The Genesis is selling "relatively" well and it's hard to tell from the numbers if the Genesis is taking away from the Lexus numbers or the Toyota (Camry/Avalon) numbers because all the makes are down right now. I would imagine the latter as I can't see a "real" MB, BMW, or Lexus driver even truly considering a Genesis.

For me, being a semi-Lexus loyalist (more because of my wife), I really do not see any issues with the Genesis, besides the interior layout and feel. It just does not fit the look of the exterior. That dash and center console layout just looks strange. And yes, I have test driven the vehicle and although not as quiet as the LS, I do believe it does beat the GS in performance.

Mazda even attempted in the 80's to come up with the a luxo brand. I believe they were going to call it the Amanti (or something like that) but ended up axing that idea because it would have been too much in extra dealership branding and marketing. What Hyundai is ATTEMPTING to do is gallant, but there is a reason in the 100+ years or automotive history that a "cheap" make does not sell "luxury" vehicles under the same make, because of product segmentation. By selling your Elantra ($10K) in the same breath and dealership as your Genesis ($40K) and maybe future Equus ($60K??) may give the Elantra owner a good feel, but the potential "luxury driver" is not going to feel very warm and cozy. In some ways, BMW is doing the opposite of Hyundai by selling lower priced vehicles (1 series) with 7 series and I know a few of my colleagues that own 7s are not happy that "young punks" straight out of college (and some in high school) are driving the same makes they are.

Hey, it's just "snob factor" that Hyundai will never gain by not segmenting their brands. I find Hyundai very arrogant in a way, but hey, it's working thus far so who knows where they'll go.

Hyundai will never succeed in image as a luxury make like Lexus. They may end up selling more high end vehicles, but no one will take them seriously as "Hyundai." So, I don't think I'll even be here defending my Lexus against Hyundai. I'll just be beeyotching that there are so many Hyundais parked next to me at the golf club... j/k I don't golf.

 

In 2006 only 101 Ultra's were built. I got mine in Atlanta but it was off lease originally from Long Island. I don't plan on selling mine anytime soon because it is absolutely the best automobile I have ever owned. Have seen more Ultra's in Calif then anywhere else. (Outside your 500 miles) I still look too.

 

For real?! only 101 UL made for 06?! between mine in Chicago and yours in Atlanta there's only 99 more out there. Probably shouldn't tell the insurance man this one. Cool to know though, where did you find this out?

 

How many Ultra's were sold in 2005?

 

I like to know this as well since I got one.

Somehow 80% of LS430 I see in my neighborhood are UL, and they suppose to be rare I guess it make sense since 80% of ALL CARS I see in my neighborhood are fully loaded

 

this is all i could find on US sales for the LS:

2005 - 26,043
2006 - 19,546

Nothing specific on the UL trim level.