Hyundai RWD Luxury Sedan News: Spied

Vintalage · 05-05-2005, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Hyundai? Luxury? Korean automaker to introduce upscale, rear-drive car in U.S. in 2007
JAMES B. TREECE | Automotive News
Posted Date: 5/3/05

Hyundai Motor Co. will introduce a rear-wheel-drive luxury car in the United States in 2007 to test the waters for launching a luxury brand.

Pickups and sports cars are lower priorities for the Korean automaker, Hyundai's Korean executives said during the Seoul motor show here last week.

After launching the luxury car, "We will decide whether or not to launch a separate brand," said Kim Dong Jin, Hyundai's vice chairman and co-CEO.

He said Hyundai has a number of issues to settle. For example, the automaker may offer franchises in a new brand only to existing Hyundai dealers, or to dealers who currently do not sell Hyundais.

Kim says a luxury car is a "higher priority" for Hyundai than a pickup. A luxury car would "improve our brand image" in ways that a pickup would not, he says.

But U.S. executives have stressed repeatedly that they would prefer to get a large pickup before luxury vehicles. Hyundai Motor hopes to sell 1 million units annually in the United States in 2010. Hyundai and affiliate Kia sold a total of 688,670 units in the United States in 2004.

Hyundai sells no rear-drive car now.

A spate of upcoming vehicle redesigns should succeed in building up the Hyundai image, "then naturally, a customer wants a luxury car from Hyundai," said Brandon Yea, director of the marketing strategy team in the Hyundai and Kia corporate marketing division. "That's when we'll launch a luxury brand."

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102292

- Autoweek

bigbenSC · 05-05-2005, 07:01 AM

They are going to need a new brand if they truly want to compete with a $30,000+ luxury car. You can't sell a car of that type next to an Accent. I think they should go for a full line of mainstream cars before attacking a luxury brand. A pickup should be a priority.

Vintalage · 05-05-2005, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbengt67

A pickup should be a priority.

Maybe. But they want the buying public to look at Hyundai Motor corp. differently and a pickup won't achieve that.

bigbenSC · 05-05-2005, 05:39 PM

Once the public gets a certain opinion of a brand it is very difficult to change, Hyundai is percieved as a cheap alternative to the usual brands, even after selling cars in the US for 20 years. They have drastically improved quality and performance, but I don't ever see someone comparing a Hyundai luxury car to a Lexus/Cadillac/BMW etc. I do see them looking at a full size truck over the mainstream brands however. If Hyundai wants to compete in the luxury segment they just have to follow the Japanese and launch a dedicated brand. I a luxury car comes out wearing the Hyundai name it will tank. If Volkswagen couldn't do it with their massive resources and experiancem, Hyundai should just realize it won't work.

Vintalage · 05-05-2005, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigbengt67

I a luxury car comes out wearing the Hyundai name it will tank. If Volkswagen couldn't do it with their massive resources and experiancem, Hyundai should just realize it won't work.

I knew you were going to mention VW. But I agree. Maybe this luxury car will wear the luxury brand name but put on sale at Hyundai dealerships?

bigbenSC · 05-05-2005, 09:12 PM

^ It will be intereting to see how they develop a dealer network, the Japanese set up as far away from their mainstream dealers as possible a decade and a half ago. If it were my call I would do the same. Uppercrust buyers like an exemplary dealer experience as well. Again, I don't think a buyer of a luxury car should have to get serviced at the same place the guy with the old Elantra goes to.

Mike3800 · 05-10-2005, 11:18 AM

Hyundai is going the way Japanese brands did in the late 70's. (not that I was a car buyer back then or anything)

They are slowly building a reputation, undercutting the competition by offering more features for the $$, then backing it with warranty, and are now proving to be reliable.

Anyone remember Lexus in 1989?

PontiacGT2K · 05-27-2005, 07:41 AM

Hyundai in S. Korea is THE luxury car maker....they've had navigation stock on most of their cars for years. But I agree, they'll need a new brand name to get it to work here in the states.

Vintalage · 07-27-2005, 10:07 PM

5-lO · 07-28-2005, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike3800

Hyundai is going the way Japanese brands did in the late 70's. (not that I was a car buyer back then or anything)

They are slowly building a reputation, undercutting the competition by offering more features for the $$, then backing it with warranty, and are now proving to be reliable.

Anyone remember Lexus in 1989?

Off topic, but I have to read the thread that has that quote in your signature, do tell the link

Rich · 07-28-2005, 01:26 AM

it reminds me of a 300C by the way its sitting.

AMRAAM4 · 07-28-2005, 05:01 AM

Hyundai is going to be equivalent to Toyota/Nissan/Mazda here in the U.S. within the next 3-4 years. Mark my words.

Vintalage · 07-28-2005, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMRAAM4

Hyundai is going to be equivalent to Toyota/Nissan/Mazda here in the U.S. within the next 3-4 years. Mark my words.

Oh definately. Toyota is their role model.

Vintalage · 07-28-2005, 07:06 AM

The profile of this vehicle is more aggressive compared to the Buick Lausanne.

crazypontiac03 · 07-28-2005, 07:53 AM

, I'll have to agree with that statement.

Mike3800 · 07-28-2005, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Free03GT

Off topic, but I have to read the thread that has that quote in your signature, do tell the link

I'll look for it.

bigbenSC · 07-28-2005, 02:27 PM

My guess is that they went after the Lexus GS for inspiration the roofline is very similar. Its is definately a big car.

Vintalage · 07-30-2005, 05:07 PM

Hyundai insiders are reporting that this sedan will be launched under the new luxury brand. I've read that lately, Hyundai is very skeptical that the buying public would accept a $45k+ Hyundai. I believe this is the right approach. Launch the car like Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura did in the '80s. It wouldn't fit under the Hyundai brand.

playerx4 · 07-31-2005, 02:28 PM

Any ideas of what this new division will be called?

Vintalage · 08-19-2005, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Unless you've visited Korea lately, you've probably never heard of the Hyundai Equus. It's Hyundai's largest, most luxurious sedan, but since its debut in 1999 it's been a domestic market sedan only. That may change in the coming years as the 2008 Hyundai Equus is being designed with U.S. sales in mind.

Our latest spy photos show an Equus sedan that's bigger and more luxurious-looking than the current model. The styling looks as though it will remain on the conservative side, but given that the Equus will likely go up against cars like the Toyota Avalon and Buick Lucerne it shouldn't be a problem. Size shouldn't be an issue either. Our handy spy shooters measured a wheelbase of 116 inches, a full 5 inches longer than the Avalon's 111-inch wheelbase. That should give the Equus plenty of room in back to go along with what looks to be a well-appointed cabin.

The last-generation Equus made the switch to rear-wheel drive and the 2008 model will retain that configuration. Power is expected to come from a 3.8-liter V6 with upwards of 270 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability will handle the shifts.

Look for this sedan to debut in about two years time, most likely with a new name for its new market.

- Edmunds

05-10-2005, 11:18 AM	#7
Mike3800 GAGT - Junkie AKA: Michael Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Northglenn, CO USA Age: 49 Posts: 3,394 Vehicle: 2015 Chrysler 200S AWD	Hyundai is going the way Japanese brands did in the late 70's. (not that I was a car buyer back then or anything) They are slowly building a reputation, undercutting the competition by offering more features for the $$, then backing it with warranty, and are now proving to be reliable. Anyone remember Lexus in 1989? __________________ -Mike

05-27-2005, 07:41 AM	#8
PontiacGT2K It's coming... AKA: Andy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: St. Charles, Illinois / Milwaukee, Wisconsin (school) Age: 37 Posts: 2,486 Vehicle: '03 350z Touring	Hyundai in S. Korea is THE luxury car maker....they've had navigation stock on most of their cars for years. But I agree, they'll need a new brand name to get it to work here in the states. __________________ Team GMCI "Get the ambulance, my stomach fell out."

07-27-2005, 10:07 PM	#9
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	__________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

07-28-2005, 01:26 AM	#11
Rich Moderator AKA: Rich Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Toledo, OH Age: 36 Posts: 4,513 Vehicle: 2001 2.4 Grand Am	it reminds me of a 300C by the way its sitting. __________________ "The news isn't so depressing when you're surrounded by bubbles." fquick

07-28-2005, 05:01 AM	#12
AMRAAM4 Wiley 'Ol Veteran AKA: Bob (aka Hoss) Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Azerbaijan Age: 45 Posts: 6,935 Vehicle: See My Signature Block	Hyundai is going to be equivalent to Toyota/Nissan/Mazda here in the U.S. within the next 3-4 years. Mark my words. __________________ 2016 GoMango Challenger SRT Hellcat 2014 Redline Pearl Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 2018 Bruiser Grey Dodge Durango SRT TRADED-2004 Black Grand Am GT,2004 Impulse Blue GTO M6, 2012 Mineral Gray Jeep SRT8, 2010 Bright Silver Jeep SRT8 LEASE TURN-IN-2006 Summit White TrailBlazer SS AWD (Vector CAI & tune) SOLD-2000 Silvermist Grand Am GT Supercharged,1994 Daytona Blue Single Turbo RX7 (427whp/330wtq), 2006 Spice Red GTO A4, 2013 Grabber Blue Shelby GT500

05-05-2005, 07:01 AM	#2
bigbenSC SC and Loving It! AKA: Ben Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lexington, KY Age: 36 Posts: 1,772 Vehicle: 2005 SRT-6, 2001 GA GT	They are going to need a new brand if they truly want to compete with a $30,000+ luxury car. You can't sell a car of that type next to an Accent. I think they should go for a full line of mainstream cars before attacking a luxury brand. A pickup should be a priority.

05-05-2005, 05:39 PM	#4
bigbenSC SC and Loving It! AKA: Ben Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lexington, KY Age: 36 Posts: 1,772 Vehicle: 2005 SRT-6, 2001 GA GT	Once the public gets a certain opinion of a brand it is very difficult to change, Hyundai is percieved as a cheap alternative to the usual brands, even after selling cars in the US for 20 years. They have drastically improved quality and performance, but I don't ever see someone comparing a Hyundai luxury car to a Lexus/Cadillac/BMW etc. I do see them looking at a full size truck over the mainstream brands however. If Hyundai wants to compete in the luxury segment they just have to follow the Japanese and launch a dedicated brand. I a luxury car comes out wearing the Hyundai name it will tank. If Volkswagen couldn't do it with their massive resources and experiancem, Hyundai should just realize it won't work.

05-05-2005, 09:12 PM	#6
bigbenSC SC and Loving It! AKA: Ben Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lexington, KY Age: 36 Posts: 1,772 Vehicle: 2005 SRT-6, 2001 GA GT	^ It will be intereting to see how they develop a dealer network, the Japanese set up as far away from their mainstream dealers as possible a decade and a half ago. If it were my call I would do the same. Uppercrust buyers like an exemplary dealer experience as well. Again, I don't think a buyer of a luxury car should have to get serviced at the same place the guy with the old Elantra goes to.

07-28-2005, 07:06 AM	#14
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	The profile of this vehicle is more aggressive compared to the Buick Lausanne. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

07-28-2005, 07:53 AM	#15
crazypontiac03 MiDnIgHt AKA: Jason/Sparky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: IL Age: 37 Posts: 3,019 Vehicle: 2008 HHR/05 Galant	, I'll have to agree with that statement. __________________ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if it wasn't for FORD's our tools would rust! "Unions were the rise and will be the fall of this Great Nation" "A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in... And how many want out." Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: 1. Jesus Christ 2. The American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. -Tony Blair

07-28-2005, 02:27 PM	#17
bigbenSC SC and Loving It! AKA: Ben Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Lexington, KY Age: 36 Posts: 1,772 Vehicle: 2005 SRT-6, 2001 GA GT	My guess is that they went after the Lexus GS for inspiration the roofline is very similar. Its is definately a big car.

07-30-2005, 05:07 PM	#18
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	Hyundai insiders are reporting that this sedan will be launched under the new luxury brand. I've read that lately, Hyundai is very skeptical that the buying public would accept a $45k+ Hyundai. I believe this is the right approach. Launch the car like Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura did in the '80s. It wouldn't fit under the Hyundai brand. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

07-31-2005, 02:28 PM	#19
playerx4 GAGT - Member AKA: Victor Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Fremont, CA Age: 36 Posts: 247 Vehicle: 02 Grand Am Gt	Any ideas of what this new division will be called?

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