Why Rebadge trunk lid?

[Mark_888]

Once again, exalting us with the superior wisdom you have even concerning our own thoughts. I should have known to just ask you what I was thinking instead of thinking it... I guess I'd better stop telling people it's a Hyundai too? Wouldn't want any holes in my bag.

Good idea!!!

 

[ferrethouse]

Hyundai put the H on the trunk to help elevate the brand. I didn't pay $62,000 to help them elevate their brand. They will have to do that themselves.

 

[kk in ct]

I had the dealer rebadge my trunk as part of the sale. I did this for the looks, as I also feel it just looks better (thanks to this forum for the idea). I'm asked quite often what kind of car it is, one person even asked me if Genesis was some new electric car company (similar to Tesla I suppose). I'm always proud to say that it's a Hyundai. I take pride in the fact that I didn't spend an extra $20K to get a German car equivalent. I can't imagine the driving experience being any better.

 

[Alwaysforward]

I stopped to visit a friend of mine today on the way home from work to check out his new boat. After we got back from a boat ride we walk out front and he asks me what kind of car is that. I told him that is the new Hyundai Genesis.

He was shocked that it was a Hyundai. He spent the next 15 minutes oohing and aahing around the car. Checking the inside, the trunk, under the hood. He could not believe it.

 

[jimb100]

I had the dealer rebadge my trunk as part of the sale. I did this for the looks, as I also feel it just looks better (thanks to this forum for the idea). I'm asked quite often what kind of car it is, one person even asked me if Genesis was some new electric car company (similar to Tesla I suppose). I'm always proud to say that it's a Hyundai. I take pride in the fact that I didn't spend an extra $20K to get a German car equivalent. I can't imagine the driving experience being any better.

What German equivalent can you get for only $20k more?

 

[ksoze]

What German equivalent can you get for only $20k more?

Mercedes E 350's are heavily discounted in many regions likely to be within $20K of a similar Genesis model. It is hard to exactly match the cars up based on options which do not always match, but the gap between the german cars has diminished as they have increased discounting on many models which were previously not as discounted.

 

[jimb100]

Mercedes E 350's are heavily discounted in many regions likely to be within $20K of a similar Genesis model. It is hard to exactly match the cars up based on options which do not always match, but the gap between the german cars has diminished as they have increased discounting on many models which were previously not as discounted.

I used Edmunds and got $77125 for an E class comparable to the Genesis 3.8 Ultimate. The E class isn't as much car as the Genesis, which is not a mid sized car.

Step up to the V8 in the Genesis and there is only the S class and that's in the $100k range. I wouldn't say the Genesis is equivalent to the S class but its closer than the E class.

 

[SherbourneDr]

Looks better, had my dealer do it for me as a condition of leasing my beautiful Manhattan Brown 2015 3.8 RWD.

 

[Onuriss]

It looks way better... I ordered my rear wings form Amazon, got them and then casually mentioned it to my Dealer. They offered to do it for me on my next service appointment. I have to say that my Dealership has excellent customer service. It looks amazing now.

 

[Mark_888]

I used Edmunds and got $77125 for an E class comparable to the Genesis 3.8 Ultimate.

I used www.mbusa.com and got MSRP of $62,650 for a E350 with following configuration (admittedly, not every single option that Genesis Ultimate has, but still very well equipped):

• Collision Prevention Assist (this is actually standard)
• Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist ($875)
• Premium Package 1 (Logic7 surround sound system with NAV and enhanced voice control, heated front seats, rear view camera) ($3,870)
• Active ventilated front seats ($450)
• Leather seats with real wood trim ($1,620)
• Metallic Paint ($720)
• Keyless Start ($650)
• Panaroma roof ($1090)

According to some who have posted on this forum, substantial discounts are available on the E series, up to $10K off MSRP. I have no personal knowledge of that, but even with $5K off MSRP that is $57,650 for a nicely equipped MB E350. I suspect that resale value of a E350 after 3 years is higher than a Genesis, so that might factor into the equation also.

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[italiabrain]

I used www.mbusa.com and got MSRP of $62,650 for a E350 with following configuration (admittedly, not every single option that Genesis Ultimate has, but still very well equipped):

• Collision Prevention Assist (this is actually standard)
• Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist ($875)
• Premium Package 1 (Logic7 surround sound system with NAV and enhanced voice control, heated front seats, rear view camera) ($3,870)
• Active ventilated front seats ($450)
• Leather seats with real wood trim ($1,620)
• Metallic Paint ($720)
• Keyless Start ($650)
• Panaroma roof ($1090)

According to some who have posted on this forum, substantial discounts are available on the E series, up to $10K off MSRP. I have no personal knowledge of that, but even with $5K off MSRP that is $57,650 for a nicely equipped MB E350. I suspect that resale value of a E350 after 3 years is higher than a Genesis, so that might factor into the equation also.

If you're going to bother to do the comparison why would you not even attempt to equip them more similarly? Your example has 17 inch wheels and skips the driver assistance package. Also, why mention the discount on the Mercedes like it exists in a vacuum and the Genesis is going for full retail?

 

[fastiggial]

I just got mine done yesterday. It just looks cooler. I like to think the logo is more Austin Martin than Bentley. I like to think that the Martins are cooler !
BTW my cost $140 total. Did I get ripped off?

 

[Nikgen]

I just got mine done yesterday. It just looks cooler. I like to think the logo is more Austin Martin than Bentley. I like to think that the Martins are cooler !
BTW my cost $140 total. Did I get ripped off?

Sort of - I bought the wings online for $20 and did it myself in about 30 minutes total (remove H and install wings).

 

[Mark_888]

If you're going to bother to do the comparison why would you not even attempt to equip them more similarly? Your example has 17 inch wheels and skips the driver assistance package. Also, why mention the discount on the Mercedes like it exists in a vacuum and the Genesis is going for full retail?

To be honest, I did not see that package when I first went to MB site, but you are correct that it does exist. Personally, I know how to drive, so don't need a Driver Assistance Package. But the MB E350 I configured had the following safety features, which is more than enough for me:

• Collision Prevention Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

I have no problem with standard 17" wheels on E350. The 18" is standard on a Genesis. Obviously, the Genesis is a larger car in several respects, and the wheels are one of those. If someone really needs a car the size of Genesis, then a MB E class may not work out regardless of price and options.

From everything I have read, right now MB is discounting E350 a lot more than Genesis is discounted by Hyundai, but that could change. I admitted that MB is still more expensive, but I think a $77,125 configuration for the E350 is over the top. A $62,650 MSRP MB E350 is quite well equipped IMO.

 

[jimb100]

To be honest, I did not see that package when I first went to MB site, but you are correct that it does exist. Personally, I know how to drive, so don't need a Driver Assistance Package. But the MB E350 I configured had the following safety features, which is more than enough for me:

• Collision Prevention Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

I have no problem with standard 17" wheels on E350. The 18" is standard on a Genesis. Obviously, the Genesis is a larger car in several respects, and the wheels are one of those. If someone really needs a car the size of Genesis, then a MB E class may not work out regardless of price and options.

From everything I have read, right now MB is discounting E350 a lot more than Genesis is discounted by Hyundai, but that could change. I admitted that MB is still more expensive, but I think a $77,125 configuration for the E350 is over the top. A $62,650 MSRP MB E350 is quite well equipped IMO.

Sorry, I don't get your logic.

You leave out half the options that would make the two cars comparable. Discount the Benz and then compare it to the Genesis at retail. For example, you can't just say 17" wheels are OK by me so I'm calling them even up with 19" wheels on the Genesis.

If you're trying to prove your point that an E350 and a Genesis are comparably priced, this isn't going to do it. A "quite well" equipped E350 is simply not as well equipped as the Genesis. Even the 3.8. Go to the Genesis 5.0 Ultimate and you can't build an E350 as nice.

Also, you seem to think a 3 year old E350 will be worth much more than the Genesis. If you go to an MB store and buy a certified E350 you might be right. Anywhere else, I don't think so, although we don't know what the new Genesis will bring in 3 years. MB cars out of warranty are ridiculous to repair and their warranties are expensive.

How do I know? We got rid of my wife's SL last year because the warranty ran out. We looked at the last couple of years repair costs and compared them to the $5000 they wanted for 2 years of warranty. That's when she went to the Lexus dealer.

A couple of sensors for the hard top retraction mechanism were $1800 if you need to pay for it yourself. A catalytic converter failed, would have been $1100. My brother had an SL at the same time. The air suspension pump went, $3500.

Frankly, the warranty on the Genesis combined with the extended warranty I bought taking coverage to 10/100,00 was a big factor in buying the car.

She loved her SL but you pay through the nose for that 3 pointed star in every way.

 

[Mark_888]

Sorry, I don't get your logic.

You leave out half the options that would make the two cars comparable. Discount the Benz and then compare it to the Genesis at retail. For example, you can't just say 17" wheels are OK by me so I'm calling them even up with 19" wheels on the Genesis.

If you're trying to prove your point that an E350 and a Genesis are comparably priced, this isn't going to do it. A "quite well" equipped E350 is simply not as well equipped as the Genesis. Even the 3.8. Go to the Genesis 5.0 Ultimate and you can't build an E350 as nice.

Also, you seem to think a 3 year old E350 will be worth much more than the Genesis. If you go to an MB store and buy a certified E350 you might be right. Anywhere else, I don't think so, although we don't know what the new Genesis will bring in 3 years. MB cars out of warranty are ridiculous to repair and their warranties are expensive.

How do I know? We got rid of my wife's SL last year because the warranty ran out. We looked at the last couple of years repair costs and compared them to the $5000 they wanted for 2 years of warranty. That's when she went to the Lexus dealer.

A couple of sensors for the hard top retraction mechanism were $1800 if you need to pay for it yourself. A catalytic converter failed, would have been $1100. My brother had an SL at the same time. The air suspension pump went, $3500.

Frankly, the warranty on the Genesis combined with the extended warranty I bought taking coverage to 10/100,00 was a big factor in buying the car.

She loved her SL but you pay through the nose for that 3 pointed star in every way.

I did not leave out half the options. The site you visited went over the top on the MB options, many of which are not available on Genesis. Even if the Driver Assistance Package is added, that is only $1,925 more, since the non-active Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist is redundant and should be removed. Also, I think the MB Driver Assistance Package has stuff Genesis does not have.

With regard to wheels, the 18" wheels are standard on the Genesis 3.8 (even the Ultimate). There is no 19" wheel upgrade on 3.8 Ultimate. The standard wheels on the smaller MB E class are 17". No need to upgrade them to larger wheels IMO. However, when the Sport Styling Package is selected on the E350 (no additional cost) it does come with 18" wheels, as well as some other stuff.

I think part of the problem is that website you visited to price the E350 has some errors (doesn't remove redundant packages when both are selected) and included a lot of options that the Genesis 3.8 does not have.

With regard to cost of repairs outside of warranty, that is good point, but that is a different subject. The MB warranty is 4 years or 50K miles, and if one kept the car longer than cost of repairs would be an issue. I don't know how much the MB extended warranty is, but how many people who buy a Genesis 3.8 Ultimate will keep it past 4 years?

I never said that the MB E class is a better deal than the 2015 Genesis. Obviously, with a Hyundai you are getting more for your money than with MB, where you are paying for the brand name. But I still think a $77,125 comp is a ridiculous number to use for the E class.

No one buys a MB because it is the best deal based on features/options for the money. They buy it at least partially for the brand name and image. When someone sees what car one is driving, they don't know exactly what options are in the car, and they make judgments based on brand name and model alone (not based on every single option inside the car). I personally don't care about image, which is why I have a Genesis and am a member of this forum. But it would be silly to say that "most" people do not care about image, otherwise the MB E class would not outsell the Genesis sedan in the USA by a pretty wide margin even though E Class costs more (but not as much more as you claim IMO due to increase in 2015 Genesis prices).

 

[ckon]

FWIW, Hyundai is also trying to find out if and why and how we're rebadging.

I received my fourth survey from Hyundai the other day and it had a number of questions re: whether my car was rebadged, if it was delivered that way or if I did it, why I did it (if I did), etc., so it's obvious that rebadging is something they are very curious about, also.

 

[italiabrain]

To be honest, I did not see that package when I first went to MB site, but you are correct that it does exist. Personally, I know how to drive, so don't need a Driver Assistance Package. But the MB E350 I configured had the following safety features, which is more than enough for me:

• Collision Prevention Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

I have no problem with standard 17" wheels on E350. The 18" is standard on a Genesis. Obviously, the Genesis is a larger car in several respects, and the wheels are one of those. If someone really needs a car the size of Genesis, then a MB E class may not work out regardless of price and options.

From everything I have read, right now MB is discounting E350 a lot more than Genesis is discounted by Hyundai, but that could change. I admitted that MB is still more expensive, but I think a $77,125 configuration for the E350 is over the top. A $62,650 MSRP MB E350 is quite well equipped IMO.

This doesn't make any sense. Either option up the Mercedes when comparing apples to apples or if "well equipped" is the standard then don't compare it to an ultimate trim of the Hyundai in the first place.

 

[italiabrain]

FWIW, Hyundai is also trying to find out if and why and how we're rebadging.

I received my fourth survey from Hyundai the other day and it had a number of questions re: whether my car was rebadged, if it was delivered that way or if I did it, why I did it (if I did), etc., so it's obvious that rebadging is something they are very curious about, also.

I took that survey too. I understand most of the pros/cons of going with an entirely separate brand, but I've always wondered about the half steps. "Hyundai premium" or the like with the same dealer network, and still having some halo effect by sharing the name. I frankly don't want to pay for a luxury brand, and while Hyundai could still probably maintain some price advantage while doing so it would be slim. In fact I think the Gen2 Genesis emblem with the lettering being Hyundai instead of Genesis would be an ideal candidate. The Equus badge isn't as bad as the drunk H, but it's not ideal either.

Now if all they did was require at least 1 or 2 Genesis/Equus "specialists" per dealer, semi-partition the showroom, require loaners, and have a unified Hyundai-premium badge. Which (to contradict Mark888's fatuous assertion yet again) could definitely say Hyundai on it -- that might be an ideal mix for most people.

Personally, I'm not going to spend $50k on a car without doing so much research the sales staff are basically irrelevant beyond price negotiation, so anything that makes people who want the "luxury experience" happy without raising the cost much for people like me who are in it for the feature:dollar ratio seems like it might be a winning business proposition overall for Hyundai.

 

[markpoisson]

Once again, exalting us with the superior wisdom you have even concerning our own thoughts. I should have known to just ask you what I was thinking instead of thinking it... I guess I'd better stop telling people it's a Hyundai too? Wouldn't want any holes in my bag.

Couldn't have said it better.....bravo!