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Well, I got a response from Lexus, but it didn't contain color information or Sport breakdowns. However, it did contain RWD/AWD and LWB/SWB info so here it is:
So, the rarest model of the selection presented, by far, is a 2016 LWB AWD. If you have one, it's rare! You have one of 288 built!
Based on the build numbers, LWB is rare in itself, accounting for only 18% of the 2013-2016 builds. AWD is more pronounced, accounting for almost 40%.
In any case, enjoy studying and drawing whatever conclusions you want. I really wanted sport breakdowns and color breakdowns by year, but this is all I got.
I have never seen this type of info before, but the one thing that instantly jumps out to me is the subtle and then sharp decline of the overall production each year. Roughly 10,000 made in 2013 and then less than 5,000 in 2016..?? Is this common for Lexus to do this? I'm curious to the rationale. Limit total production to a certain number of vehicles per design spectrum??
The only thing I can think of is that Lexus must have gotten sales signals from dealers in 2014. The movement of 2014 inventory was slow enough and/required big incentives by dealers to let the planners know they should probably build less in subsequent years.
Also, 2014 was the year that Mercedes released the new S class, the current build in that model. This may have also caused slow sales in 2014, enough so that the planners felt the drop in 2015 was warranted.
First, I thought these were US sales figures, but to learn that these are units built is a bit concerning. With such low numbers, Lexus would be hard-pressed to justify huge investments into technologies and innovations to help the flagship keep up with (or leapfrog) its competition.
If I am not mistaken, I recall reading a while ago that S-class US annual sales are in the 20-30,000 range. No wonder MB is at the forefront of innovation in this segment. They can invest more in technology which pays back in increased sales.
First, I thought these were US sales figures, but to learn that these are units built is a bit concerning. With such low numbers, Lexus would be hard-pressed to justify huge investments into technologies and innovations to help the flagship keep up with (or leapfrog) its competition.
If I am not mistaken, I recall reading a while ago that S-class US annual sales are in the 20-30,000 range. No wonder MB is at the forefront of innovation in this segment. They can invest more in technology which pays back in increased sales.
Toyota is a $177-billion company; Mercedes-Benz is $26 billion. Toyota has the wherewithal to do pretty much whatever it wants.
First, I thought these were US sales figures, but to learn that these are units built is a bit concerning. With such low numbers, Lexus would be hard-pressed to justify huge investments into technologies and innovations to help the flagship keep up with (or leapfrog) its competition.
If I am not mistaken, I recall reading a while ago that S-class US annual sales are in the 20-30,000 range. No wonder MB is at the forefront of innovation in this segment. They can invest more in technology which pays back in increased sales.
Let's hope that Lexus takes on the "you have to spend money to make money" mentality. To me, the LS is the 1st (but not only) model in the entire Lexus lineup that comes to mind as not being available as a glorified Toyota. Few examples. GX = 4 runner. RX = highlander. LX = Land Cruiser. ES = Camry CT = Prius. Not knocking these, I've owned a GX and now own an LX. But you can't find an LS in the Toyota lineup. It needs to stand out and needs to stand up to $90k-$120k rivals.
As an optimist, I look at the declining production volumes over time and *hope* that sometime in late 2014, Lexus realized they didn't punt the ball far enough with the technology in the '13+ and started thinking they needed to just wait for the next big refresh ('18??) to catch up to MB, Audi, BMW, Tesla. In essence, maybe Lexus felt they could hang their hat on reliability and sell enough LS 460's (they have the data on what car you drive now before ditching to buy your LS; assuming you trade it in). Maybe they see an overwhelming # of Lexus drivers upgrading to an LS (or upgrading within the LS family from 430 to 460). If true, Lexus is somewhat similar to Apple, who is banking on getting you in the AAPL "ecosystem" and keeping you there long term, despite the lack of major upgrades in their phone technology. For me, I don't need a ton of technology in my car- and would give it up in exchange for reliability and a serene riding/driving experience. If they see sales declining, I am actually fearful that Lexus will abandon the plush driving experience they created in 1990 and move towards a more BMW/Audi/Mercedes -style of road noise and road feel moving forward.
2 years ago my in-laws (loyal LS family) were kicking tires and drove an S550 and I tagged along and was really impressed. I wouldn't want to own one due to complete fear of reliability, but couldn't help but think that Lexus had been lapped when it came to exterior presence, interior design, technology interface, and interior layout. I'm hoping Lexus steps it up in a big way come 2018 (although 2019 would make more sense given their 6 year design history). If nothing else, it would help me score a '13 or '14 at a lower price..!
At the end of the day, the in-laws bought a gently used '12 LS 460. Why?? Ride. Reliability. Familiarity. They have been in the LS eco system since the late 1990's. Maybe Lexus isn't concerned with limiting production. Maybe it keeps resale values higher than competing brands due to limited supply and a steady demand of folks seeking reliability in the used car market.
Again, the optimist in me hopes Lexus is looking at macro-data and making the right decisions. I would love to see this data since inception of the LS. Great thread topic; thanks for posting.
Yeah I wouldn't read too much into it, especially regarding future development. If anything, I think these numbers will make them double down, knowing changes have to be made.
Personally, aesthetic differences aside, the 2014 S550 was a big leap in engine, HP. It breached 400 HP and moved 0-60 to under 5 seconds, whereas the same Lexus still had 386 HP. That's a big difference and one that will be corrected in 2018. I think Lexus will definitely see a bump in 2018.
Heck, 5000 @ $70k each is still $350 million. 30k is $2 billion.
These "halo" cars are important. It drags people into dealerships and even if they can't buy one, they might buy something else. So even if they are a loss-leader, who cares, we benefit.
North American Sales data for Flagships, Annual and camparisons
I have compiled a number of sales charts from goodcarbadcar.net. Hope you enjoy analyzing them as much as I did There was time when the LS sales outpaced the S-class. Could it happen again?
As discussed earlier, many of the changes in sale numbers can be linked to the introduction of new models (The LS in 2013, S in 2014 and the 7 this year). Bodes well for the new LS in 2017 or 2018
As discussed earlier, many of the changes in sale numbers can be linked to the introduction of new models (The LS in 2013, S in 2014 and the 7 this year). Bodes well for the new LS in 2017 or 2018
I was checking sales and build #s and something's odd. 2013 build # is lower than 2013 US sale #. Same issue with 2015 I think. And this doesn't even account for all the vehicles sold elsewhere in the world. I am guessing this is because sales include the previous MY also.
Let's hope that Lexus takes on the "you have to spend money to make money" mentality. To me, the LS is the 1st (but not only) model in the entire Lexus lineup that comes to mind as not being available as a glorified Toyota. Few examples. GX = 4 runner. RX = highlander. LX = Land Cruiser. ES = Camry CT = Prius. Not knocking these, I've owned a GX and now own an LX. But you can't find an LS in the Toyota lineup. It needs to stand out and needs to stand up to $90k-$120k rivals.
Not sure if this is still the case with the LS 460. The LS 400 and LS 430 models did have an equivalent Toyota model - the Celsior
It's already been stated, I think, that the next LS will be on a shared platform, stretched of course. It's the LC platform.
Audi is doing the same, utilizing stretched platforms between models to save development costs. I know the new A8 is on a shared and stretched platform.
Yep, just checked again, VW's MLB platform is used for the new Q7 and upcoming A8.
When Lexus developed the platform for the LC, it also had the LS in mind, I'm pretty sure.
great post, awesome info!
good work in gathering this
Jason, when you consider that the LWB AWD made up less than 8% of the total built in our model years, it is cool to realize that our vehicles are probably even rarer, yours without air suspension, and mine with the UltraLuxury package.
07-07-16, 02:41 PM
2013-2016 LS Build Info
There was time when the LS sales outpaced the S-class. Could it happen again?
