Hyundai Gandeur/Azera (fifth generation)
01-17-11 | 01:53 AM
#167
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by RXSF
maybe in the Philippines you do...
The current model sells here for 1,758,000 pesos (Azera GLS 3.3 A/T)
or 39,501.18 USD (@ 1 USD = 44.5050 PHP)
Using raw currency conversion
http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi?Am...3&image=Submit
So I'm guessing if they launch the new model in the country, it will be aimed at the Asian Camry and Accord crowd.
Anyways, this car looks fantastic indeed
01-23-11 | 09:19 AM
#168
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There are 2 ways:
1. Start fresh with a new brand name. That involves building a whole new infrastructure around that new name.
2. Capitalize on the existing brand name. Hyundai is currently synonymous with cheap, albeit reliable cars.
In this economy, #2 makes more sense to Hyundai, and I agree.
1. Start fresh with a new brand name. That involves building a whole new infrastructure around that new name.
2. Capitalize on the existing brand name. Hyundai is currently synonymous with cheap, albeit reliable cars.
In this economy, #2 makes more sense to Hyundai, and I agree.
01-23-11 | 09:37 AM
#169
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Also, I saw some references comparing the FWD azera to the RWD genesis - I didn't see mention of the usable passenger/cargo volume benefit that FWD cars have - given the same overall car volume, the drive train on a RWD car tends to take up more volume than a comparable FWD car. a) the trans on a rwd tends to poke into cabin forcing a large center console b) the drive shaft gives you that hump down the middle, so 3 passenger seating in the back seat isn't as practical. and c) the rear differentiable and suspension is going to eat some of the trunk space.
Last edited by vollandt; 01-23-11 at 10:39 AM.
02-12-11 | 02:20 PM
#170
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Between the Sonata, Genesis and Equus, I'm not quite sure where a new Azera would fit in TBH.
The Sonata has become a much more desirable car and the Genesis seems to be the logical choice for those looking for a step up. Adding another full size sedan would complicate things, IMO, unless they really do break the Genesis and Equus off into another brand.
The Sonata has become a much more desirable car and the Genesis seems to be the logical choice for those looking for a step up. Adding another full size sedan would complicate things, IMO, unless they really do break the Genesis and Equus off into another brand.
And since the Sonata no longer is available w/ a V6, some buyers want FWD and a V6.
The difference is that the Avalon is Toyota's flagship - the ES et al are obviously Lexus cars so they're branded and sold differently. As for the FWD vs RWD debate, I don't think many people know or care much when shopping in this class of car.
A new Azera just seems like too direct of competition for the Genesis if they're identically branded and sold on the same floor...and it's much better looking.
A new Azera just seems like too direct of competition for the Genesis if they're identically branded and sold on the same floor...and it's much better looking.
The next gen Genesis sedan will probably start around the $35-37K range; a good bit higher if it launches under a separate brand.
I don't know if anyone pointed this out yet, if someone did already, I apologize.
It is not easy to see, but if you look into it, it is very clear.
Hyundai is directly copying the entire line of Toyota/Lexus, they just don't want to spend the money to create a separate premuim brand.
Same physical size, same features, same engine size, same power, same drive wheels, similar price.....etc
Accent = Yaris
Elantra = Corolla
Sonata = Camry
Azera = ES350
Genesis sedan = GS350/460
Equus = LS460L
It is not easy to see, but if you look into it, it is very clear.
Hyundai is directly copying the entire line of Toyota/Lexus, they just don't want to spend the money to create a separate premuim brand.
Same physical size, same features, same engine size, same power, same drive wheels, similar price.....etc
Accent = Yaris
Elantra = Corolla
Sonata = Camry
Azera = ES350
Genesis sedan = GS350/460
Equus = LS460L
These are all well established segments and I seem to recall Toyota developing the LS and GS to compete in segments established by the Germans.
I guess the "3 Series" competitor that Hyundai is working on is really an IS competitor.
Does that mean Toyota is copying Hyundai since they are coming out w/ a (relatively) lower priced RWD sports coupe?
02-12-11 | 02:55 PM
#171
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From: MD
Korean manufacturers so far have continued to struggle in the cell phone market, and have virtually no presence in laptop markets, just as examples. Other than TVs, LED and LCD arrays, and RAM, what other high-tech areas are Koreans dominating in? Certainly not in printers or cameras either, as those continue to be dominated by a few American brands and Japanese brands. Chip manufacturing and design in Asia is dominated primarily by Taiwan. Taiwan is also starting to make big gains in the smartphone market.
Also, Samsung and LG have a decent chunk of the laptop market - they just don't have as large a presence in the US as they do in Europe.
Yes, Hyundai MUST have a separate luxury brand to be taken seriously in the luxury segment. The Genesis sedan is more near-luxury, and competes with the lower end "near luxury" brands like Volvo, Lincoln, Acura, etc. Hyundai's extremely low sales expectations for the Equus in the US is basically an admittal from Hyundai themselves that they know the Equus won't sell branded as a Hyundai. Months from now I'm sure we will all be discussing how low Equus sales are.
The luxury auto market hasn't totally recovered and Hyundai has better use of its investment capital expanding its production and sales in the fast growing BRIC markets.
Also, Hyundai would have to heavily subsidize the new dealer network like the Big 3 Japanese makes did before them which they aren't willing to do, preferring, instead, to wait until they have a fuller lineup ready, consisting of higher volume models (RWD/AWD compact sedan, at least 1 CUV).
Yeah, they would have to launch a premium brand to be taken more seriously but I think they are quite fine w/ their situation right now, esp. considering the Genesis and Equus sedan probably outsold the GS and LS for the month of January.
Do you know one of the most cross-shopped cars with the ES 350? The Camry XLE V6. Most of the car buying public actually knows that they're the exact same car, and every month, about five thousand people are willing to spend another $8K to get their foot in the door at Lexus because it looks and feels and seems like it's worth it. Those people are sick of sharing the waiting room with the Yaris owner, picking his nose and jamming to his iPod, or the Sienna mom with all of her crying kids.
And granted, I don't know how much credibility that one study (which stated the majority of 3 Series owners think it is FWD) has, but I would think these type of owners (who buy for the badge 1st and foremost) don't know too much about cars or the auto industry.
There's a reason why Toyota created Lexus, Nissan came up with Infiniti, and Honda formed Acura. Similarly, there's a reason why VW never made it upmarket in the States. Whether it's right or wrong, Americans have shown time and time again that they would rather buy premium cars from a company that builds only premium cars. Look at any of the sales threads - it's obvious.
Methinks to devalue the factor of pricing (which is one big reason why the Phaeton bombed).
When the LS400 was launched, Lexus had no brand cache (as did Infiniti or Acura a little earlier), but took sales on its excellent reviews, service and incredible price.
The Lexus of today has a lot more brand cache than the Lexus of the early 1990s, but sales of the LS are fraction of what they used to be (namely due to the hefty increase in price since then).
I think it's a lot easier/different to start at the top and move down market than it is to start at the bottom and go up. Lexus, MB and BMW already have the respect and recognition that they need and deserve - they're proven. It doesn't really matter if you sell a CT or B class because the public already acknowledges the LS, LX, LFA, 7, X5, S, SL, SLS as halo cars and benchmarks. Granted, $30,000 is still a decent amount of money but I don't think the big 3 should venture much below that price point.
Lexus, w/ the LS, did pretty much start at the top, but even they had to develop the LFA since all their competitors were coming out w/ supercars.
But this debate is kinda silly since Hyundai is a mainstream and not a luxury brand.
Also, Mercedes in Europe is not nearly seen w/ the same gloss of luxury as it is here, being more of a full-line manufacturer w/ the E Class being the go-to taxi model and Mercedes truck/commercial line being quite popular as well.
02-14-11 | 12:27 AM
#172
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Aside from being a leading cell/smart phone manufacturer as already stated, other areas include, shipbuilding, large scale construction and appliances (which are increasingly filled w/ tech) such as refrigerators and washers/dryers.
Also, Samsung and LG have a decent chunk of the laptop market - they just don't have as large a presence in the US as they do in Europe.
Also, Samsung and LG have a decent chunk of the laptop market - they just don't have as large a presence in the US as they do in Europe.
Again as stated, shipbuilding and construction are NOT high-tech industries.
At this juncture, it doesn't make sense to launch a premium brand/dealer network.
The luxury auto market hasn't totally recovered and Hyundai has better use of its investment capital expanding its production and sales in the fast growing BRIC markets.
Also, Hyundai would have to heavily subsidize the new dealer network like the Big 3 Japanese makes did before them which they aren't willing to do, preferring, instead, to wait until they have a fuller lineup ready, consisting of higher volume models (RWD/AWD compact sedan, at least 1 CUV).
Yeah, they would have to launch a premium brand to be taken more seriously but I think they are quite fine w/ their situation right now, esp. considering the Genesis and Equus sedan probably outsold the GS and LS for the month of January.
The luxury auto market hasn't totally recovered and Hyundai has better use of its investment capital expanding its production and sales in the fast growing BRIC markets.
Also, Hyundai would have to heavily subsidize the new dealer network like the Big 3 Japanese makes did before them which they aren't willing to do, preferring, instead, to wait until they have a fuller lineup ready, consisting of higher volume models (RWD/AWD compact sedan, at least 1 CUV).
Yeah, they would have to launch a premium brand to be taken more seriously but I think they are quite fine w/ their situation right now, esp. considering the Genesis and Equus sedan probably outsold the GS and LS for the month of January.
The Equus "probably" outsold the LS in January? Huh? We have exact sales figures for the Equus and LS. Are you just making up arbitrary conclusions? The LS easily outsold the Equus for the month. Look it up in the January sales thread. As for the Genesis sedan, we don't know because Hyundai doesn't split coupe and sedan sales. We have no concrete data on that.
The Benz SLS is not really a true supercar, more of a super sports car. The Audi R8 arguably is not a "supercar" either, but a super sports car. Even if you consider both as supercars, BMW has NO supercar currently and is lagging behind.
Yes, Hyundai is a mainstream brand, you agree with that. That is why Hyundai will fail with their luxury models in North America as long as they are part of the mainstream Hyundai brand.
06-10-11 | 09:22 AM
#173
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06-10-11 | 11:16 AM
#174
Lexus Fanatic
Hyundai is doing some really BIG things. They are storming the market with some really impressive products. I am still waiting for the Japanese to respond because so far the Hyundai products are equally appealing or even more appealing in many cases than the stuff from Toyota , Honda, and Nissan
06-10-11 | 11:21 AM
#175
Hyundai is doing some really BIG things. They are storming the market with some really impressive products. I am still waiting for the Japanese to respond because so far the Hyundai products are equally appealing or even more appealing in many cases than the stuff from Toyota , Honda, and Nissan
Competition is good for all of us.
06-10-11 | 12:08 PM
#178
Lexus Fanatic
I think its great for the consumer. Bottom line is that as much as I love my Japanese cars they are not the bulletproof vehicles of the past. They are still the lesser of all evils but I think their products are not as well built as before or as exciting as they once were ( mid size sedan and even compact class)
11-16-11 | 09:02 PM
#180
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
2012 Hyundai Azera goes Fluidic, gets direct injection power
2012 Hyundai Azera goes Fluidic, gets direct injection power
Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-...photo-4614745/
The 2006 Azera was the first shot that Hyundai took at going upmarket, a big, soft, front-wheel-drive sedan packed with content and offered at a bargain price compared to the Toyota Avalon and Buick LaCrosse. But today, this Korean import seems more like it comes from the Island of Misfit Toys. Azera has quietly persisted while Hyundai has launched several well-received models, from the Genesis to the 2011 Sonata to the brand-new Veloster. Now comes the Azera's 15 minutes of fame, in the form of a complete overhaul for 2012 designed to make the Azera more of a premium offering.
The new Azera adopts Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language that we've loved on the Sonata, but in this application something went amiss. Everything looks good up front, as the Azera's Fluidic front fascia looks similarly aggressive. But follow the attractive chrome trim strip back from the headlights and something goes bump in the night. The Azera's rear quarter panel retains a bulging character line similar to the old model, except that in the new sheet metal the flanks are even more pronounced – and Buick-like. Things get better out back, as the new Azera has an elegant decklid and rear taillights that wouldn't look out of place on any luxury car.
Underhood, the second-generation Azera gets a new 3.3-liter V6 with direct injection. This "Lambda II" powerplant is good for 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, while providing an estimated 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. Hyundai has also fitted the new Azera with its Active Eco mode, which should be good for a five-percent boost in fuel economy, according to the automaker. Like the old Azera, power is fed to the front wheels through a six-speed transaxle.
Standard Azera equipment includes some formerly optional content, like a navigation system with rearview camera, and Hyundai is also equipping Azeras with its Blue Link telematics system. Leather interior with heated front and rear seats, 18-inch alloys, and Vehicle Stability Management are all included, as well.
The 2012 Azera goes on sale in February, and while we will admit to being more excited about some of Hyundai's other launches next year (that's you, Elantra coupe) we're certainly not going to complain when we get our opportunity to chew up some comfortable highway miles, Azera style.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/2...azera-la-2011/