Hyundai Genesis draws wallet of other automakers

Hyundai has reported that it has sold 800 units of the flagship Genesis in its first full month of sales. The noteworthy thing is not the numbers, but the people who have purchased the Genesis this month. Two of the early buyers of the Genesis were General Motors and Toyota.

"I’m flattered the competition bought us so early, but we only had the V-6 version available initially, so they are going to have to come back and buy another car," stated Michael Deitz, manager of product development at Hyundai, during a preview of the Genesis for the Midwest Automotive Media Association. Deitz said that Hyundai was easily able to identify the automakers, especially when the person who purchased the Genesis for GM stated that he was from GM's Competitive Intelligence Department.

The Hyundai Genesis V6 has gone on sale in the U.S. since July 2008. The more potent 4.6L V8 is due to go on sale in October. Hyundai estimates 80 percent of the Genesis cumulative sales will be the V6. The Genesis V6 starts at $32,250 while the V8 stickers from $37,250.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Posted in: Hyundai,Sales