Lexus LS460 Crushes Sales Forecast in Japan Debut - 12,000 orders

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Oct 20, 2006 | 12:11 PM

encore888

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From: CA

Lexus LS460 Crushes Sales Forecast in Japan Debut - 12,000 orders

http://biz.yahoo.com/seekingalpha/06...7_id.html?.v=1

Quote:

Toyota's (NYSE: TM - News) Japanese IR website reports approximately 12,000 LS460s were ordered/sold in the one month period since its launch, beating its monthly estimate of 1,300 by more than 9x. As expected, its core customers were in the age group of 50-60 years, but Toyota reports broad acceptance by consumers in their 40s and younger.

Positive feedback from consumers includes praise for:

* Refined combination of luxury feeling and sportiness

* Newly developed V8 engine, smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, powerful acceleration, and quiet ride

* Safety features such as pre-crash safety system and the VDIM stability and traction control system

This news, in addition to mounting anticipation over its quarterly earnings release on November 7th, pushed its ordinary shares (Tokyo: 7203) higher by 1.5% to close at 6,880 yen ($115.90 ADR equivalent).

Here's an interesting note: when Lexus was sold under the Toyota nameplate, around 2 Lexus-designed models were sold for every one of the European competition (2001 data?):

http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/96/1101/cs1.html

Anyhow, congratulations to the LS 460 on its early sales success!

Oct 20, 2006 | 12:40 PM

newr

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From: CA

holly cow.. 9x better than expected..

whoever forcasted 1300unit/month should be fired.

Oct 20, 2006 | 12:54 PM

Mr. Jones

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From: tx

Lexus plans to sell 30k in the US, they'll sell many more.

Oct 20, 2006 | 01:19 PM

MSMLexIS

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From: Virginia

I think this car will have a much bigger impact on the Global car market than the original LS400 has.

Oct 20, 2006 | 02:18 PM

BigVIPness

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From: MN

After driving the LS460L today let me say this doesn't suprize me one bit. That car is incredible. Lexus just hit the nail on the head, the SALESMAN driving in the back seat said "It's just absolutly... retarded how much stuff is in here" well said sir, well sir.

Oct 20, 2006 | 02:41 PM

LexFather

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Holy crap, they forecasted 8,000 a couple weeks ago. INSANE.
LS 460=the homerun of the first gen in 1989

Oct 20, 2006 | 02:49 PM

VVT-i

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From: Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX

Holy crap, they forecasted 8,000 a couple weeks ago. INSANE.
LS 460=the homerun of the first gen in 1989

Mike, when you go to Lexus event I'm promise you that you will walk out with a big smile on your face.
We got 4 of them in for the launch and the whole dealership employees were all over those cars. Plus we got the guys from the Cadilac dealer next door to us came in to check it out.

Oct 20, 2006 | 03:03 PM

MSMLexIS

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From: Virginia

It doesnt really suprise me most wealthy buyers in japan are chaufer driven and japanese people love the latest in technology. What better to be chauffered in a car with reclining rear seat with footrest, chiatsu massage, and the ability to move the passengers seat from the rear seat plus it has 4 zone climate control. Also it has advanced park guidance and VDIM plus an eightspeed auto and PCS plus other technology its the perfect car for wealthy japanese people. Im just wondering if that will cause a halo effect for the remainder of the lineup. Also im wondering if the car would have sold better as a Toyota Celsior than a Lexus LS.

Oct 20, 2006 | 03:08 PM

#10

LexFather

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Quote:

Originally Posted by VVT-i

Thanks for the call and heads up dood!!!

Oct 20, 2006 | 03:55 PM

#11

XeroK00L

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From: The Bay Area, CA, USA

Not the least bit surprised. The LS460 is exactly what Lexus needs to establish itself in Japan just like it did in the North America with the LS400.

Oct 20, 2006 | 05:44 PM

#12

-J-P-L-

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From: Massachusetts

The LS has beaten the S-Class and 7-Series in US sales for the past 4-5 years. Just imagine how the new LS will do. Lexus won't be able to build enough. And to think we're talking about a car that most people want but can't afford.

Oct 21, 2006 | 12:21 PM

#13

encore888

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From: CA

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the success Lexus designed, but Toyota sold cars have had in Japan...the second link shows how well the Celsior did, and they also had the Windom sold there...that may be the exception (along with the RX/Harrier) that is not switched over to Lexus?

Oct 21, 2006 | 12:44 PM

#14

doug_999

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From: IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLSC4

While I think the LS is a great car and the new one is 100% better and it will continue to outsell the S and 7-Series... don't you think that comparing a car that stickers for $60Kish with two cars that sticker between $75K and $90K is unfair?