[BigGen]

Hyundai has been making some significant changes to their dealership network as they prepare for the launch of 2019 models. Currently the have more than 850 locations that are licensed to sell Genesis products, but they expect that number to drop to around 400. This decision comes as a result of poor sales throughout 2018. The company is banking a lot upon the reception and success of the new G70.

 

[GenesisFan]

there has been some slow changes to the traditional dealership model, Genesis reaching out to people at events, malls or any similar areas will serve them well

 

[KoreanKross]

850 locations was far too many and that's why there were so many varying levels of customer service. By having less authorized dealers they can have better control over the quality of service that's expected from a premium brand.

 

[BigGen]

Genesis seems to be making all the right changes for their 2019 rollout, so hopefully they see much better sales figures. I do think that since they've priced the G70 so close to that of the 3 series that they are going to have to be generous with incentives though.

 

[GenesisFan]

850 locations was far too many and that's why there were so many varying levels of customer service. By having less authorized dealers they can have better control over the quality of service that's expected from a premium brand.

I won't be surprised if we see some Genesis products gets actual servicing done at Hyundai dealers. When customers won't see it, why would it matter?
Last thing any Genesis owner spending $45k and up will want to see is some $18k Elantra, at the same dealer.

 

[KoreanKross]

All servicing will be done at Hyundai dealers. They are no longer making stand alone shops. I do think they should isolate the waiting/reception area or make a separate wing specifically for Genesis owners.

 

[GenesisFan]

IMO, having stores in malls and other high traffic areas like that will be better because who likes being stuck at a dealer with such limited options. So far Mercedes had success with its dealer model that applies that approach.
Sometimes following better established brands like that is a sure fire way to win consumers.

 

[BigGen]

The issue isn't so much the dealers themselves, but the coverage that's provided by them. Purchasing a vehicle out of state is one thing, but ensuring you have support for maintenance and warranty work can make or break the case for one. Luckily on the G80, there have been few recalls and TSB's.

 

[GenesisFan]

Hyundai is slowly understanding what people want..

Crossovers and the features we all expect from them. A drastic shift in design is said to join as well.
With that should be improvements at Genesis, the two are connected after all.

The critical project that Loasby's team will take on soon is asking, "OK, where does that take us next?" Loasby said, referring to the current design look. "If this generation is Sensuous Sportiness, do we carry on with that? Is that still relevant in five years? Or does it need to take a directional or radical step change?"

Loasby said he doesn't have an answer yet. But he's not afraid to think outside the box about Hyundai's products.

"Do we need conventional sedans anymore?" asks Loasby, 51. "A serious question: How many more petrol-engine, diesel-engine cars do we need?

"These are fundamentals we'll get into for the next generations of our high-volume products."

Future designs will have to accommodate fast-changing trends in technology, he said.

"What excites me about the new job is the whole move toward EV platforms, autonomy, drones, robotics," Loasby said. "What's next — that will be the challenge for us."

Loasby said he will need to start working on the new look soon for it to be ready for the next-generation Sonata, which is expected in about five years.

Loasby will oversee Hyundai brand design and report to SangYup Lee, who leads Hyundai and Genesis design as head of the Hyundai Design Center, and to Luc Donckerwolke, who is in charge of Hyundai, Genesis and Kia as chief design officer of Hyundai Motor Group.

 

[KenM]

Even with crossovers and SUV's on the way, recovering from the sales slump leading to then will be tough!

 

[GenesisFan]

Even with crossovers and SUV's on the way, recovering from the sales slump leading to then will be tough!

If the SUV's actually look like what some renderings suggest they will, sales will be through the roof!

Here's one of them so far

 

[KenM]

Hard to tell from this photo but Genesis might be delivering 80% of what that rendering shows. It sure matches up to the new G80.

 

[GenesisFan]

Most renderings use the new G80 as a benchmark for the GV's production design so anything based off that is all but confirmed.

 

[Kurt67]

Hard to tell from this photo but Genesis might be delivering 80% of what that rendering shows. It sure matches up to the new G80.

Evne if they can deliver 80% of that rendering then it's going to be a hit. The amount of detail Genesis puts in their designs is refreshing to see compared to other companies.

 

[GenesisFan]

Now that we know for sure another Genesis SUV is in the works (likely an SUV version of the G70) how many of you are still 100% committed to getting this GV80?