Luxury arm is seen as a potential entrant in India as Hyundai leverages brand credibility and profitability
18 Sep 2025 | 3942 Views | By Ketan Thakkar & Akbar Merchant
Hyundai Motor Company is weighing the potential of bringing its luxury marque Genesis to India, as part of a broader global expansion strategy that aims to strengthen profitability across regions and diversify beyond its dependence on the United States.
At the 2025 CEO Investor Day and subsequent investor interactions, ...
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Hyundai Motor Company is weighing the potential of bringing its luxury marque Genesis to India, as part of a broader global expansion strategy that aims to strengthen profitability across regions and diversify beyond its dependence on the United States.
At the 2025 CEO Investor Day and subsequent investor interactions, President and CEO Jose Munoz said the company sees India as a solid and profitable market. Hyundai already commands the number two position with about 15% market share.
While Hyundai is not expecting to grow its overall share dramatically soon, Munoz suggested that India’s strong brand perception could open the door for Genesis.
“In India, we are not expecting to grow share. We’re number two; we are very solid. But we have more opportunities. This market has an opportunity to grow, and we want to export. No problem there. Perhaps an opportunity to launch our luxury brand, because we have strong credibility,” Munoz told investors.
India in the Global Context
The Genesis luxury brand is a critical profit engine for Hyundai globally. With double-digit margins, Genesis is expected to grow volumes by 50% by 2030, supported by new hybrid, extended-range, and battery-electric models. Europe, the Middle East, and North America are already confirmed as priority growth regions. Hyundai is preparing new sales finance platforms and mobility solutions to strengthen Genesis penetration in mature markets.
India has not yet been formally included in Genesis’s global rollout. Still, Munoz’s comments indicate the company is exploring opportunities in the luxury space, where Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi dominate. A Genesis entry could also align with India’s fast-growing premium EV segment, particularly as Hyundai has committed to launching its first locally designed EV and expanding capacity at the Pune plant to over one million units annually.
Testing the Waters
Hyundai’s strategy in India will likely balance its mainstream portfolio strength — led by the Creta, Venue and i20 — with the gradual introduction of premium offerings that elevate brand equity. While Genesis has yet to make an official move, Munoz’s suggestion underscores Hyundai’s willingness to leverage its strong
Indian Credibility to Test New Segments.
For investors, the prospect of Genesis in India signals Hyundai’s intent to defend its share in mass-market segments and capture margin-rich premium growth, further diversifying its global profit pool.