Who Makes Genesis Cars? Everything You Need To Know

in Auto FAQs and News
Genesis parked on a street

Source: Pixabay

As a relatively new company, Genesis isn’t the most popular brand out there, and some people may not even have heard of this luxury brand. However, Genesis has steadily created a well-deserved buzz in the luxury car segment. Launched in 2015, Genesis aims to compete with staple luxury brands like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz.

With that said, most people don’t know that Genesis isn’t exactly a startup brand established from scratch. So you’re probably wondering, who makes Genesis cars?

If you’re looking for more information about who makes Genesis cars, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we put the spotlight on the new luxury car brand that’s been surpassing people’s expectations, Genesis. Let’s take a look.

So Who Makes Genesis Cars?

Many people will be surprised that Genesis isn’t just a South Korean car brand but an offshoot of the Hyundai Motor Company. If you’ve been keeping tabs on the industry, car manufacturers often create new brands for their luxury car segment instead of adding them to their standard lineup of vehicles. Toyota has Lexus, GM has Cadillac, Honda has Acura, and Hyundai has Genesis.

Having said that, Hyundai did launch the “Genesis” nameplate as part of its standard lineup in 2008. Inspired by the BMW 5 Series, the Hyundai engineers worked hard to develop a new luxury four-door sedan. The new luxury sedan was proven to be quite a hit among customers, and after seven years of success, Hyundai made the Genesis a standalone brand. Apparently, Genesis was one of the top-three sellers during its seven-year production run.

Compared to the likes of BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz, which have been in the business for decades, Genesis is a relatively new car brand with less than a decade under its belt. Despite being a newcomer, Genesis has much going for it, and many of its vehicles resonated well with consumers. Plus, being a luxury arm of Hyundai certainly helped with its success.

However, although Genesis is an offshoot of Hyundai, it’s an entirely independent brand with different manufacturing plants.


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Where are Genesis Cars Made?

In addition to knowing who makes Genesis cars, you might also want to know where they are made from. As you might expect, Genesis cars are made in Ulsan, South Korea – the home country of Hyundai and Genesis Motors itself. However, Genesis has multiple design headquarters in various countries, including Namyang, South Korea, Rüsselsheim, Germany, and Irvine, California, in the U.S.

On a related note, the new GV70 electric crossover SUV by Genesis will be manufactured at its new plant in Alabama.

Although Genesis cars are primarily designed and manufactured in Germany, Korea, and the United States, it’s an international brand with marketing efforts targeted towards countries like:

  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • China
  • Russia
  • Canada
  • The Middle East
  • United States
  • Europe
  • The rest of Asia (in the future)

What Kind of Cars Does Genesis Make?

Genesis aims to build elegant luxury vehicles that deliver strong performance and upscale interiors at relatively low prices – at least compared to big-name luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

As a newcomer, Genesis offers a limited range of luxury cars and SUVs. Below are the current Genesis offerings you can buy and a brief description.


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Genesis G70

Debuted in 2019, the Genesis G70 is the entry-level model of this South Korean automaker at an affordable starting price. The G70 is a compact luxury sedan that features excellent driving dynamics, athletic handling, a luxurious interior, and a robust features-per-dollar value.

Genesis G80

The Genesis G80 is basically the rebadged version of the 2015 Hyundai Genesis before it broke out as a standalone luxury brand. As a midsize luxury car, it directly competes with popular segment staples such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series, and the Audi A6. However, the G80 continues to do well for itself, thanks to its well-rounded performance and affordable price tag. There’s also an all-electric model called the Genesis Electrified G80.

Genesis G90

Debuted in 2017, the Genesis G90 is known as the company’s most luxurious and flagship offering. Being in the full-size luxury sedan segment, the G90 competes with market giants like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and the BMW 7-Series. The Genesis G90 distinguishes itself from the competition with its heavenly ride quality, a wealth of standard luxury features, and an ultra-quiet cabin.

Genesis GV60

The Genesis GV60 is a compact electric SUV and is the company’s first EV-only model. The GV60 is an SUV-like hatchback with standard all-wheel drive and is essentially the luxurious sibling of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Even in the EV space, the GV60 boasts a somewhat offbeat design but is backed by a punchy engine and an athletic driving quality.

Genesis GV70

Debuting in 2022, the Genesis GV70 is a newer offering for the South Korean luxury brand, but it manages to impress with its potent powertrains, top-spec interior, and exceptional driving dynamics. The GV70 is Genesis’ entry into the compact luxury SUV segment and is proven to be a hit among critics and customers alike. The GV70 competes with the likes of the Porsche Macan, Acura RDX, and BMW X3. Lastly, the GV70 also comes in an electrified version.


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Genesis GV80

The Genesis GV80 is the company’s luxury midsize SUV segment offering, competing with Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5/X6, and the Volvo XC90. Like many Genesis models that became popular in their respective segments, the GV80 rose to the top of luxury-SUV wish lists thanks to its designer-chic exterior, cutting-edge tech features, and refined road manners. All GV80s have standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission.

Is Genesis a Good Car Brand?

Despite the sales slump experienced by the brand around 2018, Genesis is already a strong contender in the luxury car market. While Genesis only has a handful of sedans and SUVs under its belt, these are well-rounded vehicles with appropriately luxurious interiors and cutting-edge tech and safety features. Plus, many Genesis models have received endorsements and accolades from both customers and critics, generally praised for their strong value proposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What company manufactures Genesis cars?

A: Genesis is a luxury car brand that is an offshoot of the Hyundai Motor Company. It was established to create a distinct identity and compete in the luxury car market alongside renowned brands like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz.

Q: What types of vehicles does Genesis produce?

A: Genesis focuses on manufacturing luxury vehicles, including sedans like the G70, G80, and G90, and SUVs like the GV60, GV70, and GV80. These models are known for their elegant design, advanced technology, and competitive pricing compared to other luxury brands.

Q: How does Genesis differentiate itself from Hyundai?

A: Although Genesis is a subsidiary of Hyundai, it operates as an independent brand with its own design, engineering, and marketing strategies. Genesis aims to provide a distinct luxury experience, differentiating its vehicles from Hyundai’s more mainstream lineup.

Q: Is Genesis considered a successful luxury car brand?

A: Despite being relatively new in the luxury car market, Genesis has quickly established a reputation for quality, performance, and value. It has garnered several industry awards and positive customer feedback—great signs of its growing success among luxury car buyers.



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