Hyundai sold a healthy amount of Genesis sedans after it went on sale last month, and of the 800 models running around the U.S., General Motors and Toyota were two of the first to pick up the new luxury sedan from the Korean automaker.
According to Michael Deitz, Hyundai's manager of product development, both automakers purchased V6-equipped models since the V8 isn't available yet, and that one of the buyers identified himself as part of GM's "Competitive Intelligence Department."
While automakers routinely purchase competing vehicles for in-house R&D purposes, it's telling that the General and ToMoCo were quick to snatch up the Genesis. With Hyundai aiming its new sedan at buyers looking for all the trappings of a high-end luxury model, minus the badge, we wouldn't be surprised to learn that Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW have all placed their own orders for the Genesis.
Deitz went on to tell Wards that Hyundai will be announcing its future plans for alternative-fuel vehicles in the U.S. later this year, and is currently testing liquefied petroleum gas vehicles in South Korea, fuel-cell vehicles in California and Michigan, and is considering diesel engines for its SUVs. The 4.8-liter V8 is expected to benefit from cylinder deactivation in the future and a supercharger is expected to be available further down the line.
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