Not very good since GMA launched in late 2015 with big promises of unparalleled dealer experience!
If you want to laugh like Hell, watch the video below from January 2016:
IMO, this definitely was a major mistake by someone in the leadership chain. They knew what they wanted to accomplish and I guess no one had the balls to say "so how are we going to make this a reality?
The only option it seems that was available was to allow Hyundai dealers to sell Genesis vehicles and hope that these dealers would build stand alone dealerships.
As for issues, I think there were many. First, I would bet no sane Hyundai dealership owner would build a stand alone dealership at that time to support the Genesis brand which had all of 2 models to choose from. They would lose millions of dollars and probably end up closing. Matter of fact my local Hyundai dealership was going to build a stand alone dealership sometime around 2018. They ended up pulling out (mainly for the reason I stated above) and at the same time, stopped selling Genesis altogether.
Hyundai also tried to force dealers hands by saying that if they didn't commit to building stand alone dealerships, they wouldn't be allowed to sell the brand. US dealers sued Hyundai and won so Genesis models were and are still sold in some Hyundai dealerships.
But, at least to me, it is not 2016 or even close to it so I could care less about what was said then. Mistakes were made on a massive scale but today, in 2024 for me, they don't mean a thing. I care about what is happening now and from what I see, Genesis as a brand is finally moving forward on the right track.
Genesis now has what 7 models to choose from? Gv60, G70, GV70, G80, GV80, Elec G80, and the G90 (with more models coming). With roughly 3 trim levels, dealers are now looking at roughly 18 to 20 models to sell. That is a far cry from having only a G80 and a G90 to sell. Dealers now see an opportunity to make money and, as such, are willing to invest the capitol required to build a stand alone dealership. So my point of they are getting there I believe is still valid. From 3 to 65 dealerships in 2 years time is not terrible. And, there are more being built.
Was it a horrendous start? Yup. Was it a failure in management forward thinking? Yup, that is putting it mildly. Has it improved significantly? Yup. Is there still a long way to go to build out a nationwide dealership chain at least if you're looking at the US? Yup.
Are they still potentially overselling the brand? Yup I believe they are by promising valet service, loaners etc. If they are going to use them as a sales pitch, they should state that it may not be available at all dealerships. Plus I find it a little suspect when an authorized dealer sells someone a Genesis and then shortly after stops selling or loses authorization to service them. In some cases this leaves a new owner hundreds of miles from a dealership. Not cool.
All I know is from a personal level I went from having a vehicle (2018 G80 sport) serviced at my local Hyundai dealership. Then switched to a Hyundai/Genesis dealer 35 or so miles away because I watched the Hyundai tech at my local Hyundai dealer have to ask for help when doing an oil change. BTW the local dealer still does Genesis vehicles but only up to 2018 models which is the last year they sold them. They are not allowed to work on any newer models.
Finally just recently I brought my car to a brand new stand alone dealership (about 55 Miles away/Genesis of Ontario Ca)) because Genesis took away the right to sell from the Hyundai/Genesis dealership I had used. With all that said, I am pleased as hell to have an actual Genesis dealership for me to use for servicing. The service I received in all ways was outstanding.
So do I see things getting better? Without a doubt, yes. But I am only one case. Your mileage may vary.