You wouldn't think Hyundai would be successful with its $58K Equus....
Danny Tse
Posts: 5,206
Think again. Saw the below at Autoguide.com....
Of all the cars mentioned above, I think the only direct competitor for the Hyundai Equus is the Acura RL, not exactly a fresh model. On the other hand, this could just be the beginning for Korean luxury cars.
When Hyundai first introduced the Genesis, people chuckled at a Korean automaker offering a rear-drive luxury car. Now established as a modestly successful model, Hyundai has ventured further into the luxury market with the full-sized Equus, designed to rival cars like the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS.
With the possibility that it could be a total flop and with even Hyundai execs and PR reps cautioning that it is in no way designed to be anywhere near a volume model, the new Hyundai flagship is off to a strong start. In its first month on sale, competing in a market packed with incentive-filled vehicles so dealers can meet year-end quotas, a total of 196 Equus models were purchased.
That might not sound like a lot, but the Equus actually out-sold 13 other cars in the market, including the much-hyped Nissan Leaf, of which just 19 were delivered in December. Equus sales also topped those of four exclusive, low volume brands: Rolls-Royce (39), Lamborghini (26), Ferrari (151) and Maserati (180).
The Equus topped the Acura RL (141 units), numerous sports cars including the Porsche Boxster and Audi TT, as well as a few other vehicles youd expect it wouldnt, like the Mercedes SL, SLK and CL.
The Equus is hardly a sound business case on its own, but it is helping to change Hyundais brand image. The Equus shot right out of the gate said Hyundai Motor America PR Rep Dan Bedore commenting that among niche market cars its a hit. Dealers are clamoring for cars, he says.
Of all the cars mentioned above, I think the only direct competitor for the Hyundai Equus is the Acura RL, not exactly a fresh model. On the other hand, this could just be the beginning for Korean luxury cars.
Post edited by Danny Tse on
Comments
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Yeah but, it's still a Hyundai.Expert Moron Extraordinaire
You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you! -
At least it's not a Ford
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The Genesis is a super nice car. I would consider it if I hadn't vowed to onl buy american "made" or assembled from now on. I don't doubt Equus will be a real contender, My wife drives a Kia Amante (used to be top their top model) and it's a hell of a car and was 2/3 the price of the competition. Brand stigma is still going to be a little bit of a hurdle but they've been getting it right for long enough that I think people are really starting to noticedesign is where science and art break even.
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design is where science and art break even.
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I've been in a Genesis a few times now and was very impressed.
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The Genesis is a super nice car. I would consider it if I hadn't vowed to onl buy american "made" or assembled from now on. I don't doubt Equus will be a real contender, My wife drives a Kia Amante (used to be top their top model) and it's a hell of a car and was 2/3 the price of the competition. Brand stigma is still going to be a little bit of a hurdle but they've been getting it right for long enough that I think people are really starting to notice
that's the thing though.. the new US Head of Hyundai is targeting that 80% of their top 3 brands, so likely at least the Accent through the Sonata, be made and manufactured in the US. So if they get to that point, you might well be almost "buying American" if you buy Hyundai. I know that when I start looking for a new car in 1.5 to 2 years, the Sonata will definitely be on the top of my list.Main 2ch -
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Yeah but, it's still a Hyundai.
It's a really nice car. Be interesting to debadge it and let people take if for a spin without the sighted bias and see what they think of it.
Time for a test drive? -
A rebadged Mercedes at a cheaper price. What's not to love about it?Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!
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I actually liked the VW Phaeton myself....
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Once they offer that the Genesis Sedan V8 in the Genesis Coupe, I'll give it a serious look.
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This thread is very interesting in that a company with this strange name is still around and even doing better than Americas' majors in some respects.
The past few years has had me LOVING Hyundai's styling. When a car makes me go wow:eek:and I then read the name plate, 9 out of 10 it was a Hyundai.
Why can't american designers design stylish bodies more than they have in 20 years. Toyota and Acura and Mercedes have it down pat!!! Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them. -
I had a friend that worked for the GM West Coast Design Center. I asked him when GM, and American car companies in general, were goin g to figure out that it costs far less and is a better business practice to design cars that are sexy as hell as opposed to ones that lack any kind of soul.
His response was that they try to bring cars like the Cadillac 16 and such to market, but the beancounters and top brass always shoot them down. He now is working for VW/Porsche's Pacific Design Group because he became so frustrated with the BS inside GM.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
that's the thing though.. the new US Head of Hyundai is targeting that 80% of their top 3 brands, so likely at least the Accent through the Sonata, be made and manufactured in the US. So if they get to that point, you might well be almost "buying American" if you buy Hyundai. I know that when I start looking for a new car in 1.5 to 2 years, the Sonata will definitely be on the top of my list.
absolutely. If they bring the manufacturing or assembly here, I'd be happy to buy one. The new Sonata is beautiful, too. I'm just really impressed with the Genesis. Although I'd still love to own a Pontiac G8 GT... Oh well, house first! loldesign is where science and art break even. -
nooshinjohn wrote: »I had a friend that worked for the GM West Coast Design Center. I asked him when GM, and American car companies in general, were goin g to figure out that it costs far less and is a better business practice to design cars that are sexy as hell as opposed to ones that lack any kind of soul.
His response was that they try to bring cars like the Cadillac 16 and such to market, but the beancounters and top brass always shoot them down. He now is working for VW/Porsche's Pacific Design Group because he became so frustrated with the BS inside GM.
That's interesting. Design is the one thing that has really killed American cars for me. The new Buicks are pretty great. The thing that really was disappointing was that they killed Pontiac at the very moment it started to turn the corner and become the sports car company it once was (although their best designed car, the G8 was really just a rebadged Australian Holden SS).
Although my dad is apparently purchasing a Caddy CTS-V. Utterly sick. The new Eaton supercharged LSA engine from the ZR-1 Vette. Not to mention the magnetic suspension and Tremac trasmission. Insane. And I like that the exterior looks like it's stealth technology. :biggrin:design is where science and art break even. -
My last conversations with him are now more than 6 years old. GM has a handful of good looking cars on the road and coming down the pipeline. Had they kept building reliable, good looking cars in the first place, things would have been very different. I have my theories as to what happened within the American auto industry, but that could lead to a trainwreck, so I will keep them top myself.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
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I'll take the Lexus LS 460 thank you!
I'll take that super big and long Mercedes CL55 or CL65 (I've only seen 2 in my life so the #'s might be wrong) if we're allowed to pre dream our lottery car winnings..:tongue
One of these I think...The CL65 looks like what I druled over for sure!:eek:...650 HP 0-60...4.2 sec.....oh yea!..Amg version
http://0.tqn.com/d/cars/1/0/B/k/ny_08_cl65amg.jpg
I know those guys had to be RICH, they looked it.
But those cars sure looked solid and sleek and sexy. I have to search better if I hit the lottery to see exactly what I saw those couple of times. Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them. -
I work for an automotive supplier (for the past 22 yrs) and Hyundai has made a huge impact on our business as of late. In fact, they are the major reason for our latest hiring of 50 more people. We manufacture components for Ford, Gm, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, etc...
We get visits from execs all the time to review our processes and procedures and we used to think that they were pretty anal....you better have documentation for everything and anything you do. Capability studies, process controls, quality procedures, etc... But these guys from Hyundai....they are unreal in their demands. They have become one of the most quality oriented companies we have ever dealt with.
Even cleanliness is a huge deal. For a manufacturing facility that employs metal grinding, machining (turning and milling), grit blasting, heat treating (with oil baths and quench tanks), and huge 1200-2800 ton transfer presses...we are an exceptionally clean facility. I wouldn't hesitate to eat anything I dropped on the floor.... But these guys....not clean enough. They put everyone else to shame in their expectations.
Not only will you document all your measurements on processed parts, but you better be able to explain why you had to scrap a few.
Say what you will about them, but their quality has improved by leaps and bounds over the last few years. I will never buy one as I am a die hard Chevy fan, but they are positioning themselves to dominate. And their sister company Kia....will be coming up not far behind. -
I wouldn't but it, but it sure does look like a nice vehicle.
Front seat massage, only 2 rear seats with heating/cooling and seperate audio controls... -
I wasn't as impressed with the Equus as I thought I'd be when I saw it. Hyundai in general however has really stepped it up from the days of the Excel. New Sonata is gorgeous, great fuel economy and a ton of features for the price. Not sure where the upcoming hybrid will find it's niche though.
The '11 Elantra is good looking too, strong family resemblance with the Sonata and the Genesis coupe to a degree.Wristwatch--->Crisco -
BuckeyeTim wrote: »I work for an automotive supplier (for the past 22 yrs) and Hyundai has made a huge impact on our business as of late. In fact, they are the major reason for our latest hiring of 50 more people. We manufacture components for Ford, Gm, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, etc...
You don't happen to work for Varbros or Forest City Auto? -
Tim, great insight. Thanks
The way a company is run is often mirrored in their product.design is where science and art break even. -
Although my dad is apparently purchasing a Caddy CTS-V. Utterly sick. The new Eaton supercharged LSA engine from the ZR-1 Vette. Not to mention the magnetic suspension and Tremac trasmission. Insane. And I like that the exterior looks like it's stealth technology. :biggrin:
It's not the motor from the Vette, but yes, it's a pretty sweet car. One of the few modern American cars that "do it" for me.
Now, if they could just make a car that does it for me, at a price that does it for my wallet, i might actually buy something "American," for once.
And for what it's worth.... i actually want an old Excel. For no other reason than to put a 4g63T in it and go blow some minds. :evilgrin:I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.
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The CTS-V's engine is the same hand-built unit as the Corvette ZR-1. There are a few tweaks the Vette gets that the Caddy doesn't, and visa-versa, but the cores are the same.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
nooshinjohn wrote: »The CTS-V's engine is the same hand-built unit as the Corvette ZR-1. There are a few tweaks the Vette gets that the Caddy doesn't, and visa-versa, but the cores are the same.
Different pistons, rods, and valvetrain... guess it depends on your definition of "tweaks."
I'm not going to say that they aren't kissing cousins for sure.
Different : blower size, heads and valves, pistons, rods, crank (I think), exhaust manifolds, machining process, build process (LS9 hand built and LSA not)
Same: block, head gaskets, head bolts, oil squirtersI don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.
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tony millard wrote: »This thread is very interesting in that a company with this strange name is still around and even doing better than Americas' majors in some respects.
If I'm not mistaken, Hyundai is already in the top 5 of all auto manufacturers in the world.
The new Sonata makes everything in its segment of the market look old-fashion.If they bring the manufacturing or assembly here, I'd be happy to buy one. The new Sonata is beautiful, too.
Hyundai has a plant in Alabama, where the new 2011 Sonata is being build. I guess you're on the hook for a new Sonata :biggrin: -
If I'm not mistaken, Hyundai is already in the top 5 of all auto manufacturers in the world.
The new Sonata makes everything in its segment of the market look old-fashion.
Hyundai has a plant in Alabama, where the new 2011 Sonata is being build. I guess you're on the hook for a new Sonata :biggrin:
There was a recent article in either WSJ or NYT talking about how Hyundai managed in 10 years to produce a car like that Sonata that the big three hadn't managed in 30 years. It was an eye opener to say the least. -
I don't think I'll be swayed from Audi anytime soon. My very basic A4 is still a joy to drive. I'd take an S-4/ RS-4 over about any other car out there at that price range...2007 Club Polk Football Pool Champ
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concealer404 wrote: »It's not the motor from the Vette, but yes, it's a pretty sweet car. One of the few modern American cars that "do it" for me.
Now, if they could just make a car that does it for me, at a price that does it for my wallet, i might actually buy something "American," for once.
And for what it's worth.... i actually want an old Excel. For no other reason than to put a 4g63T in it and go blow some minds. :evilgrin:
I guess not technically the exact same motor from the vette. From my understanding, the minimal detuning the LSA got was to make it quiter, overall.design is where science and art break even. -
I drive Sonata's quite a bit as rentals for long periods of time and while the styling is ok on the outside, they have one big carryover problem from the previous design: the front suspension is HORRIBLE.
I've been spoiled in that I've driven an Accord for 10 years, but the way an Accord will take a bump/dip in the road compared to the Sonata is night and day. The sonata feels like I just rolled over a pothole with a solid axle on my front end and it feels clunky compared to the VERY smooth Accord which has no mechanical noise.
Also, I don't personally find it cute to have a stick person in recline mode with a circle head taking up 6" of my dash so I can have a gigantic figure to point where I want the air to blow.
I will always like blue lighting in cars, but the quirkiness is annoying IMO.
OH, and if you EVER want to feel like your **** doesn't exist, go ahead and get angry at someone and honk the horn on the Sonata......I guarandamntee you that YOU will question whether you have a ****.......(this aside from this question being raised if you buy a Sonata in the first place.....ha)comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
