Future of Lexus discussion 2016
#76
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by mmarshall
The ES, at one time, DID have better interior materials.....along with more solid doors, better sound insulation, higher-profile tires, and a smoother ride. Remember the superb 4Gen version? That was back in the days before we saw the cost-cutting on the 5 and 6Gen models.
#77
Lexus Fanatic
Right, and the two text book way to go for new customer is to segment (again) or to change your appeal. It seems lexus is doing both, the CT and NX, and partially RCF, are segments it did not play in while the new design language is trying to get out of their old image.
While I dont think they are bold / aggressive enough, it is a very safe and text book way to go about things. Not rocking the boat, dont want to acquire 1 new customers they never had before but lose a customer that they've had for the past 10 years etc.
While I dont think they are bold / aggressive enough, it is a very safe and text book way to go about things. Not rocking the boat, dont want to acquire 1 new customers they never had before but lose a customer that they've had for the past 10 years etc.
#78
Lexus Fanatic
The ES, at one time, DID have better interior materials.....along with more solid doors, better sound insulation, higher-profile tires, and a smoother ride. Remember the superb 4Gen version? That was back in the days before we saw the cost-cutting on the 5 and 6Gen models.
#79
Lexus Fanatic
If Toyota can make the Lexus ES350/Toyota Avalon coexist, I'm sure a Lexus MV350 (I named it lol) minivan will work. Lexus has a lot of female buyers so I'm sure they would sell. Perhaps make the Lexus a Hybrid model while leave the Sienna a gas model, even though I do not recommend hybrids.
A minivan purchase is also still largely a family purchase, and largely a family vehicle is still chosen by the husband. A person, man or woman, doesn't just go out and "buy a minivan" theres a family process that occurs there. Like I said, its a purchase made out of practicality not out of passion. A 3 row crossover however is a different thing.
#80
Lexus Fanatic
#81
Lexus Fanatic
Can I prove that? No. Do I strongly suspect it? You bet.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-08-16 at 03:31 PM.
#82
Lexus Fanatic
Great interior though. Not that there wasn't cost cutting, because there was and you expect that at that price point but it was well hidden.
#83
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#84
I won't claim to speak for others, but I suspect that what is actually happening in some of those cases is that they are simply using their wives as an excuse (even if the wife never said that), that they have bought into the stigma and stereotypes from the auto press about minivans, and they are afraid that their sports buddies at the office will rib or tease them around the water-cooler. So, true or not, the "wife didn't want it" alibi becomes the excuse.
Can I prove that? No. Do I strongly suspect it? You bet.
Can I prove that? No. Do I strongly suspect it? You bet.
So SW15 is spot on with this, hugely practical and functional. A lot of the younger women just don't want to be driving the vehicle that their own mothers drove.
#85
If Toyota can make the Lexus ES350/Toyota Avalon coexist, I'm sure a Lexus MV350 (I named it lol) minivan will work. Lexus has a lot of female buyers so I'm sure they would sell. Perhaps make the Lexus a Hybrid model while leave the Sienna a gas model, even though I do not recommend hybrids.
As I mentioned several times before, within 2 years, we will have at least 2 more SUVs from Lexus... no space for minivans. SUVs sell well everywhere, minivans barely sell and plus you need different sizes in USA and Japan where they do sell.
#86
Lexus Test Driver
But thats just it...they do. If you'd driven something like a 4GS with AVS you would see that the new platforms while being sharper and more dynamic are still very complient and quiet.
For instance, you lowered your LS, but bigger rims on it and removed parts of the exhaust to make it what? Firmer, louder, better looking, sportier. Thats in direct conflict with your desire for them to go back to making cars like your LS400 when you in turn made modifications to your LS400 to make it more like the newer cars.
I would bet money that my 2013 GS with AVS rode better and was quieter than your LS400 with those modifications...I'm certain my LS460 is.
Technology is getting to the point where you can have both.
For instance, you lowered your LS, but bigger rims on it and removed parts of the exhaust to make it what? Firmer, louder, better looking, sportier. Thats in direct conflict with your desire for them to go back to making cars like your LS400 when you in turn made modifications to your LS400 to make it more like the newer cars.
I would bet money that my 2013 GS with AVS rode better and was quieter than your LS400 with those modifications...I'm certain my LS460 is.
Technology is getting to the point where you can have both.
#87
All their market entry products are too sensible, playing it safe, launching it while knowing that in the back of their minds that while they might not blow current leaders out of the market, the product will sell and its better than taking a leap and fail.
The CT, NX, RC are (in my opinion) the prime examples of this. When Lexus first launched the LS they did not say "lets make something almost as good as the S class, but sensible enough that some people who thought they are getting ripped off will get the LS", they launched a car that was pretty much in every conceivable way better than the competition.
The CT (not sure what it is), is not as hot as a hot hatch, its not very practical, it is literally a good looking upper market prius. NX did not blow the x3 out of the water, RC is same etc.
#88
Lexus Fanatic
So SW15 is spot on with this, hugely practical and functional. A lot of the younger women just don't want to be driving the vehicle that their own mothers drove.
#89
Lexus Fanatic
None of the people I'm talking about were hiding their own dislike for minivans. It's been told to me point blank from the women themselves.
Plenty of women don't want minivans. They're out of style.
Plenty of women don't want minivans. They're out of style.
#90
Lexus Fanatic
Is utility, space efficiency, and plenty of seats inside out of style? You and your wife seem to like your Sedona. I realize some women may be tired of minivans, but seems like your wife isn't.
And, as far as style goes, minivans have never been about style, but about moving people efficiently. In fact, the Nissan Quest lost a lot of sales when it stated going after style and image more than simple design and space-efficiency.
And, as far as style goes, minivans have never been about style, but about moving people efficiently. In fact, the Nissan Quest lost a lot of sales when it stated going after style and image more than simple design and space-efficiency.