February 2012 Sales Thread
03-01-12, 04:23 PM
#16
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Suzuki
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REA, Calif., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --
FEBRUARY CYTD
2012 2011 MTD VS. 2012 2011 YTD VS.
MTD PRIOR YR. YTD PRIOR YR.
GRAND VITARA: 434 374 16% 818 863 -5%
EQUATOR: 151 127 19% 259 275 -6%
SX4: 1,214 788 54% 1,973 1,766 12%
KIZASHI 620 351 77% 873 1,291 -32%
OTHER*: 6 8 -0% 57 325 -84%
TOTAL: 2,425 1,643 48% 3,930 4,205 -7%
03-01-12, 05:08 PM
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March 01, 2012
February 2012 Sales Conference Call
February 2012 Sales Conference Call
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Toyota Corporate Manager of Media Relations Steve Curtis:
Good day and thank you for joining us to review Toyota’s February sales.
Speaking today will be:
• Bob Carter, Group Vice President and General Manager of the Toyota Division
• And Tim Morrison, Lexus Division Vice President for Sales and Dealer Development
Following the call, our communications team will be available to field any additional questions you may have.
Now I’d like to turn it over to Bob for a look at February results.
Bob Carter:
Thank you Steve.
Hello everyone, and thank you for joining us.
The momentum we’ve seen in the marketplace the past couple of months continued in February.
Industry sales should top one million and come in with a SAAR of about 15 million, exceeding everyone’s expectations.
That’s the second straight month above 14 million and a million units more than a year ago.
Key economic indicators – from the stock market to the job market, are showing the best results in four years and that’s also true of auto sales, off to their best start industry-wide since 2008.
For Toyota, Lexus and Scion, total sales of 159,423 leaped 12.4 percent on a volume basis from last February.
With one additional selling day this year, that works out to a 8 percent DSR increase.
Lexus had a big month with sales up nearly 21 percent and you’ll hear more about those results in a minute.
For the Toyota Division, sales of 142,745 were up 11.5 percent.
With gas prices approaching $4 a gallon and already up 14 percent this year, I think it’s fair to say fuel economy is top of mind with many consumers.
And with the most fuel-efficient vehicle lineup in the industry, our results reflect that concern.
Toyota car sales were up 20 percent, with Camry, Prius, Yaris and Scion all posting increases of 25 percent or more.
Camry sales continue to surge since the introduction of the all-new model last fall, with sales up 27 percent to more than 34,500.
The Camry hybrid, still building inventory, saw sales up more than 260 percent.
Prius family was up 52 percent. Prius liftback sales rose 22 percent with additional growth provided by the all-new Prius v.
In fact, total Toyota Division hybrid sales were up more than 63 percent.
The Prius family continues to grow this month as the Prius c and Prius Plug-in, both with combined fuel economy ratings of 50 miles per gallon, begin arriving at dealerships.
Fuel efficiency also was important to truck buyers in February, with Tacoma up more than 35 percent from a year ago.
RAV4 benefitted from the increased emphasis on fuel economy and at the same time we’re beginning to see improvement in inventory levels.
As a result RAV4 was able to show its first increase in several months.
Toyota Certified Used vehicles had a record month, with sales up five-and-a-half percent from last year.
Fleet sales were down from January, accounting for about 15 percent of our total.
That’s slightly higher than normal as we continue to work with our fleet customers to make good on deliveries we delayed last year while we were rebuilding our retail inventories.
This process will continue in March, but by the end of the year, our fleet sales will once again be less than 10 percent of total sales.
The other big news in recent days is Consumer Reports annual selection of best in class vehicles.
Toyota products were named best in five of 10 categories and no other manufacturer had more than one product on the list.
Camry again led the way, with the Camry Hybrid on the cover and named Best Family Sedan.
It was joined by the Prius as the best Green Car, the RAV4 and Highlander as best SUVs and the Sienna as the best minivan.
In addition, J.D. Power and Associates released its Vehicle Dependability Study last month, with Toyota, Lexus and Scion models topping eight categories, more than twice as many as anybody else.
Lexus was first overall, while Toyota was the highest-ranking non-premium nameplate and tied for third overall. Scion also jumped 17 places and finished fifth.
We intend to keep the momentum going on all fronts in March.
From a production standpoint, inventories are excellent and getting better all the time. We have more than 25,000 Priuses in stock, with new models arriving this month as I mentioned.
A second shift was added at the Mississippi Corolla Plant during the month and we have announced plans to boost Highlander production beginning next year.
And just this morning we announced plans to increase production of 6-speed automatic transmissions later this year at our plant in Buffalo, West Virginia.
From a marketing standpoint, we’ll roll out our first national sales event of the year in March.
Thanks to strong residuals and improving inventories, the campaign will feature zero percent financing and outstanding lease rates.
Six models will be available with zero percent financing, including Avalon, Tundra, Venza, RAV4, Highlander and Sienna.
Lease rates will vary by region, but special leases will be available on Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Avalon, Venza, Highlander, nearly everything in our lineup.
In closing, the February results provide an encouraging outlook for 2012...not only for Toyota and Lexus but for the entire industry.
And despite concern about rising gas prices, we’re well-positioned to respond to shifts in customer demand.
In fact, five of our recently introduced new products: the Scion iQ, Camry Hybrid, Prius v, Prius c and Prius Plug-in, offer an average combined fuel economy of 44 mpg.
Now I’d like to turn this over to Tim Morrison for a look at the Lexus results.
Tim.
Tim Morrison:
Thank you Bob and good day everyone.
February was a strong month for Lexus.
We sold 16,678 vehicles, up 21% percent from year ago levels, and 36% vs. January.
Car sales showed continued strength with an increase of 66% over last February.
For the last several months we have been talking about an unprecedented wave of new Lexus products coming in 2012.
In fact, we said we’d launch nine new or updated models plus three F SPORT vehicles this year.
Well, in February, the first of these new products began arriving at dealerships, …and departing dealerships just as quickly.
Based on early sales results, the new GS is exceeding even our expectations.
In February, GS sales totaled 2,396 units…
And we’re very excited about the mix…25% of GS sales have been F-Sport Models…so true driving enthusiasts have taken notice…
This is one spectacular car that really delivers on the promise of world-class performance driving dynamics.
Early data indicates the new GS has also been successful in bringing a new buyer into our showrooms…with 30% new to the Lexus brand…and 40% under the age of 50.
Needless to say, GS is off to a great start, and we expect the momentum to continue.
The CT200h also performed very well in February with 1,640 units sold, an increase of 60% over January.
With increasing gas prices, the 43 city mpg offered by the CT is really resonating with more price-sensitive entry-luxury consumers.
February also brought great news on the Lexus quality and reliability front.
As Bob mentioned, Lexus topped the industry in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability study...for a record 13th time!
LS was once again the most trouble-free vehicle in the industry…and our volume leaders, RX and ES, took home awards in their respective segments.
We were also very pleased to see two Lexus vehicles designated as Consumer Reports Top Picks…LS in the Luxury Sedan segment…and RX 450h in the Luxury SUV category.
These studies provide further validation that Lexus continues to make the highest quality, most trouble-free vehicles in the industry.
In closing…2012 is off to a great start here at Lexus and there’s a lot more great news to come.
Now I’ll open it up to questions.
February 2012 Sales Conference Call
February 2012 Sales Conference Call
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Toyota Corporate Manager of Media Relations Steve Curtis:
Good day and thank you for joining us to review Toyota’s February sales.
Speaking today will be:
• Bob Carter, Group Vice President and General Manager of the Toyota Division
• And Tim Morrison, Lexus Division Vice President for Sales and Dealer Development
Following the call, our communications team will be available to field any additional questions you may have.
Now I’d like to turn it over to Bob for a look at February results.
Bob Carter:
Thank you Steve.
Hello everyone, and thank you for joining us.
The momentum we’ve seen in the marketplace the past couple of months continued in February.
Industry sales should top one million and come in with a SAAR of about 15 million, exceeding everyone’s expectations.
That’s the second straight month above 14 million and a million units more than a year ago.
Key economic indicators – from the stock market to the job market, are showing the best results in four years and that’s also true of auto sales, off to their best start industry-wide since 2008.
For Toyota, Lexus and Scion, total sales of 159,423 leaped 12.4 percent on a volume basis from last February.
With one additional selling day this year, that works out to a 8 percent DSR increase.
Lexus had a big month with sales up nearly 21 percent and you’ll hear more about those results in a minute.
For the Toyota Division, sales of 142,745 were up 11.5 percent.
With gas prices approaching $4 a gallon and already up 14 percent this year, I think it’s fair to say fuel economy is top of mind with many consumers.
And with the most fuel-efficient vehicle lineup in the industry, our results reflect that concern.
Toyota car sales were up 20 percent, with Camry, Prius, Yaris and Scion all posting increases of 25 percent or more.
Camry sales continue to surge since the introduction of the all-new model last fall, with sales up 27 percent to more than 34,500.
The Camry hybrid, still building inventory, saw sales up more than 260 percent.
Prius family was up 52 percent. Prius liftback sales rose 22 percent with additional growth provided by the all-new Prius v.
In fact, total Toyota Division hybrid sales were up more than 63 percent.
The Prius family continues to grow this month as the Prius c and Prius Plug-in, both with combined fuel economy ratings of 50 miles per gallon, begin arriving at dealerships.
Fuel efficiency also was important to truck buyers in February, with Tacoma up more than 35 percent from a year ago.
RAV4 benefitted from the increased emphasis on fuel economy and at the same time we’re beginning to see improvement in inventory levels.
As a result RAV4 was able to show its first increase in several months.
Toyota Certified Used vehicles had a record month, with sales up five-and-a-half percent from last year.
Fleet sales were down from January, accounting for about 15 percent of our total.
That’s slightly higher than normal as we continue to work with our fleet customers to make good on deliveries we delayed last year while we were rebuilding our retail inventories.
This process will continue in March, but by the end of the year, our fleet sales will once again be less than 10 percent of total sales.
The other big news in recent days is Consumer Reports annual selection of best in class vehicles.
Toyota products were named best in five of 10 categories and no other manufacturer had more than one product on the list.
Camry again led the way, with the Camry Hybrid on the cover and named Best Family Sedan.
It was joined by the Prius as the best Green Car, the RAV4 and Highlander as best SUVs and the Sienna as the best minivan.
In addition, J.D. Power and Associates released its Vehicle Dependability Study last month, with Toyota, Lexus and Scion models topping eight categories, more than twice as many as anybody else.
Lexus was first overall, while Toyota was the highest-ranking non-premium nameplate and tied for third overall. Scion also jumped 17 places and finished fifth.
We intend to keep the momentum going on all fronts in March.
From a production standpoint, inventories are excellent and getting better all the time. We have more than 25,000 Priuses in stock, with new models arriving this month as I mentioned.
A second shift was added at the Mississippi Corolla Plant during the month and we have announced plans to boost Highlander production beginning next year.
And just this morning we announced plans to increase production of 6-speed automatic transmissions later this year at our plant in Buffalo, West Virginia.
From a marketing standpoint, we’ll roll out our first national sales event of the year in March.
Thanks to strong residuals and improving inventories, the campaign will feature zero percent financing and outstanding lease rates.
Six models will be available with zero percent financing, including Avalon, Tundra, Venza, RAV4, Highlander and Sienna.
Lease rates will vary by region, but special leases will be available on Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Avalon, Venza, Highlander, nearly everything in our lineup.
In closing, the February results provide an encouraging outlook for 2012...not only for Toyota and Lexus but for the entire industry.
And despite concern about rising gas prices, we’re well-positioned to respond to shifts in customer demand.
In fact, five of our recently introduced new products: the Scion iQ, Camry Hybrid, Prius v, Prius c and Prius Plug-in, offer an average combined fuel economy of 44 mpg.
Now I’d like to turn this over to Tim Morrison for a look at the Lexus results.
Tim.
Tim Morrison:
Thank you Bob and good day everyone.
February was a strong month for Lexus.
We sold 16,678 vehicles, up 21% percent from year ago levels, and 36% vs. January.
Car sales showed continued strength with an increase of 66% over last February.
For the last several months we have been talking about an unprecedented wave of new Lexus products coming in 2012.
In fact, we said we’d launch nine new or updated models plus three F SPORT vehicles this year.
Well, in February, the first of these new products began arriving at dealerships, …and departing dealerships just as quickly.
Based on early sales results, the new GS is exceeding even our expectations.
In February, GS sales totaled 2,396 units…
And we’re very excited about the mix…25% of GS sales have been F-Sport Models…so true driving enthusiasts have taken notice…
This is one spectacular car that really delivers on the promise of world-class performance driving dynamics.
Early data indicates the new GS has also been successful in bringing a new buyer into our showrooms…with 30% new to the Lexus brand…and 40% under the age of 50.
Needless to say, GS is off to a great start, and we expect the momentum to continue.
The CT200h also performed very well in February with 1,640 units sold, an increase of 60% over January.
With increasing gas prices, the 43 city mpg offered by the CT is really resonating with more price-sensitive entry-luxury consumers.
February also brought great news on the Lexus quality and reliability front.
As Bob mentioned, Lexus topped the industry in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability study...for a record 13th time!
LS was once again the most trouble-free vehicle in the industry…and our volume leaders, RX and ES, took home awards in their respective segments.
We were also very pleased to see two Lexus vehicles designated as Consumer Reports Top Picks…LS in the Luxury Sedan segment…and RX 450h in the Luxury SUV category.
These studies provide further validation that Lexus continues to make the highest quality, most trouble-free vehicles in the industry.
In closing…2012 is off to a great start here at Lexus and there’s a lot more great news to come.
Now I’ll open it up to questions.
GS-F Sport made up 25% of all GS sales last month!
03-02-12, 04:51 AM
#20
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Mazda
Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported strong February U.S. sales of 25,651 vehicles, representing an increase of 32.3 percent versus last year and best February total sales since 1994. On a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis, Mazda's February 2012 sales were up 27.0 percent. Year-to-date sales through February are up 47.5 percent (44.5 percent DSR) versus last year, with 49,647 vehicles sold.
Key February sales notes:
The all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 small crossover SUV, named "2012 Crossover of the Year" from Autobytel, arrived at dealerships in the last week of February, registering 357 sales. CX-5 is the first Mazda to fully encompass SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY, the brand's engineering-focused philosophy toward improving all-around vehicle efficiency, and achieves the highest highway fuel economy (35 MPG) of any SUV in America.
As fuel prices rise across the country, Mazda2 sales are up this month with 2,701 vehicles sold accounting for a 210.5 percent increase.
Mazda3 sales of 11,275 vehicles accounted for a 39.6 percent increase over last year and its best monthly sales since July 2008. The new 2012 Mazda3 features Mazda's innovative SKYACTIV-G engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission that achieves up to 40 MPG on the highway.
Mazda 6 reported its best month since March 2008 with 5,101 vehicles sold, a 79.7 percent increase over last year.
Rounding out February sales for the North American market, Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported its best-ever February and 24th consecutive month with year over year growth, with sales of 2,210 vehicles, accounting for a 4.0 percent increase versus February of last year. Mazda Canada Inc. (MCI) sold 4,735 vehicles in February, up 14.0 percent compared to last February.
Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.
For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at www.mazdausamedia.com. Product B-roll may be ordered online by visiting The News Market at www.thenewsmarket.com/mazda.
PHP Code:
Month-To-Date Year-To-Date
Feb Feb % % MTD Feb Feb % % YTD
2012 2011 Change DSR 2012 2011 Change DSR
Mazda2 2,701 870 210.5% 198.0% 5,731 1,349 324.8% 316.2%
Mazda3 11,275 8,077 39.6% 34.0% 20,475 13,092 56.4% 53.2%
Mazda5 1,519 1,711 (11.2)% (14.8)% 2,685 3,258 (17.6)% (19.3)%
Mazda6 5,101 2,838 79.7% 72.5% 10,030 5,096 96.8% 92.8%
MX-5 Miata 434 382 13.6% 9.1% 740 671 10.3% 8.0%
RX-8 13 72 (81.9)% (82.7)% 31 138 (77.5)% (78.0)%
CX-5 357 - N/A N/A 357 - N/A N/A
CX-7 2,106 2,357 (10.6)% (14.2)% 5,231 4,714 11.0% 8.7%
CX-9 2,030 2,876 (29.4)% (32.2)% 4,117 4,930 (16.5)% (18.2)%
Tribute 115 204 (43.6)% (45.9)% 250 406 (38.4)% (39.7)%
Total Vehicles
CARS 21,043 13,950 50.8% 44.8% 39,692 23,604 68.2% 64.7%
TRUCKS 4,608 5,437 (15.2)% (18.6)% 9,955 10,050 (0.9)% (3.0)%
TOTAL 25,651 19,387 32.3% 27.0% 49,647 33,654 47.5% 44.5%
MEMO:
IMPORT CAR 15,942 11,112 43.5% 29,662 18,508 60.3%
IMPORT TRUCK 4,493 5,233 (14.1)% 9,705 9,644 0.6%
IMPORT TOTAL 20,435 16,345 25.0% 39,367 28,152 39.8%
DOMESTIC CAR 5,101 2,838 79.7% 10,030 5,096 96.8%
DOMESTIC TRUCK 115 204 (43.6)% 250 406 (38.4)%
DOMESTIC TOTALS 5,216 3,042 71.5% 10,280 5,502 86.8%
Selling Days 25 24 49 48
03-02-12, 05:18 AM
#21
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported February 2012 sales increases for all of its core models: Outlander Sport, Outlander, and Lancer. Overall Mitsubishi sales (4,736 units) decreased 31.3 percent from February 2011, due to models whose production has been completed or will be completed this year.
February sales highlights include:
Outlander Sport sales were up 6.6 percent compared to February 2011 and are up 5.9 percent year to date. Outlander Sport production in the U.S. at Mitsubishi's Normal, Illinois plant will begin this summer.
Outlander sales were up 17.8 percent compared to last February and have increased 10.2 percent year to date.
Lancer sales were up 16.5 percent in February and have grown 5.3 percent year-to-date.
Lancer Evolution sales increased 53.3 percent compared to the same month a year ago, and are up 33.1 percent for the year.
Sales of the exciting, all-new 2012 Mitsubishi i have just commenced on the west coast (California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii) and MMNA this week received the first shipment of i electric vehicles to the eastern United States. The vehicle will be available to test drive at participating dealerships throughout the northeast, Virginia and Illinois beginning this month and will be available nationwide by this summer.Outlander Sport sales were up 6.6 percent compared to February 2011 and are up 5.9 percent year to date. Outlander Sport production in the U.S. at Mitsubishi's Normal, Illinois plant will begin this summer.
Outlander sales were up 17.8 percent compared to last February and have increased 10.2 percent year to date.
Lancer sales were up 16.5 percent in February and have grown 5.3 percent year-to-date.
Lancer Evolution sales increased 53.3 percent compared to the same month a year ago, and are up 33.1 percent for the year.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, sales and marketing operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells cars and light trucks through a network of approximately 400 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
03-02-12, 05:20 AM
#22
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Kia
Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the brand's best ever February sales of 45,038 units, a 37.3-percent increase over the same period in 2011. Year-to-date sales are up 32.9 percent on the strength of popular vehicles such as the built-in-the-U.S.(1) Optima midsize sedan and the Soul urban passenger vehicle, which led February sales with 11,558 and 10,876 units sold, respectively. Kia continues to be one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S., and the February sales total marks the brand's 18th straight monthly sales record.
"Kia's record-breaking sales momentum has continued in 2012, and 1 of our key growth enablers has been the success and efficiency of our 1st U.S. manufacturing plant, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG), which produced its 500,000th vehicle in February, just over two years since opening its doors," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and KMMG. "A new top-of-the-line Optima will begin production at KMMG in just a few weeks, and the Optima Limited will once again showcase Kia's unique ability to redefine value with its world-class design, turbocharged performance and a number of premium features and amenities while remaining true to our core philosophy of offering consumers quality, outstanding fuel efficiency, advanced safety features and new technologies."
Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is the one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality(2) and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking(3). Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds the company's two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan(4). Kia's value- and technology-laden 2012 model year lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup 2-door coupe, all-new Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.
Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
(1) The Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally-sourced parts.
(2) Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study
(3) Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis
(4) The Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built at KMMG
PHP Code:
MONTH OF FEBRUARY YEAR-TO-DATE
Model 2012 2011 2012 2011
Rio 3,598 1,852 6,194 2,815
Forte 5,706 5,304 10,123 10,634
Optima 11,558 4,844 20,372 8,663
Amanti - - - 1
Sportage 3,410 3,965 6,245 6,989
Sorento 8,386 8,641 15,708 16,757
Sedona 1,504 1,403 2,946 2,469
Rondo - 7 - 31
Borrego - 106 - 207
Soul 10,876 6,684 18,967 12,029
Total 45,038 32,806 80,555 60,595
03-02-12, 06:27 AM
#23
In February, GS sales totaled 2,396 units…
And we’re very excited about the mix…25% of GS sales have been F-Sport Models…so true driving enthusiasts have taken notice…
This is one spectacular car that really delivers on the promise of world-class performance driving dynamics.
Early data indicates the new GS has also been successful in bringing a new buyer into our showrooms…with 30% new to the Lexus brand…and 40% under the age of 50.
Needless to say, GS is off to a great start, and we expect the momentum to continue.
And we’re very excited about the mix…25% of GS sales have been F-Sport Models…so true driving enthusiasts have taken notice…
This is one spectacular car that really delivers on the promise of world-class performance driving dynamics.
Early data indicates the new GS has also been successful in bringing a new buyer into our showrooms…with 30% new to the Lexus brand…and 40% under the age of 50.
Needless to say, GS is off to a great start, and we expect the momentum to continue.
I'd like to know what type of conquests Lexus is making with the new GS. 1/4 F-Sport is awesome!
03-02-12, 07:44 AM
#24
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03-02-12, 10:45 AM
#25
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And it wouldn't hurt Lexus to significantly update their 3.5 L V6 either. It's nearly 7 years old now. Will be sad Acura adding DI to their 3.7L V6 and Lexus offering nothing new.
03-02-12, 11:15 AM
#26
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Acura is less than 1 year away from releasing a new MDX and TL both will be very strong sellers. Not to mention the RDX is only months away as well. As long as Acura stops building ugly cars and significantly updates there V6 powertrain (next year) they'll be fine. IMO, Acura is dumb for getting rid of the TSX.
And it wouldn't hurt Lexus to significantly update their 3.5 L V6 either. It's nearly 7 years old now. Will be sad Acura adding DI to their 3.7L V6 and Lexus offering nothing new.
And it wouldn't hurt Lexus to significantly update their 3.5 L V6 either. It's nearly 7 years old now. Will be sad Acura adding DI to their 3.7L V6 and Lexus offering nothing new.
03-02-12, 11:42 AM
#27
Acura is less than 1 year away from releasing a new MDX and TL both will be very strong sellers. Not to mention the RDX is only months away as well. As long as Acura stops building ugly cars and significantly updates there V6 powertrain (next year) they'll be fine. IMO, Acura is dumb for getting rid of the TSX.
And it wouldn't hurt Lexus to significantly update their 3.5 L V6 either. It's nearly 7 years old now. Will be sad Acura adding DI to their 3.7L V6 and Lexus offering nothing new.
03-02-12, 07:35 PM
#28
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Lexus 3.5L V6 is very capable engine and it is still very competitive compared to others with larger displacement. I am sure if they want, they can tap a few more HP and torque out of it. So no need to replace that engine. I don't want FI engine like BMW and MB are doing, I want NA. I would want new transmission which is more responsive and quick but doesn't need to be 10/12 speed or better 6 speeds.
The refreshed TL just recently came out, so I'd bet that we are looking at another 2 years out of the current body style before a major change. New MDX will help the bottom line, but I don't really think that is going to be enough to save Acura. The ILX is garbage - outside, inside and under the hood. For what they're pricing the RDX at, most will go with the RX, X3 or Q5 and I have no doubts about that. There is still no flagship and judging by Acura's doublespeak, I'd doubt that the new model should be significantly more exciting than the old one. NSX is a pipedream.
Lexus had direct injection in 2005...Acura will be adding it 7-8 years later. Acura is the one offering "nothing new".
Lexus had direct injection in 2005...Acura will be adding it 7-8 years later. Acura is the one offering "nothing new".
Acura's 3.7L already makes competitive power w/o DI, with new cylinder heads and DI not hard to imagine their engine pushing 330-350 hp.
Disagree the new RDX will sell very well. Don't see how a 5 year old imported Q5 with a weak, noisy, coarse 2.0L 4-cyl with inferior fuel economy will outsell it.
Last edited by camryphil; 03-02-12 at 08:59 PM.
03-04-12, 05:35 PM
#29
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AcuraPhil 
Sorry but there is a good chance Audi passes them in sales, they nearly passed them last year with a much more expensive lineup. Yes they got new product coming so sales will increase but a lot of it is solely based going downmarket with the ILX. The refreshed TL hasn't helped sales at all. The new RDX can't help but sell better since the current model has sold poorly and never met sales goals.
Sorry but there is a good chance Audi passes them in sales, they nearly passed them last year with a much more expensive lineup. Yes they got new product coming so sales will increase but a lot of it is solely based going downmarket with the ILX. The refreshed TL hasn't helped sales at all. The new RDX can't help but sell better since the current model has sold poorly and never met sales goals.
03-08-12, 05:41 PM
#30
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Thread Starter
ThailLand
Lexus, Toyota's luxury car brand, anticipates selling 1,000 vehicles locally next year on the launch of more new models.
Toyota Motor Thailand began introducing new models yesterday in a quest for a bigger share of the premium car market.
Lexus has 3 dealerships in Bangkok, but more could be opened if the 1,000 mark is reached.
Vice-president Sitachai Jeeratunyasakul said Thailand's Lexus market continues to enjoy strong growth.
Last year, 622 Lexus cars were sold, up by 185% year-on-year, driven mainly by the CT200h and RX270.
"We sold 261 CT200h hatchbacks last year thanks to its affordable price of just over 2 million baht," said Mr Sitachai.
Excluding CT200h sales still shows 7% growth in the Lexus market last year, in line with growth in the overall luxury car market.
Some 300 CT200h models are expected to sell this year, said Mr Sitachai, adding that the company projects 20.6% sales growth this year to 750 units.
Lexus yesterday launched the GS250 and the GS350, while the GS450h luxury hybrid sedan will come next month.
Mr Sitachai said 100 GS models will be sold this year or 5% of overall Lexus sales.
The GS250, with a 2,500cc engine, and the 3,460cc GS350 are priced at 4.99 million and 6.69 million baht, respectively.