First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Equus
these are interesting times in the automotive industry as the economy comes out of a rut!
the korean automotive brand will be the next big move in terms of supplying the aftermarket industry with some fuel to drive business.
it's funny cuz the korean aftermarket industry is a very high quality segment compared to what is now available for jdm...of which most are made in...you guessed it! CHINA! the kdm aftermarket parts are all made in korea and most from the oem itself.
korea is now known to be the source of high quality garment manufacturing, high end clothing companies are all manufactured in korea where the best of the best is produced...same goes with electronics. In fact, just a few years ago a car audio amp was considered junk when coming from korea....guess what it is now ?
so the prices u see for the genny and equus will be short lived, if your planning to get one u better do it fast because once the "perception" totally changes then the prices will be in line with the toyota's and nissans.
With the Genesis the trend is already set and the price is going down - whether its crazy lease rates or discounts. I doubt if thats going to reverse.
The HIGHER THE PRICE, the MORE THE BADGE/PRESTIGE/PANACHE matters. Period. The majority of these buyers don't care about value, they are already dropping SERIOUS COIN on a car. They want to project the image that "THEY HAVE ARRIVED" in life and they let the car do the talking.
To be fair to Hyundai, it's launched the Gen and Eq into a recessionary market. Hard to meet sales targets for a new brand when the home ATM is closed and unemployment is 10%.
Without competition, the German makers were happy to sit on their haunches with bad electronics and reliability issues. If Hyundai forces M/B/Lex to improve then more power to them
They are lesser known though.
i expect hyundai will have to learn to tone it down with a refresh.regardless, they had to start somewhere if they want to have a chance in the game.
I think something has changed but differently.
Looking at sales the luxury market is fine. Its actually EXPLODING in this recession.
In contrast the non luxury brands are not doing as hot. Leads me to believe the gap between rich/poor continues to grow and those with money WILL spend it and those without it, can't. Quite a few of us felt there would be a shift to non luxury goods due to a change in mentality but that has not happened. People still want their luxury brands.
Is there a group of people that could care less about badges? Yes. That group doesn't buy enough cars though. Ask the RL, Q45 or Phaeton. Yes, they sold/sell but not in large enough numbers.
Again, its great to see the Equus here but its not 1989 again and no one is running to the drawing boards to start over. The "WON" is the Equus biggest friend now.
Related, the new A8 will be here as well and while it looks like any Audi sedan the last 30 years reviews have been glowing over its interior, ride and MPG.
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
To be fair to Hyundai, it's launched the Gen and Eq into a recessionary market. Hard to meet sales targets for a new brand when the home ATM is closed and unemployment is 10%.
Without competition, the German makers were happy to sit on their haunches with bad electronics and reliability issues. If Hyundai forces M/B/Lex to improve then more power to them
I agree 100% if Hyundai helps make the status quo better I'm all for it, especially since I will be buying the status quo


Today the yen is getting hammered and prices for exported goods from Japan are rising. That is why the Infiniti M37/56 is struggling some, its priced from 47k-70k which is substantially higher than the last model.
Japanese companies have a huge problem with the yen trading where it is against the dollar.
It is in Hyundai's best interest to keep prices of the Genesis and Equus as low as possible.
as of now, I'd rather be different and roll in a equus or genny sedan, if money permitted that is.
To be fair to Hyundai, it's launched the Gen and Eq into a recessionary market. Hard to meet sales targets for a new brand when the home ATM is closed and unemployment is 10%.
Without competition, the German makers were happy to sit on their haunches with bad electronics and reliability issues. If Hyundai forces M/B/Lex to improve then more power to them
399 a month? Maybe on a lease with a huge downpayment.
If you're going to make such a sweeping, ridiculous statement, please substantiate it with documentation.
Last edited by Fulorian; Sep 8, 2010 at 10:50 AM.
Its right there on your homepage
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/
I strongly suggest not joining here just to argue about Hyundai/Kia.
The S class costs the most, but it is also the best...This costs the least, and it is also the...
add 1500 for navi and your at 34.5k out the door!
Its right there on your homepage
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/
I strongly suggest not joining here just to argue about Hyundai/Kia.










