I usually don't like the idea of models being dropped, as I'm a firm believer in choice and competition. But I can understand the buisness-case for it it, as this car, despite being a credible full-size sedan, simply has not caught on in the U.S. It competed (or tried to compete) with the Toyota Avalon, Buick Lacrosse, Chevy Impala, and Ford Taurus, and simply did not do so. I know only one person over the years who has actually bought one, though she is is admittedly well-pleased with it. Hyundai did have one at the D.C. auto show (which ended today), but it was way in back, almost hidden, in a corner. To be honest, I'm not sure I see much reason for Ford keeping the Taurus, either, except maybe as a fleet-order for police cars...they seem to be the only ones buying it. Ford had a couple of Tauruses at the show, including an SHO, but they weren't getting much attention either.
I think the Azera's problem was basically the same as the Taurus....getting squeezed out by a couple of much-better-selling little brothers Sonata and Fusion. That, plus the fact that the Fusion and Sonata are both such good mid-size sedans that there is little reason to spend more for their two big brothers. With Hyundai, the Genesis is also such an excellent upscale move that it is worth the extra money over the Azera.
The comments in the article about freeing up production and showroom space for other models are also well-taken.
