All U.S. Hyundai Dealers Will Be Able To Sell Genesis Models

Hyundai has backflipped on its decision to not allow most of its U.S. dealerships to sell Genesis models.

During Hyundai’s dealer council meeting last week, Genesis general manager Erwin Raphael said all of the South Korean automaker’s dealers will be given the opportunity to sell Genesis vehicles.

Under its initial plan, Genesis intended on launching roughly 100 distinct stores in 48 markets while providing only very successful Hyundai dealerships the chance to acquire a Genesis franchise. For the rest, they would no longer be able to stock and sell anything with a Genesis badge.

Speaking to Automotive News, a Genesis dealer in the U.S. said the decision should increase Genesis sales across the country.

“If it pans out, it’ll be a great thing. It’ll help sell more cars, it’ll help overall dealer profitably, strengthen their dealer network, and include all those who want to sell the product, and believe in the Genesis product, to sell and service those cars. I think it’s a great decision.”

Moving forward, all Hyundai dealerships can apply to become Genesis dealers. Those who already stock Genesis models can continue to do so or take settlement money and stop selling them.

All the Hyundai dealerships that start to sell Genesis will need to have separate stores and service facilities for the more upmarket vehicles.