Who Will Be Stronger And Have The BEST Products In FIVE Years? Infiniti, Acura, Cadillac, Hyundai OR KIA?

Cadillac. If their range continues to develop on its current trajectory, it will be very strong. If they can replace the XTS with a true top of the range Sedan, and introduce crossovers that are competitive, they will be rock solid.

Infiniti.

If they "actually" produce those vehicles with GT-R engine inside it, then they have a winner.

If not, then probably Cadillac.

Because let's face it. I mean, of all those 5 brands, the one that will do probably good would be only just Cadillac.

But the major problem with Cadillac is price. And also, brand recognition.

But then again, why is Lexus not in this?

Infiniti needs more than just Halo cars to stay relavent in the premium segment. They need to have a CLA/S3 competitor, a X3/Q5 competitor, a serious 4 series/A5 competitor, and an updated M to compete with the 5 series, A6, and E Class. An A7/CLS competitor would also help. And an S class/7 series full size competitor would also be needed to reflect true premium status.

"I mean, I would never pay more than 10k for an American vehicle (And I actually never did) since they are built like junk to begin with."

These are your words regarding Cadillac a few days ago. Now it's just price that is caddy's problem...? Man that's a quick change of heart.

Do not see Acura doing anything to improve its status. If anything it is going in reverse. The new TLX will prove that Cadillac is better positioned to evolve positively. As much as I dislike Hyundai/Kia products, I do think it will progress positively and continue to attract drone buyers.

Five years is a very short time frame in the auto industry. If you look at all of these brands, most of them have just introduced their strongest players this year. So, these products will be dated in 5 years, and will likely be on the verge of replacing.

Considering their current lineup, these are likely what will be new within the next 5 years:

- Cadillac needs to introduce a very strong SRX replacement to compete with the RX and MDX, and if they introduce a formidable flagship to the S/A8/7, then it's a no-brainer.

- Hyundai's lineup is essentially all-new. The Equus was just put through a refresh so it may likely be up for a whole new design in the next 5 years. I truly think this replacement will play a pivotal role for Hyundai.

- Kia will need to bring out a new Optima that is just a dynamic as the current one. Really, the current Optima has few weaknesses, so just improving on an already-good product is all it needs, as long as it doesn't lose its appeal the way the new Sonata has lots a bit of its design edge. Outside of that, most of the rest of the sedans were just introduced. For Kia to truly start competing, they need to up their SUV game.

- Acura - this is a hard one. The NSX may be a complete game changer in terms of brand identity, or brand re-identity. The new TLX and the RLX SH will inject some life into the brand and will make a pretty solid lineup of cars/SUVs. But....they need more. Granted, they may still lack that complete enthusiast's edge, but at the end of the day it's about the folks buying the cars. Even with a perceived tepid lineup of sedans today, they are more than holding their head above water in the Tier 2 arena. Personally, I do think they are moving forward, but they're just not getting there fast enough.

- Infiniti - In my own personal opinion, this is the brand that's most perplexing to me. The M is already 4 years old, yet they just did a refresh on it and its sales aren't great. The EX is forgotten. The FX is forgotten. The JX is doing okay, but not great esp compared to the RX and MDX. The QX is doing okay, barely. They decided to keep the G sedan after announcing its discontinuation. The Q50 sales are already leveling off. They are focusing on an entry-level hatchback. And I won't even comment anymore on the Eau Rouge initiative. To me, this company just seems lost. Maybe they'll prove me wrong. Maybe a new Q60 will completely change the face of the brand, but Infiniti can't keep relying on its lower-level sedan/coupe to shoulder the weight.

JX and QX are doing great but FX is forgotten?

You have lost all credibility on it all because of it.

You have seen the FX's sales numbers, right? Through May, it has sold 2576 units, down 21% from the year before and down 18% YTD. Please tell me how this could be considered good in any way. (the JX sold about 14k units and the QX about 5300 units considering its class)

And, btw, you telling me I lost credibility means absolutely zero.

and I didn't say the JX and QX were doing great. Put your reading glasses on.

I'm confused at why Infiniti is perplexing you. My understanding is that a particular model is out for 4-6 years typically gets a refresh in the 4th year and continues on for the life of its current style iteration. That's normal. The M's refresh is for 2015 (next year, it's 4th year) BTW so a 2014 Q70 looks just like the 2013 M. But anyway is the M NOT allowed to be 4 years old when other autos such as the 5 series (which also just got a refresh) are as well?? The FX & EX are at the end of their style cycles and will be re-designed for next year, and the QX80 isn't supposed to be a sales leader at $70K +. If you've been paying attention until the Q60 coupe(G coupe)is released they are merely selling the remaining 2013 G37s coupe and sedan inventory as new vehicles, they aren't really producing more.

Here we go again on autospies. Just the premise of comparing Hyundai/Kia to Acura, Infiniti, and Cadillac is comical. If you ask me, the best luxury offering from Hyundai (the Equus) is not really completing with any current Acura or Infiniti offering, but instead the BMW 7 series and Lexus LX series, so why not include them in this ridiculous hypothetical too. And the new Genesis is competing with the 5-series and Mercedes as well.

I am a believer in the Hyundai/Kia brand and think they have come a long way, and if they truly want to make a deep dive into forming a luxury brand, it will go well beyond Acura/Infiniti/Cadillac they would be competing against.

Who will participate in a pissing contest, claiming their crystal ball has the best reception? ;-)

Given that the Hyundai Group oversees the Hyundai and Kia brands, they are therefore one entity. By far Hyundai/Kia has been on the biggest roll of the brands listed and with that momentum they will continue to do well. It would not surprise me if Kia's gradual move to near premium is a real challenge to Acura. There is money to be had in the "Buick" niche and the Japanese Buick--aka Acura--is stumbling whereas the Korean Buick--aka Kia--is on game.

Infiniti is flailing with convoluted name structures that change, boring styling, and less than ideal engineering. In several places it has been said that the G37 is a better driver's car than the detached feeling of the Q50 electrocrap assists.

Acura keeps volume up with steep discounts. No one pays anywhere near list price for an Acura. The discount on the RLX is obscene. It betrays too obviously that it is a slightly stretched Accord. Quite simply, Honda began Acura with a bang and has let it fizzle. Acura is very much the Japanese Lincoln i.e. strange styling, thinly disguised Hondas, with money on the hood to sell them.

Cadillac has potential, but they need to revise prices downward. Having a vehicle to compete with the Lexus ES would be wise. A Cadillac "Lacrosse" would increase volume. They also need a Cadillac "S Class" even if they lose money on every one built. A new Cadillac XLR off the Stingray would be great. A coupesedan based on the CTS is desperately needed. The bottom line with Cadillac is that they must duplicate the offerings of the Germans, price their products advantageously, and then make the customer experience one would expect of say dealing with an Aston Martin retailer.

LOL. Think about what you type before you hit submit. EVERY luxury make offers substantial deals on their volume products. And the RLX isn't what's helping Acura maintain its sales numbers and, as a matter of fact, the Lexus GS is offered at a LOWER lease price than the RLX.

@cidflekken LOL. Think about what you type before you hit submit. The incentives to dealers and the price cut from sticker at Acura is staggering. Honda is propping up Acura dealers that would not be profitable without the flow of money from the manufacturer. YES all luxury brands "deal" but at Acura it's fire sale mentality. Same for Lincoln.

I'm confused at why Infiniti is perplexing you. My understanding is that a particular model is out for 4-6 years typically gets a refresh in the 4th year and continues on for the life of its current style iteration. That's normal. The M's refresh is for 2015 (next year, it's 4th year) BTW so a 2014 Q70 looks just like the 2013 M. But anyway is the M NOT allowed to be 4 years old when other autos such as the 5 series (which also just got a refresh) are as well?? The FX & EX are at the end of their style cycles and will be re-designed for next year, and the QX80 isn't supposed to be a sales leader at $70K +. If you've been paying attention until the Q60 coupe(G coupe)is released they are merely selling the remaining 2013 G37s coupe and sedan inventory as new vehicles, they aren't really producing more.

Kia and Hyundai largely exist because they are heavily discounted in the market - And I agree that they are the SAME entity. If they want to compete in the Luxury car area - they really need a third BRAND - and need to put the Genesis/etc cars there. But they will do well regardless

Infinity cars need a clear stylist distinction - that is separate from Nissan - which they do not have - and will not have in 5 years - and all new cars - so they will probably be no better off or worse.

Acura needs even more - Interesting cars that offer Luxury styling - and the New TLX and RLX are boring and not at all luxury looking. So they will be worse off unless some new cars are coming.

The lack of rear seat room - and trunk space make the ATX and CTX the same car - they need larger cars to compete in the market and the only possibility is a new LTS - which would do well- but not in a volume segment. A new crossover based on the Traverse platform would do volume but hurt Buick so will it come? At least Styling is moving away from the now aging arts and science - but in 5 years - I suspect they too will be treading water. A new CTS that actually has USA mid level space would be a game changer though.

You do realize the Traverse platform is ancient right? It was derived heavily from the Uplander/Venture minivan platform that preceded it and which it replaced. Thus its bones are old and the platform is heavier than it needs to be because it was not a clean sheet design to begin with. If GM were smart they would design modular crossover platform that gives Chevy and Cadillac a Traverse-sized crossover--with ZERO sheet metal in common--and a smaller Edge-sized crossover for Buick. GMC does not necessarily need to do crossovers give that it is co-branded with Buick at the dealer level.

Sorry - the Traverse is based on the Lambda Platform - which while based heavily on the Epsilon Platform - had little to do with the GM A platform upon which the Uplander/Venture and other GM mini-vans were based.
More important - the Traverse and others have already had their mid-cycle refresh - and are scheduled to be based on a NEW E2XX platform(often referred to as Lambda II by the press) - which are due in Real year 2015 for model year 2016.

Sorry but the Lambda is an EVOLUTION of the Venture/Traverse platform that was NAMED Lambda! JHC! That is my GM's own admission. Nice to know you're a GM tool.

No - YOU are wrong again

The Lambda platform was largely based on the Epsilon platform. The Epsilon was a OPEL developed platform (Debut in 2002) for its mid size and larger cars - and had NOTHING to do with the American platform for the mini-vans. Epsilon was a replacement for the GM2900 platform and has a lineage largely based in EUROPE - not the US. Opel has since developed the Epsilon II Platform - which replaced not only the Epsilon - but also the B and C platforms for larger cars at GM. And as I said - there will be a new E2xx platform for the 3 seat crossovers.

There was NO platform for three seat crossovers before that time at GM - the U platform - which itself was based on the old GM A platform (Lumina) had crossovers based on it - but the only 4x4 crossover vehicles produced from that platform were on a shortened chassis - the Pontiac Aztec and the Buick Rendezvous. Chevrolet did not have a U platform 4x4. The U platform came out in 1990 and continues only in China - where the Buick Mini-van still sells. I can see you thinking that the three seat crossovers were an evolution from the Buick Terrazo-Aztec - but that simply is NOT TRUE.

Since ALL vehicle platforms have something in common with ancient platforms - you could say that the current Mustang is based on the Model T - because they both have 4 wheels.

One word, Tesla

two words: confidence scheme

Innovation has very little to do with market share.

The article does not say anything about 'innovation'...so, that aside, past performance is the best predictor of future success, so the answer to the question is Hyundai/Kia.

Giv'm hell Matt!