FOUNTAIN VALLEY — Hyundai Motor America and Genesis Motor America informed its more than 830 dealers last week that it plans to establish an independent dealer network in the United States. According to the company, certain dealers who are parties to the Genesis Participation Agreement (GPA) and operate in “defined key markets” will be given first opportunity to apply for the Genesis franchise.

Applications are expected to be received within a specified timeframe and the Genesis retailer selection process will begin concurrently. The automaker plans to build a network of 100 dealers covering all of the luxury brand’s defined key market.

“At Genesis, we believe in putting our customers first and giving them a proper ownership experience,” said Erwin Raphael, General Manager of Genesis Motor America. “To ensure that happens, we need to take this next step in the separation of the Genesis brand from our parent company. Establishing a right-sized Genesis retailer network, as our product portfolio grows, will ensure the Genesis brand can succeed and thrive long-term within the luxury automotive market.”

Initially, the new network will conduct business from temporary and/or shared facilities over the next three years. New Genesis standalone facilities will then be constructed to further enhance the overall ownership experience.

In 2017, Genesis Motor America reported year-to-date sales of 20,594 G80, G80 Sport and G90 vehicles. In the last year, the Genesis brand and products were awarded 14 significant awards and accolades by leading third parties, including being named by J.D. Power as the highest ranking premium nameplate for Initial Quality and the second highest premium nameplate in the company’s APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout) study.