Lexus in danger of losing US luxury crown to Mercedes
07-25-10, 11:40 PM
#31
Driver
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07-26-10, 12:01 AM
#32
Didn't Mercedes join forces with Nissan and Renault here recently?
Wouldn't you think that would degrade their image like the Chrysler fiasco?
I could be wrong because Renault and Nissan or both strong and competitive manufacturers.
Wouldn't you think that would degrade their image like the Chrysler fiasco?
I could be wrong because Renault and Nissan or both strong and competitive manufacturers.
Last edited by TJW98LS; 07-26-10 at 12:05 AM.
07-26-10, 12:08 AM
#33
Driver
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
true, Mercedes will be lending engines to Nissan/Infiniti....so future Nissan/Infiniti products will probably have Mercedes 4 cylinders and diesels....while each company equally share electronics.
07-26-10, 01:06 AM
#35
All car manufacturers have recalls, and they are rising as regulations become tighter. But the publicity and the nature of recalls differ, for instance a quick google news search finds such recalls, using MB as an example:
01-2008 9,000 E, GL, ML and R sensor could cause power failure (2007 MY)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...&refer=germany
03-2008 SLR McLaren for faulty windshield installation which may detach in crash (2007 MY)
http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-b...r-mclaren.html
06-2008 52,700 GL, ML tow trailer hitch could separate from body frame (2006, 2007, 2008 MY)
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/nhtsa-1303.html
03-2009 16,000 ML for faulty light seals could cause fire (2009 MY)
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/03/nhtsa-4646.html
Rest assured, had Daimler been caught up in an unintended acceleration Audi/Toyota fiasco, the media would breathlessly report each minor recall. Now are all these recalls and issues truly worse for Toyota or Lexus? Everyone can make their own judgment. Thus far, I think the main serious quality issue has to do with the valve springs, that was a clear factory error. As for floor mats, it's largely due to operator error, mat stacking and design, etc. The GX stability control/HS fuel tank are organizational tests of possible risks, which has to do with the organization's standards being different (better safe though). And it's more of an operator comfort issue with the steering and brake software. Clearly more testing is needed to prevent more recalls due to outside tests (Mercedes learned this with the A-Class "moose test" by a magazine), and more driver education/response to deal with the 'sudden acceleration' cases.
Agreed that coupes are a hard business case, and the data doesn't lie. However, possible exceptions include the G37 coupe...plus coupes could be (as in Lexus' internal documents) 'image leader vehicles'. I do think that they are a bit more conservative than the competition in bringing out new models, preferring to study and build a compelling case most times, so perhaps a more staggered rollout schedule would help keep things fresh.
Coupes aside, an ES hybrid could pad the ES order book, while perhaps untapped potential lies in returning the GS to the solid 3rd position in mid-market sales.
01-2008 9,000 E, GL, ML and R sensor could cause power failure (2007 MY)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...&refer=germany
03-2008 SLR McLaren for faulty windshield installation which may detach in crash (2007 MY)
http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-b...r-mclaren.html
06-2008 52,700 GL, ML tow trailer hitch could separate from body frame (2006, 2007, 2008 MY)
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/nhtsa-1303.html
03-2009 16,000 ML for faulty light seals could cause fire (2009 MY)
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/03/nhtsa-4646.html
Rest assured, had Daimler been caught up in an unintended acceleration Audi/Toyota fiasco, the media would breathlessly report each minor recall. Now are all these recalls and issues truly worse for Toyota or Lexus? Everyone can make their own judgment. Thus far, I think the main serious quality issue has to do with the valve springs, that was a clear factory error. As for floor mats, it's largely due to operator error, mat stacking and design, etc. The GX stability control/HS fuel tank are organizational tests of possible risks, which has to do with the organization's standards being different (better safe though). And it's more of an operator comfort issue with the steering and brake software. Clearly more testing is needed to prevent more recalls due to outside tests (Mercedes learned this with the A-Class "moose test" by a magazine), and more driver education/response to deal with the 'sudden acceleration' cases.
Coupes don't sell. I post the results every month, all those Benz coupes add very little to the sales tally. (I have no idea bout the E-class since they no longer seperate it). Most of their sales are C/E class then ML. Lexus is ES/RX and then IS. So as much as I would love to see more LExus coupes, coupes don't add much volume.
Coupes aside, an ES hybrid could pad the ES order book, while perhaps untapped potential lies in returning the GS to the solid 3rd position in mid-market sales.
Last edited by encore888; 07-26-10 at 01:11 AM.
07-26-10, 01:41 AM
#36
Racer
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 1,935
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All car manufacturers have recalls, and they are rising as regulations become tighter. But the publicity and the nature of recalls differ, for instance a quick google news search finds such recalls, using MB as an example:
01-2008 9,000 E, GL, ML and R sensor could cause power failure (2007 MY)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...&refer=germany
03-2008 SLR McLaren for faulty windshield installation which may detach in crash (2007 MY)
http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-b...r-mclaren.html
06-2008 52,700 GL, ML tow trailer hitch could separate from body frame (2006, 2007, 2008 MY)
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/nhtsa-1303.html
03-2009 16,000 ML for faulty light seals could cause fire (2009 MY)
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/03/nhtsa-4646.html
Rest assured, had Daimler been caught up in an unintended acceleration Audi/Toyota fiasco, the media would breathlessly report each minor recall. Now are all these recalls and issues truly worse for Toyota or Lexus? Everyone can make their own judgment. Thus far, I think the main serious quality issue has to do with the valve springs, that was a clear factory error. As for floor mats, it's largely due to operator error, mat stacking and design, etc. The GX stability control/HS fuel tank are organizational tests of possible risks, which has to do with the organization's standards being different (better safe though). And it's more of an operator comfort issue with the steering and brake software. Clearly more testing is needed to prevent more recalls due to outside tests (Mercedes learned this with the A-Class "moose test" by a magazine), and more driver education/response to deal with the 'sudden acceleration' cases.
.
01-2008 9,000 E, GL, ML and R sensor could cause power failure (2007 MY)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...&refer=germany
03-2008 SLR McLaren for faulty windshield installation which may detach in crash (2007 MY)
http://www.insideline.com/mercedes-b...r-mclaren.html
06-2008 52,700 GL, ML tow trailer hitch could separate from body frame (2006, 2007, 2008 MY)
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/06/nhtsa-1303.html
03-2009 16,000 ML for faulty light seals could cause fire (2009 MY)
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/03/nhtsa-4646.html
Rest assured, had Daimler been caught up in an unintended acceleration Audi/Toyota fiasco, the media would breathlessly report each minor recall. Now are all these recalls and issues truly worse for Toyota or Lexus? Everyone can make their own judgment. Thus far, I think the main serious quality issue has to do with the valve springs, that was a clear factory error. As for floor mats, it's largely due to operator error, mat stacking and design, etc. The GX stability control/HS fuel tank are organizational tests of possible risks, which has to do with the organization's standards being different (better safe though). And it's more of an operator comfort issue with the steering and brake software. Clearly more testing is needed to prevent more recalls due to outside tests (Mercedes learned this with the A-Class "moose test" by a magazine), and more driver education/response to deal with the 'sudden acceleration' cases.
.
Had Toyota been honest about their issues and fix it the media wouldn't become so hostile towards them and the feds surely wouldn't have to dig up all those dirt.
07-26-10, 07:14 AM
#37
Racer
Honestly who cares!! I care about who makes the best product for my taste. 1SICKLEX it really doesn't matter if a coupe sale or doesn't. Lexus needs a coupe badly. It's about apperarance. When I think coupe or style Lexus name never comes up. But to me like I stated early I really don't care who sale the most cars.
But let me say this my ex is driving a honda accord at the moment just last week she told me her next car will be a E coupe.
But let me say this my ex is driving a honda accord at the moment just last week she told me her next car will be a E coupe.
Last edited by rogers2; 07-26-10 at 10:46 AM.
07-26-10, 11:39 AM
#39
To be fair Mercedes never try to hide their problems, they issue recalls as soon as they found a problem. Toyota knew about their problems but tries to hide it and bury it, feds investigated it and found out. Nobody likes to be lie upon so they dig deeper and found even more dirt and the media jumped on and pounded them some more.
Had Toyota been honest about their issues and fix it the media wouldn't become so hostile towards them and the feds surely wouldn't have to dig up all those dirt.
Had Toyota been honest about their issues and fix it the media wouldn't become so hostile towards them and the feds surely wouldn't have to dig up all those dirt.
07-26-10, 01:20 PM
#42
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stuttgart
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was already wondering what you were doing with a 335i...
This might be a reason why former Lexus owners are taking a trip down to their local Mercedes-Benz dealership: E class coupe / convertible.
This might be a reason why former Lexus owners are taking a trip down to their local Mercedes-Benz dealership: E class coupe / convertible.
07-26-10, 01:25 PM
#43
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stuttgart
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Coupes don't sell. I post the results every month, all those Benz coupes add very little to the sales tally. (I have no idea bout the E-class since they no longer seperate it). Most of their sales are C/E class then ML. Lexus is ES/RX and then IS. So as much as I would love to see more LExus coupes, coupes don't add much volume.
Stylish or sporty coupes can add allure, style (lifestyle), fun and other well-regarded attributes to a brand. It is my sincere belief that Lexus is missing out, particularly in the US. They could use a competitor to the E class coupe/convertible if you ask me. The long-term benefits can only make Lexus a more appealing brand to people who may have never even given Lexus a second glance because of their lack of halo/"fun" cars.
07-26-10, 02:50 PM
#44
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lol at people happy Lexus losing the sales crown and making jabs at people
\
And former Benz dealers buy Lexus vehicles.
I do not disagree with either of you that Lexus needs a coupe(s). I've started threads on the matter.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...ghlight=coupes
I've derided Lexus for not having coupes. So trust me I am with you. That said the business case (accountants/beancounters) case is strong as they don't add much to the bottom line. I hope Mr. Toyoda demands them in the future.
And former Benz dealers buy Lexus vehicles.
Luxury coupes might not be a smash hit back home, but here in Europe they're very successful. The A5, 3er and E coupes/convertibles are categorized as lifestyle products, which means they represent style, fun, sport and a number of other positive attributes that their target market is looking for (or expect).
Stylish or sporty coupes can add allure, style (lifestyle), fun and other well-regarded attributes to a brand. It is my sincere belief that Lexus is missing out, particularly in the US. They could use a competitor to the E class coupe/convertible if you ask me. The long-term benefits can only make Lexus a more appealing brand to people who may have never even given Lexus a second glance because of their lack of halo/"fun" cars.
Stylish or sporty coupes can add allure, style (lifestyle), fun and other well-regarded attributes to a brand. It is my sincere belief that Lexus is missing out, particularly in the US. They could use a competitor to the E class coupe/convertible if you ask me. The long-term benefits can only make Lexus a more appealing brand to people who may have never even given Lexus a second glance because of their lack of halo/"fun" cars.
Honestly who cares!! I care about who makes the best product for my taste. 1SICKLEX it really doesn't matter if a coupe sale or doesn't. Lexus needs a coupe badly. It's about apperarance. When I think coupe or style Lexus name never comes up. But to me like I stated early I really don't care who sale the most cars.
But let me say this my ex is driving a honda accord at the moment just last week she told me her next car will be a E coupe.
But let me say this my ex is driving a honda accord at the moment just last week she told me her next car will be a E coupe.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...ghlight=coupes
I've derided Lexus for not having coupes. So trust me I am with you. That said the business case (accountants/beancounters) case is strong as they don't add much to the bottom line. I hope Mr. Toyoda demands them in the future.
07-26-10, 08:07 PM
#45
Guest
Posts: n/a
Wow, interesting part of the article left out....
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-0...-mercedes.html
The German brands are also benefiting from a higher rate of leasing among U.S. customers than Lexus, Truecar.com’s Toprak said. More than 60 percent of Mercedes-Benz vehicles are leased, compared with less than 30 percent of Lexus vehicles, he said.
Last edited by LexFather; 07-26-10 at 08:12 PM.