A lot less of those exist than Genesis, of course.
I am hyper-aware of the vehicles around me when I drive, and I live on a fairly busy street, so I see a lot going by, too. Just not more than a few Genesis have crossed paths with me yet. I wonder if they are selling better in some areas than others.
If I started seeing Hyundais of any sort showing up on my street, I'd assume my neighbors were going through hard times and that the neighborhood was on the decline.
That's exactly it. I just live in a poor area. No high paying jobs here, cheap worthless property, uneducated population...a Genesis might as well be a Bentley Brooklands.
But really, is there any data on sales by region or state?
Actually, it's a turbo-charged and direct-injected V6. A V8 in a FWD car like the MKS are not good combinations
The MKS needs this engine as the range topper (est. 355hp, 16/25 mpg), much like the V8 in the Genesis (375hp, and very respectable 17/25mpg - I think class-leading).
On that note, Hyundai has an even better Tau engine (prototype) than the one currently in the Genesis V8 (which by the way has already been awarded as one of the top 10 Ward's engines):
Supercharged V8 with cyclinder deactiviation - 4.6L 460hp - even better than the already good 17/25 mpg in the current Genesis.
I happen to catch, and of course "record" a 1/2 hour review/test of the 2009 Genesis V8 Sedan. It was held in Canada at some famous race track, the cobblestone streets and windy roads of Canada. Three different experienced drives took it out.
Nothing but positives... Amenities, Power, handling etc... They specifically mentioned the Z-Shift Transmission and other items that were showing everyone that they had no intention of "cutting any corners" on this vehicle... ALL QUALITY... They were all amazed it was a Hyundai.
The announcer at one point made emotion that when he told his buddies he was doing a review of Hyundai there were "snickers"
Well no one is "snickering" anymore. To quote him/paraphrase but pretty close to an actual quote "You get all these amenities, a/c seat, rear camera, they all commented on the incredible sound system.. endless list of features mentioned.".. Then he named a plethora of luxury sedans and said "You get ALL this at 1/2 the price... So unless you need a badge/logo (what I choose to call Ego and a closed mind that another company can do better then the old stand bys-BMW, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Mercedes).
My doctor took it out and says it drives, handles and has more options then his $85,000 Mercedes. But he will NOT buy one as he needs to go into the Dr. lot at the hospitals and fears the "snickers" of owning a Hyundai. He will buy one if Hyundai changes their strategy and starts an upscale division. I humbly disagree. That will only inflate the price and cost to Hyundai. Too many dealers and brands cost money, ask detroit...
Only negative was the seat was not snug enough for "race" driving... I can live with that, I hunker down when going into turns at high speeds..
So to all you "insecure" people that need your "status" symbols, please check your ego at the door of this board.
If I see you on the road in NJ, I'll be happy to give you a run for your money and likely beat you in every category. And I'm "not" a professional driver..
The announcer at one point made emotion that when he told his buddies he was doing a review of Hyundai there were "snickers"
Well no one is "snickering" anymore.
Well said dczark.
About the snickers... Hyundai has been building cars since 2005 that no educated driver can rightfully snicker at. Their low end and midline cars are now competitive with Toyota and Honda is quality, and beat the pants off them in value. My 2006 V6 Sonata is the best choice in cars I ever made. It hasn't given me a moment's hassle or cost me a dime. It's still jet smooth and quiet, and the power never quits. (commonly driven 145-150mph by nutty youngsters). The Hyundai lineup since 2005 is nothing but respectable, and provides a good base for Genesis to build on.
Can you ante up any performance related figures (more than 0-60) for a Genesis V8? Slalom numbers, speeds around certain tracks, cornering capability, etc
It's funny that those who cry about ego seem to have ego problems of their own...
I shouldn't have said "commonly", I should have said "easily". The 137mph limited figure is for 5th gear. In Shiftronic mode in 4th gear, there is no limit, and it's easy to hit 145. Here's a Sonata that got 152 with a passenger on board. I imagine Genesis engines are even more capable.
That's a bizarre setup, but I guess I don't doubt it.
C&D calls the claim "plausible"
Indicated speeds are fun
Eh, what's unusual about making a top speed run in 4th gear? The Sonata is geared for fuel economy, so it's no surprise that you can get good top end speed in 4th gear. It may sound unusual to European car owners, but Sonata's instrumentation is accurate.
Genesis just won MW Best LUXURY Sedan. Put that in your plausible book.
I have yet to see a car with an entirely accurate speedometer - it may appear so at low speeds, but once triple digits are reached, at least a few percent can be in error either way.
Did you read the link? I'd guess they'd know how to make a speed run.
I have never really disparaged the Genesis, and you know that. But the "luxury" label is so vague it is meaningless. With so much high end competition out there, that simple term is irrelevant, and if MW uses it in such a basic sense, one has to wonder how much they are observing the market.
I am sure you would stake your life on any opinion deferring to the swoopy H...
You have never given us a reason why you are so obsessive/compulsive about denying that the Genesis is at least somewhat of a luxury car. You don't own one, you never post anywhere else, and you are beginning to look ridiculous.
It's luxury in the realm of entry level lux, mass market lux, and so on. "Luxury" is not a segment in and of itself, the simple word is worthlessly vague.
You don't own one either, correct? So why do you care? Why are you so defensive? When any questioning of the swoopy H is met with an instant rebuttal from the KC peanut gallery, one can wonder.
I never post anywhere else? Please, before making such asinine statements, click on my name and you can stalk my other posts. You know you want to. DYODD and research before pointing fingers. Talk about looking ridiculous. And if it is too ridiculous for you, simply ignore my posts. You lack the means and recourse to do otherwise.
Apparently I got you and the captain confused regarding the posting issue. Maybe I just assumed that he was one of your alter egos.
You are correct that I do not own a Genesis. I have driven one and a good friend owns one which I ride in quite often. IMO it is very impressive. Sorry if you got your feathers ruffled but I was genuinely curious.
I am sure you would stake your life on any opinion deferring to the swoopy H....
You are obviously conflicted, or perhaps trying to cover up your unreasonable bias.
The name of the thread is "Is There Room in the Luxury Market for Hyundai?", meaning the general (or any) luxury market. Despite your best efforts, the answer appears to be "YES".
I wouldn't stake my life on any emblem or corporation. Hyundai, MB, BMW, Toyota, and all the rest don't care 1 iota about me or you. All they want is our money. The sentiment is mutual for my part. All I want is the all around best car I can get for my money. The sooner you can understand that the sooner you understand my attraction to Genesis. When it's time to buy a new car, I throw out all my biases and start over. What have the car makers done for me lately, and what will they do for me during my ownership?
So to all you "insecure" people that need your "status" symbols, please check your ego at the door of this board.
How do you define "insecure?"
What about the people who simply like Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Audi or Cadillac?
Do you think everyone should be excited that Hyundai created this car? It's a very nice car, but I hope you don't think that everyone who simply prefers other makes & models are insecure because they don't want to drop everything & go buy a Genesis...
Brand loyalty is a great thing... for the automakers. As a car buyer, it has no value to me. All it does is prevent me from considering all options when shopping for a car. About the only real value brand loyalty has is that, sometimes, an automaker will give me an extra rebate if I already own or lease one of their cars. But that incentive has no meaning if I don't like the car enough to buy it without the loyalty rebate. Anyway, sometimes there's "anti-loyalty" rebates too.
So to all you "insecure" people that need your "status" symbols, please check your ego at the door of this board.
Can I throw in my soul, personality and any semblance to humanity as well? I'm sorry, but no savings on a Hyundai Whatever are worth it. I'm sure my local tailor can make a suit as good or better than an Armani, but it'll still be a "Myron Hymowitz suit" and not a Giorgio Armani.
I dunno. A 1989 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Brougham is pretty luxurious too...for a Chevy! I guess it depends on who defines what luxury is. A Genesis is pretty luxurious...for a Hyundai!
whoa i have a fully loaded malibu and it's "luxurious" for a chevy! tell me .. define what is luxury..
amazing how patriots like to show off cars that are out of ones league. it's just a chevy. is hyundai in need of financial aid ? i don't think so. does chevrolet have the build quality now than hyundai ? no . have you driven a Genesis? i guess not ...
We seem to be getting back to trying to peg members instead of talking about the car. Stick to the Genesis please - it provides plenty of fodder for discussion.
a facelifted Azera? that perhaps is what the base 'Genesis' should be - if Genesis were actually a brand. Something akin to the ES. The Equus, however, simply a coupe version of the big Genesis sedan we already have and also RWD FWIU. It is unclear whether we will ever see this car in the US and whether or not Hyundai has tightened the suspension up a bit more in keeping with a coupe's sporting pretensions.
D'oh...the links changed. The linked images looked like an Azera body with a revised rear end and a Genesis front end. It wasn't a coupe. Maybe Azera is set to move up to allow Genesis to move up?
The following is a list of cars I compiled from another forum. Readers were asked to simply state what car they got out of to get into Genesis. It's a very raw compilation, so apologies for that.
It's a long list. Someone that's good with statistics could probably glean some tendencies and make some loose conclusions. (hint hint).
Now my typing finger is sore. Here's the list. Steve, if the list is too long or something, my apologies.
06 Honda Pilot 09 Chrysler 300C 92 Merc. 400E 05 Dakota 06 Azera 97 528i 07 Camry Hybrid ?? Mazda Speed 6 05 Avalon 06 F150 4X4 06 M45 04 Prius 07 Azera 04 Dodge SRT-4 87 Acura Legend 07 Shelby GT500 06 530i 02 745i 03 SRT-4 07 Acura MDX ?? 528i ?? Infiniti Q45 05 Sport Trac 06 Sonata 05 Tacoma TRD 08 535i 05 Montego 05 Outback 07 Acura TL 07 Mini Cooper 06 Sonata 05 Camry 08 Cadillac DTS 99 Mustang 07 Azera 04 Maxima 03 530i 06 330i 03 Seville 06 Infiniti M 06 Passat 04 Volvo S60R 06 Saab 9-5 06 330i ?? BMW 5 Series 07 Acura RDX 04 Sebring 07 Acura MDX 05 Ford Focus 06 Passat 91 Buick Century 06 Sonata ?? Mazda Speed 3 00 TransAM 00 Maxima SE 04 LS430 ?? LS430 02 Grand AM 02 Impreza WRX 05 Accord EX 06 Charger ?? Merc. C230 Kompressor 07 Saab 9-3 Aero 01 Merc E320 06 Chrysler 300 Limited 01 Merc. C320 04 325i 99 Avalon 08 GS430 06 M35 Sport 06 330i 06 Azera 06 M35 06 Ridgeline 06 Azera ?? Tiburon 02 Bonneville SSEI 04 Sonata 00 740iL 02 Passat Wagon 01 E320 98 CL 600 95 Fleetwood 04 Acura TL 03 Elantra 07 335i COupe 04 Ford Excursion 08 Ford Edge ?? Acura TL 07 Escalade 01 Lincoln LS ?? Accord 06 Altima
I'll bet this thread will be at least 100 posts long.
It's off to a good start.
I dabbled in statistics the past 35 years, but I'm too tired from making the list to massage the numbers.
I would love to have a Genesis, and if I purchased one, I would trade a 2006 Sonata (probably sell it privately). I see there are quite a few 2006+ Sonatas and Azeras on the list. If they're like me, they have built up a trust in their cars, and have no reservations about buying the more expensive Genesis.
I see a surprising number of BMW's there, but mostly older models.
I see several newer expensive cars, and I suspect some were swapped to cash in, getting the Genesis for little money out of pocket.
nice job, bobad. one quick observation: The Genesisi is bringing many new buyers to the Hyundai brand with minimum "canibilization" of their existing models. Also, the main source of business for the Genersis is not from luxury car owners. It's from a very broad segment of the auto market...which supports the position that the Genesis was not designed to compete in the luxury segment but to be a halo car for the Hyundai brand. .
The Genesisi is bringing many new buyers to the Hyundai brand with minimum "canibilization" of their existing models.
True.
According to the poll (where I gathered my list) a lot of Genesis owners were persuaded to buy after a test drive. The car is very seductive, and impresses everyone who drives it. If I were a Genesis dealer, I would advertise free donuts and coffee for taking a drive.
I've heard from multiple owners after taking the test drive, they signed right away on the dotted line - certainly they didn't sleep on it
I've been wanting to take a test drive, but I don't think I'll risk it. I just don't need a new car right now. Maybe I'll just go sit in one. I don't think just sitting in it can put a whammy on me, but just in case, I'll leave my wallet home.
Brand loyalty is a great thing... for the automakers. As a car buyer, it has no value to me. All it does is prevent me from considering all options when shopping for a car. About the only real value brand loyalty has is that, sometimes, an automaker will give me an extra rebate if I already own or lease one of their cars. But that incentive has no meaning if I don't like the car enough to buy it without the loyalty rebate. Anyway, sometimes there's "anti-loyalty" rebates too.
What about brand loyalty is with other products? For example, some people only like a certain type of after-market radio for their cars. Some women only like a certain brand of makeup. Many runners prefer a certain brand of running shoe. Brand loyalty exists in all types of products, ranging from electronics, toothpaste, to motorcycles, etc. etc. etc. Some people have a brand somewhere of some sort that they are loyal too...
But when it comes to cars it's a different ballgame?
Since you're not loyal to a specific automaker, is it safe to say that if another car maker comes out with a car similar to the Genesis that's more luxurious, better looking, wins MTCY and thousands of dollars cheaper than the Genesis you will abandon this board and be on that message board talking about how great it is? :P
I can't speak for Backy, but I think you have brand loyalty confused with meeting customer requirements. They are way different.
People that are brand loyal tend to stick with a brand regardless of whether quality or usability have slipped. People that are not brand loyal will constantly evaluate cars, and choose the best car for himself regardless of brand.
I'm no psychologist, but I think brand loyal people tend to think of automobiles in human terms. They may name their car, or call it "she" for example. They may say they "love" their car, and feel they are cheating on it if they consider buying another brand. Believe me, a machine or manufacturer will never return those tender sentiments!
Manufacturers are well aware of brand loyalty, and take advantage of it. For example, a 740 costs twice as much as a Genesis. I will guarantee you that a 740 doesn't cost twice as much to manufacture as a Genesis! Toyota Camry costs ~6K more than a comparable Sonata, and I would bet you their manufacturing costs are nearly identical. Why the $6K premium? I attribute most of it to brand loyalty.
I don't know if you are trying to mention the BMW 740, but it's an obsolete model now in the states. With how the upper end is depreciating in this "crisis", you can get one cheaper than a Genesis no problem
I am sure a RR Phantom doesn't cost 350K more to make than an Accent either...but, you pay extra to get extra. Some of that extra will be brand cachet.
People that are brand loyal tend to stick with a brand regardless of whether quality or usability have slipped. People that are not brand loyal will constantly evaluate cars, and choose the best car for himself regardless of brand.
Well said. But IMO brand loyalty is not related to people personifying their cars. I have in the past named some of my cars (no current cars have a name, however) and I have been known to say "I love my car" on occasion, as much as one can love a depreciating hunk of metal, plastic, and rubber.
And someday, if some car maker comes out with a car that is more luxurious, better looking, has more features, drives better, and costs thousands less than the Genesis, it is certainly a car I'd have to take a close look at when I'm in the market for such a car. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - ------------------------------------- Current bands owned: Chrysler, Hyundai, Mazda, VW Owned/leased in the past: Chevrolet, Mercury, Toyota (multiple), Honda (multiple), Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Dodge (multiple), Mazda (multiple), Nissan (multiple), BMW
Comments
I am hyper-aware of the vehicles around me when I drive, and I live on a fairly busy street, so I see a lot going by, too. Just not more than a few Genesis have crossed paths with me yet. I wonder if they are selling better in some areas than others.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
But really, is there any data on sales by region or state?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
The MKS needs this engine as the range topper (est. 355hp, 16/25 mpg), much like the V8 in the Genesis (375hp, and very respectable 17/25mpg - I think class-leading).
On that note, Hyundai has an even better Tau engine (prototype) than the one currently in the Genesis V8 (which by the way has already been awarded as one of the top 10 Ward's engines):
Supercharged V8 with cyclinder deactiviation - 4.6L 460hp - even better than the already good 17/25 mpg in the current Genesis.
From "Car" magazine:
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/Drives/Search-Results/First-drives/Hyundai-Genesis-- Coupe-2008-CAR-review-and-video/
Nothing but positives... Amenities, Power, handling etc... They specifically mentioned the Z-Shift Transmission and other items that were showing everyone that they had no intention of "cutting any corners" on this vehicle... ALL QUALITY... They were all amazed it was a Hyundai.
The announcer at one point made emotion that when he told his buddies he was doing a review of Hyundai there were "snickers"
Well no one is "snickering" anymore. To quote him/paraphrase but pretty close to an actual quote "You get all these amenities, a/c seat, rear camera, they all commented on the incredible sound system.. endless list of features mentioned.".. Then he named a plethora of luxury sedans and said "You get ALL this at 1/2 the price... So unless you need a badge/logo (what I choose to call Ego and a closed mind that another company can do better then the old stand bys-BMW, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Mercedes).
My doctor took it out and says it drives, handles and has more options then his $85,000 Mercedes. But he will NOT buy one as he needs to go into the Dr. lot at the hospitals and fears the "snickers" of owning a Hyundai. He will buy one if Hyundai changes their strategy and starts an upscale division. I humbly disagree. That will only inflate the price and cost to Hyundai. Too many dealers and brands cost money, ask detroit...
Only negative was the seat was not snug enough for "race" driving... I can live with that, I hunker down when going into turns at high speeds..
So to all you "insecure" people that need your "status" symbols, please check your ego at the door of this board.
If I see you on the road in NJ, I'll be happy to give you a run for your money and likely beat you in every category. And I'm "not" a professional driver..
Have a good day...
Well no one is "snickering" anymore.
Well said dczark.
About the snickers... Hyundai has been building cars since 2005 that no educated driver can rightfully snicker at. Their low end and midline cars are now competitive with Toyota and Honda is quality, and beat the pants off them in value. My 2006 V6 Sonata is the best choice in cars I ever made. It hasn't given me a moment's hassle or cost me a dime. It's still jet smooth and quiet, and the power never quits. (commonly driven 145-150mph by nutty youngsters). The Hyundai lineup since 2005 is nothing but respectable, and provides a good base for Genesis to build on.
It's funny that those who cry about ego seem to have ego problems of their own...
Even Hyundai claimed the car was drag limited to 137...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRL55TfOnJY
C&D calls the claim "plausible"
Indicated speeds are fun :P
C&D calls the claim "plausible"
Indicated speeds are fun
Eh, what's unusual about making a top speed run in 4th gear? The Sonata is geared for fuel economy, so it's no surprise that you can get good top end speed in 4th gear. It may sound unusual to European car owners, but Sonata's instrumentation is accurate.
Genesis just won MW Best LUXURY Sedan. Put that in your plausible book.
Did you read the link? I'd guess they'd know how to make a speed run.
MW - the definers of luxury.
I can't help it if C&D doesn't know which gear to use.
MW - the definers of luxury.
I'll take MW's opinion over yours 10-1.
If MW was the only trade publication giving accolades to Genesis, I could see your point. However, MW is just 1 of many. Hope that made your day.
I have never really disparaged the Genesis, and you know that. But the "luxury" label is so vague it is meaningless. With so much high end competition out there, that simple term is irrelevant, and if MW uses it in such a basic sense, one has to wonder how much they are observing the market.
I am sure you would stake your life on any opinion deferring to the swoopy H...
Come on, what's the story?
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
You don't own one either, correct? So why do you care? Why are you so defensive? When any questioning of the swoopy H is met with an instant rebuttal from the KC peanut gallery, one can wonder.
I never post anywhere else? Please, before making such asinine statements, click on my name and you can stalk my other posts. You know you want to. DYODD and research before pointing fingers. Talk about looking ridiculous. And if it is too ridiculous for you, simply ignore my posts. You lack the means and recourse to do otherwise.
You are correct that I do not own a Genesis. I have driven one and a good friend owns one which I ride in quite often. IMO it is very impressive. Sorry if you got your feathers ruffled but I was genuinely curious.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I have never really disparaged the Genesis
And then you say:
I am sure you would stake your life on any opinion deferring to the swoopy H....
You are obviously conflicted, or perhaps trying to cover up your unreasonable bias.
The name of the thread is "Is There Room in the Luxury Market for Hyundai?", meaning the general (or any) luxury market. Despite your best efforts, the answer appears to be "YES".
I wouldn't stake my life on any emblem or corporation. Hyundai, MB, BMW, Toyota, and all the rest don't care 1 iota about me or you. All they want is our money. The sentiment is mutual for my part. All I want is the all around best car I can get for my money. The sooner you can understand that the sooner you understand my attraction to Genesis. When it's time to buy a new car, I throw out all my biases and start over. What have the car makers done for me lately, and what will they do for me during my ownership?
How do you define "insecure?"
What about the people who simply like Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Audi or Cadillac?
Do you think everyone should be excited that Hyundai created this car? It's a very nice car, but I hope you don't think that everyone who simply prefers other makes & models are insecure because they don't want to drop everything & go buy a Genesis...
How do you feel about brand loyalty?
Is there a "general" luxury market? I would say "no".
I have no problem understanding any attraction to the Genesis. It is not an unattractive package at all.
Can I throw in my soul, personality and any semblance to humanity as well? I'm sorry, but no savings on a Hyundai Whatever are worth it. I'm sure my local tailor can make a suit as good or better than an Armani, but it'll still be a "Myron Hymowitz suit" and not a Giorgio Armani.
amazing how patriots like to show off cars that are out of ones league. it's just a chevy. is hyundai in need of financial aid ? i don't think so. does chevrolet have the build quality now than hyundai ? no . have you driven a Genesis? i guess not ...
ignorance is bliss
http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr/national/national1234849231.jpg
Equus will be higher end than the Genesis.
Hmm I don't see a swoopy H anywhere there!
that perhaps is what the base 'Genesis' should be - if Genesis were actually a brand. Something akin to the ES. The Equus, however, simply a coupe version of the big Genesis sedan we already have and also RWD FWIU. It is unclear whether we will ever see this car in the US and whether or not Hyundai has tightened the suspension up a bit more in keeping with a coupe's sporting pretensions.
Uh? The Equus slots above the Genesis, and is not a coupe (nor a coupe like sedan). The Equus rides on a stretched Genesis platform.
You wouldn't find the "H" on the S. Korean spec Genesis either (and other markets); neither will you on the Equus, as you've indicated.
It's a long list. Someone that's good with statistics could probably glean some tendencies and make some loose conclusions. (hint hint).
Now my typing finger is sore. Here's the list. Steve, if the list is too long or something, my apologies.
06 Honda Pilot
09 Chrysler 300C
92 Merc. 400E
05 Dakota
06 Azera
97 528i
07 Camry Hybrid
?? Mazda Speed 6
05 Avalon
06 F150 4X4
06 M45
04 Prius
07 Azera
04 Dodge SRT-4
87 Acura Legend
07 Shelby GT500
06 530i
02 745i
03 SRT-4
07 Acura MDX
?? 528i
?? Infiniti Q45
05 Sport Trac
06 Sonata
05 Tacoma TRD
08 535i
05 Montego
05 Outback
07 Acura TL
07 Mini Cooper
06 Sonata
05 Camry
08 Cadillac DTS
99 Mustang
07 Azera
04 Maxima
03 530i
06 330i
03 Seville
06 Infiniti M
06 Passat
04 Volvo S60R
06 Saab 9-5
06 330i
?? BMW 5 Series
07 Acura RDX
04 Sebring
07 Acura MDX
05 Ford Focus
06 Passat
91 Buick Century
06 Sonata
?? Mazda Speed 3
00 TransAM
00 Maxima SE
04 LS430
?? LS430
02 Grand AM
02 Impreza WRX
05 Accord EX
06 Charger
?? Merc. C230 Kompressor
07 Saab 9-3 Aero
01 Merc E320
06 Chrysler 300 Limited
01 Merc. C320
04 325i
99 Avalon
08 GS430
06 M35 Sport
06 330i
06 Azera
06 M35
06 Ridgeline
06 Azera
?? Tiburon
02 Bonneville SSEI
04 Sonata
00 740iL
02 Passat Wagon
01 E320
98 CL 600
95 Fleetwood
04 Acura TL
03 Elantra
07 335i COupe
04 Ford Excursion
08 Ford Edge
?? Acura TL
07 Escalade
01 Lincoln LS
?? Accord
06 Altima
Lots of typing - thanks!
It's off to a good start.
I dabbled in statistics the past 35 years, but I'm too tired from making the list to massage the numbers.
I would love to have a Genesis, and if I purchased one, I would trade a 2006 Sonata (probably sell it privately). I see there are quite a few 2006+ Sonatas and Azeras on the list. If they're like me, they have built up a trust in their cars, and have no reservations about buying the more expensive Genesis.
I see a surprising number of BMW's there, but mostly older models.
I see several newer expensive cars, and I suspect some were swapped to cash in, getting the Genesis for little money out of pocket.
True.
According to the poll (where I gathered my list) a lot of Genesis owners were persuaded to buy after a test drive. The car is very seductive, and impresses everyone who drives it. If I were a Genesis dealer, I would advertise free donuts and coffee for taking a drive.
I've been wanting to take a test drive, but I don't think I'll risk it. I just don't need a new car right now. Maybe I'll just go sit in one. I don't think just sitting in it can put a whammy on me, but just in case, I'll leave my wallet home.
What about brand loyalty is with other products? For example, some people only like a certain type of after-market radio for their cars. Some women only like a certain brand of makeup. Many runners prefer a certain brand of running shoe. Brand loyalty exists in all types of products, ranging from electronics, toothpaste, to motorcycles, etc. etc. etc. Some people have a brand somewhere of some sort that they are loyal too...
But when it comes to cars it's a different ballgame?
Since you're not loyal to a specific automaker, is it safe to say that if another car maker comes out with a car similar to the Genesis that's more luxurious, better looking, wins MTCY and thousands of dollars cheaper than the Genesis you will abandon this board and be on that message board talking about how great it is? :P
People that are brand loyal tend to stick with a brand regardless of whether quality or usability have slipped. People that are not brand loyal will constantly evaluate cars, and choose the best car for himself regardless of brand.
I'm no psychologist, but I think brand loyal people tend to think of automobiles in human terms. They may name their car, or call it "she" for example. They may say they "love" their car, and feel they are cheating on it if they consider buying another brand. Believe me, a machine or manufacturer will never return those tender sentiments!
Manufacturers are well aware of brand loyalty, and take advantage of it. For example, a 740 costs twice as much as a Genesis. I will guarantee you that a 740 doesn't cost twice as much to manufacture as a Genesis! Toyota Camry costs ~6K more than a comparable Sonata, and I would bet you their manufacturing costs are nearly identical. Why the $6K premium? I attribute most of it to brand loyalty.
I am sure a RR Phantom doesn't cost 350K more to make than an Accent either...but, you pay extra to get extra. Some of that extra will be brand cachet.
Well said. But IMO brand loyalty is not related to people personifying their cars. I have in the past named some of my cars (no current cars have a name, however) and I have been known to say "I love my car" on occasion, as much as one can love a depreciating hunk of metal, plastic, and rubber.
And someday, if some car maker comes out with a car that is more luxurious, better looking, has more features, drives better, and costs thousands less than the Genesis, it is certainly a car I'd have to take a close look at when I'm in the market for such a car.
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Current bands owned: Chrysler, Hyundai, Mazda, VW
Owned/leased in the past: Chevrolet, Mercury, Toyota (multiple), Honda (multiple), Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Dodge (multiple), Mazda (multiple), Nissan (multiple), BMW