March 2010 Auto Sales Thread
Lexus Fanatic
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From: A better place
Sorry, but the Genesis sedan is closer to the ES segment than the GS segment. There are no facts to indicate otherwise.
The Genesis base price starts at around the same as the ES base price. GS base price is over 10K more than Genesis sedan base price.
A loaded GS will also cost much more than a loaded Genesis. The Genesis sedan is sold at Hyundai dealerships with Hyundai service. You do not get a luxury service experience like you do buying a GS.
Yes the Genesis sedan is RWD and the ES is FWD, but with the ES you do get the luxury service.
This has been discussed countless times, yet some people stubbornly continue to compare the Genesis sedan directly with the GS.
Speaking of context, yes Honda and Hyundai had the lowest incentives in March. They also lost market share for the month, as already mentioned. Speaking of context, Toyota suffered a huge assault on it's reputation in February, so perhaps the higher Toyota incentives are justifiable
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What do March 2008 sales have to do with this? Nothing. That was before the economy went down. The point I was trying to make is that the industry OVERALL was up compared to March 2009, and that some automakers lost market share and sales because of Toyota's ability to sway and influence the market.
The Genesis base price starts at around the same as the ES base price. GS base price is over 10K more than Genesis sedan base price.
A loaded GS will also cost much more than a loaded Genesis. The Genesis sedan is sold at Hyundai dealerships with Hyundai service. You do not get a luxury service experience like you do buying a GS.
Yes the Genesis sedan is RWD and the ES is FWD, but with the ES you do get the luxury service.
This has been discussed countless times, yet some people stubbornly continue to compare the Genesis sedan directly with the GS.
Speaking of context, yes Honda and Hyundai had the lowest incentives in March. They also lost market share for the month, as already mentioned. Speaking of context, Toyota suffered a huge assault on it's reputation in February, so perhaps the higher Toyota incentives are justifiable
.What do March 2008 sales have to do with this? Nothing. That was before the economy went down. The point I was trying to make is that the industry OVERALL was up compared to March 2009, and that some automakers lost market share and sales because of Toyota's ability to sway and influence the market.
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You forgot to mention the price of a Genesis V-8 with options is where the V-6 GS 350 starts. You also forgot to mention the Genesis sedan is a much newer vehicle than the GS. The GS sold over 32,000 units in 2005.
Finally you forgot to mention the Genesis sales goal was 50k a year, 20k sedans, 30k coupes and sadly they won't come close to ever hitting that.
Last edited by LexFather; Apr 6, 2010 at 03:06 PM.
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Bottom line is EVERYONE offers incentives and always have. Clearly Toyota did so to get people back in showrooms and it worked. Others did so to try to steal Toyota sales and to compete.
I mean consumers win.
If you, a family member or friend is in the market it really is a great time to buy a car
Speaking of context, yes Honda and Hyundai had the lowest incentives in March. They also lost market share for the month, as already mentioned. Speaking of context, Toyota suffered a huge assault on it's reputation in February, so perhaps the higher Toyota incentives are justifiable.
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What is forgotten is Honda will ALWAYS have the lower incentives as Honda vs Toyota is not apples to apples, its apples to oranges. Toyota has much more expensive vehicles in its lineup like the Avalon, the Highlander hybrid, the Tundra loaded, Sequoia and the Land Cruiser costs more than any Acura.
So Honda will always have lower incentives in comparison. They do a good job of keeping incentives low.
However people missed the fact Honda had 0% everything to combat Toyota.
Japanese Price Wars: Honda counters Toyota with largest lease deals ever
Toyota clearly raised incentives to beat off the recent bad press on its recalls. Honda had multiple recalls but no one cares as Honda is an afterthought brand. Saying Honda in the news won't raise an eyebrow. Clearly saying Toyota in the news sells papers and as Honda mentioned, "Toyota is the face of Japan".
Acura also has 0/0/0 specials.
http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/.../04/05/NY81291
I mean consumers win.
If you, a family member or friend is in the market it really is a great time to buy a carSpeaking of context, yes Honda and Hyundai had the lowest incentives in March. They also lost market share for the month, as already mentioned. Speaking of context, Toyota suffered a huge assault on it's reputation in February, so perhaps the higher Toyota incentives are justifiable
..
So Honda will always have lower incentives in comparison. They do a good job of keeping incentives low.
However people missed the fact Honda had 0% everything to combat Toyota.
Japanese Price Wars: Honda counters Toyota with largest lease deals ever
Originally Posted by ;5348947
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/26/j...gest-lease-de/
Toyota commands about a 15.5-percent share of the U.S. market so far this year. That's the same share it had a year ago, before its recall marathon began. Analysts studying the market have suggested that Japanes automaker's brand perception hasn't taken that big of a hit with the wider public, but Toyota has also dipped heavily into incentives and price dropping in order to keep moving its metal. Those are two corners of the retail world you don't usually find Toyota, and the move has apparently dragged Honda with it.
Honda is the brand most cross-shopped against Toyota, so what its rival does to draw traffic must be closely watched and, in this case, matched. The Feature Special Lease deal Honda has just introduced is good for nearly every model, eliminates the down payment, security deposit and first month's payment, and waives all lease fees. The program runs until May 3. On top of that Honda has 0.9-, 1.9-, and 2.9-percent APR financing deals. Between them, they cover Honda's entire model line.
Honda's lease program runs until May 3, a month longer than Toyota's. Now that Toyota knows it's going to be a long battle to hold its position, we'll be interested to see how what kind of fortitude and endurance the company has. Honda probably will be as well...
[Source: L.A. Times via The Car Connection | Image: Scott Olson/Getty ]
Toyota commands about a 15.5-percent share of the U.S. market so far this year. That's the same share it had a year ago, before its recall marathon began. Analysts studying the market have suggested that Japanes automaker's brand perception hasn't taken that big of a hit with the wider public, but Toyota has also dipped heavily into incentives and price dropping in order to keep moving its metal. Those are two corners of the retail world you don't usually find Toyota, and the move has apparently dragged Honda with it.
Honda is the brand most cross-shopped against Toyota, so what its rival does to draw traffic must be closely watched and, in this case, matched. The Feature Special Lease deal Honda has just introduced is good for nearly every model, eliminates the down payment, security deposit and first month's payment, and waives all lease fees. The program runs until May 3. On top of that Honda has 0.9-, 1.9-, and 2.9-percent APR financing deals. Between them, they cover Honda's entire model line.
Honda's lease program runs until May 3, a month longer than Toyota's. Now that Toyota knows it's going to be a long battle to hold its position, we'll be interested to see how what kind of fortitude and endurance the company has. Honda probably will be as well...
[Source: L.A. Times via The Car Connection | Image: Scott Olson/Getty ]
Acura also has 0/0/0 specials.
http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/.../04/05/NY81291
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: MD
I guess we should then dismiss the sales success of the original LS since it was priced more in line w/ the German E segment sedans than the F segment sedans - and even today, the LS still undercuts the S Class and 7 Series by a considerable margin.
Also, most people aren't going to cross-shop a floaty, FWD sedan w/ a more sport oriented RWD sedan.
You forgot to mention the price of a Genesis V-8 with options is where the V-6 GS 350 starts. You also forgot to mention the Genesis sedan is a much newer vehicle than the GS. The GS sold over 32,000 units in 2005.
Finally you forgot to mention the Genesis sales goal was 50k a year, 20k sedans, 30k coupes and sadly they won't come close to ever hitting that.
Finally you forgot to mention the Genesis sales goal was 50k a year, 20k sedans, 30k coupes and sadly they won't come close to ever hitting that.
And I already mentioned that the sales of the GenCoupe was a flop, but the sedan selling at about 14,500 units yearly (or 70% of the sales goal) isn't bad considering the economy during 2009.
There really is no excuse for the GS to sell at less than half the rate of the Genesis model, even if it is an older design - considering that it is the top Lexus sedan next to the LS, and the fact that it should have a built in market (unlike the Genesis) based on Lexus or Toyota owners "moving up" and/or owners of previous generations of the GS.
The previous gen of the E Class and 5 Series still sold relatively well in their respective last years - despite the GS undercutting them in price.
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The whole price argument is a red herring.
I guess we should then dismiss the sales success of the original LS since it was priced more in line w/ the German E segment sedans than the F segment sedans - and even today, the LS still undercuts the S Class and 7 Series by a considerable margin.
Also, most people aren't going to cross-shop a floaty, FWD sedan w/ a more sport oriented RWD sedan.
I guess we should then dismiss the sales success of the original LS since it was priced more in line w/ the German E segment sedans than the F segment sedans - and even today, the LS still undercuts the S Class and 7 Series by a considerable margin.
Also, most people aren't going to cross-shop a floaty, FWD sedan w/ a more sport oriented RWD sedan.
The Genesis is none of that. It is simply a great car from an unexpected source and brought absolutely nothing new to the arena.
And no its not bias as I've defended the Genesis all over and have been a vocal person defending it.
Again w/ the price thing.
And I already mentioned that the sales of the GenCoupe was a flop, but the sedan selling at about 14,500 units yearly (or 70% of the sales goal) isn't bad considering the economy during 2009.
There really is no excuse for the GS to sell at less than half the rate of the Genesis model, even if it is an older design - considering that it is the top Lexus sedan next to the LS, and the fact that it should have a built in market (unlike the Genesis) based on Lexus or Toyota owners "moving up" and/or owners of previous generations of the GS.
The previous gen of the E Class and 5 Series still sold relatively well in their respective last years - despite the GS undercutting them in price.
And I already mentioned that the sales of the GenCoupe was a flop, but the sedan selling at about 14,500 units yearly (or 70% of the sales goal) isn't bad considering the economy during 2009.
There really is no excuse for the GS to sell at less than half the rate of the Genesis model, even if it is an older design - considering that it is the top Lexus sedan next to the LS, and the fact that it should have a built in market (unlike the Genesis) based on Lexus or Toyota owners "moving up" and/or owners of previous generations of the GS.
The previous gen of the E Class and 5 Series still sold relatively well in their respective last years - despite the GS undercutting them in price.
The E/5 will ALWAYS be the top sellers in this class for a multitude of reasons. They are expected to sell more, they have more variations they are considered the standards in class as well as offer great lease rates.
The GS was the 3rd best selling in class from 05-09 without some of those merits and instead of getting credit people act like it didn't sell.
You have no clue about sales goals. The GS is not the volume sedan. The ES is then the IS. The GS isn't.
Pole Position
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From: MD
Don't bring up the LS. The LS vs Genesis is not even close. The LS FOREVER changed the way people thought of luxury cars and brands. It has been called one of the 100 most influential cars ever built.
The Genesis is none of that. It is simply a great car from an unexpected source and brought absolutely nothing new to the arena.
The Genesis is none of that. It is simply a great car from an unexpected source and brought absolutely nothing new to the arena.
But the pricing argument still stands.
If one wants to compare the LS to the S Class and 7 Series - despite the initial price differentiation (and still substantial current one), than the same should follow for the Genesis.
The LS is an F segment sedan - regardless of the price.
The Genesis is an E segment sedan - regardless of the price (it's not like the Equus, an F segment sedan, will be compared to the E Class or GS, simply due to pricing).
Along those lines, one could very well argue that the Genesis sedan wasn't meant to be the volume sedan either - w/ a smaller, RWD sedan arriving in a few years.
The Lexus GS 300 was overhauled in 2006 to take on the company's ambitious goal of quadrupling sales of GS series vehicles and boost market share from five to 14 percent. That means loads of new features designed to make the GS 300 more appealing the BMW's 5-series or Mercedes-Benz's E-Series.
Somehow, I don't think the GS has come close to 14% of the E segment (figure also confirmed by Wards Auto) in a few years.
Last edited by YEH; Apr 6, 2010 at 09:35 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: A better place
The whole price argument is a red herring.
I guess we should then dismiss the sales success of the original LS since it was priced more in line w/ the German E segment sedans than the F segment sedans - and even today, the LS still undercuts the S Class and 7 Series by a considerable margin.
Also, most people aren't going to cross-shop a floaty, FWD sedan w/ a more sport oriented RWD sedan.
I guess we should then dismiss the sales success of the original LS since it was priced more in line w/ the German E segment sedans than the F segment sedans - and even today, the LS still undercuts the S Class and 7 Series by a considerable margin.
Also, most people aren't going to cross-shop a floaty, FWD sedan w/ a more sport oriented RWD sedan.
?The Genesis, despite being RWD, is no more "sport oriented" than the ES.
What about the IS huh? It's smaller, costs roughly the same price as the Genesis (with the top IS variants costing more than any Genesis) yet is EASILY outsells the Genesis sedan.
Using your logic, we should compare the Infiniti G37 and Cadillac CTS to the GS too, since they are similar size to the GS, and are sporty RWD vehicles.
I'm anxious to see Infiniti M sales for April. I think the car only hit dealers around the 3rd week of March so I'd like to see what a full month of sales will do.
As for the Genesis, here is Motor Trend's long-term test evaluation this month:
Brian Vance nailed how I feel about this car- Impressive Hyundai, but not an impressive luxury car. Luxury cars are about a lot more than just putting wood and leather in the right places and positioning something above the mainstream. FROM THE BEGINNING, this is how I felt about the Genesis and IMO the road tests and sales figures only reaffirm my opinion. During all the hype and hooplah, there were only a hand full of people who cut through the junk and saw this car for what it was. Here we are a few years later with so-so sales and so-so test results...where are the fan boys? Where is the GAME changer that everyone was raving about?
I'm not trying to fan the flames here but it's hard to deny that the Genesis has had an overall lukewarm reception and proven to be far less of the GS/ES killer that was so over-hyped.
As for the Genesis, here is Motor Trend's long-term test evaluation this month:
Long Term Update 5: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 4.6
Still Has a Way to Go
March 18, 2010 / By Ron Kiino / Photography by Jessica Germiller
"I really like the Genesis and feel pretty comfortable recommending it to anyone who is looking to save a few bucks on his next luxury sedan," logs associate Web editor Rory Jurnecka. "The Tau V-8's power is ample, never feeling overwhelmed by the car's heft. The cabin is really very well trimmed. I wouldn't quite put it on par with those of Mercedes or BMW, but it's a sure rival for Lexus and Acura interiors (WTF does that mean?). The car actually handles pretty well, with less body roll and more willingness to turn than I'd expect. And the rear-seat room is impressive. Lots of positive remarks from those who find themselves on the rear bench."
Alas, senior photographer Brian Vance likely wouldn't recommend the Genesis, at least not until the second generation makes its debut. "Impressive Hyundai, but not an impressive luxury car," he notes. "Sure, on paper it looks like an incredible luxury value, but the lux in this car is superficial. It doesn't drive like a luxury car. Throttle response is delayed, gear changes lag, and the suspension is downright wrong -- too harsh, too unforgiving. Plain and simple, it's the wrong suspension tuning for a car with the purpose of this one.
Those who have never spent seat time in a comparably sized BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes may think this is how luxury cars drive, but they would be mistaken. The aforementioned cars are all greater than the sum of their parts. But add up the parts of this Hyundai and you have a lesser vehicle.
In fact, I'll go as far as to say the suspension tuning in this car is inferior to those of mainstream sedans like Camry, Accord, or even Hyundai's own Sonata. I have no doubt the second-generation Genesis sedan will address all these problems and that Hyundai R&D will learn to implement Lexuslike suspension tuning. But they aren't there yet."
Still Has a Way to Go
March 18, 2010 / By Ron Kiino / Photography by Jessica Germiller
"I really like the Genesis and feel pretty comfortable recommending it to anyone who is looking to save a few bucks on his next luxury sedan," logs associate Web editor Rory Jurnecka. "The Tau V-8's power is ample, never feeling overwhelmed by the car's heft. The cabin is really very well trimmed. I wouldn't quite put it on par with those of Mercedes or BMW, but it's a sure rival for Lexus and Acura interiors (WTF does that mean?). The car actually handles pretty well, with less body roll and more willingness to turn than I'd expect. And the rear-seat room is impressive. Lots of positive remarks from those who find themselves on the rear bench."
Alas, senior photographer Brian Vance likely wouldn't recommend the Genesis, at least not until the second generation makes its debut. "Impressive Hyundai, but not an impressive luxury car," he notes. "Sure, on paper it looks like an incredible luxury value, but the lux in this car is superficial. It doesn't drive like a luxury car. Throttle response is delayed, gear changes lag, and the suspension is downright wrong -- too harsh, too unforgiving. Plain and simple, it's the wrong suspension tuning for a car with the purpose of this one.
Those who have never spent seat time in a comparably sized BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes may think this is how luxury cars drive, but they would be mistaken. The aforementioned cars are all greater than the sum of their parts. But add up the parts of this Hyundai and you have a lesser vehicle.
In fact, I'll go as far as to say the suspension tuning in this car is inferior to those of mainstream sedans like Camry, Accord, or even Hyundai's own Sonata. I have no doubt the second-generation Genesis sedan will address all these problems and that Hyundai R&D will learn to implement Lexuslike suspension tuning. But they aren't there yet."
I'm not trying to fan the flames here but it's hard to deny that the Genesis has had an overall lukewarm reception and proven to be far less of the GS/ES killer that was so over-hyped.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: A better place
Brian Vance nailed how I feel about this car- Impressive Hyundai, but not an impressive luxury car. Luxury cars are about a lot more than just putting wood and leather in the right places and positioning something above the mainstream. FROM THE BEGINNING, this is how I felt about the Genesis and IMO the road tests and sales figures only reaffirm my opinion. During all the hype and hooplah, there were only a hand full of people who cut through the junk and saw this car for what it was. Here we are a few years later with so-so sales and so-so test results...where are the fan boys? Where is the GAME changer that everyone was raving about?
I'm not trying to fan the flames here but it's hard to deny that the Genesis has had an overall lukewarm reception and proven to be far less of the GS/ES killer that was so over-hyped.
I'm not trying to fan the flames here but it's hard to deny that the Genesis has had an overall lukewarm reception and proven to be far less of the GS/ES killer that was so over-hyped.
IMHO, that is unfortunately how I feel about a lot of new Hyundai/Kia products. I feel that they are very superficial, and the cars are rarely equivalent to, or more than the sum of their parts. I personally feel there is more to a vehicle than just adding a bunch of features and options, or having flashy styling and the latest gimmicks. I feel that applies to mass market cars, and not just luxury cars.
Last edited by TRDFantasy; Apr 7, 2010 at 11:02 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Massachusetts
I agree. There have been a few reviews of the 2011 Sonata that say the car is less than the sum of it's parts as well.
IMHO, that is unfortunately how I feel about a lot of new Hyundai/Kia products. I feel that they are very superficial, and the cars are rarely equivalent to, or more than the sum of their parts. I personally feel there is more to a vehicle than just adding a bunch of features and options, or having flashy styling and the latest gimmicks. I feel that applies to mass market cars, and not just luxury cars.
IMHO, that is unfortunately how I feel about a lot of new Hyundai/Kia products. I feel that they are very superficial, and the cars are rarely equivalent to, or more than the sum of their parts. I personally feel there is more to a vehicle than just adding a bunch of features and options, or having flashy styling and the latest gimmicks. I feel that applies to mass market cars, and not just luxury cars.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: A better place
It's basically how the vehicle works and feels as a whole, as a sum of those assembled parts.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,695
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From: CA
Now back to the subject of the March 2010 car sales...
Are you serious, vans are included? That is wrong!
BMW has said this for the last 2 or 3 years now and it hasn't happened. Look at how they are chasing sales and not profits. Volume for the sake of volume is not a good strategy.
Indeed, the vans were included in past counts; to their credit, Mercedes-Benz now has a separate and combined total in their March data chart; but the press release only mentions to whole total. Here's more:
https://home.autonews.com/clickshare...EM%2F100409967
Subscriber-only: http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/ar/...ts_bmw_100406/
The above total numbers for MB have a caveat--they include the Sprinter vans. They don't really count in the luxury market, and the totals used in this article and in the earlier tier 1 comparo post reflect that:
http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...h-quarter.html
http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...h-quarter.html
BMW has said this for the last 2 or 3 years now and it hasn't happened. Look at how they are chasing sales and not profits. Volume for the sake of volume is not a good strategy.
https://home.autonews.com/clickshare...EM%2F100409967
Lexus surges in March, passes Mercedes in '10 U.S. luxury race
Bloomberg News
Automotive News -- April 2, 2010 - 2:00 pm ET
Lexus -- the leading luxury-auto brand in the United States for the past decade -- used a 42 percent gain in March to inch ahead of rival Mercedes-Benz after the first quarter.
Lexus sold 20,219 vehicles last month and 49,523 for the year's first three months. Mercedes reported sales of 20,023 cars and SUVs for March, a 28 percent increase from a year earlier, and 49,229 for the quarter. The Mercedes tallies exclude Sprinter vans formerly sold by Dodge -- 1,337 of them in the first quarter.
Mercedes, helped by its revamped E-class sedan, had moved ahead of Lexus and BMW through 2010's first two months. The BMW brand posted a 3 percent increase in March to 18,060 and finished the quarter at 46,323.
Industrywide sales rose 24 percent in March, to push the market 16 percent ahead of a depressed 2009 after the first three months.
“The luxury market is doing pretty well,” said Jessica Caldwell, a senior analyst at Edmunds.com, a provider of industry data. “We assumed when times were tough that luxury sales would fall. It has held its share of the market.”
Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus benefited from a tripling of sales of its redesigned GX mid-size SUV, as well as increases of 31 percent for the RX SUV and 29 percent for the IS car.
At Mercedes, sales of the E class more than doubled while the C class, its highest-volume model, rose 20 percent.
Not holding back
Mercedes expects more increases from the E class as it adds a convertible version in May and a diesel E-350 in October, said Ernst Lieb, CEO of the brand's U.S. unit.
“We're not holding back,” he said. “We have newer products than some of our competitors. We're going after whatever we can get.”
BMW intends to pass Lexus for the No. 1 rank in the United States by 2012 on the strength of new models, Jim O'Donnell, president of the North American unit, said Wednesday.
In March, BMW spent an average of $4,797 a vehicle on incentives, compared with $3,527 for Mercedes and $1,778 for Lexus, according to Edmunds.com.
“BMW has a lot of good lease deals,” Caldwell said. “They're trying to hold onto the market.” The brand's U.S. share has fallen a tenth of a point to 1.8 percent this year. Sales have risen 8 percent.
Rest of the pack
Among the March results for other luxury brands:
• General Motor Co.'s Cadillac reported a 42 percent increase to 11,639 as sales of the redesigned SRX crossover SUV surged more than sixfold. Cadillac spent a per-vehicle average of $4,307 on incentives, third among luxury brands behind BMW and Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln, according to Edmunds.com.
• Honda Motor Co.'s Acura brand gained 30 percent to 11,722 cars and SUVs.
• Lincoln sales rose 19 percent to 8,693.
• Nissan Motor Co.'s Infiniti sold 9,942 vehicles, a 37 percent increase from a year earlier and the brand's best month since August 2008.
• Volkswagen AG's Audi sold 8,589 vehicles, up 34 percent.
• Tata Motors Ltd.'s Land Rover increased 21 percent to 2,726 vehicles, while Jaguar dropped 16 percent to 983.
Bloomberg News
Automotive News -- April 2, 2010 - 2:00 pm ET
Lexus -- the leading luxury-auto brand in the United States for the past decade -- used a 42 percent gain in March to inch ahead of rival Mercedes-Benz after the first quarter.
Lexus sold 20,219 vehicles last month and 49,523 for the year's first three months. Mercedes reported sales of 20,023 cars and SUVs for March, a 28 percent increase from a year earlier, and 49,229 for the quarter. The Mercedes tallies exclude Sprinter vans formerly sold by Dodge -- 1,337 of them in the first quarter.
Mercedes, helped by its revamped E-class sedan, had moved ahead of Lexus and BMW through 2010's first two months. The BMW brand posted a 3 percent increase in March to 18,060 and finished the quarter at 46,323.
Industrywide sales rose 24 percent in March, to push the market 16 percent ahead of a depressed 2009 after the first three months.
“The luxury market is doing pretty well,” said Jessica Caldwell, a senior analyst at Edmunds.com, a provider of industry data. “We assumed when times were tough that luxury sales would fall. It has held its share of the market.”
Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus benefited from a tripling of sales of its redesigned GX mid-size SUV, as well as increases of 31 percent for the RX SUV and 29 percent for the IS car.
At Mercedes, sales of the E class more than doubled while the C class, its highest-volume model, rose 20 percent.
Not holding back
Mercedes expects more increases from the E class as it adds a convertible version in May and a diesel E-350 in October, said Ernst Lieb, CEO of the brand's U.S. unit.
“We're not holding back,” he said. “We have newer products than some of our competitors. We're going after whatever we can get.”
BMW intends to pass Lexus for the No. 1 rank in the United States by 2012 on the strength of new models, Jim O'Donnell, president of the North American unit, said Wednesday.
In March, BMW spent an average of $4,797 a vehicle on incentives, compared with $3,527 for Mercedes and $1,778 for Lexus, according to Edmunds.com.
“BMW has a lot of good lease deals,” Caldwell said. “They're trying to hold onto the market.” The brand's U.S. share has fallen a tenth of a point to 1.8 percent this year. Sales have risen 8 percent.
Rest of the pack
Among the March results for other luxury brands:
• General Motor Co.'s Cadillac reported a 42 percent increase to 11,639 as sales of the redesigned SRX crossover SUV surged more than sixfold. Cadillac spent a per-vehicle average of $4,307 on incentives, third among luxury brands behind BMW and Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln, according to Edmunds.com.
• Honda Motor Co.'s Acura brand gained 30 percent to 11,722 cars and SUVs.
• Lincoln sales rose 19 percent to 8,693.
• Nissan Motor Co.'s Infiniti sold 9,942 vehicles, a 37 percent increase from a year earlier and the brand's best month since August 2008.
• Volkswagen AG's Audi sold 8,589 vehicles, up 34 percent.
• Tata Motors Ltd.'s Land Rover increased 21 percent to 2,726 vehicles, while Jaguar dropped 16 percent to 983.
Supply Constraints Limiting BMW in U.S., Exec Says
By Herb Shuldiner
WardsAuto.com, Apr 6, 2010 8:00 AM
The auto maker underestimated how many cars to build for stock in the first half of this year, BMWNA CEO Jim O’Donnell says.
Lexus says its incentives in March averaged $951 per unit. Jan Ehlen, a BMW spokesman declines to verify the Edmunds figure.
By Herb Shuldiner
WardsAuto.com, Apr 6, 2010 8:00 AM
The auto maker underestimated how many cars to build for stock in the first half of this year, BMWNA CEO Jim O’Donnell says.
Lexus says its incentives in March averaged $951 per unit. Jan Ehlen, a BMW spokesman declines to verify the Edmunds figure.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,791
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From: so. cal
The whole price argument is a red herring.
I guess we should then dismiss the sales success of the original LS since it was priced more in line w/ the German E segment sedans than the F segment sedans - and even today, the LS still undercuts the S Class and 7 Series by a considerable margin.
Also, most people aren't going to cross-shop a floaty, FWD sedan w/ a more sport oriented RWD sedan.
Again w/ the price thing.
And I already mentioned that the sales of the GenCoupe was a flop, but the sedan selling at about 14,500 units yearly (or 70% of the sales goal) isn't bad considering the economy during 2009.
There really is no excuse for the GS to sell at less than half the rate of the Genesis model, even if it is an older design - considering that it is the top Lexus sedan next to the LS, and the fact that it should have a built in market (unlike the Genesis) based on Lexus or Toyota owners "moving up" and/or owners of previous generations of the GS.
The previous gen of the E Class and 5 Series still sold relatively well in their respective last years - despite the GS undercutting them in price.
I guess we should then dismiss the sales success of the original LS since it was priced more in line w/ the German E segment sedans than the F segment sedans - and even today, the LS still undercuts the S Class and 7 Series by a considerable margin.
Also, most people aren't going to cross-shop a floaty, FWD sedan w/ a more sport oriented RWD sedan.
Again w/ the price thing.
And I already mentioned that the sales of the GenCoupe was a flop, but the sedan selling at about 14,500 units yearly (or 70% of the sales goal) isn't bad considering the economy during 2009.
There really is no excuse for the GS to sell at less than half the rate of the Genesis model, even if it is an older design - considering that it is the top Lexus sedan next to the LS, and the fact that it should have a built in market (unlike the Genesis) based on Lexus or Toyota owners "moving up" and/or owners of previous generations of the GS.
The previous gen of the E Class and 5 Series still sold relatively well in their respective last years - despite the GS undercutting them in price.
