Hyundai CEO says early Genesis Coupe sales numbers are "simply smoking"

[Sal Collaziano]

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Click above for high-res gallery
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"Simply smoking." Those are the exact words that John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai USA, used to describe early sales of the automaker's new Genesis Coupe during a recent interview with Motor Trend. The highly-anticipated two-door is selling better than the Genesis Sedan, which arrived on the market last year, even though Hyundai has focused more advertising dollars on the larger luxury sedan.

Still a newcomer, the Genesis Coupe is offered in turbocharged 2.0-liter and normally-aspirated 3.8-liter trim. The bulk of the cars on dealer lots have been the V6 models, with the late-to-arrive four-cylinder variants (including the Track model and next year's R-Spec model) yet to make a significant impact on sales. Seemingly undeterred by its $27,500 sticker price, Krafcik says that more than 50 percent of the 3.8-liter buyers are driving home in the loaded Grand Touring model (the entry-level 2.0T starts at just $22,000).


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe




[Source: Motortrend]Hyundai CEO says early Genesis Coupe sales numbers are "simply smoking" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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[thebigjimsho]

I don't see how the coupe will be better selling than the sedan in the long run. The coupe is in a market that is much more fickle to styling and performance. In those categories, I don't think the coupe is that innovative or earth-shattering. And price-wise, there are a lot of coupes that grab your attention.

For the sedan, what it offers can't be touched by the competition. For luxury, comfort, room, trunk space, power and overall value, it's in a world of its own. And with this economy, it's the natural choice for upper middle class consumers.

The coupe may have initially strong sales, but Hyundai will make its money on the sedan...

 

[Goose]

I think you're quite right regarding the short shelf-life of sport coupes, as this segment is very dependent on style. There seems to be little doubt, though, that the Genesis Coupe will be a huge hit this spring/summer since it's the latest "gotta have it" coupe.

The main reason for sure-to-be big sales, in my opinion, is the Genesis' style-to-price ratio - it's a lotta car for the dough.

 

[bkprodigy]

I don't see how the coupe will be better selling than the sedan in the long run. The coupe is in a market that is much more fickle to styling and performance. In those categories, I don't think the coupe is that innovative or earth-shattering. And price-wise, there are a lot of coupes that grab your attention.

Like what?

 

[mkaresh]

There's no other RWD import coupe in this price range. It also happens to be priced quite a bit lower than the sedan. Yes, less content, but the lower the price, the larger the market.

So the coupe probably can outsell the sedan, even if the size of the pie is smaller.

 

[wild willy]

Hey Mike...Hope to see some of your reliability data on the CP soon