The Genesis Mint Concept is a breath of fresh air for the luxury brand.
March 22, 2023 at 9:08 p.m. ET
Genesis is considering launching a small, luxury electric car for Europe based on the Mint concept. bus reports The Mint concept was revealed at the 2019 New York Auto Show with compact dimensions that make it ideal for the European market, where smaller cars are popular.
Mark Choi, head of product planning at Genesis, has confirmed that the South Korean firm is considering expanding its model line, and a smaller model is being considered, especially for the Old Continent.
Gallery: Genesis Mint Concept
36 Pictures
“But it’s not a simple case of adding new models – we have to look at the expected sales growth for our current cars, compare that to our manufacturing capacity and then consider the increased cost of raw materials and understand how that affects the decision,” added Choi.
However, Choi hinted that the rising cost of battery raw materials could delay the launch of the small EV, which should sit below the Genesis GV60 in the lineup.
SangYup Lee, head of design at Genesis, also commented: “The Mint concept is still under study. We want to understand what a small luxury car could be. When you live in a city, you don’t necessarily want a big car. So , you have to think about a small luxury vehicle. There are premium small cars, but a small luxury car could be something new.”
The Mint Concept is a breath of fresh air for the Genesis brand as it takes a unique approach to design and functionality. This quirky little two-seater should be easy to navigate around town, though Genesis also touted it for a thrilling driving experience.
While specifics on performance are limited, Genesis claims a 200-mile range with fast-charging capabilities. The car’s compact size has allowed for a minimalist interior, with a small touchscreen integrated into the oblong steering wheel and large buttons for quick access to important systems. It also features reverse scissor rear doors for easy access to the trunk. It’s certainly an interesting addition to the Genesis lineup, and we can’t wait to see what the production version would look like, if it happens.
