Hyundai Motor's latest model, Genesis Coupe, got a total of 1,029 orders on the first day the sports sedan went on sale here, the automaker said Tuesday.
``A lot of customers have been showing interest in the model, and some even called Hyundai headquarters asking questions on the vehicle," said Ryu Seung-hee, a public relations official of Hyundai.
Genesis Coupe, a new version of luxury sedan Genesis debuted on the Korean market Monday with a launching ceremony held on Jeju Island.
A 38-year-old dentist in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province became the first owner of the red-hot vehicle, who won after drawing lots with others who ordered the vehicle in advance.
First unveiled here at the Busan International Motor Show in May, the high-tech rear-wheel-drive sports sedan, which succeeds the Tuscany, stole some of the spotlight before its launch on expectations of superior design and performance. A total 182.5 billion won ($151.3 million) budget went toward its development over 25 months.
Hyundai expected no problem in achieving its sales goal of 2,500 vehicles for this year.
"The coupe will play 100 percent of its role attracting young and new customers and providing a whole new driving experience," said Lee Hyun-soon, Hyundai's president of research and development, at the launching ceremony.
The automaker is planning to maximize market attention to the latest product by holding various events including test rides nationwide.
Genesis Coupe is scheduled for introduction in the United States early next year.
