A Dog in a Lions Skin or the other way around?

Hyundai has introduced the Genesis. While the commercials are catchy and sexy. I just can't seem to buy that a $30,000 car has the same experience of a $60,000 one. That is the claim with this car. By touting its large engine Hyundai is hoping people will come in and check out the car.

I get it. Nice cars are made in Germany or Japan where the labor rate is higher vs. South Korea. Since these established car makers have developed the technology in today's luxury cars all Hyundai has to do is copy. So yes, some savings are there. But, will you really get the same car for half?

I don't think so. I drive a Honda Civic, so believe me I am not a snob but a critic. I think Hyundai leaves out so many features that makes a BMW and Benz what they really are. It's the safety and longevity of the car. There have been so many stories of people walking away from a nasty car accident perfectly fine since the frame of the car saved them (and the airbags). That is a big reason why many who can afford such cars buy them. Yes they're nice, but if you have worked hard you are going to be in a safe car in case you get hit. I know these cars resonate status and have cool features. But, a successful 50 year old lawyer buying a car is not going to save $30,000 if it means he might get severely injured or die in a accident.

So I get it Hyundai is trying to enter the luxury market. But if you put a dog in a lions cloth, eventually he's going to get eaten up or destroyed. I think Hyundai made a great effort, but this will not last.

Genesis Website

Excess Consumption is finally realized? Or not.

With the current economic meltdown, layoffs, and lack or credit most American's are experiencing something most have never before. This situation is no different is how trendy America really is. Remember back to the summer of 2008 when regular gas was around $4/gallon. Back then a 1995 Ford Festiva went from being worth $1500 to $4000 simply due to its fuel efficiency. Now the trend is to live with less. But is this mentality really here to stay? Many people say once this dark cloud begins to pass (which it will) the decadent consumption we used to will continue. How many people are going to remember the current economic times in 2, 4, or 6 years when our economy will be recovered? Large homes, SUVs, and granite countertops will make a comeback. Afterall how can you change the mentality of millions of Americans in just a few years with only one or two hard years of economic hardship. While I am not advocating a longer recession I am adocating a little more thought from my fellow Americans. Even in this current glut high end auto manufactorers such as BMW, Mercedes, and Porche are planning to introduce more higher end cars. Yes, they might be fuel friendly but BMW see's growth in the their flagship 7 series sedan during the next 3-6 years. These are $60,000+ cars I am talking about. Porche, they feel so confident that they are now introducing a $70,000 sedan in the US market in the next couple years.

Why are auto makers so confident in America? Is it they know we will always be prosperous? I am sure that is true. But, they know a nation of excessive consumption will always find a means to purchase what they produce. Even if it means financing a $70,000 for 60 months. My mentality is if you need to finance a $60,000 car for more than one year, then you should not be buying it.

Time will only tell.