Genesis opens first stand-alone car 'distributorship' in Kelowna

Genesis Kelowna isn't calling its shiny and new facility a car dealership, but rather a luxury boutique.

"It's a unique take on the car buying experience," said Perry Papadogonas, director of sales and marketing for Kot Auto Group, which owns and operates Genesis Kelowna.

"It's the best new luxury brand with no-haggle pricing."

Genesis started in 2019 as the top-tier portfolio of vehicles from Korean automaker Hyundai.

Since then, it has become its own brand with separate facilities and manufacturing.

Genesis vehicles had been sold out of the Kelowna Hyundai dealership since 2020, but now will be sold out of its own stand alone facility at 1634 Cart Rd., just off Highway 97.

It's also a car 'distributorship,' not a car dealership.

Genesis Kelowna doesn't own the vehicles, Genesis Canada does.

What that means -- in keeping with the brand's unique buying experience mantra -- is you can oogle the cars onsite and take them out for a test drive, but if you want to buy Genesis Kelowna customizes the vehicle with you and orders it from Genesis Canada.

Thus, the 'distributorship' moniker.

The wait time from order to delivery could be a few days to several months, depending on model.

The sedans can usually be delivered quickly and the electric models take longer.

If you absolutely must have a Genesis right now, sometimes the 'distributorship' can sell you one of the executive demonstration models.

Kot Auto Group's three facilities in Kelowna are all now neighbours at Cary Road and Highway 97 -- Genesis Kelowna, Kelowna Hyundai and Buy Direct Truck Centre.

Kot also has six other dealerships in the group -- Kelowna Kia, Penticton Nissan, Maple Ridge Hyundai, Victoria Hyundai, Genesis Victoria and Woodgrove Chrysler in Nanaimo -- and its own Buy Direct loans and leasing department.

"I hope people don't think of Genesis as a Hyundai, because it's a totally different brand competing with a Mercedes or BMW," said Papadongonas.

"But, Genesis delivers a lot more great bang for the buck."

For instance, the best-selling vehicles in the Genesis line up are the GV70 and GV80 SUV, with starting prices at $57,650 and $76,150, respectively.

The GV70 also comes in electric, starting at $84,500.

The entry-level G70 sedan starts at $47,150, the G80 sedan at $70,150 (or $105,150 for electric, the GV60 cross-over at $80,650 (electric only) and the G90 sedan, which Papadogonas calls "almost a limousine because it's so long and ridiculously luxurious," starts at $115,150.

Genesis Kelowna has all of the models in its showroom and on its lot.

While Genesis Kelowna's facility is new and gorgeous, you might not ever have to go there after you purchase your vehicle.

When your car arrives, a Genesis Kelowna representative will deliver it right to your home.

When your vehicle needs service, a Genesis Kelowna representative will pick up from your home or office and leave a loaner car for you to use.

All regular maintenance services are free for five years.

Sam Ghessesow is the general manager at Genesis Kelowna as well as GM at Kelowna Hyundai.

Genesis Kelowna's general sales manager is Chad Horton, who's worked with Kot Auto Group for four years.