The Hyundai Equus was a luxury sedan manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company from 1999 to 2016 in two generations. The name Equus comes from the Latin word for a horse, symbolizing strength and elegance.
Key Points:
1. Generations: The Equus had two generations - the first generation manufactured from 1999 to 2008, and the second generation introduced in 2009 with a rear-wheel-drive platform.
2. Features: The Equus was a full-size luxury sedan with four doors and a seating capacity for five passengers. It featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, offering a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
3. Global Distribution: The second-generation Equus was sold in various countries, including South Korea, Russia, China, United States, Canada, Central America, South America, and the Middle East under the Hyundai Centennial nameplate.
4. Rebranding: In November 2015, Hyundai announced the transition of the Genesis model to its own luxury vehicle division, Genesis Motor. Consequently, the 2016 successor to the Equus was rebranded as the Genesis G90 (known as EQ900 in Korea until 2018).
Overall, the Hyundai Equus was a flagship luxury sedan that combined elegant design, premium features, and reliable performance. Its transition to the Genesis lineup signified a shift towards establishing Hyundai as a prominent player in the luxury automotive market.