Lexus Says "No" To Entry Level Cars
02-24-12, 02:54 PM
#1
Lexus Says "No" To Entry Level Cars
Read it here: Lexus Says "No" To Entry Level Cars
If you were thinking about holding out on buying a Lexus until they produce more cars like the Ct 200h, you're out of luck. Their chief of marketing has stated they have no plans to make entry-level cars. Instead they're going to focus on other project's, like the new GS.
This is fine and all, but I can't help but feel like this means they're simply not going to make small cars. I can understand keeping the prices up, but why not a have a luxurious small car? Hell, stretch the FR-S platform and call it the SC 200. That would at least round out their bottom rung without pandering to the slovenly masses who can't afford an IS.
Anyway, I'm climbing off my soapbox. What do you all think?
If you were thinking about holding out on buying a Lexus until they produce more cars like the Ct 200h, you're out of luck. Their chief of marketing has stated they have no plans to make entry-level cars. Instead they're going to focus on other project's, like the new GS.
This is fine and all, but I can't help but feel like this means they're simply not going to make small cars. I can understand keeping the prices up, but why not a have a luxurious small car? Hell, stretch the FR-S platform and call it the SC 200. That would at least round out their bottom rung without pandering to the slovenly masses who can't afford an IS.
Anyway, I'm climbing off my soapbox. What do you all think?
02-24-12, 03:11 PM
#2
I agree with them.. Its Luxury, which means no entry level. Plenty of entry level makers out there, Honda, nissan, Toyota so why should Lexus waste their time on Entry while they can perfect their "Upper Line" Its a Lexus.. Even BMW 1 Series cost $40K (adequately equipped).
02-24-12, 03:35 PM
#3
i never understand cars like 1 series or a/b class anyway. it's luxury market, not main stream. if price is a factor, look at cars like toyota. in my eyes, IS and ES are somewhat entry level luxury already. i don't know what lexus means by "entry level", but ct200h is very much an entry level luxury to me, and that's probably the limit in my eyes
02-24-12, 03:42 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
02-24-12, 03:55 PM
#6
i never understand cars like 1 series or a/b class anyway. it's luxury market, not main stream. if price is a factor, look at cars like toyota. in my eyes, IS and ES are somewhat entry level luxury already. i don't know what lexus means by "entry level", but ct200h is very much an entry level luxury to me, and that's probably the limit in my eyes
02-24-12, 03:55 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the US, I agree. But if they mean it globally then I think it's pretty short-sighted if they truly intend to compete in Europe. New "entry-level cars" doesn't necessarily have to be all-new models like the CT, but simply lower-end engine options to their existing models. They need to have something to compete with the likes of the hugely popular 316d, E200 CDI, etc.
Trending Topics
02-24-12, 04:01 PM
#8
In the US, I agree. But if they mean it globally then I think it's pretty short-sighted if they truly intend to compete in Europe. New "entry-level cars" doesn't necessarily have to be all-new models like the CT, but simply lower-end engine options to their existing models. They need to have something to compete with the likes of the hugely popular 316d, E200 CDI, etc.
02-24-12, 04:24 PM
#9
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: CA
Posts: 2,010
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
02-24-12, 05:51 PM
#10
What is really needed in Europe is smaller hybrids... RX450h and GS450h are way too expensive. Lets home GS300h, RX300h and others, are close behind. Because that same strategy will work in Asia/China/Japan as well.
02-25-12, 10:09 PM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
02-26-12, 04:57 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
The success of the CT shows that Lexus could straddle the line between entry level luxury and luxury like never before. I completely agree that should be the entry level model and nothing below that. The Germans going below the CT is clearly due to needing more volume and getting people in the brand earlier than ever before as well as fighting fuel prices etc.
Lexus really needs to start offering some higher end cars like a 4 door coupe, the SC again, a GS coupe, a baby LFA, a LS coupe etc etc to diversify sales and increase brand prestige. If you look at Mercedes for instance they continue to offer tons of small selling niche products while expanding down.
Lexus really needs to start offering some higher end cars like a 4 door coupe, the SC again, a GS coupe, a baby LFA, a LS coupe etc etc to diversify sales and increase brand prestige. If you look at Mercedes for instance they continue to offer tons of small selling niche products while expanding down.
02-26-12, 05:09 PM
#14
The success of the CT shows that Lexus could straddle the line between entry level luxury and luxury like never before. I completely agree that should be the entry level model and nothing below that. The Germans going below the CT is clearly due to needing more volume and getting people in the brand earlier than ever before as well as fighting fuel prices etc.
Lexus really needs to start offering some higher end cars like a 4 door coupe, the SC again, a GS coupe, a baby LFA, a LS coupe etc etc to diversify sales and increase brand prestige. If you look at Mercedes for instance they continue to offer tons of small selling niche products while expanding down.
Lexus really needs to start offering some higher end cars like a 4 door coupe, the SC again, a GS coupe, a baby LFA, a LS coupe etc etc to diversify sales and increase brand prestige. If you look at Mercedes for instance they continue to offer tons of small selling niche products while expanding down.
02-26-12, 06:19 PM
#15
I like that Lexus isn't selling lower-end cars. I meant, if you want something below an ES300, get a Camry, they
would be just taking sales from Toyota right?
Lexus=High end
Toyota=wide range
Scion=cheaper entry level cars.
They could just do a Scion with nice leather interior as an option, and the build quality is still Toyota 8-)
would be just taking sales from Toyota right?
Lexus=High end
Toyota=wide range
Scion=cheaper entry level cars.
They could just do a Scion with nice leather interior as an option, and the build quality is still Toyota 8-)
