In the Korean automobile industry, it is widely known that South Korea’s domestic luxury car brand started with Genesis.
Almost eight years after its launch in November 2015, the luxury model produced by South Korea’s top automaker Hyundai Motors has reached another important milestone: 1 million units sold worldwide.
Hyundai Motor announced on Sunday that global sales of Genesis vehicles reached 1,008,804 units as of the end of August, including 318,627 units in overseas markets.
Once dismissed as a copycat of Honda, the South Korean automaker launched the Genesis brand to compete with luxury brands such as Toyota Motor Corporation’s Lexus, Germany’s Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Jeong Eui-soon, then the group’s vice chairman, led the entire process of launching the Genesis, including hiring top designers, engineers and other automotive-related talent, company officials said.
Based on the design philosophy of “Dynamic Elegance,” Hyundai’s standalone brand had a lineup of just four models until 2020, but now includes five sedans, two sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and three electric vehicles. The number has grown to a total of 10 models.
Genesis cars are one of the most coveted models in 17 countries including the United States, China, Australia and Middle Eastern countries, and London, home to world-renowned and established brands such as BMW; It is also sold in the centers of major European cities such as Munich and Zurich. Porsche.
“Our Genesis vehicles have come a long way to become what they are today, providing a unique and unprecedented experience for our customers,” said Song Mingyu, General Manager of Hyundai’s Genesis Division.
Recognized for safety, value and design
Since its launch, Genesis has been recognized for its competitiveness in safety, efficiency, value, design, engineering and driving performance.
Last year, the Genesis brand’s largest flagship sedan, the G90, was selected as the 2023 Car of the Year by Motor Trend, an authoritative American car media outlet.
“Genesis is a relative newcomer to the luxury space, but the brand has made a splash with its combination of high style, sophisticated technology, and a thoughtful, comprehensive approach,” said Motor Trend Group Editor-in-Chief Ed Lowe at the time. I’m calling,” he said.
“The Genesis G90 is a fine spirit. Everything you see, touch and experience is carefully considered and meticulously executed. This model sets a new standard for luxury.”
Electric only from 2025
In 2015, its first year on the market, Hyundai sold just 384 units of the G90 sedan. However, after that, sales steadily increased with the release of successor models.
The best-selling model under the Genesis brand is the G80, launched in 2016, with 397,382 units sold worldwide, including the electric version.
The Genesis brand’s first SUV, the GV80, and the first urban luxury midsize SUV, the GV70, sold 173,882 units and 160,965 units, respectively.
Hyundai has announced that all Genesis vehicles will be electrified starting in 2025, in line with the industry’s push towards electrification.
The company produces the Electrified GV70 at its U.S. factory in Alabama. Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America LLC (HMGMA), a new $5.54 billion plant in Georgia, is scheduled to begin operations in 2025 and will include a dedicated EV line.
Globally, Hyundai plans to launch the revised GV80 and GV80 Coupe this year to appeal to style-conscious drivers.
Write destination Bae Sung-soo baebae@hankyung.com
In-Soo Nam edited this article.
