hyundai could close the genesis brand in the u.s., but i'd say it's unlikely, because it's not their primary business, and genesis is important for them for other parts of the world too, including their domestic market.

just like nissan has soldiered on with infiniti, honda with acura, etc.

i don't think hyundai would have gone to all the trouble to re-contract a whole separate line of genesis dealers if they had doubts at this point.

as far as criticism of hyundai/kia/genesis, i find their designs overall to be more appealing than most brands, their value mostly unmatched, but on genesis specifically, when i had a g80 loaner not long ago, i felt the interior was not really befitting its market position (felt a bit cheap), although functionally it was awesome. the new g70 looks like a home run, but since it's just now rolling out in the u.s., it remains to be seen how it does in a hotly contested segment already. as you say, they need suv's badly, and they know it. they will have to do something special with them, not just be me too.

i know you're critical of them in terms of sales volume, profitability, etc., but hyundai/kia/genesis combined sells a LOAD of vehicles in the u.s. and worldwide. they've had product mix issues, obviously the dealer fiasco with genesis, and huge competitive headwinds which i think frankly have come BECAUSE hyundai was beginning to threaten honda and toyota. that's the beauty of competition.

if hyunda/kia/genesis fail it will be their own fault ultimately for not reading the market correctly... there's often some luck involved as consumers can change their minds on things for any number of reasons.

as you say, the market overall is changing rapidly, i don't know about contracting, except for sedans obviously... but clearly ride services and eventually self-driving cars will change the market, and the world, profoundly. not sure any auto maker is really 'ready' for all that.

as you probably know, i'm not brand loyal, so if hyundai/kia/genesis falters or fail, oh well, plenty more awesome vehicles out there and coming soon before i'm ready for my next adventure.

 

That generally was my first reaction, too. All the recent legal wrangling between the (former) Hyundai and Genesis shops as to who was (and was not) going to be allowed to handle the 2019 Genesis line-up would be absurd if Genesis decides to simply pull up shop and leave the U.S. I don't think that is going to happen......especially with new SUVs right on their doorstep.

When did you have a G80? Unless my memory is going, as I recall, you went from a JGC to a G90. Or were you just refering to a G80 test-drive?

 

sorry, typo, meant when i had a g80 loaner... have edited my post now.

 

more details... very interested.

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/03/20...-mercedes-gle/

 

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Compare it to the start of the thread, this second spotting is so low. That better be an air suspension, otherwise no thanks.

 

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It's interesting how it appears to have those eyebrow DRLs like numerous Hyundai SUVs. I would think they would want to avoid such similarities, at the risk of customers saying "Oh it's just a rebadged Hyundai."

 

Looks like it benchmarked the Audi Q7 IMO

 

Looks like a headlight cluster possibly... the concept had dual rows

 

Thx. That would certainly distinguish it from any Hyundai.

 

For those interested, Genesis still won't completely pull the wraps off the upcoming GV80 SUV, but here is the latest view on the spy-shots from just four days ago. I'm not the worlds biggest SUV fan, but I think the GV is going to transform the Genesis division and increase its sales significantly.

https://carbuzz.com/news/gorgeous-ge...ion-headlights

Gorgeous Genesis GV80 Spied With Production Headlights

AUG 7, 2019 BY MARTIN BIGG SPY SHOTS

The design will be inspired by the stunning GV80 Concept.

We got our first look at the new Genesis GV80 back in January, but development has evolved since then as our spies have spotted a new prototype undergoing testing sporting slim production LED headlights for the first time. This will be the automaker’s first luxury SUV designed to compete with the likes of the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes GLE and has the potential to be a very strong seller for the Korean automaker.















Unfortunately, the rest of the SUV is still covered in thick layers camouflage, which makes it difficult to make out the design details. Judging from recent render designs, the final production model should look stunning. Why? Because the design will be heavily inspired by the gorgeous Genesis GV80 Concept that debuted at the 2017 New York Auto Show.

The production model is also expected to borrow the concept’s pentagonal crest grille and distinctive quad taillights. We still don’t have any photos of the interior, but the concept’s cabin featured a wide 22-inch OLED display and luxurious diamond-quilted leather seats.




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The production Genesis GV80 will share its platform with the G80 sedan, which means it will be available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will also likely share its sedan sibling’s engine options, so expect a choice of a 3.8-liter V6, a twin-turbo 3.3-liter six, and a 5.0-liter V8. In the range-topping G80 Ultimate trim, the 5.0-liter V8 produces 420 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque.

After the G80 goes on sale, Genesis is also planning to introduce a smaller GV70 SUV to the lineup to compete with small luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. The Genesis G80 is expected to debut later this year before going on sale in 2020. The Genesis G80 currently starts at $42,050, but the GV80 will be more expensive.

GALLERY

 

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Not bad. Looks like a perfect Lincoln Aviator competitor.


Interior in the link. Looks like a Mazda met a Range Rover.

https://www.carscoops.com/2019/12/20...#lg=1&slide=14