2015 Hyundai Genesis Lures 2015 Equus Buyers

Washington DC June 3, 2015; The AIADA news letter reported that sales of most other models in Hyundai's U.S. lineup are in the black this year, so the Equus' 45.5 percent decline through May stands out.

While it always has been the higher-volume model of the brand's two luxury sedans, a newer, more luxurious and less-expensive Genesis 4-door is cutting into Equus sales like never before, reports WardsAuto.

"The Genesis has cost the Equus business . . . there's no doubt it's taken sales away from Equus," Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski told WardsAuto in an interview.

Hyundai launched the second-generation Genesis about a year ago to positive reviews, which called out the car's premium appearance, as well as its added content. That content includes all-wheel drive, which Zuchowski says is proving alluring to Equus shoppers.

"People would like an Equus, but need the AWD capability," he says, noting the next-generation Equus due in summer 2016 will offer essentially the same AWD system as the 2015 Genesis. which uses the Magna HTRAC AWD.

Some consolation for the Equus falloff is that the AWD Genesis is winning over buyers in traditional luxury markets where Hyundai's typically have not sold well.