Genesis SUV for Australia this year

Genesis has pledged to have its first SUV on sale in Australia before the end of 2019. And the fledgling car-maker’s global boss believes it can be a best-seller.

The Hyundai-owned luxury brand launches in Australia this week with a two-pronged sedan line-up: the Genesis G70 and Genesis G80.

Speaking with carsales.com.au, Genesis global boss Manfred Fitzgerald confirmed those models would be joined by the GV80 SUV before year’s end, along with an equivalent GV70 spin-off in due course.

The large GV80 SUV was shown in concept form (pictured) at the 2017 New York motor show and has been spotted in testing since.

“Then there’s another vehicle coming, but I won’t disclose what it will be,” Fitzgerald confirmed, leaving the door open to a potential electric option.

“I think they [the SUVs] have the potential to be top-sellers, for sure. I think each and every car we are introducing has the potential to be a top-seller in that segment.

“It’s about getting the word out there and being recognised and being known: there is a brand called Genesis out there with products that resonate with people.”

The ageing G80 might seem as an unlikely flagship for Genesis to launch with in Australia, especially since it has direct origins with the Hyundai Genesis first offered here in 2015.

However, Fitzgerald argues the point. He believes G70 and G80 will set the tone for Genesis in Australia, allowing it to lay the foundations of its network before the volume-driven SUVs arrive later in the year.

“People ask me why didn’t you come out with the SUV first? I think that’s a short game and that’s only focussing on something that will sell. I don’t think you built up a brand like that,” he said.

“You start with you flagship and you get that to cascade down. You obviously have to have an SUV in the market, but I always figured that would come at a later stage.”

The Genesis boss has the same perspective on electric vehicles. He said an electric Genesis would soon be offered in Australia, utilising Hyundai’s bourgeoning know-how and infrastructure network.

Again, Fitzgerald argues it would make no sense to launch with an EV while Genesis is in its infancy.

“I think it would be unwise to do everything on our own,” he said. “We have the potential to tap into the group’s potential and we plan on utilising that.

“That’s what we’re doing right now. That’s what Volkswagen does also.”

Genesis’ ‘studio’ footprint is limited to a solitary Sydney dealership for now, located in the bustling Pitt Street Mall. Fitzgerald confirms that plans are afoot for sites in Melbourne and Brisbane.

“Eventually, I’m anticipating more than 10 studios,” he said.

“I couldn’t give you an answer on when you will see studios in rural centres. Let’s get the launch done and let’s see how the next 12 to 18 months pans out, how fast the acceptance of that brand is.

“In 18 months we can answer that question.”