Hyundai Dealers Put on Notice: It's Time for Genesis, but Not Everyone Gets to Play

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Hyundai Motor America and its U.S. Genesis division sent messages to Hyundai dealers this week, alerting them to the formation of an independent Genesis dealer network. Hyundai’s recently created luxury marque wants space between it and its value-focused sister division, and that means the need for standalone stores.

Shared showrooms simply won’t cut it anymore.

Right now, Genesis customers in the United States can purchase models at roughly 350 Hyundai dealers, but not for long. The plan calls for just 100 standalone stores as a starting point. If you’re a Hyundai dealer with dreams of selling a higher class of vehicles, this is your opportunity — but your chances of being selected might not be as high as those dealers already selling the brand.

According to Genesis, “certain dealers who are parties to the Genesis Participation Agreement (GPA), currently doing business in defined key markets, will be given the first opportunity to apply for the Genesis franchise.”

Dealers that signed on to the GPA agreed to set up Genesis showrooms inside their Hyundai store. Naturally, those locations get first dibs.

“At Genesis, we believe in putting our customers first and giving them a proper ownership experience,” said Erwin Raphael, General Manager of Genesis Motor America, in a statement. “To ensure that happens, we need to take this next step in the separation of the Genesis brand from our parent company.”

Establishing a “right-sized” dealer network is key for the brand’s long-term health, Raphael said.

Right now, you’ll only find two models under the Genesis banner — the midsize G80 (formerly the Hyundai Genesis) and full-size G90, both rear- or all-wheel-drive vehicles. A smaller G70 sedan arrives this year, with crucial crossovers in the pipe. Until a full (and diverse) lineup materializes in Genesis showrooms, the brand needs to proceed with caution. Sedans, especially those bearing a relatively unfamiliar badge, aren’t a guaranteed draw, especially in today’s market.

Genesis sales kicked off in late summer, 2016. Last year, some 20,594 Americans took home a Genesis-badged vehicle, with the bulk of those buyers choosing the G80. December 2017 was the best sales month thus far.

[Images: Genesis Motors]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Feb 01, 2018

    I can see Hyundai want to earn more from the Genesis brand by removing them away from the Hyundai brand. This will take a few years to complete, I don't envisage any problem with this as Hyundai are building a good reputable brand. I do read many comments on this site degrading the Koreans, but of late they are putting out some incredibly good vehicles. All they need to add to their vehicle lineup is a good competitive midsizer and a true off road SUV, both with diesels of course. Hyundai or more correctly Genesis needs to get hold of the Telluride, spruce it up, then drop the blown 3.3 from the Stinger into it and sell it.

  • Sub-600 Sub-600 on Feb 01, 2018

    G80 buyers aren’t cross shopping Elantras?

  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
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