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Hyundai hired European and American designers because it wants cars that appeal to Europeans and Americans - that is one big reason current Hyundais look so good - many were designed in California in fact. If you think the cars look derivative, its probably because they're being designed by the same people. Much like current Jags look like Astons after jag hired Aston's design chief, for example.
The cars look derivative, because they are. The designs were a direct attempt to mimic the market/style leaders in their segment. I don't necessarily have a problem with this, but unlike every other full line manufacturer Hyundai has almost no corporate styling identity outside of the "H".
Hyundai's goal is to provide the same level of styling, technology and performance of much more expensive vehicles at a bargain price. This makes sense for them, but I think eventually they will need to at least find their own identity in the styling department, as mimickery will only take them so far. Right now you can say that your Gensis Coupe looks like, has the same options as and performs almost as well an Infiniti G37 for 2/3rds the price, but it's still not an Infiniti G37 and the Infiniti will always be considered the "better" vehicle if only on brand reputation.
Except Huyandaais are not cheap anymore. they are getting to be as pricey as the makers that they try to imitate. Why would anyone buy Huyadaais?
They are still cheaper if only by a few thousand dollars in most cases. They offer a very good warranty and their quality has improved substantially. Basically even with the price getting more equal, they can still claim the crown of we do it just as good for less and just to back it up we'll give you a real good warranty to boot. I can see the attraction where that few thousand dollars can be worth $50-$80+ per month in a car payment depending on interest. That of course ignores deprecitation costs, but most buyers seem to ignore that anyway and that is also an area Hyundai has improved.
However, you did tie into my point I made previously. As their pricing climbs ever higher and begins to rival the cars that they are emulating they need to begin to build their own identity through styling. Hyundai can't be succesful forever as simply the clone car that costs less, they need to define themselves to be succesful long term.
I think people are buying Hyundais because they are better than the competition and cost less to boot. When you look at pricing vs content, Hyundai is offering much more for the dollar than other cars are. Hyundai's sales were up 40% last year, which a huge jump for a smaller company here in the USA. Hyundai's depreciation retention rates are way up too - there was a link here just a couple days ago talking about Ford, but right under Ford was Hyundai.
The cars are appealing, the value is rising, and they are winning comparison tests - the company is doing something right.
If you never heard of Lexis, then you should leave this forum NOW.
I guess I see you out there! LOL
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