While working as a used car dealer in LA, I often think about how Hyundai has so many models these days.

"So, why doesn't Hyundai sell the Grandeur in the U.S.?"

In Korea, the Sonata and K5 are sold with the image of being 'national family sedans'.

When dads park them, it gives off the vibe of "Oh, they must be driving with the family now."

But above that is the Grandeur.

In Korea, the Grandeur is not just a car. It's somewhat like a 'life level-up certificate'.

When a father says, "I changed my car this time" and shows up with a Grandeur, the family gets the impression of "Now, they are really stable."

But in the U.S.? Hyundai does not sell the Grandeur.

This is quite puzzling.

Of course, there is the Sonata, and there are luxury lines like the Genesis G80 and G90, but there is a gap for a car that fits perfectly in between.

I also feel this in the used car market. Customers often ask, "Do you have something like a Toyota Avalon?"

Then I think to myself, "Hey, Hyundai has something that fits perfectly, but they don't sell it in the U.S."

The Toyota Avalon has long established itself in the U.S. as a 'spacious mid-size sedan, dad's car'.

It's larger than the Camry and less burdensome than a Lexus. But in this market, Hyundai is missing.

Some customers feel that the Sonata is a bit lacking, and going for a Genesis is too expensive.

If I show them the Grandeur, I think they would respond positively. The size, options, and design would likely match American tastes well.

One interesting point I notice in the used car market is that Korean Americans sometimes come in and see the Sonata and say, "This is a car that is even used as a taxi in Korea..." and feel a bit disappointed.

Then they say, "There is a Grandeur in Korea, but it's not available in the U.S.?"

At that point, I nod along and say, "That's right, this car would sell quite well in the U.S."

From Hyundai's perspective, I think they might not have brought in the Grandeur due to brand strategy.

"Wouldn't selling the Grandeur reduce Genesis customers?" This could be part of their calculation.

But in my opinion, having a model that fills the gap in the middle would strengthen the overall lineup.

The gap between the Sonata and Genesis is quite large. It means there are not enough choices for customers.

And although sedan demand is decreasing in the U.S. market these days, there are still consistent customer segments looking for them.

Especially in heavily trafficked big cities, or among older individuals, sedans are preferred over SUVs.

The reason the Avalon is still surviving is that. I believe the Grandeur could compete well in such a market.

Honestly, from a used car dealer's perspective, if the Hyundai Grandeur were released in the U.S., I think we would benefit as well.

With many options, a stylish design, and a reasonable price, it would quickly become a popular model in the used market.

Even now, many people are looking for used Genesis cars. But often, they can't buy them due to price burdens. The Grandeur would fit perfectly in between.

In conclusion, I hope Hyundai releases a model that fills the position above the Sonata and below the Genesis in the U.S.

Korean American customers would be satisfied, American customers would think, "Hyundai is doing well these days," and we used car dealers would find it easier to rotate our inventory.

Hyundai, please sell the Grandeur in the U.S.