BW: Hyundai suffers 'The Yugo Factor'

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May 18, 2007 | 05:06 PM

#16

mavericck

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From: WA

I really don't like saying the name Hyundai. Almost everyone I know mis-pronounces the name (most people don't know how to spell it). "hi-un-da-ee" is how people usually pronounce it and it sounds ridiculous.

May 18, 2007 | 07:13 PM

#17

tofu_house

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From: Pennsylvania

Quote:

Originally Posted by Och

Well, the reason I will never own a Hundai is not because I think they are making bad cars, but because I have no respect for them. They do not lead, do not invest in R&D, do not innovate. They have no respect for other automakers, and blandy rip off other companies designs. Who knows, if they rip off exterior designs, they are probably ripping off engine technologies as well, albeit they can't even do that well, as none of their engines are industry leading or anywhere close. And even electronics, there was a post a while ago with Huindais AC control panel that was almost identical to the AC panel in Lexus GS. Hey, who knows, since they seem to have no shame in ripping off other companies designs and technologies, they are probably doing so on a pirated copy of photoshop. windows, and other software. After all 98% of software in Korea is pirated. No wonder they can sell their cars cheaper than competition.

Me personally? I have more respect for Yugo than Huindai.

Your "copy" argument has been debated over hundreds of times. You might want to review those threads because Hyundai is NOT the first to "copy" (if you can really call it that). I do agree that Hyundai is not very innovative. They need something that will really turn their image inside out.

May 18, 2007 | 07:17 PM

#18

tofu_house

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Och

So you're saying the problem isn't with Hundai, but with the public? The how do you explain the fact that there was no problem with the public when Toyota and Honda entered the market? They were new as well, and didn't have brand recognition, and their early products weren't that great? How do you explain the Lexus and Acura phenomenons, that without any history, during their first year outsold BMW and MB combined? Yet when it comes to Hundai there's a problem with the public? Hint, Hint... the problem is with Hundai, not the public.

Wasn't Lexus and Acura both introduced AFTER Toyota and Honda gained some recognition in the market?

Lexus and Acura didn't pop out the same time Toyota and Honda did. I'm sure it took quite some time before they were able to land a spot in the luxury market?

And are you sure Lexus and Acura outsold both BMW and MB their first year in the market? I thought Lexus had just recently taken over sales...

May 18, 2007 | 07:34 PM

#19

LexusFiend

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From: Alabama

They need some clever marketing like vw has and they need to keep playing on the price point while at the same time creating an image. They would probably be better off going after nissan customers than toyota/honda because the last gen altima and sentras sucked. Yeah I agree with everyone it is 100% rediculious for them to be comparing themselves to luxury. When I went on vacation we got one as a rental ... i think it was the SUV one ... and it was uncomfortable and slower than most but it was solid and seemed well built. I say give em 10 more years to work out the kinks and i might consider one.

May 18, 2007 | 09:02 PM

#20

Och

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianGS430

Can't find the info on Acura right now, although I seen it. However, on Lexus, this is straight out of wikipedia:

Quote:

In its first four months on sale, the Lexus LS 400 exceeded Lexus' forecasts, with 11,574 models sold in the U.S.[12] By 1991, on the strength of the LS' sales success, Lexus became the top-selling luxury import in the United States. The LS regularly outsold its rivals, becoming the top-selling luxury flagship vehicle in the U.S.—a title it achieved 15 out of the first 17 years since its debut.

May 18, 2007 | 09:10 PM

#21

Och

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Found the info on Acura. http://www.forbes.com/2003/04/01/cz_jf_0401flint.html

Quote:

Remember back when Japanese cars were small, inexpensive and unpretentious?

That changed in 1986. Honda Motor (nyse: HMC - news - people ) moved upscale with its Acura division aimed at the luxury market.

Talk about overnight success: Acura was quickly outselling Mercedes-Benz and BMW. And then Toyota Motor (nyse: TM - news - people ) started Lexus, and Acura outsold that, too.

Acura came out in 1986; its first full year was 1987, in which sales totaled 109,000 cars, including 55,000 Legends. The smaller Integra cars were tossed in to make sure the dealers had enough sales to survive in case the Legend bombed.

By 1990, the Acura total was 138,000, including 54,000 Legends. That same year, Mercedes sold 78,000 cars; BMW and Lexus each sold 64,000.

May 18, 2007 | 09:13 PM

#22

Och

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So basically Acura outsold BMW and MB in its first year, and Lexus did it in second yet. Thats with Acura and Lexus starting with only two models, Legend and Integra for Acura and LS a ES for Lexus.