Hyundai announced it was spinning off Genesis in late 2015, and not a year later, the G90 came to market in the U.S. The luxury brand launched so quickly that there wasn?t time to set up a stand-alone dealership network separate from Hyundai stores. Earlier this year, it was finally confirmed that Genesis would receive its own network, albeit a small one consisting of around 100 stores. Now, the automaker is changing course by allowing all Hyundai dealers to apply to sell Genesis vehicles at stand-alone facilities.
The new details come from Automotive News, which spoke with an unidentified dealer familiar with the plan. In the next few weeks, Genesis will send out new franchise agreements to all Hyundai dealers that want to continue or start selling Genesis vehicles. A spokesman for the automaker confirmed there could be more than the originally planned 100 Genesis stores.
Prior to the changeover, there have been 350 Hyundai dealerships selling the G80 and G90 sedans. But only newly franchised Genesis retailers will be able to sell 2019 Genesis cars, the spokesman said. The new strategy will likely benefit owners who will have more options for servicing their vehicles.
In the meantime, Genesis is gearing up to launch the G70 sedan this summer. Eventually, Genesis is expected to add the GV80 and GV70 crossovers to its lineup, as well as a sporty coupe and EV.
