actually arrive at dealers?
MPUZACH,
He mentioned the Navi's will arrive to dealers in two to three weeks.
Backy,
I was hopeful the Navi option was going to be in the $2000 range and it would have a backup camera in addition to bluetooth compatibility. I would have gladly paid to have those features. I agree with you in that since its only a navi, a portable unit is simply far more cost effective with more features and versatility.
Craig
Since it's been pointed out by a number of folks that the Veracruz isn't a luxury vehicle, I am wondering if the nav on the Genesis will have more features.
If Accords in 2002 were selling for 20-22K, I'd of priced the Sonata rental I had for $10-11K at most. Felt like a tin can. Was slower than a sloth to accelerate.
My Lancer GTS has bluetooth but my model of Sanyo cellphone is not bluetooth-equipped! But gadgets don't sway my automobile purchase decisions.
Go for aftermarket...if we're going to pay for rigs that are this expensive we might as well after-equip them to our liking. Can be thought of as annoying if we let it. But you might like the price and performance of the aftermarket items more than the Hyundai/Kia factory items anyway.
Go forth and equip!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Oh and this applies to both luxury and non-luxury vehicles.
I recently spent a weekend with a business colleague who owns a late model Lexus LS430. He didn't order it with the built-in NAV unit, rather he bought a portable Magellan for less than $200 at Costco. He may drive a LS430, but he watches his pennies like a hawk!
The man knows what's important for a car!
Yeah there are alot of people like you because it seems with like passing year for the past maybe 5-10 years it gets harder and harder for other automakers to get a sale away from either Toyota or Honda.
Man, you are looking at a different Azera that I am, which side by side with the Sonata, has a tricked up grille, and a different butt, but dimensionally, is identical. The doors are interchangeable, so how is it so much bigger? I'm sincerely asking, as I see no difference?