Hyundai Genesis-based crossover coming 2017/2018?

Hyundai is rumoured to be considering a large seven-seat crossover based on the Genesis executive sedan in order to boost flagging sales blamed on a lack of SUVs in its lineup, according to Reuters.

The company is reportedly looking into an internal proposal made last year for a flagship that will sit at the top of its crossover range – which currently only consists of the Tucson, short- and long-wheelbase Santa Fe and Veracruz (which is expected to be discontinued by the end of next month). A new B-segment Creta will slot in at the other end during the second half of this year.

The car in question is aimed at riding on the Genesis’ wave of popularity – sales have reportedly surged 15% between January and May to nearly 15,000, compared to the 2% gained by Hyundai as a whole. It’s arrival, however, is only pegged at sometime within the next two to three years, which indicates a 2017/2018 launch.

The article quotes sources within Hyundai as saying that the company’s reticence regarding this project – which has yet to be green-lit, apparently – stems from its poor track record in building a large SUV and concerns about its brand appeal in the upper echelons of the segment. There are also fears that a spike in fuel prices will again cause the market to shrink.

“We are considering developing premium, large SUVs based on customers’ needs,” Hyundai told Reuters. “We plan to respond to the fast-changing market centred around SUVs by beefing up our SUV line-up.”

Hyundai’s US sales in May have slumped by 10% over the previous year, the biggest drop in four years and well behind the industry-average 2% growth. Its shares have also fallen 18% this year, the worst performer among major global manufacturers.

2016 Hyundai Tucson

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