The recent addition of the Hyundai Genesis sedan and coupe to the Hyundai lineup has made a bold statement about the Korean automaker’s plan to move up market despite its long history of producing economical and relatively inexpensive cars. For those that still doubt Hyundai’s ability to move up market, wait for the official launch of the Hyundai Equus in 2010.
Already on sale in Korea, the Hyundai Equus is a full size sedan that hopes to compete with the likes of the BWM 7 series and Lexus LS. While the Genesis may not have been enough to excite luxury car buyers, Hartford Hyundai dealers say the Equus is intended to truly transform Hyundai’s image with its size, power, and luxury.
Although Hyundai has confirmed the Equus’ arrival late next year, not much else is known according to a New Jersey used Hyundai dealer. Aside from sharing a platform based on the Genesis, and being powered by the Genesis’ 4.6-liter V8 engine, many details have yet to be ironed out.
Hyundai recently imported 100 Equus models t the U.S. to display in Hyundai dealer showrooms. It seems that reactions from Hyundai shoppers have overall, observes one Connecticut Hyundai dealer, have been quite positive. With more consumers looking at the brand because of the recent Genesis, it’s to be expected that the Equus may create more Hyundai believers out of Hyundai skeptics.
Volvo Dives into Plug-in Hybrid Technology
Volvo has been struggling amid slumping global sales, but that hasn’t stopped the automaker from diving into research and development. One such as product of its R&D efforts is a new plug-in hybrid that will be due by 2012. Volvo has committed itself to producing a high mileage diesel-electric plug-in hybrid, but it has yet to confirm its plans to sell the vehicle in the U.S.
Lexus ES Still Critical to Luxury Brand Lineup
As one Lexus’ most popular models, there will be plenty of drivers that will be happy to see a revamped Lexus ES 350 coming to showrooms later this month. While it may not be a full redesign, the updating certainly brings needed enhancements.
Euro Civic Type-R Teases U.S. Consumers
In the U.S., Honda is mostly known for producing somewhat conservative, economical cars. However, the image of Honda outside of the States is far more performance oriented. This is attributed to a range of models that can be had overseas, but remain unavailable here.
