Lexus: Sales, Marketing, and Financial News
#41
Originally posted by kenbiddulph
Rebadging is becoming more common in Japan, seeking Acura badges for example. Some have even traded JDM for Acura TL for example. I know a friend of mine who did such a thing for Inspire badges.
Rebadging is becoming more common in Japan, seeking Acura badges for example. Some have even traded JDM for Acura TL for example. I know a friend of mine who did such a thing for Inspire badges.
2) TSXforme already pointed that out.
3) I was being sarcastic.
#42
Originally posted by gilboman
stupidity owns you
stupidity owns you
#45
Lexus is not sold in Japan yet but it is VERY popular to see Lexus badges over here.
They don't have the V-8 in the GS for example but the 2JZ TT (320hp) but some badge it as a GS 430 (weird) since it's above the non turbo model.
Lexus and Toyota are sharing less and less. Less management, no more design, different technology. So from now one, the LS 430 will be the LS 430, not the Toyota Celsior in Japan and the LS 430 elsewhere in the world (Lexus is already sold in I think 64 countries).
Lexus also wants to triple sales in Europe and break the 300k sales a year mark in the USA. The 100k Lexus is coming soon as well.
Finally, in Japan according to marketshare
1. Toyota
2. Nissan (just recently bumped Honda out this spot)
3. Honda
They don't have the V-8 in the GS for example but the 2JZ TT (320hp) but some badge it as a GS 430 (weird) since it's above the non turbo model.
Lexus and Toyota are sharing less and less. Less management, no more design, different technology. So from now one, the LS 430 will be the LS 430, not the Toyota Celsior in Japan and the LS 430 elsewhere in the world (Lexus is already sold in I think 64 countries).
Lexus also wants to triple sales in Europe and break the 300k sales a year mark in the USA. The 100k Lexus is coming soon as well.
Finally, in Japan according to marketshare
1. Toyota
2. Nissan (just recently bumped Honda out this spot)
3. Honda
#46
Team Owner
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Lexus is not sold in Japan yet but it is VERY popular to see Lexus badges over here.
They don't have the V-8 in the GS for example but the 2JZ TT (320hp) but some badge it as a GS 430 (weird) since it's above the non turbo model.
Lexus and Toyota are sharing less and less. Less management, no more design, different technology. So from now one, the LS 430 will be the LS 430, not the Toyota Celsior in Japan and the LS 430 elsewhere in the world (Lexus is already sold in I think 64 countries).
Lexus also wants to triple sales in Europe and break the 300k sales a year mark in the USA. The 100k Lexus is coming soon as well.
Finally, in Japan according to marketshare
1. Toyota
2. Nissan (just recently bumped Honda out this spot)
3. Honda
Lexus is not sold in Japan yet but it is VERY popular to see Lexus badges over here.
They don't have the V-8 in the GS for example but the 2JZ TT (320hp) but some badge it as a GS 430 (weird) since it's above the non turbo model.
Lexus and Toyota are sharing less and less. Less management, no more design, different technology. So from now one, the LS 430 will be the LS 430, not the Toyota Celsior in Japan and the LS 430 elsewhere in the world (Lexus is already sold in I think 64 countries).
Lexus also wants to triple sales in Europe and break the 300k sales a year mark in the USA. The 100k Lexus is coming soon as well.
Finally, in Japan according to marketshare
1. Toyota
2. Nissan (just recently bumped Honda out this spot)
3. Honda
#47
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I swear, it's gonna be tough to stop the Toyota muscle from taking a piece of every automotive pie in the world.
Now, if they can just get the youth market right, than Toyota might be unbeatable in the future.
Junkster, who wonders what a 100k Lexus would be like.
Now, if they can just get the youth market right, than Toyota might be unbeatable in the future.
Junkster, who wonders what a 100k Lexus would be like.
#48
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This is a smart, swred move for Toyota. Lexus has the stuff to be a true global brand. The intro of the $100K car will further they're luxo presence world wide... might as sell do it on your own home court. Bravo, Lexus.
#49
Senior Moderator
I wonder if TMC will sell the GS430 in Japan. Unlike the US market GS300 the hp/tq of the I6-TT of the Aristo is close to that of the GS430.
As far as Nissan goes, I would recommend (to Nissan) that they dont use JDM names for the USDM. Most of their JDM names would get "lost in translation" stateside. Names like Cefiro (I30/I35), Fairlady Z (350Z), Gloria (M45) and Cima (Q45) wont be of great appeal to the USDM, IMO. (The Skyline name has appeal to auto enthusiasts but would probably be immaterial to the general public.) $.02
Peace.
As far as Nissan goes, I would recommend (to Nissan) that they dont use JDM names for the USDM. Most of their JDM names would get "lost in translation" stateside. Names like Cefiro (I30/I35), Fairlady Z (350Z), Gloria (M45) and Cima (Q45) wont be of great appeal to the USDM, IMO. (The Skyline name has appeal to auto enthusiasts but would probably be immaterial to the general public.) $.02
Peace.
#50
Pro
Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Lexus is not sold in Japan yet but it is VERY popular to see Lexus badges over here.
They don't have the V-8 in the GS for example but the 2JZ TT (320hp) but some badge it as a GS 430 (weird) since it's above the non turbo model.
Lexus and Toyota are sharing less and less. Less management, no more design, different technology. So from now one, the LS 430 will be the LS 430, not the Toyota Celsior in Japan and the LS 430 elsewhere in the world (Lexus is already sold in I think 64 countries)...
Lexus is not sold in Japan yet but it is VERY popular to see Lexus badges over here.
They don't have the V-8 in the GS for example but the 2JZ TT (320hp) but some badge it as a GS 430 (weird) since it's above the non turbo model.
Lexus and Toyota are sharing less and less. Less management, no more design, different technology. So from now one, the LS 430 will be the LS 430, not the Toyota Celsior in Japan and the LS 430 elsewhere in the world (Lexus is already sold in I think 64 countries)...
Question to 1sicklex, the expert on Lexus: Are they going to introduce brand new models of Lexus in Japan, or just the U.S. Lexus models? My impression is that Lexus' models are already being sold in Japan as Toyota models (Altezza, Celsior etc.), so if it's just badge change, it's nothing special, but if it's a new launch, then it must be hell of work to have 3-4 new models! btw, Lexus ES300 and Camry still look alike in some ways.
I wonder if Honda will ever lauch Acura outside the U.S.
I'm pleased to see Toyota doing well. It gives more incentives to Honda and others to work harder and make us happy.
#51
I wondered about that too. I mean, what's going to happen to the Celsior if the Lexus LS430 is introduced? Or the Toyota Harrier if the RX330 is coming? Somewhere, some models will have to be cut.
#52
Originally posted by TMQ
Question to 1sicklex, the expert on Lexus: Are they going to introduce brand new models of Lexus in Japan, or just the U.S. Lexus models? My impression is that Lexus' models are already being sold in Japan as Toyota models (Altezza, Celsior etc.), so if it's just badge change, it's nothing special, but if it's a new launch, then it must be hell of work to have 3-4 new models! btw, Lexus ES300 and Camry still look alike in some ways.
I wonder if Honda will ever lauch Acura outside the U.S.
I'm pleased to see Toyota doing well. It gives more incentives to Honda and others to work harder and make us happy.
Question to 1sicklex, the expert on Lexus: Are they going to introduce brand new models of Lexus in Japan, or just the U.S. Lexus models? My impression is that Lexus' models are already being sold in Japan as Toyota models (Altezza, Celsior etc.), so if it's just badge change, it's nothing special, but if it's a new launch, then it must be hell of work to have 3-4 new models! btw, Lexus ES300 and Camry still look alike in some ways.
I wonder if Honda will ever lauch Acura outside the U.S.
I'm pleased to see Toyota doing well. It gives more incentives to Honda and others to work harder and make us happy.
From Lexus GM Danny Clements, Lexus concentrated on SUVs and now will concentrate on where they lost focus, cars. He promises the next gen of Lexus cars will shake up the industry as Lexus did in 1989-1992 with the LS/SC/ES.
We'll see. The funny thing is, it's not really Japan that has a problem with LExus/Toyota. It's the rest of the world. And with Lexus going upmarket, offering M/AMG competitors, it HAS to show it has the worthy prestige. Prestige is very, very, very important to luxury car buyers.
That is why people pay 80k for S430s or 55k for 530s with no issue.
#53
Originally posted by phile
I wondered about that too. I mean, what's going to happen to the Celsior if the Lexus LS430 is introduced? Or the Toyota Harrier if the RX330 is coming? Somewhere, some models will have to be cut.
I wondered about that too. I mean, what's going to happen to the Celsior if the Lexus LS430 is introduced? Or the Toyota Harrier if the RX330 is coming? Somewhere, some models will have to be cut.
#54
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Originally posted by F23A4
I wonder if TMC will sell the GS430 in Japan. Unlike the US market GS300 the hp/tq of the I6-TT of the Aristo is close to that of the GS430.
As far as Nissan goes, I would recommend (to Nissan) that they dont use JDM names for the USDM. Most of their JDM names would get "lost in translation" stateside. Names like Cefiro (I30/I35), Fairlady Z (350Z), Gloria (M45) and Cima (Q45) wont be of great appeal to the USDM, IMO. (The Skyline name has appeal to auto enthusiasts but would probably be immaterial to the general public.) $.02
Peace.
I wonder if TMC will sell the GS430 in Japan. Unlike the US market GS300 the hp/tq of the I6-TT of the Aristo is close to that of the GS430.
As far as Nissan goes, I would recommend (to Nissan) that they dont use JDM names for the USDM. Most of their JDM names would get "lost in translation" stateside. Names like Cefiro (I30/I35), Fairlady Z (350Z), Gloria (M45) and Cima (Q45) wont be of great appeal to the USDM, IMO. (The Skyline name has appeal to auto enthusiasts but would probably be immaterial to the general public.) $.02
Peace.
Back to topic..I think it would be a good idea, but it would be very hard to convince people in japan that a lexus is still not a toyota in essence. I mean, all the lex cars exist there and sell there as a toyta *****. It would be hard to suddenly change all those cars to a lexus and maybe sell it for more. Nissan is also introducing the infiniti brand to korea
#59
Burn some dust here
"I'd take that reception girl out back and hit it just like this"
Sorry Belt, had to.
But awesome dealer pics. It's a shame they all arent like that in the states. Of all the major brands, I have noticed that Lexus dealerships vary the most (as far as exterior/interior quality). I've seen some really nice dealerships and some really awful ones too. But that one is
Sorry Belt, had to.
But awesome dealer pics. It's a shame they all arent like that in the states. Of all the major brands, I have noticed that Lexus dealerships vary the most (as far as exterior/interior quality). I've seen some really nice dealerships and some really awful ones too. But that one is
#61
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Originally Posted by MSZ
#65
they need to pay attention to detail on the upper corner of the grille. the hood/bumper has an orthagonal cut, whereas the corner of the grille is rounded.
yea, im a picky sonabitch
#67
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by Jaydef03
hey need to pay attention to detail on the upper corner of the grille. the hood/bumper has an orthagonal cut, whereas the corner of the grille is rounded.
yea, im a picky sonabitch
yea, im a picky sonabitch
#71
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
#72
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Wow! Lexus is out for real this time. Watch out competition! What Lexus will do to MB and Audi is just push into more financial trouble. Because they can.
BMW will be very highly pressured now.
BMW will be very highly pressured now.
#73
The sizzle in the Steak
Very Nice!
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Lexus customer care service levels to be upped significantly
Making a Big Fuss: Lexus seeking new ways to delight owners, win over customers - - By MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek
LOS ANGELES -- Bob Carter realizes that free espresso ain't what it used to be.
The new Lexus Division general manager knows that his dealerships' once-special touches now have plenty of imitators. For Lexus to hang on to the customer-satisfaction crown, it must find new ways to surprise and delight its owners.
"A free espresso, an explanatory meeting in the service drive and a detailed car afterward was 'wow' back in 1994. But not today," Carter says.
This will be even harder as U.S. Lexus sales peak.
Lexus has sold the most vehicles of any luxury brand in the United States for five years running, reaching 287,927 unit sales last year. Lexus could sell 350,000 units annually by the end of the decade. As Lexus approaches 2.5 million vehicles in operation, and just 210 U.S. dealerships to handle them, it will be difficult to make the customer feel special, Carter admits.
"When you buy a car, it's not relevant to you whether we sold 300,000 others or 40,000 others," he says. "What is relevant is the one that you bought."
As a result, Carter, 45, is looking less at Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar for ideas and more toward Four Seasons Hotels, Tiffany & Co. and Nordstrom.
"When you purchase a Lexus, the ownership experience will be better than anywhere in luxury retail," predicts Carter, who took his post in April. "Not just automotive -- more like the Four Seasons."
This is Carter's fourth stint at Lexus in his 24-year Toyota Motor Corp. career. He was part of the launch team and worked in dealer development and Lexus' field offices. His most recent job was as vice president of sales for Toyota Division.
Near the top
Lexus has perennially been at or near the top of the J.D. Power and Associates' customer service and sales satisfaction surveys. But the brand wants to elevate its emphasis on what it calls "customer engagement."
The idea is not mere advocacy. The goal is to make the consumer feel he cannot live without his Lexus dealer.
To help dealerships meet the challenge, Lexus sponsored a series of three-day summits in April.
Dealers were given reams of data regarding luxury customers compiled by the Gallup Organization. They also were sent to the training center for Four Seasons Hotels employees to learn the expectations of luxury customers.
"This goes beyond a customer checking the survey box of whether their car was washed after an oil change," says Deborah Meyer, vice president of marketing at Lexus. "It's about the way the dealer treats you that makes you want to go back."
Lexus dealerships have to pass those lessons along to their employees, too. After all, a dealer principal may live in a Four Seasons world. But his porters, service techs and receptionists do not.
Putting on the Ritz
One unidentified dealer was shocked, Lexus says, when his employees told him that the pinnacle of customer service was the T.G.I. Friday's restaurant chain.
In response, the dealer is making every employee stay a weekend at the nearby Ritz-Carlton hotel -- on the dealer's dime. After this pampering, the employee shares his or her impressions with the dealer.
Another dealer was impressed by the Genius Bar at the Apple Store chain, where employees answer Apple Computer-related questions.
Lexus is giving no additional financial incentive for dealerships that improve their customer service scores.
Says Meyer: "The reward is in the basis of the business model, when sales and profits go up."
The new Lexus Division general manager knows that his dealerships' once-special touches now have plenty of imitators. For Lexus to hang on to the customer-satisfaction crown, it must find new ways to surprise and delight its owners.
"A free espresso, an explanatory meeting in the service drive and a detailed car afterward was 'wow' back in 1994. But not today," Carter says.
This will be even harder as U.S. Lexus sales peak.
Lexus has sold the most vehicles of any luxury brand in the United States for five years running, reaching 287,927 unit sales last year. Lexus could sell 350,000 units annually by the end of the decade. As Lexus approaches 2.5 million vehicles in operation, and just 210 U.S. dealerships to handle them, it will be difficult to make the customer feel special, Carter admits.
"When you buy a car, it's not relevant to you whether we sold 300,000 others or 40,000 others," he says. "What is relevant is the one that you bought."
As a result, Carter, 45, is looking less at Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar for ideas and more toward Four Seasons Hotels, Tiffany & Co. and Nordstrom.
"When you purchase a Lexus, the ownership experience will be better than anywhere in luxury retail," predicts Carter, who took his post in April. "Not just automotive -- more like the Four Seasons."
This is Carter's fourth stint at Lexus in his 24-year Toyota Motor Corp. career. He was part of the launch team and worked in dealer development and Lexus' field offices. His most recent job was as vice president of sales for Toyota Division.
Near the top
Lexus has perennially been at or near the top of the J.D. Power and Associates' customer service and sales satisfaction surveys. But the brand wants to elevate its emphasis on what it calls "customer engagement."
The idea is not mere advocacy. The goal is to make the consumer feel he cannot live without his Lexus dealer.
To help dealerships meet the challenge, Lexus sponsored a series of three-day summits in April.
Dealers were given reams of data regarding luxury customers compiled by the Gallup Organization. They also were sent to the training center for Four Seasons Hotels employees to learn the expectations of luxury customers.
"This goes beyond a customer checking the survey box of whether their car was washed after an oil change," says Deborah Meyer, vice president of marketing at Lexus. "It's about the way the dealer treats you that makes you want to go back."
Lexus dealerships have to pass those lessons along to their employees, too. After all, a dealer principal may live in a Four Seasons world. But his porters, service techs and receptionists do not.
Putting on the Ritz
One unidentified dealer was shocked, Lexus says, when his employees told him that the pinnacle of customer service was the T.G.I. Friday's restaurant chain.
In response, the dealer is making every employee stay a weekend at the nearby Ritz-Carlton hotel -- on the dealer's dime. After this pampering, the employee shares his or her impressions with the dealer.
Another dealer was impressed by the Genius Bar at the Apple Store chain, where employees answer Apple Computer-related questions.
Lexus is giving no additional financial incentive for dealerships that improve their customer service scores.
Says Meyer: "The reward is in the basis of the business model, when sales and profits go up."
#80
Got da Internet Goin Nutz
For me customer service does make a big percentage of buying and owning a car. I can't wait for my wife to graduate from grad school so we can have two incomes again. First step is debt free, next step is buying luxury cars with cash money. I miss Acura's service so much!