An unorthodox introduction

[PD705]

Hi there, folks. I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself. I'm not actually a Genesis "owner", but I suspect I've driven more of them than anyone here. While that may sound odd, the following disclosure may help clarify... I'm a Canadian Hyundai employee. More specifically, I'm the Product Planner tasked with the packaging/pricing of the Genesis, Equus, and Genesis Coupe model lines (among a couple of others).

First things first: I'd like to make it explicitly clear that I am participating in this forum on my own time, as a fellow automotive enthusiast. If anyone here has been a member of the Veloster or Genesis Coupe communities, you may connect the dots and remember my screen name from my time over there.

While I am participating on my own time, I'll be monitoring feedback from Canadian owners which can be taken into account for future product decisions. I'm also happy to provide information where I can, though obviously I cannot and will not comment on any future product information.

I look forward to contributing to the community!

 

[Mark_888]

We all know that the Canadian version of Genesis is different than the HMA version (which is also different than the KDM version). When choosing which features and color schemes to include in the Canadian versions, how much interaction/coordination do you have with HMA, or do you make your own choices for Hyundai Canada independently?

 

[rmwweb]

Welcome to the forum!!

While I don't post a lot of comments on this forum I do follow it on a near daily basis. I have been a Genesis owner since October 2008. Had some real issues with my leased 2009 3.8 Tech but am very happy with my current 2012 3.8 Tech model. I am hoping to buy a third Genesis next year but...

I've been debating the usefulness of writing to Hyundai Canada to offer my comments on the 2015 Genesis packages. My general feeling is that the Genesis is a spectacular vehicle but there are decisions being made by both Hyundai Canada and HMA that don't sit well with current owners - just look at the comments on the lack of an AWD 5.0 in the U.S. There are lots of comments about the differing packages available between Canadian and U.S. packages.

When the lease was up on my 2009 Genesis, I chose to buy a used 2012 (a Dealer Demo) rather than a new 2013 because Hyundai Canada decided not to include new equipment available in the U.S.. It was my most accessible form of protest. I wanted another Genesis but wasn't going to add to the sales numbers for Hyundai Canada. At the time, I knew the next generation was on it's way for 2015 and decided that I would aim to buy a 2016 version, never dreaming that Hyundai would take away the top level 3.8 package with the 17 speaker Lexicon and DIS.

One of the biggest frustrations I have (and I suspect other Canadian's have similar feelings) is that 95% of the information we get in the media is based on U.S. versions of a product and never quite know what version we'll see here. This isn't unique to Hyundai of course but it is discouraging when you read about the exact product you want and then find out it is only available in the U.S. (This is a U.S. forum after all.)

I can understand the decision to go with all 2015 Genesis trim levels in Canada being AWD and would probably go with the AWD even if I don't feel it is essential. However, I am very unlikely to buy a V8 in order to get the equipment level I have enjoyed for years. Given the price level and fuel consumption numbers for the V8, I will very likely go elsewhere for my next car unless there is a change for next year. in six years of driving a V6 model, I have never felt the need for more power. Now, with the fuel penalty for the AWD (which at least provides a benefit), and having to also pay extra for a V8 engine (that I really don't need or want) and chew through even more fuel every kilometre, the desire to buy another Genesis is drifting away.

I understand that you can't comment publicly on any future changes but, if you are actually looking for input from proven customers who really do want to continue buying your product, please help to keep this thread alive. I believe the Canadian members of this forum will be delighted to engage in a conversation about the Canadian version of this great car. Any contributions you are able to provide will be much appreciated.

RMW

 

[PD705]

We all know that the Canadian version of Genesis is different than the HMA version (which is also different than the KDM version). When choosing which features and color schemes to include in the Canadian versions, how much interaction/coordination do you have with HMA, or do you make your own choices for Hyundai Canada independently?

Canadian packaging decisions are made completely independently from HMA. Our market has significant differences to the U.S. and Hyundai Canada has almost double the market share, so we require our own strategies.

rmweb, thanks for the feedback. There are a very wide range of considerations that go into vehicle packaging, but more information is always an asset. As for the availability of information from media sources, there's little we can do. We provide vehicles to members of the press in Canada and get plenty of coverage, but these outlets don't always get the attention that American ones do. Here are some great Canadian media sources, to name just a few:

Autos.ca
Auto123.com
Autonet.ca
Autogo.ca
Autoguide.com (they cater to an American audience but usually test Canadian cars)
Driving.ca (National Post Driving's online page)
Globe and Mail Driving
Autofocus.ca

 

[rmwweb]

Hi PD705:

Thanks for the links to the Canadian media sites. I am familiar with most (but not all) of them and it might just be me, but I do find that they tend to get their info out slower than the US press.

At any rate, I, for one, am very glad to have you on the forum and look forward to exchanging information, it would be so nice to feel that we, as purchaser's, have even a small input to changes that could come out on future trims. It was disappointing to talk with dealers here in Ottawa. When I asked them if they had any interest in hearing feedback from a current owner that they could provide to Hyundai Canada, they routinely said no, that channel of communication was not open.

I'm sure some of the other Canadian owners on the forum will jump in soon.

RW

 

[rmwweb]

Hi PD705:

If there is anything I can do to help convince Hyundai Canada to include for 2016, a fully loaded V6 model, including the 17 speaker Lexicon system and DIS, please advise.

Ia there anyway you could provide some historical numbers on Canadian sales. A percentage of the number of base models / premium models / tech models and V8 models sold from 2009 through 2014 MY's would be very interesting.

While there are people on this forum who will, no doubt, disagree with me, my sense is that overall the most popular trim level in the 2009 through 2014 models was the V6 Tech Package.

Cheers
RW

 

[PD705]

Hi PD705:

If there is anything I can do to help convince Hyundai Canada to include for 2016, a fully loaded V6 model, including the 17 speaker Lexicon system and DIS, please advise.

Ia there anyway you could provide some historical numbers on Canadian sales. A percentage of the number of base models / premium models / tech models and V8 models sold from 2009 through 2014 MY's would be very interesting.

While there are people on this forum who will, no doubt, disagree with me, my sense is that overall the most popular trim level in the 2009 through 2014 models was the V6 Tech Package.

Cheers
RW

For competitive reasons I can't provide specific trim splits, though 3.8 Tech Package models are quite popular.

As for 2016MY, that's something we're considering.

 

[rmwweb]

As for 2016MY, that's something we're considering.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the quick response. That is very good news. I realize you only said "considering" but that is far better than saying you are not considering it.

Years ago I read an article that said every time a politician gets a comment from a constituent, they calculate that 200 other people felt essentially the same way but don't take the time to comment. My guess is that while the numbers may vary, the principle is the same with car sales.

I have other thoughts and comments on this issue but will save them for another day.

Thanks again.

RW