AWD Genesis Lures Equus Buyers

[YEH]

As I had suspected, HTRAC-equipped Genesis stealing some Equus sales (might be more if the V8 Genesis had been offered w/ AWD in the States) - due to better road manners, an upgraded interior (getting it closer to that in the Equus), added tech and maybe the more modern sheetmetal.

AWD Genesis Lures Equus Buyers
Christie Schweinsberg | WardsAuto

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – Sales of most models in Hyundai’s U.S. lineup are in the black this year, so the Equus’ 45.5% decline through May stands out.

While it always has been the higher-volume model of the brand’s two near-luxury sedans, a newer, more luxurious and less-expensive Genesis 4-door is cutting into Equus sales like never before.

“The Genesis has cost the Equus business…there’s no doubt it’s taken sales away from Equus,” Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski tells WardsAuto in an interview at a ’16 Sonata Hybrid media event here.

Hyundai launched the second-generation Genesis about a year ago to positive reviews, which called out the car’s premium appearance, as well as its added content.

That content includes all-wheel drive, which Zuchowski says is proving alluring to Equus shoppers.

“People would like an Equus, but need the AWD capability,” he says, noting the next-generation Equus due in summer 2016 will offer essentially the same AWD system as the ’15 Genesis. The Genesis uses Magna’s HTRAC AWD.

Some consolation for the Equus falloff is that the AWD Genesis is winning over buyers in traditional luxury markets where Hyundais typically have not sold well.

“Our growth with Genesis has been in strong premium markets that we’ve underperformed in, like New York and Chicago,” Zuchowski says, noting 85% of the luxury vehicles sold in those markets are equipped with AWD.

http://wardsauto.com/north-america/awd-genesis-lures-equus-buyers


The K900 probably has taken some sales as well, in addition to the Equus just losing some sales as it enters the end of its life-cycle.

Zuchowski expects Hyundai will sell 25,000-30,000 Genesis sedans and coupes this year in the U.S. and about 3,000 copies of the Equus.

Don't know why Zuchowski threw out those figures when the Genesis (both models) is on track to sell over 35k for the yr).

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I'm sure the second generation Equus with all wheel drive will fix this problem. I'd like to see a little more interior room and I hope the suspension stays soft...