New Genesis Models Delayed Until Fall

Hyundai’s Genesis luxury unit already has received a combined 14,500 customer reservations in the U.S. for its upcoming GV80 crossover vehicle and redesigned G80 sedan. Both vehicles are candidates for North American Vehicle of the Year awards in their respective segments.

                                          2021 GV80 (Image: Genesis)

Deliveries of the 2021-model vehicles were supposed to start this summer.

Not So Fast

But Genesis now says COVID-19-related delays have pushed the launches back to sometime this autumn.

Part of the problem is that it’s taking longer to get the vehicles certified because of a backlog at the Environmental Protection Agency’s emissions laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich., which was closed for several months this spring due to the mandatory coronavirus lockdown.

Why it Matters

Genesis’ sales plummeted 25% in the first half of the year.

Much of the decline can be blamed on the coronavirus. But at least some is attributed to the fledgling brand’s need for new products, especially in the crossover segment.

The GV80 is Genesis’ first crossover, following three sedans. Starting at about $50,000, the midsize model is loaded with technology and luxury appointments. It will be followed by the slightly smaller GV70 next year and an all-electric model sometime later.

Slotting between the current G70 and G90 sedans, the third-generation G80 is built on a new platform and gets new powertrains—shared with the GV80—advanced safety equipment and updated styling. Pricing starts at $47,700.

Genesis introduced the GV80 and G80 earlier this year in South Korea, where both models are produced. The carmaker is counting on the U.S. launches to provide a significant sales boost.