What kind of consumer are you?

[Simonwpb]

Why did you buy a Genesis? What kind of consumer are you?

Associated Press - August 20, 2008 6:04 PM ET
BARTON HILLS, Mich. (AP) -

Are you a "confident nonconformist?"
Then Hyundai has a car for you.

The Korean automaker is rolling out the Genesis sedan, a big luxury car to compete with BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.

John Krafcik is vice president of product development for Hyundai North America. He says the Genesis is targeted at confident people who (-quote-) "don't typically need the social badge of a premium brand."

Luxury car sales are down nearly 15% from the same period last year, and industry analysts doubt recovery will come anytime soon. But Krafcik says the Genesis should be able to attract buyers in a tough market due to its price, features and performance.

 

[Simonwpb]

Well so far the votes are for best value for money... but one fourth say they like premium luxury without the badge!

 

[incontrovertible]

I bought a genesis because it was the best buy for the money and I don't need the prestige of a badge (I used to drive a Lexus).

 

[musher51]

Well so far the votes are for best value for money... but one fourth say they like premium luxury without the badge!

Actually, both of these choices apply to me (and others, too, I suspect). I can't think of another car offering better value for the $$, and at the same time, I couldn't care less about what badge I'm showing or what my neighbors think. But I had to pick one, so I'm one of the "value" voters.

 

[Samifumi]

I fall under at least 3 of the categories:

"Value buyer"
"Premium without the badge"
and "Tech lover"

Also, I fall under the "Other" category: the closest Lexus dealership to my home is 1.5 hours. My local Hyundai dealer is 5 minutes away. After owning several Lexus automobiles, driving the 1.5 hours to keep service appointments became a tedious and onerous task. I believe I get the best of both worlds (convenience and affordability) with the purchase of the Genesis over the Lexus.

 

[Simonwpb]

Sometimes polls like these are difficult to answer when you have to prioritize or pick only one that best fits.

I know there is some cross-over in the top two responses. After all every purchase decision for any product boils down to best perceived value based on a number of variables.

With the choices for value buyer and premium without the badge my intention was to differentiate two types of car buyer: Those who had previously owned a more expensive lux brand who were impressed enough with the Genesis so that brand loyalty was not enough to pay a significant premium for another BMW or Acura etc., from the buyer who primarily comparison-shopped and concluded the Genesis was the best overall value without the emotional attachment of driving a particular badge.

Well according to the responses we now have at least 35 Genesis owners on the site!