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As Predicted By AutoSpies.com-Hyundai To Test USA Market With 100 $75K Equus Sedans. Will It Be A Success?

Agent001 submitted on 5/7/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 7:47:09 PM

72 user comments | Category: Spy News | Source: | SOURCE: www.usatoday.com

Tag Link: 2010 Hyundai Equus

This summer, the South Korean automaker plans to ship 100 Equus luxury sedans to U.

S. dealerships to quietly gauge what American customers think about the model. Equus also was displayed at the New York International Auto Show last month simply to gauge reaction. "We have modest expectations," Gadacz said.

Hyundai sold 6,021 Genesis sedans this year through April, Autodata says. Prices ranged from $32,250 for a V-6-powered version to about $42,000 for a fully loaded V-8 model. To lure luxury buyers, Hyundai is discreet about where its logos appear on the Genesis. Buyers so far have included those moving over from entry-level Lexus or BMW 3 Series, as well as those trading in Toyota Avalons or other large non-luxury sedans, says Art Spinella of CNW Marketing Research.

Will they sell the 100 cars and will they continue bringing more in after the test?

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As Predicted By AutoSpies.com-Hyundai To Test USA Market With 100 $75K Equus Sedans. Will It Be A Success?

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— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

And I'm pretty sure they will come WITHOUT the hood ornament here.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 8:17:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

That's a mistake. Without the hood ornament, it's just another one of a zillion, mind-numbing, hideous Asian sedans clogging America's freeways. At least the hood ornament would be something to focus on.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 10:10:04 PM | | Votes: -5

Good call dropping the flying lady hood ornament. Looks stupid with it, looks like a Lexus without it.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 11:18:43 AM | | Votes: 1

and no, with or without that hood ornament I don't think a $75k Hyundai will sell. If VW couldn't sell Phaeton's I don't see Hyundai selling many of these. Hyundai sells by offering low payments on inexpensive vehicles and by selling to credit challenged customers. People who can afford a $75k car aren't going to go to a Hyundai dealership to spend that money. They're not going to buy from a dealer whose radio ad is "$169/mo for 78 months on a brand new Accent! Bad Credit? No Credit? No problem!"
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 11:27:09 AM | | Votes: 2

I've seen more new Genesis than old/new Phaetons. The Equus has a fighting chance in the market today. If Cadillac and Lincoln can still sell vehicles, then the luxurious will probably do OK.

We pass them on the highway frequently. My wife never notices them, but the Genesis doesn't look out-of-place among other luxury cars. I can imagine her mistaking an Equus for a new Lexus or Benz. Hey, before you balk, she represents the general public in their ability to recognize & identify most cars. She wouldn't care if the Equus is a $75k Hyundai, as long as it met her expectations of a $75k luxury car.
— dumpsty (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:36:38 PM | | Votes: 2

dumpsty, the Genesis is a $30-40k vehicle. Almost every "regular" car company has $30-40k vehicles, it's only a new phenomenon to the Korean brands. But $75k is a different realm. VW sells plenty of $30-40k vehicles. They couldn't sell a $75k Phaeton. The only times I've successfully seen "normal" car companies successfully sell a car that was significantly more expensive than everything else they sold, it was because the car in question offered supercar performance. Corvette Z06 & ZR1, Dodge Viper, Ford GT, Nissan GT-R, etc. All successful, all sports cars. People buying uber luxury cars, however, are buying the brand as much as the car itself. The guy who bought the Genesis for $35k wouldn't automatically buy the Equus for $75k if he had the money. If faced with a $75k Hyundai Equus or a $80-100k BMW 750Li, Audi A8, Lexus LS, or Mercedes S550, how many people are REALLY going to get the Hyundai? My guess is zero. In fact, I believe even if you capped the expenditure at $75k just to make it 100% even, I believe pretty much everyone would get a one year old 7-Series, S-class, A8, or LS over a $75k Hyundai. Or they'd get a lower model BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, or Audi. That's how much brand means at $75k when you're talking luxury cars.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 4:41:05 PM | | Votes: 1

Failure.
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 8:40:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

Detroit is a failure.
— onetime (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 10:38:44 PM | | Votes: 9

LOL
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 3:32:06 AM | | Votes: 8

you cant say that it will be a failure.....if they sold 6021 genesis from january to april thats about 2000 cars a month for a car that numerous people say it wouldnt succeed because its a hyudai and I admit i was one of them people. but seeing the genesis in person its a pretty HOT package fully loaded and i have to say I was QUITE impressed by this car even though it looks like they borrowed stuff from the german and the japanese auto manufacturers. Now as for the EQUUS I think those first 100 are going to sell like hotcakes at ihop on a sunday morning. but we need to give this car a chance because if it proves to be better than some luxury cars out there now you may never know what the future holds for them
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 8:28:00 AM | | Votes: 6

In this time in this market it will fail. if toyota cant move enough cars and will take huge losses who can afford a car at 75k?
— 1UAW (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 6:44:18 PM | | Votes: -2

I was actually considering it, but 75K is a little too high. At 55K, I wouldn't hesitate.
— flychronic (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 8:50:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10

If Lexus could do it I don't see why Hyundai can't make a good luxury car at a bargain price. If it's got the size, engine size, leather seats w/ good quality interior bits the US population will accept this product.

I am an optimist and would love to see Hyundai come from no where and become known in North America as a entry-mid range luxury automaker. I wish them luck and with the Genesis trendsetting the rest of the lineup, Equus can be a success. If it sells 10,000 it's first year it's already a success, especially at that price point.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 4:41:04 AM | | Votes: 0

"If Lexus could do it I don't see why Hyundai can't make a good luxury car at a bargain price. If it's got the size, engine size, leather seats w/ good quality interior bits the US population will accept this product."

I disagree. I don't doubt that Hyundai could make a quality vehicle, but the problem with your analogy is you're neglecting the fact that Lexus had to be spun off of Toyota for that to successfully happen. You think people would have embraced those cars so readily had Toyota brought them over as Toyota's? No. And for proof of that, look no further than... everywhere else in the world. Until a few years ago those same cars that were being sold here so successfully as Lexus models were sold everywhere else as Toyota's... and they didn't sell. So Toyota tried rebranding them as Lexus models since that worked in the U.S. so well... and they still didn't sell. It was too late to unring the bell, to everyone else in the world those were "just Toyota's", even if Toyota was suddenly trying to sell them as Lexus models.

So while I agree that Hyundai could probably make a very fine car and successfully undercut the prestige marques with it, I wholeheartedly disagree that U.S. consumers would embrace it. They didn't embrace the Phaeton when VW tried the exact same thing. And they only embraced Lexus because Toyota was smart enough to come out with a new brand positioned above Toyota (and they weren't smart enough to do that from the start for the rest of the world, which is why the rest of the world doesn't buy them).

If Hyundai wants to sell these, they need to create a higher end brand. Disassociate themselves from Hyundai. And do it from the start.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 11:39:28 AM | | Votes: 3

Point taken. It's just I've given up on Hyundai creating a new brand. Perhaps if they name the new brand Genesis and call this the Genesis Equus it may be better off. I don't disagree with you on that point though, they do need a serious luxury nameplate in order to be successful worldwide. Their name has been tainted with cheap economy cars. Lexus in most countries are still viewed as "just toyotas'. Only in North America and Japan are they embraced as something equal to Mercedes. I don't blame the world for thinking that. Mercedes has always been a prestigious brand, where as Lexus is a subsidiary of Toyota. But with that said, I don't see why Hyundai can't be just as successful with a luxury brand as Lexus are today, even if it's major market is North America.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 2:46:55 PM | | Votes: 2

It will be a success for 100 chuckleheads.

EL34 - Your friendly Orange County, Ca Realtor :-)
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 8:52:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

How soon we forget the Phaeton...
— _43LE (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 9:17:00 PM | | Votes: 14

I like how the overseas version has no obvious Hyundai badging(unless I've missed something). This might actually play into the favor of Hyundai here in the states. I wish they'd do the same with the Genesis sedan and coupe, and remove the Hyundai badging altogether.

IMHO, I think it speaks highly to have a luxury lineup placed alongside its marque's lower cost options that have garnered a high dependability rating. I would definitely consider a vehicle like this. But, then again, I judge a vehicle more on it'e merit than it's badge.
— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 8:53:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 11

I was hoping they could put more lights and chrome in the front. Does it come with one of those crown-shaped car scents?
— DogLb (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 9:06:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

$75K for ONE Hyundai Equus sedan, or is that for a dozen of them? Better be for more than one, like a bundle deal or something. That thing ain't worth $15K.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 9:19:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -11

*cough* Phaeton *cough*
— weaponX (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 9:55:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

When did Autospies.com predict this out of curiosity? I think Autospies over estimates its influence in the automotive world.
— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 10:18:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

Is it just me or does the interior wood of this thing look cheap or what?? Hasn't Hyundai looked at the Germans non-gloss, non-orange wood selections that are now on offer at BMW, MB and Audi?? I hate the wood in this car. As for $75K??? Uhhhhh I wouldn't. Depreciation will be like a cinder block being tossed into the Hudson.
— atomicbri (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 10:20:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

The fact that Hyundai will only bring 100 cars over is more of an enticement than the actual car itself.

"To lure luxury buyers, Hyundai is discreet about where its logos appear on the Genesis."

Haha, like how he used the word "lure" instead of "attract". Hyundai has to trick customers into thinking they're another car company inorder to get them to buy a Hyundai.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 10:37:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

I have to give credit to Hyundai for giving it a name though, well, for now. All these alphabet soup car designations are stupid.

Interior looks like a cross between the last gen RX and Audi's.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 10:40:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I wonder who will buy them, and how will they like it? I like the Gagues. They should sell this as a special order model, and have one tester always at the dealer. They should have a small assembly line at the Alabama plant ready to go, so if a customer orders one it can be built in a matter of hours, and shipped to the dealer that same night.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 10:43:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

At least for the first 12-24 months.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 10:45:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

I personally think Hyundai is smart about testing the 100. I do think however, that Hyundai should continue work on Upmarketing the smaller cars for the US market. They have done so with great success in Europe. I hope Hyundai stays on its mission in becoming a Near Luxury Eco/Sport Company.

Maybe a future Genesis line would end up being a Full Luxury make.

One Possible Hyundai Future:

KIA=Toyota/Honda

Hyundai=Lincoln/Chrysler/SAAB/Volvo/Infinti

Genesis= Merc/BMW

— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 11:01:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

KIA/Hyundai/Genesis

Like

VW/Audi/Bentley
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 11:03:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Ongoing, will you sum up your thoughts into one post please? Your filling up the page with your hyuandai nonsense!
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:39:45 PM | | Votes: 1

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/7/2009 11:04:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

KIA = undercut by Chery, BYD, Tata, Walmart.
Hyundai = wannabe Toyota/Honda but Koreans will still be too embarassed to be seen in anything that isn't German.
Genesis = still just a Hyundai (minus the hidden badging) and Koreans won't be caught dead in one if there's a perfectly good second hand German econobox around.

In about 100 yrs when people with brains all die off, then maybe Hyundai will be able to compete on something other than price.
Hyundai Canada's desperation still continues to surprise me, their marketing headline now is '0% WITH lower prices'. I'm sure the Equus will look marvelous parked beside the $9995 Accent. I can't believe a Tucson is only $1000 more than a Civic and $7000 less than a base RAV4.
If the Korean gov't isn't careful, Hyundai's going to bankrupt them by subsidizing all these giveaways.
http://www.hyundaicanada.com/Pages/SpecialOffer/SalesPromotions.aspx
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:30:16 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Huu76,wake up, with 1 million Koreans in Los Angeles, drive thru Koreatown and see how many Genesis you'll see(a lot). There is a new sense of national pride. I don't think Hyundai is trying to prove anything to anybody. Don't worry, they are not trying to overtake the germans nor Lexus. They are just following the basic guidelines of a business to stay alive. Offering something fresh in a good package, at a reasonable price.
— flychronic (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:23:43 PM | | Votes: 5

It all depends...but I think it broadens the competition with infiniti and Lexus.
— Type707 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:59:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

It will be a smashing success, because, and I guarantee you this, 100 Korean Americans will pre-order it the very first day that it is available for pre-ordering. They have a strong sense of patriotism, and they will gobble it up to make it seem like that over-priced thing is a smashing success. I say let them buy them all up. This will be Hyundai's downfall for being so ignorant. Hyundai will think that they have a successful $75,000 car on hand that will put their brand on equal terms with those from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes, and so they will ship a lot more than 100 of these over. No one else will buy these cars, and they will be taking huge losses like the Big Three-soon to be the Gigantic One.
— investor27 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:15:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

10 years ago I was selected to drive the XG350 for a week by Hyundai, for marketing research purposes. Of course I had to an extensive survey afterwards. This car was a failure, and I think this extensive research led to the Genesis. So, don't assume they are not doing their homework.
— flychronic (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:41:12 PM | | Votes: 2

They should have learned from VW and their Phaeton.
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 3:30:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

This just doesnt sound right, I dont think Hyundai is dum enough to repeat the Phaeton fiasco, and at a 75,000 asking price it isnt a bargain, and is priced above/at the price of many other would be competition, just doesnt seem likely for Hyundai to fight these brands at the same price point they dont have the Prestige or Brand to do so. At 75 grand its more than the XJ,LS, and Phaeton, starting at the same price as the A8, and very close to the 7 series. Even if the 75 grand is a fully decked model unless this car is in the 50-60 grand price bracket why would anyone take this car over the LS, it has the reputation, quality, prestige, and is alot cheaper base price sounds like a fail on Hyundais part, the Genesis was good at luring people but they arent there yet to fight the luxury brands at the same price point.
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 6:49:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

It's all Marketing, before Hyundai would target Honda and Toyota and no one listened, once they mentioned BWM,Lexus,MB people were listening. Will they sell for the same price? Of course not, some idiots here think so and that's why the Hyundai blogs are getting longer.
— flychronic (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:52:26 PM | | Votes: 3

I think 55 should do it...75 to me is just too much. I would hesitate to pay that even for the Germans.
— NItePhire (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 7:54:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Nite, could't agree more. $55k is the max I would pay for this car. I would also expect a fully loaded version with massaging seats.
— flychronic (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:56:05 PM | | Votes: 2

yeah...i guess i want one with just a teeny bit more chrome and bigger headlights in the front...then it would look even more luxurious!

LOL!
— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 8:51:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Just because the Genesis is a success, does not mean they will automatically be able to compete with a high end luxury sedan such as an A8/750LI/S550. If anything they should compete with Lexus first. I think a Genesis/Lexus owner (IMO) might consider this but not a BMW/MB owner. Id buy a S550 any day of the year before an Equus. I am sure people here will agree with me.
— M_Motorsport (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 10:00:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

For Top Notch escorts, got to South America you'll get them for Hyundai prices.
— flychronic (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:03:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

This would undercut the LS by quite a bit...
— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 10:36:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

It makes me laugh when old farts willingly go out and buy Lexus not knowing they are rebadged Toyota, but I'll be rolling on the floor laughing my ass off, when some of those old farts go out and buy a Hyundai for $75k. Hyundai is nothing more then bargain basement transportation like those from Japan but there are those idiots that believes Lexus/Infiniti/Acura is supreme luxurious cars. I guess there are enough suckers/idiots in this world that can cough up their money to buy Hyundai for $75K but I wouldn't go near that thing unless Hyundai bring that thing with 5.0 with 420+ horse power version for about $50k-$60k.
— 2001W210 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 10:55:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

In S.Korea, Equus costs US75k and an S550 is US200K, amazingly you see a whole bunch of them on the streets. Maybe We are the idiots who can't afford 80k on an S550 and bitch about it here on Autospies.
— flychronic (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:12:59 PM | | Votes: 2

I don't remember saying I'll actually buy the thing even it cost $50k-$60k. I haven't bought any Asian branded car in nearly decade and half. I had been buying domestic or European for most of my life and it will be so until I die.
— 2001W210 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:32:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I don't think the Phaeton comments make sense. The Phaeton was aimed to steal sales from Benz.

This thing is just an experiment in the US. Smart move by Hyundai for giving it a try.
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 11:47:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I really don't have time to see this stupid thing. Who is going to spend 75 000$ in a mixer copy of Lexus ,Mercedes,BMW,Infinity,etc etc, is not for me. If you have taste for authentic car just buy the original and that's all.
NO WAY....................
— pepito66 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:41:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

people who've had a reliable little hyundai during college and have moved up in the world might at least take a look at it.
— commander104 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:53:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

and is the LS any less of a car just b/c toyota sells a yaris
— commander104 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 12:53:55 PM | | Votes: 3

I personally think enough is ... well enough, LOL! I am so proud that Hyundai has improved tremendously over the years. However, it is still a Hyundai. Although I am not currently in the market for a 75k automobile, there are so many other cars that I would buy. I just don't even feel comfortable knowing that this car exists. It has been hard enough for me to adapt to actually seeing this 5 series/M 35 Genesis in the road. I just want to go back to the good old days when Hyundais were designed with those in mind who may have had difficulty affording a nice car. I don't like that they now make nice cars that I cannot afford, lol.
— noscreenname (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:01:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Toyota should also export their Toyota Crown Majesta, it has better technology than in Lexus LS.
— abcd (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:16:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Not sure this is a good idea or who would pay that much for one. However, if someone feels it is worth it, then more power to them.
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:25:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

So in about a year I will be able to pick up a slightly used one for around 25k. Or maybe a new one that did sell at a significant discount.
— 0to60 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 1:43:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Failure. Hyundai's are still perceived as cheap. No one will be able to tell their next door neighbor that they bought a Hyundai for $75,000 without having them laugh in their face. Out loud. For a long time.
— thstone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 2:18:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

uhh... most people that i talk to about the Genesis and the coupe are surprised that theyre hyundais and LIKE them... the normal public is NOT going to laugh at you because you bought one... in fact theyll be curious and check the car out itself.

Sure 75k is aot, but somethings telling me that its not going to be that expensive once it steps foot on US soil. Im guessing 55-60k.

People really gotta stop bashing Hyundai because of they motherf**kin past. GET OVER IT. Its 2009. Theyre a major player in markets everywhere. If you dont like it move to mars because Hyundai is the next toyota.
— blaniac22 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2009 12:56:21 PM | | Votes: 2

Hyundai has made some really good moves lately. Important ones. They too realize that very rightly that as the Largest market/ growing market passes from NA to China, they have to move up teh food chain to prevent their affordable tag from being cannablized by the Chinese companies. Their strategic play comes at a time when the entire industry is undergoing a sesimic shift.
with the right kind of advertisement , Hyundai can jump right up there to play with the majors in the luxury market. They have the size and capacity to do that.
As for simply sayign its only Koreans who are going to buy it .. I would deem that wrong. Hyundai will do well along the entire US market.

However , the 75k car is only a marketign gimmick ( 100 cars only gives that away ) but it will remain an important market test to see and change perceptions of what a Hyundai must be .
— izfuney (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 3:47:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

i heard the equus costs 100k in korea.
we will get it for 50-60k according to motortrend.

well..

benz costs 100k so it's about the half price. still doesn't make sense?
— eddiedko (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 4:39:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

The superior Eqqus, is a work of regimental, almost fanatical South Korean craftmanship. This beast is coming for ya!!! You know who you are!!! Hyundai should call themselves, Korean Auto Crafters, at least as a nickname.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 9:48:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

By the way, when I said that I used my overly douchey Hyundai Announcer guy on the commercials voice.

I could Imagine this loud "Bing!!!!!!!!!!!!!" While an Accent with Blue HID Xenon bulbs with blindingly chrome rims strolls through the Genesis Columns. "You said it wasnt so, but the Hyundai Accent is the Winner of the 2011 North American Car of the Year Award. Motor trend says the 2011 Hyundai Accent is a work of art. We think so too, that's why we sell it. This big premium hatchback, and a sibling!!!" Then an Accent 3 door with a 2.0 turbo just glides on a race track, making that loud Genesis coupe Noise." I say, "This is getting find of fun."
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/8/2009 9:59:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Suprising isn't it? Considering about 15-20 years ago the most technologically advanced product from Korea was Kim Chee! Mmmm I love Kim Chee!
— Reason (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2009 12:07:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Success depend on price.

55K = LS460

75K = VW Phaeton
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2009 12:33:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

flychronic,
Please, a Korean would rather walk than drive a Korean car. Its German or nothing.

I know for a fact that they'd rather buy a 4yo Audi instead of a brand new Civic that costs only 2/3 the price of the Audi. That's how materialistic they are.

Do you recall the original article a month or so back stating the Equus is mainly for gov't use? They know there's no point in selling this thing at home.

National pride is one thing, but how about they do something that differentiates them from the Japanese. I'm surprised Korea hasn't gotten into sumo just because Japan does it (they mimic everything else Japan does).
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2009 4:16:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...plus the Civic is a Japanese car smart guy.
I'll commend Hyundai for upping their quality, but this may be a overly optimistic.
— DogLb (View Profile)

Posted on 5/21/2009 1:55:33 AM | | Votes: 1

They should play a Braums Symphony piece with for one of the ads.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2009 12:14:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I could see this brand taking sales away from Lexus or accura but less so BMW/MB
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2009 8:42:35 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

kpaxx, think youre right, but Hyundai with good product could make Buick crumble, and deal the final death blow to Chrysler. Hyundai can also give Cadillac and Lincoln a run for their money. Wtih increased initiatives to build Near Luxury small cars: i.e. Elantra Touring. Hyundai can be a force in the Near Luxury Segment, just on the fat that no other Near Lux Make:Lincoln, Buick, Chrysler, SAAB, Volvo, etc.. has a small car that gets 30 MPG, much less the Elantras 35 MPG.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2009 3:56:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

huu why are you so racist against Koreans? If Asians were to stop with that Nationalistic Racism and work together, Asians can easily and handily take over the World.
— HyundaiSmoke (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2009 3:58:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

huu76,
why so much hate against Koreans? Is your boss Korean? Did he stuff some kimchee up ur ass? It's German or nothing. That's the stupidest comment I have ever heard. You have no sense of reality.
— flychronic (View Profile)

Posted on 5/11/2009 12:38:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

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