General Stinger discussion split from "Stinger Girl" thread.

[YEH]

Well to be honest, they're doing much much better than the Stinger. But not so well compared to the G80 3.8 V6 (not the sport 3.3). I assume because the G80 is a lot cheaper, since they only introduced 3.3 G70 only. without the 2.0 engine.

Anyways, it's a bit early to judge the car's fair in the market since it has been introduced a little over 2months ago.

Interesting...

You think the G70 doing better than the Stinger (even at this early juncture) is due to the badge or due to it being a traditional sedan and not a fastback/hatch?

 

[Salman]

Interesting...
You think the G70 doing better than the Stinger (even at this early juncture) is due to the badge or due to it being a traditional sedan and not a fastback/hatch?

It's doing well because the brand itself carries the car (G70), this is why it's doing better than the Stinger. People here really care about the brand.. not taking into any consideration the engine, fuel efficiency, technology, reliability, comfort, sportiness, practicality or any aspect for that matter. I may be exaggerating a little bit. but that's the truth here. for example one of the most cars sold which you will see everyday at least 20-50 cars per day, is the Lexus ES. The car is approx. 45K $. The car does not have the most standard technology trends or even ventilated seats. and to give a precise take on how people only care about the brand, this ES car does not even have one camera !! I can't event believe how does a 45k luxury mid size sedan does not have the simplest safety/warning feature as backup camera !!

These people, which the majority, in my personal opinion are really shallow, they only care about how can people perceive them. (They think if they have a Luxury car they will be respected) which sadly or community does !!!!!

So there you go, this is you answer to "why is G70 doing Better than the Stinger".

Just to add one more proof to the equation; when the first Genesis G80 came to the markets in 2014. People who bought the car where being laughed at.. saying "how can you put +40K on a Genesis/Hyundai... and after a couple of years when the brand perception started to kick in. in 2018 you can see at least 20-40cars of G80 everywhere you go.

Genesis succeeded because they where aiming for luxury. so I don't know if the Kia will be recognized in the upcoming years as a premium brand, because they did not aim for the luxury with the Stinger the aimed it to be a GT car, which is not a selling point here.

Hope a gave a broad and narrow answer at the same time.

 

[Weareblondi]

hopefully with the stinger, kia will now be seen as a new contender. with each update, their level of refinement should raise the bar for others to take notice. i mean, others have taken notice with the first model! either way, congrats to the both of you.

 

[SonomaGT]

It's doing well because the brand itself carries the car (G70), this is why it's doing better than the Stinger. People here really care about the brand.. not taking into any consideration the engine, fuel efficiency, technology, reliability, comfort, sportiness, practicality or any aspect for that matter. I may be exaggerating a little bit. but that's the truth here. for example one of the most cars sold which you will see everyday at least 20-50 cars per day, is the Lexus ES. The car is approx. 45K $. The car does not have the most standard technology trends or even ventilated seats. and to give a precise take on how people only care about the brand, this ES car does not even have one camera !! I can't event believe how does a 45k luxury mid size sedan does not have the simplest safety/warning feature as backup camera !!

These people, which the majority, in my personal opinion are really shallow, they only care about how can people perceive them. (They think if they have a Luxury car they will be respected) which sadly or community does !!!!!

So there you go, this is you answer to "why is G70 doing Better than the Stinger".

Just to add one more proof to the equation; when the first Genesis G80 came to the markets in 2014. People who bought the car where being laughed at.. saying "how can you put +40K on a Genesis/Hyundai... and after a couple of years when the brand perception started to kick in. in 2018 you can see at least 20-40cars of G80 everywhere you go.

Genesis succeeded because they where aiming for luxury. so I don't know if the Kia will be recognized in the upcoming years as a premium brand, because they did not aim for the luxury with the Stinger the aimed it to be a GT car, which is not a selling point here.

Hope a gave a broad and narrow answer at the same time.

Salman, you are right on target about the brand. This is a good explanation that I also relate too. There's not many Genesis in Sonoma County at all because we don't have a dealership that sells them. The Stingers are sitting at my dealership. People are curious but not buying. Northern CA is very snobby about their cars and the general population is affluent. I'm surrounded by Teslas, BMW, Audi, Range Rovers, Lexus, Infinity, Porches, Corvettes, and classic & new Mustangs/Camaros. In Sonoma County, trucks and SUVs are king too. With that said, there are quite a bit of KIA Optima and SUVs driving around too. Once you hit the upper 40's there's so much competition with badges- especially when buying used.
I'm the only Stinger I've seen so far - kind of lonely... lol. Glad I have all you guys.

Huda- can't wait to see your new car pics!

 

[Salman]

hopefully with the stinger, kia will now be seen as a new contender.

I sure hope so.. but to be honest if the Sales rep keep here keep treating their stinger customers as they're coming to by a Rio. It would definitely push customers away. Potential buyers will think if I'm here to give my money and know cares enough to take it. How will the after sales services will be like??

I noticed a couple of people here in the forum complaining on how sales reps are incapable of handling the Stinger potential buyers.

There's another perspective to the matter my Wife always likes to point out; she says it's better for us if the stinger does sell as much as the other cars.. its a con for Kia but a pro for us. We will be unique in our purchase and they car will always feel special in the road because there will not be a lot of stingers out there.. she has a point. But I always debate that if it does not succeed Kia will discontinue the car.

What do you think?

I'm the only Stinger I've seen so far - kind of lonely... lol. Glad I have all you guys.

 

[Joseph Spiegel]

I sure hope so.. but to be honest if the Sales rep keep here keep treating their stinger customers as they're coming to by a Rio. It would definitely push customers away. Potential buyers will think if I'm here to give my money and know cares enough to take it. How will the after sales services will be like??

I noticed a couple of people here in the forum complaining on how sales reps are incapable of handling the Stinger potential buyers.

There's another perspective to the matter my Wife always likes to point out; she says it's better for us if the stinger does sell as much as the other cars.. its a con for Kia but a pro for us. We will be unique in our purchase and they car will always feel special in the road because there will not be a lot of stingers out there.. she has a point. But I always debate that if it does not succeed Kia will discontinue the car.

What do you think?

Does or doesn’t sell. I think you meant doesn’t?

 

[Paul32]

Does or doesn’t sell. I think you meant doesn’t?

If it doesn't sell it will affect resale value and lease residuals. That's not good. The Cadenza is a good example of that and the Azera. There's a chance that those models may go away and they are excellent cars in their price range.

 

[Joseph Spiegel]

If it doesn't sell it will affect resale value and lease residuals. That's not good. The Cadenza is a good example of that and the Azera. There's a chance that those models may go away and they are excellent cars in their price range.

I meant Salman. I think he typoed.

 

[eljay]

I sure hope so.. but to be honest if the Sales rep keep here keep treating their stinger customers as they're coming to by a Rio. It would definitely push customers away. Potential buyers will think if I'm here to give my money and know cares enough to take it. How will the after sales services will be like??

I noticed a couple of people here in the forum complaining on how sales reps are incapable of handling the Stinger potential buyers.

If what's happened near me is any indication, customer service for Stinger buyers and owners will improve elsewhere. Before and just after the first Stingers hit showrooms here, I had several awful experiences with dealerships, the kinds of things you only expect from slimy used car dealers, but by the time I bought my Stinger about a month after launch, things were already improving at some of my local dealers. I think this was due to higher customer expectations, training, and some staff changes (some of the new hires coming from higher-end agencies). The general improvement in professionalism was noticeable. I'm hoping they continue to improve.

 

[MerlintheMad]

I sure hope so.. but to be honest if the Sales rep keep here keep treating their stinger customers as they're coming to by a Rio. It would definitely push customers away. Potential buyers will think if I'm here to give my money and know cares enough to take it. How will the after sales services will be like??

I noticed a couple of people here in the forum complaining on how sales reps are incapable of handling the Stinger potential buyers.

There's another perspective to the matter my Wife always likes to point out; she says it's better for us if the stinger does sell as much as the other cars.. its a con for Kia but a pro for us. We will be unique in our purchase and they car will always feel special in the road because there will not be a lot of stingers out there.. she has a point. But I always debate that if it does not succeed Kia will discontinue the car.

What do you think?

I think that your wife is exhibiting that "Saudi" penchant for car pride that you described earlier. But it is a negative if Stingers don't sell well around you. Your car will turn into a "rare species", but without the resale value. And service will also suffer.

 

[Salman]

Does or doesn’t sell. I think you meant doesn’t?

Sorry I meant doesn't... 101 problems of non native speakers.

 

[Salman]

If what's happened near me is any indication, customer service for Stinger buyers and owners will improve elsewhere. Before and just after the first Stingers hit showrooms here, I had several awful experiences with dealerships, the kinds of things you only expect from slimy used car dealers, but by the time I bought my Stinger about a month after launch, things were already improving at some of my local dealers. I think this was due to higher customer expectations, training, and some staff changes (some of the new hires coming from higher-end agencies). The general improvement in professionalism was noticeable. I'm hoping they continue to improve.

I hope our dealer improves.. but to date there are no improvements at all.. same old same old..

 

[Salman]

I think that your wife is exhibiting that "Saudi" penchant for car pride that you described earlier. But it is a negative if Stingers don't sell well around you. Your car will turn into a "rare species", but without the resale value. And service will also suffer.

Actually my wife was the one that pushed me to make a purchase for the stinger even with it being a KIA.. So I'm sure she's not exhibiting car pride like people who buy Lexus ES.

And I totally agree its not a good thing if the stinger doesn't sell well in our area because of re-sale value and service parts availability later on. But if the stinger really does not sell well, my wife says be positive about it at least enjoy having a "rare species" as ride..

 

[MerlintheMad]

That's looking at it optimistically alright.

 

[YEH]

It's doing well because the brand itself carries the car (G70), this is why it's doing better than the Stinger. People here really care about the brand.. not taking into any consideration the engine, fuel efficiency, technology, reliability, comfort, sportiness, practicality or any aspect for that matter. I may be exaggerating a little bit. but that's the truth here. for example one of the most cars sold which you will see everyday at least 20-50 cars per day, is the Lexus ES. The car is approx. 45K $. The car does not have the most standard technology trends or even ventilated seats. and to give a precise take on how people only care about the brand, this ES car does not even have one camera !! I can't event believe how does a 45k luxury mid size sedan does not have the simplest safety/warning feature as backup camera !!

These people, which the majority, in my personal opinion are really shallow, they only care about how can people perceive them. (They think if they have a Luxury car they will be respected) which sadly or community does !!!!!

Thanks for your input, Salman.

Re the ES, not that different here when it comes to the majority of drivers (majority aren't auto-enthusiasts) and don't know or care that the ES is a FWD appliance (a tarted-up Avalon).

But the thing is, auto-enthusiasts know what the ES is and the Stinger commands way more respect than the ES.

So there you go, this is you answer to "why is G70 doing Better than the Stinger".

Just to add one more proof to the equation; when the first Genesis G80 came to the markets in 2014. People who bought the car where being laughed at.. saying "how can you put +40K on a Genesis/Hyundai... and after a couple of years when the brand perception started to kick in. in 2018 you can see at least 20-40cars of G80 everywhere you go.

Genesis succeeded because they where aiming for luxury. so I don't know if the Kia will be recognized in the upcoming years as a premium brand, because they did not aim for the luxury with the Stinger the aimed it to be a GT car, which is not a selling point here.

Wasn't the 1st gen Genesis sedan available in Saudi Arabia?

Thought it sold OK (you would know better).

Not only was the previous Equus/Centennial sold there as well, but the 1st gen model (that dates back to 1999).

Guess, this is a sign that Hyundai made the correct move in spinning off Genesis (which was inevitable) into its own brand.

What's the dealership situation over there?

Are there separate Genesis dealerships yet or are they still being sold at Hyundai dealerships (but separated)?

Or did Genesis go w/ the boutique showroom at high end malls approach like they have done in Canada (w/ sales directed straight to Genesis corporate)?

I'm sure Genesis Saudi Arabia can't wait for the crossovers to arrive.

I sure hope so.. but to be honest if the Sales rep keep here keep treating their stinger customers as they're coming to by a Rio. It would definitely push customers away. Potential buyers will think if I'm here to give my money and know cares enough to take it. How will the after sales services will be like??

Uggh - seems like the problem w/ (many) Kia dealerships is a universal one.

As bad as such an attitude is for selling the Stinger, it's worse in trying to sell the K9/Quoris (which I take probably doesn't sell well over there).

As for the Stinger, think in time, it'll do better over there as people become more familiar w/ the Stinger's attributes.

Can see it becoming like what the Mustang and Camaro/Corvette are for Ford and Chevy - halo vehicles which are almost separate from their respective brands.

What should also help is Kia upgrading its FWD models w/ more performance, along w/ the new flagship crossover (Telluride) for Kia.

Btw, Salman - your wife seems cool; she and Huda would probably get along great.

 

[Salman]

Re the ES, not that different here when it comes to the majority of drivers (majority aren't auto-enthusiasts) and don't know or care that the ES is a FWD appliance (a tarted-up Avalon).

But the thing is, auto-enthusiasts know what the ES is and the Stinger commands way more respect than the ES.

I totally agree. Couldn't put it better my self.

Wasn't the 1st gen Genesis sedan available in Saudi Arabia?

Thought it sold OK (you would know better).

Not only was the previous Equus/Centennial sold there as well, but the 1st gen model (that dates back to 1999).

Ofcourse the first gen was available, or at least to my extend knowledge. When I wrote about the 2014 (I was referring to the latest gen)

What's the dealership situation over there?

Are there separate Genesis dealerships yet or are they still being sold at Hyundai dealerships (but separated)?

Or did Genesis go w/ the boutique showroom at high end malls approach like they have done in Canada (w/ sales directed straight to Genesis corporate)?

At first the Genesis models where always sold at the authorized Hyundai dealer (having there own corner with a parquet flooring).
But with the new launch of the G70, the opened a showroom only dedicated for the Genesis cars. (But they're still showcased at regular authorized Hyundai dealers). Maybe a work in progress? .. I don't know.

 

[Salman]

Btw, Salman - your wife seems cool; she and Huda would probably get along great.

You got us with that damn observation!!
@Huda I don't think we can hide it anymore... Huda is my wife ...... mind blown

 

[Joseph Spiegel]

Sorry I meant doesn't... 101 problems of non native speakers.

Shhh, I always blame Auto-Correct!

 

[Huda]

I hope she changed her mind and decided to practice up with something else, before her Stinger arrives. ...

Hi Merlin.. we sold our Cayenne GTS a few days ago.. and now we don't have a car at the moment. Since I'm a stay home wife, my husband commutes to work by Uber these days.. but we are looking into renting a car or using my father's in law 2009 Land Rover LR3.. he offered it to us this weekend, and probably we will go with using it. And save money on renting a car.

Btw we weren't planning to sell the car, but we got a good offer on it. Worth selling it before the our Stinger Arrives.

I just can't for it to wait... less than 30days to go...

 

[Huda]

On another topic, we keep contacting our dealer to know if the car has been shipped from Korea (which obviously it has, because it was stated to be produced in June). So they can share the VIN with other info of production dates and the expected arrival our port.

But, just as you would imagine.. no one knows a thing.. the keep stating when it arrives to the showroom we'll let you know.

I ordered a specific car, I should know when it's expected to come! So we can arrange our affairs accordingly. Not knowing when the car arrives is not acceptable.

KIA of Saudi Arabia stating from day one (6th May) that it will arrive end of July (which means a time frame between 20th July to 7th August). Is something acceptable to know when you first order the car.

But when the mentioned time frame starts to come Kia of SA should start to have a narrower time frame especially if the car has been produced and shipped. But like I mentioned previously their incapabilty to care or even try to service you is something beyond imaginable and far from satisfactory.

KIA of Saudi Arabia has a long way ahead to reach the expected customer services that aligns with the brands meassage "The Power To Surprise" and the products they offer. E.g the Stinger and the new comer K900.