Is Hyundai following in Toyota's footsteps?

[Sal Collaziano]

Someone pointed out to me that before Toyota created Lexus, they had their Cressida, which was considered a mid-sized luxury car. I think Hyundai is following in those same footsteps with the Genesis.. If this car works out as planned, I expect a luxury division here in the United States within the next several years... Hyundai likes to move quickly.

 

[Dukev]

I thought the Toyota Crown was the Luxury car at the time. It was even more expensive than the Cressida.

 

[jwaters943]

The Crown was/is still Toyota's luxury car, but it's never been sold in the U.S.

The Cressida was Toyota's largest and most expensive U.S. car at the time and was killed off and effectively replaced by the Avalon several years later. Toyota did several studies in the mid-late 80's and found that buyers weren't receptive to a Toyota branded car more expensive than the Cressida. That, coupled with various tax advantages, led Toyota to create Lexus.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

...and I guess we know the answer to this question...