Lexus Planning Euro 1 Series Rival?
Lexus is unlikely to launch a sub-$30,000 model in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean it won’t develop a new entry-level model for other markets. One possibility is Europe, where small cars like BMW’s 1-series hatch and Mercedes A and B-Class sell in substantial numbers. Toyota exec Tokuichi Uranishi has revealed that Lexus could develop a new entry-level model for Europe to help reach its European sales target of 150,000 vehicles by 2015.

During an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Uranishi explained that for Lexus to become a true rival to Mercedes-Benz and BMW, it has to strengthen its standing in Europe and to do so it will need to expand its product portfolio.

Lexus is already confirmed to launch the upcoming LF-1 flagship coupe as well as a hybrid only model and possibly a seven-seater crossover, which should see its market share in Europe rise considerably. This year, Lexus hopes to sell 56,000 vehicles in Europe, a fraction of its global target of half a million vehicles.

 

I hope it looks better then the 1 series....

 

So like.. a Lexus CS200 or something? lol.

I wonder if they'll come out with a sedan or a hatch. If it's for Europe, most likely a hatch.

 

I hope it does work out. One thing if they want this to work in Europe, it will have to be a diesel or diesel-hybrid. Be as reliable as any other Lexus. Still have the same quality as a regular Lexus.

 

Can anything that seats 5 be smaller than the IS?

 

Maybe they are talking about the next generation, when the new IS will get a little bigger, & the new entry-level model for Europe will be about the size of the current IS, with diesel/smaller engines ?

 

woot, they are making the TS (or it was called that in Holiday Auto mag)

 

LMAO... I hope they do this. Not that I have any problems whatsoever with the 1-series or with the idea of Lexus making a competitor... I think it's a great idea.

I just can't wait to see what the couple of people on this board who have insisted to me than Audi and BMW are not 'real' luxury brands due to the A3 and 1-series have to say when their favorite brand, Lexus, follows suit.

 

You forgot Mercedes with their A & B-class

IIRC, they are mainly referring to the European markets which are quite different from here. From article above, Lexus may only be planning the new entry-level model for Europe, not here ...

 

You mean like a Toyota Blade ?

This is sooooo not necessary.

 

I have my reservations about such a model, but if it is made, then I agree it should be ONLY for Europe. It would be a big mistake for other markets.

 

Any smaller Lexus model would have to be sold worldwide - the small sales volumes in Europe wouldn't justify it otherwise.

 

Exactly why they shouldn't bother to build it in the first place. They have the unique advantage of having the Toyota brand to take care of that market.

 

I don't disagree but there's big profits in small premium hatches. Lexus could sell a sub-IS hatch for double the price of a Toyota Auris.

 

from what I read in Holiday Auto in Japan, they said it'll be the dimensions of the IS300 since the IS350 got a little bigger. There were always rumors that the Altezza will be revived.