Hyundai Motor today presented a glimpse of its future design directions for its premium vehicles at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), accelerating its push into the global luxury segment.
Hyundai Motor America, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co., staged a world premiere of the HCD-14 Genesis concept at Cobo Center. The luxury concept also hints at the company’s future premium convenience features by showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as innovative eye-tracking and gesture-based controls. Sales of Hyundai’s luxury vehicles have been posting significant gains worldwide, especially in the U.S., China and the Middle East.
“Hyundai’s Genesis and Equus models are now recognised as serious contenders in the global luxury market. Our concept vehicle today will further raise Hyundai’s premium brand image,” said Tak Uk Im, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of Hyundai Motor’s International Operations Division in Seoul. “Our focus going forward is to strive for brand innovation based on quality.”
In 2012, Hyundai’s top end models such as the Genesis and Equus, saw a 24 percent sales increase outside Korea compared to the previous year. In particular, in the Middle East region, sales of the two models reached 4,132 units, an increase of more than 45 percent from a year earlier. For the first time, Equus was named 2012 Car of the Year by the leading Middle East car magazine, Sport Auto.