LB23

So you pretty much agree when people make fun of the lexus brand like that?
Ok that`s cool.
I wanted to know a bit what Lexus owners think of that.

LexFather

It doesn't make financial sense in many cases to change everything to Lexus. In the case of a box most owners won't order from the factory to even see it. Changing the boxes to include the name Lexus would cost tens of millions and the benefit might be minimal. I agree though little things like this can make a difference in the feeling of luxury.


GS is its own platform. The IS is based off it as the Toyota Crown. The Toyota Crown is one of the most revered names in Japan and it is built to the standards of a $50k car so don't let the name "Toyota" fool anyone.

In regards to the other two brands they honestly still don't get it. They are much more connected with their parent companies and have far more rebadges and platform sharing. Until last year Acura didn't even have their own financial arm, Acura owners got their monthly statements from Honda with Honda letterhead.


There is nothing wrong with wanting the appropriate name on the item. If people didn't want "badges" then we all would drive 30 year old Corollas with crank windows and a cassette player.

The reason the Germans sell so well and continue to be revered worldwide is their precious protection of image.

Image sells. Perception is reality. Any company that ignores that is doomed or will struggle.

We have seen Lexus continue to separate themselves from Toyota in 20+ years. Its not an overnight process. Henry brought up a good point about the glass with Lexus on them where in the past it said Toyota.

Lexus has been very careful and understanding of the luxury market in regards to many of these minor items. This has helped established them as a Tier 1 luxury brand also revered around the world.

LB23

LOL
Bro, FYI , neither the CAVS nor the HEAT are the teams I like.
What`s yours?

LB23

No wonder your nickname is 1sicklex. You understand and provide good info.
Its interesting to know the GS has its own platform!

So its about financial sense, but as you say, lexus continues to separate themselves from toyota, and yes, Henry brought up a good point indeed, so maybe its about waiting a bit more.

And this thing u added at the last minute: "I agree though little things like this can make a difference in the feeling of luxury." Yeah, we both agree on that. Besides, if I bought a Lexus, I shouldn`t receive toyota parts, not because I despise the toyota brand or its quality, but just because I bought another brand, and that brand is not a toyota.
If people are dumb enough, they might even be confused! And if you pay more, its because you like/want a lexus and all what comes with that brand, whatever that may be , handling, comfort, luxury, silence, the badge, etc. Its just a matter of patience, as they have been improving matters in this regard


And yes, you understand what the badge/brand/image accounts for in the real world.
Thanks, if there is any more info "left in your tank", please share.

GS350Lexus

iTrader: (5)

Very good precios reply's, it would be great if they did put lexus on everything, including vin # hologram.

memasterac

I understand the OP LB23's point of view. If Toyota put a Lexus sticker over the Toyota box then at least it's an effort, maybe a separated part number too? Rather the box says Toyota out loud... It's like you buy a pair of Air Jordan sneaker for US$150~$200 that is made in China, you don't want it to be confused as any other made in China sneakers for $US20...

AndyUK

Several Japanese Toyotas were higher specification than the equivalent Lexus models in the US.
The Lexus SC400, for example was Toyota Soarer in Japan, with digital instruments, air suspension and fully active hydraulic options and more.
I think that was mainly due to the later introduction of the Lexus name into Japan, but does show how it's the car itself, not the badge that is important.
And if the same oil filter can be used on both badges, why not?

CAK 500

Personally, I would find it patronizing if Toyota labeled parts shared by both brands as "Lexus". The fact that they don't emphasizes the fact that there is a difference in those parts that are.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

When Ford owned Jaguar did any of the parts of the Jag say Ford? When Benz owned Chrysler did any of the Chrysler parts say Benz? Does Audi parts say VW? I doubt any of these happened.
If they didn't, it seems only the Japanese are so vain they have to spread brand identification to their entire line of products.

In the end, it doesn't bother me what people say.
It doesn't bother me that Toyota is listed on my parts.
I would prefer it didn't but it's not something I really think about.
I have bigger fish to fry.

CRB

Yes, it is, in a sense, a "glorified" Toyota. But, being a Toyota isn't a bad thing and being glorified is certainly something that luxury cars aspire to so it's kind of win-win.

BinaryJay

These examples aren't an accurate comparison since these companies were acquired at some point. I'm sure at the beginning they didn't say Ford or Chrysler but over time I bet Ford and Chrysler parts made their way into the cars with Ford and Chrysler labels and etchings and all.

Acura and Lexus were never separate companies, they were always just a brand line. I don't know about Acura but at least most Lexus models are built in plants that only build Lexus models. Whether that equates to any kind of additional degree of quality (especially any more) is debatable, I'm pretty sure the RX is built right here in Ontario along with a number of other Toyotas but anyway...

Lexus is not a car company, it's a brand line of Toyotas. It's no different than if say, Sony, were to start calling a new line of super upscale TVs by some other brand name. They'd still be Sony's and share Sony engineers. Right now, they don't do that, the most expensive Sony TV and the least expensive econobox at Walmart both say Sony. Does that make the $10,000 Sony TV a stupid investment just because theres a $200 TV with the same name on it? Are both of these TVs "the same"? No, and nobody would argue otherwise because the $10,000 set will have tons of features and technology that isn't on the $200 one.

Now if Sony bought Panasonic, Panasonic TVs would continue to have parts that all say Panasonic at least for a number of years but eventually at least part of the internals if you were to crack them open would start having motherboards that say Sony on it.

spine911

iTrader: (4)

I do agree with them.

I would still get the same never-ending logic from people who insinuates that my Porsches are VWs; VWs are Porsches.

spine911

iTrader: (4)

........

*Batman*

Actually a lot of Audi parts have VAG written on them. And VAG stands for Volkswagen AG. The same moniker that is printed on VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda car parts. And unlike Lexus which largely keeps the Toyota name hidden to the customer, Audi makes it more visible. E.g. Whereas our windshield is etched with Lexus, the Audis is etched VAG.

jaguar did not use the Ford name on the parts. however the Jaguar key was identical to the keys of the European Fords. I remember looking at the key of the first S-type Jag I drove and instantly recognizing it as being similar to the key on my brothers old Ford Escort. It was an unusual key because instead of being flat and rectangular, it was cylindrical with a twisted pattern. Such a key was uniquely Ford design. At least the Lexus key looks nothing like a Toyota key.

sonikbo0m

because lexus boxes would cost more.