Hyundai: Sales, Marketing, and Financial News
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 91
From: Sugar Land, TX
I saw a Genesis on the road the other day. It's a really sweet looking luxury car. It's about the size of the last gen Lexus LS and it seemed so refined. I didn't know what it was until I got closer. This guy should join Acura! I hope Hyundai keeps this design trend going.
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
Moving on up.....by Hyundai...hello Mercedes Benz
joel piaskowski stepped down from his position as hyundai’s u.s. Design chief last month, but it didn’t take the 40-year old long to land a new gig – especially considering the down industry. piaskowski will now be heading the mercedes-benz advance design in california.
according to cardesignnews.com, piaskowski’s first day with mercedes-benz will be january 12th. Piaskowski is taking over the position from gorden wagener, who has been promoted to another position.
Piaskowski’s latest work includes hyundai’s new genesis range – both sedan and coupe – but he is also credited with the santa fe and the veracruz, as well as some of hyundai’s better known concept cars.
Before taking his last position with hyundai, piaskowski worked at general motors for several years, including stints at the automaker’s pontiac, chevrolet, holden, buick and opel divisions.
according to cardesignnews.com, piaskowski’s first day with mercedes-benz will be january 12th. Piaskowski is taking over the position from gorden wagener, who has been promoted to another position.
Piaskowski’s latest work includes hyundai’s new genesis range – both sedan and coupe – but he is also credited with the santa fe and the veracruz, as well as some of hyundai’s better known concept cars.
Before taking his last position with hyundai, piaskowski worked at general motors for several years, including stints at the automaker’s pontiac, chevrolet, holden, buick and opel divisions.
Hyundai Assurance
I just saw a commercial for this, Innovative program to say the least, but I wonder what the fine print is. Anyways, now Hyundai is saying if you buy a car from them, and lose your job within a year, they'll let you return it!
http://hyundaiassurance.walkawayusa.com/
http://hyundaiassurance.walkawayusa.com/
I was just talking about this with my friend. My guess the stipulation is in the way you lose your job, i.e., you can't be fired or quit. You have to be laid off.
Isn't it lovely how they lure you into the dealership to find out.
Isn't it lovely how they lure you into the dealership to find out.
*See your participating dealer or the program certificate for complete coverage details. Hyundai Assurance is valid on any new Hyundai model financed or leased, for up to one year after purchase. Restrictions apply.
and then they say "lets take it for a spin, i'll get the keys"
What Would Don Draper Do?
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 22,223
Likes: 1
From: Houston
I just saw a commercial for this, Innovative program to say the least, but I wonder what the fine print is. Anyways, now Hyundai is saying if you buy a car from them, and lose your job within a year, they'll let you return it!
http://hyundaiassurance.walkawayusa.com/
http://hyundaiassurance.walkawayusa.com/
Do you have a full size image of your sig?
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 27,921
Likes: 1,080
From: where the weather suits my clothes
The fine print is that you have to be laid off, i.e. a victim of the economic crisis. You cannot be fired for performance issues, etc. That's a totally different issue.
As the name of the program suggests, it provides assurance in case you are affected negatively by the economy. Not by your lackluster work performance, not by switching jobs, etc.
You have to be in good standing in terms of payments for the program to remain valid. You have to have made two payments on time before the program kicks in. The program will cover up to a certain amount of depreciation. You can also extend the program if you wish, just like an extended warranty.
This costs nothing extra to the consumers. It is an added bonus at no extra charge. As a consumer, you cannot possibly suffer a loss by purchasing a car covered by this program. I don't understand the negativity.
As for conig's comment; financing can be done by many different financial institutions, including HMFC. HMFC has their own approval criteria for financing, yes. But this program is offered by a third-party and does not affect your financing in eligibility or rates.
Soon after the program launched, sales went up. There are still people who want and need to buy new cars. They are just hesitant about making the decision due to the economic crisis. This provides a certain amount of assurance and comfort that no other brand offers at this point.
As the name of the program suggests, it provides assurance in case you are affected negatively by the economy. Not by your lackluster work performance, not by switching jobs, etc.
You have to be in good standing in terms of payments for the program to remain valid. You have to have made two payments on time before the program kicks in. The program will cover up to a certain amount of depreciation. You can also extend the program if you wish, just like an extended warranty.
This costs nothing extra to the consumers. It is an added bonus at no extra charge. As a consumer, you cannot possibly suffer a loss by purchasing a car covered by this program. I don't understand the negativity.
As for conig's comment; financing can be done by many different financial institutions, including HMFC. HMFC has their own approval criteria for financing, yes. But this program is offered by a third-party and does not affect your financing in eligibility or rates.
Soon after the program launched, sales went up. There are still people who want and need to buy new cars. They are just hesitant about making the decision due to the economic crisis. This provides a certain amount of assurance and comfort that no other brand offers at this point.
The sizzle in the Steak
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 71,436
Likes: 1,877
From: Southern California
Hyundai: Pulls Out of Japanese Market
Hyundai might be a hot brand in North America, but its weak sales in Japan have forced the company to officially begin plans to withdraw from the nearby Asian market.
Tomorrow, Hyundai will notify its 46 Japanese dealers of its plans to pull out of the market.
“If you’re not a Gucci or a BMW, there are very few who prosper there,” Hyundai spokesman Oles Gadacz told Automotive News. “Mass-market players have it very tough.”
Import brands have long struggled in Japan thanks to high taxes and a climate that generally favors buying domestic brands. Hyundai has sold just 15,095 cars since entering the market in Japan.
Tomorrow, Hyundai will notify its 46 Japanese dealers of its plans to pull out of the market.
“If you’re not a Gucci or a BMW, there are very few who prosper there,” Hyundai spokesman Oles Gadacz told Automotive News. “Mass-market players have it very tough.”
Import brands have long struggled in Japan thanks to high taxes and a climate that generally favors buying domestic brands. Hyundai has sold just 15,095 cars since entering the market in Japan.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,841
Likes: 1,429
From: NC
Split
Before the Hyundai Genesis arrived in showrooms, there was talk of the car launching under the aegis of it own brand, much like the debut of the Lexus LS400 back in 1990. That didn't happen, and premium Hyundais like the Genesis and the forthcoming 2010 Equus share floor space with Accents and Tucsons.
Still, the thought of a roped-off premium car department has a pull. "Sectioning off the brand, that's the Holy Grail," said Hyundai Motors USA CEO John Krafcik to Ward's Auto. What Krafcik and his HMUSA masters may have up their collective sleeve is a way to get some of the desired differentiation without the massive costs a new brand launch would entail.
Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai's North American sales vice president, has drawn parallels to Toyota's co-locating efforts with its Scion sub-brand in a letter to dealers, laying out the plans for incorporating the Equus into showrooms. "This strategy will create physical and psychological separation in the Hyundai Showroom," says Zuchowski, while dealers remain less convinced that this means anything more for them than increased costs. On the retail end, stores will be required to purchase several kits for showroom, service, and parts support of the Equus. While not as expensive as a full-blown new store would be, dealers still might have trouble mustering enthusiasm for hundreds of thousands of dollars of corporate-ordered directives that franchisees must comply with.
Dealer unhappiness aside, Zuchowski lays out Hyundai's strategy clearly. "We intend to use the launch of the new Equus to develop and further establish Hyundai as a legitimate force in the premium-luxury segments;" intimating there might be more to it than just the Genesis models and the luxo-liner Equus - a "Genesised-up" Santa Fe might do battle against the Lexus RX, for instance. While it will cost dealers money, Zuchowski notes that ultimately, it's the cheapest way to go while "still providing an enhanced dealership environment...that will devliver a substantial incremental profit oportunity with very reasonable dealer investment." In other words, pay the man now, and cash in later, if all goes well.
Still, the thought of a roped-off premium car department has a pull. "Sectioning off the brand, that's the Holy Grail," said Hyundai Motors USA CEO John Krafcik to Ward's Auto. What Krafcik and his HMUSA masters may have up their collective sleeve is a way to get some of the desired differentiation without the massive costs a new brand launch would entail.
Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai's North American sales vice president, has drawn parallels to Toyota's co-locating efforts with its Scion sub-brand in a letter to dealers, laying out the plans for incorporating the Equus into showrooms. "This strategy will create physical and psychological separation in the Hyundai Showroom," says Zuchowski, while dealers remain less convinced that this means anything more for them than increased costs. On the retail end, stores will be required to purchase several kits for showroom, service, and parts support of the Equus. While not as expensive as a full-blown new store would be, dealers still might have trouble mustering enthusiasm for hundreds of thousands of dollars of corporate-ordered directives that franchisees must comply with.
Dealer unhappiness aside, Zuchowski lays out Hyundai's strategy clearly. "We intend to use the launch of the new Equus to develop and further establish Hyundai as a legitimate force in the premium-luxury segments;" intimating there might be more to it than just the Genesis models and the luxo-liner Equus - a "Genesised-up" Santa Fe might do battle against the Lexus RX, for instance. While it will cost dealers money, Zuchowski notes that ultimately, it's the cheapest way to go while "still providing an enhanced dealership environment...that will devliver a substantial incremental profit oportunity with very reasonable dealer investment." In other words, pay the man now, and cash in later, if all goes well.
Punk Rocker
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,579
Likes: 79
From: St Simons Island, GA
Interesting, but the dealership "experience" is one main reason why I wouldn't buy a Hyundai at this point. If I get a "luxury" car I don't want to have to deal with the same crap service I'd get bringing in my Hyundai Accent...
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 81,385
Likes: 3,068
From: Appleton WI
That said if they do separate the 2 im sure they will have to make sure the dealership/service experience will have to be an upgrade to the norm.
Fahrvergnügen'd
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,494
Likes: 1,569
From: Maryland
The Hyundai dealer by my house are fucking criminals ... Faking credit applications, etc ... I wouldn't buy a Hyundai or Mazda from them and definitely wouldn't take it there for service ... But in Hyundai's defense, this chain has a VW dealer too 
Senior Moderator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 18,015
Likes: 1,736
OR via generational transition, they could shift certain models (mainly the Accent, Elantra, Santa Fe and Sonata) into Kia showrooms and brand them accordingly. The remainder of the lineup could work well as an relatively upscale lineup for Hyundai....particularly with the upcoming Equus flagship.
(On a similar note, Honda should have done this with the RSX and marketed it as the Honda Integra but, I digress.)
(On a similar note, Honda should have done this with the RSX and marketed it as the Honda Integra but, I digress.)
Punk Rocker
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,579
Likes: 79
From: St Simons Island, GA
OR via generational transition, they could shift certain models (mainly the Accent, Elantra, Santa Fe and Sonata) into Kia showrooms and brand them accordingly. The remainder of the lineup could work well as an relatively upscale lineup for Hyundai....particularly with the upcoming Equus flagship.
(On a similar note, Honda should have done this with the RSX and marketed it as the Honda Integra but, I digress.)
(On a similar note, Honda should have done this with the RSX and marketed it as the Honda Integra but, I digress.)
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 81,385
Likes: 3,068
From: Appleton WI
OR via generational transition, they could shift certain models (mainly the Accent, Elantra, Santa Fe and Sonata) into Kia showrooms and brand them accordingly. The remainder of the lineup could work well as an relatively upscale lineup for Hyundai....particularly with the upcoming Equus flagship.
(On a similar note, Honda should have done this with the RSX and marketed it as the Honda Integra but, I digress.)
(On a similar note, Honda should have done this with the RSX and marketed it as the Honda Integra but, I digress.)
As with the Genesis, the Equus seemed VERY impressive at last year's NYIAS.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 973
Likes: 115
OR via generational transition, they could shift certain models (mainly the Accent, Elantra, Santa Fe and Sonata) into Kia showrooms and brand them accordingly. The remainder of the lineup could work well as an relatively upscale lineup for Hyundai....particularly with the upcoming Equus flagship.
(On a similar note, Honda should have done this with the RSX and marketed it as the Honda Integra but, I digress.)
(On a similar note, Honda should have done this with the RSX and marketed it as the Honda Integra but, I digress.)
Plus, Kia already has the Forte/Koup or Cee'd and Sorento, as well as the new Optima and Sportage forthcoming; while built on similar platforms, the Kia models are going after a different market (think Nissan) than the Hyundais w/ sportier suspension tuning and a more simple, cleaner design/look, while Hyundai will continue to take on Toyota.
This is just a step-by-step transition for Hyundai's upscale models.
Hyundai has tentative plans to launch a premium brand when the next gen Genesis and Equus are ready for production.
In the 5-6 yrs time, Hyundai should also have ready a volume seller smaller sedan (likely btwn the size of the 3 Series and G37) built on a shortened Genesis platform as well as a crossover.
Also, the next Genesis coupe reportedly will go upscale and will be offered w/ the Tau V8.
I can't say that I would expect to see new signs any time soon.
Regardless, the Genesis siblings and the upcoming Equus will help diversify the brand to appeal to a wider base of consumers and also enhance the brand image and brand value. Very critical goals for the long-term success of Hyundai.
Regardless, the Genesis siblings and the upcoming Equus will help diversify the brand to appeal to a wider base of consumers and also enhance the brand image and brand value. Very critical goals for the long-term success of Hyundai.