2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Wait till you see the KIA version of the Genesis. KIA has had an ex-Audi designer heading up and defining their design language. I think KIA is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Their interior designs are very close to Audi's in my opinion.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Can't see the purpose
Regardless, it seems that a lot of corporate time, energy, R&D money, tooling costs, marketing, ad infinitum will be expended just to compete with Hyundai.
Strikes me as being like Scion developing a car to compete with Toyota Avalon.
Realize KIA and Hyundai do not share dealerships, but most are located in same cities as each other.
Better investment would be to improve the Genesis and maybe the Equus and the current line of KIA's.
Every brand offering every type model is part of what led to problems at Ford, GM, Chrysler, etc.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 20
From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
I have heard the KIA version will slot just above the Genesis and Below the Equus. It will look dramatically different than the Hyundai. I am fairly certain that Hyundai will not be their competitor. Rather, I think you will see the Genesis and the new KIA stripping off sales from Chrysler, Buick, Lincoln, as well as a few from the MB, BMW, and Audi ranks as well. To Hyundai/KIA any sale of either model takes from the competition. The KIA "flagship" you speak of was nothing like the modern Hyundai/KIAs. Many of the opinions posted here I clearly remember being said about Toyota when they spun off Lexus. I do not think the Germans are going to let that happen again with Hyundai.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 967
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From: PA
18'Porsche GT3, 16' Ram 3500 mega diesel,30' Model A Ratrod, 17' E43
All the talk about Kia's and Hyundai's belong on Honda, Nissan, and Toyota forums, not here. Being talked about on a MB forum is like a Ferrari forum talking about a Camaro SS. Yes, the camaro is fast, but its still a Camaro.(not intended to diss any Camaro guys out there).
