Asian Brands to Step up Luxury Vehicle Production

Anthony Fontanelle
March 29, 2007

Asian brands, as far as we can remember, are known for their economy vehicles. Even Toyota and Honda are known to produce vehicles that are at par with the Big Three’s vehicles in performance but these car makers from Asia seem to hold the upper hand when it comes to pricing. They are also known for the reliability of their non-luxury vehicles which rivals that of luxury brands.

In recent years though, Japanese and Korean automakers have invested in the luxury segment. Honda and Toyota each created a luxury division and they come in the form of the brands Acura and Lexus respectively. These luxury brands have become popular among American car buyers for their reliability and the luxurious features that they bring to the table and to the road.

This year, Asian brands are set to strengthen their hold on the luxury segment of the American auto market. Aside from the Acura and Lexus, another Asian luxury car brand has made its presence felt in the U.S. auto scene. Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan which is Japan’s third largest car manufacturer, has shown that they have what it takes to compete in the U.S. luxury car market.

At the upcoming New York International Auto Show, Infiniti will showcase the all new G37 coupe which is aimed to showcase the brands capability in luxury car design and production. The new coupe is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine with high performance engine parts like Nissan body parts to give it an output of about 330 horsepower.

Aside from Infiniti, Toyota's Lexus division will also unveil a new luxury car at the upcoming motor show. The Lexus 570 as the new model is named will be replacing the Lexus 460 on the division’s lineup. Detroit News reported that the new luxury car from the most reliable brand will have increased interior space compared to the 460 that it will replace.

Toyota's expansion of the 2008 Highlander’s interior space is seen to be the precursor to the increased interior room of future vehicles from Toyota. Acura, of course, will have to compete once again with their Asian rival and to date, no word was yet heard from Honda as to what Acura will be showcasing at the motor show.

Another Asian brand, this time from Korea, is also set to showcase their capabilities in producing a luxury car that can compete with the best in its class. Hyundai, the largest Korean car maker, will be unveiling the Genesis Concept at the largest motor show in the United States. The concept vehicle will showcase Hyundai’s capacity to compete in the U.S. luxury car market.

The Hyundai Genesis is the first luxury sedan from Hyundai to sport a rear-wheel drive configuration. The unveiling of the Genesis concept shows that Hyundai is dedicated to make their presence felt in the United States and give their reputation for producing economy cars a facelift.

Source:  Amazines.com