Euro RX gets features not offered in the U.S
09-13-12 | 09:05 AM
#1
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From: WA
Euro RX gets features not offered in the U.S
So I'm reading an Israeli (Israel gets the Euro spec of auto manufacturers) review of the RX450h, and notice that it has different trim, but more important it offers a panoramic sunroof, which to my knowledge isn't even an option in our market.
Any idea why Lexus America isn't offering this option, when its available in all of its German competition, and obviously they have it overseas?
Any idea why Lexus America isn't offering this option, when its available in all of its German competition, and obviously they have it overseas?
09-13-12 | 09:19 AM
#3
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From: Vancouver, BC / Seattle, WA
Pretty good question. Would need to ask the GM of Lexus USA about that.
Lexus of a different region is their own entity so these entities can choose what the cars would have for their country.
No spec is the exact same for each country, so US, Canada, Euro, Japan, Israel, Abu Dhabi etc... are all different.
Lexus of a different region is their own entity so these entities can choose what the cars would have for their country.
No spec is the exact same for each country, so US, Canada, Euro, Japan, Israel, Abu Dhabi etc... are all different.
Last edited by Sango; 09-13-12 at 09:24 AM.
09-13-12 | 10:40 AM
#7
For Lexus USA, they pay ToMoCo a royalty or premium for every option made available in the U.S. market.
That's why most options for Lexus cars come in "packages".
The more options the Lexus USA requests, the higher the royalty paid to ToMoCo.
So, pricing soars significantly, not because you pay for more options or bundles, but you also pay more for the royalties paid to ToMoCo.
That's why most options for Lexus cars come in "packages".
The more options the Lexus USA requests, the higher the royalty paid to ToMoCo.
So, pricing soars significantly, not because you pay for more options or bundles, but you also pay more for the royalties paid to ToMoCo.
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09-13-12 | 11:11 AM
#8
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Ontario
And any one that came as used car on the lot were harder to sell than the regular sunroof. We test drove a few when we both the 2006 RX we had before, and we passed on the few that had the panoramic sunroof. It really doesn't do well for extreme heat and extreme cold weather we get in the different parts of North America.
09-13-12 | 11:25 AM
#9
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19,935
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For Lexus USA, they pay ToMoCo a royalty or premium for every option made available in the U.S. market.
That's why most options for Lexus cars come in "packages".
The more options the Lexus USA requests, the higher the royalty paid to ToMoCo.
So, pricing soars significantly, not because you pay for more options or bundles, but you also pay more for the royalties paid to ToMoCo.
That's why most options for Lexus cars come in "packages".
The more options the Lexus USA requests, the higher the royalty paid to ToMoCo.
So, pricing soars significantly, not because you pay for more options or bundles, but you also pay more for the royalties paid to ToMoCo.
09-13-12 | 12:00 PM
#10
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From: WA
And any one that came as used car on the lot were harder to sell than the regular sunroof. We test drove a few when we both the 2006 RX we had before, and we passed on the few that had the panoramic sunroof. It really doesn't do well for extreme heat and extreme cold weather we get in the different parts of North America.
Now everyone is offering the option: Audi (A5, A3, Q5, Q7), BMW (X1,3,5) M-B (M-class, G-class) Infiniti (JX), Kia (Optima, Sportage), Hyundai (Santa Fe), Mini, Toyota (Sienna LTD.), even Lexus in the ES... I really like the idea, and would opt for it (like I did in our Sienna).
I mean especially in luxury cars, its all about the options, and maybe in 2006 it was before its time, but now people are opting for it.
09-13-12 | 12:33 PM
#11
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From: Houston, Republic of Texas
The RX300 was offered in the US as late as the 2000 model, but only on the West Coast, and then it was not advertised. The roof was split into three panels that lifted at the rear and slid back over one another, exposing all but the 'wayback to sunshine and fresh air. It was an innovative product but it didn't work so well.
As I recall, there were two problems with the folding panels, first, some began to leak between the glass panes, and a proper solution was never found. A few members here also noted the roof squeaked as that big unsupported span tended to flex a bit. It's possible that these two problems were related.
Second, with the sunshade open and roof closed, the air conditioning system couldn't keep up with the heat load from all of that glass, particularly in the desert southwest. That was the primary reason for testing the limited release in Northern California where the cooler weather wouldn't be such a problem.
At the time Lexus was just being introduced in Washington and Oregon, and the company didn't offer the oversize sunroof where there was little factory support. I know Lexus had yet to open its Canadian plant, which would occur sometime later. I seem to remember some of our Canadian members owning an RX with the supersize sunroof, but I'm not sure. Maybe some of you guys can chime in on this, eh?
As I recall, there were two problems with the folding panels, first, some began to leak between the glass panes, and a proper solution was never found. A few members here also noted the roof squeaked as that big unsupported span tended to flex a bit. It's possible that these two problems were related.
Second, with the sunshade open and roof closed, the air conditioning system couldn't keep up with the heat load from all of that glass, particularly in the desert southwest. That was the primary reason for testing the limited release in Northern California where the cooler weather wouldn't be such a problem.
At the time Lexus was just being introduced in Washington and Oregon, and the company didn't offer the oversize sunroof where there was little factory support. I know Lexus had yet to open its Canadian plant, which would occur sometime later. I seem to remember some of our Canadian members owning an RX with the supersize sunroof, but I'm not sure. Maybe some of you guys can chime in on this, eh?
09-13-12 | 01:13 PM
#14
Let me clarify.
Simply put, choice costs.
Toyota North America pays Toyota Corporation (in Japan) to bring Toyota cars in the U.S, Mexico, & Canada (no matter if the car is made in Japan or the US or otherwise). It's not just the cost of the car, but also the options, which need to be regulated throughout the market (for instance, within North America). Warranties cover such options, so the more options, the more the cost.
To get their allotment, they need to choose what options will be available. Toyota North America has been "bundling" options into special pre-sorted packages, like "Luxury" packages or "Sport" packages. By doing so, Toyota North America gets to make as many options available as possible, but also limiting the choices you have. You can't get a la carte options individually from the factory (such as upgraded stereo systems or radar cruise or parking sensors or leather seats), but you can add port-installed options (such as wheels or body kits or Bluetooth).
When cars are made in the factory, they make pre-determined cars that are requested by Toyota North America's market demands. Any variation to this will cost; it will make the production and organization of variable cars more complicated. By keeping the choice of options more simple, you lower the final cost of the vehicle.
Simply put, choice costs.
Toyota North America pays Toyota Corporation (in Japan) to bring Toyota cars in the U.S, Mexico, & Canada (no matter if the car is made in Japan or the US or otherwise). It's not just the cost of the car, but also the options, which need to be regulated throughout the market (for instance, within North America). Warranties cover such options, so the more options, the more the cost.
To get their allotment, they need to choose what options will be available. Toyota North America has been "bundling" options into special pre-sorted packages, like "Luxury" packages or "Sport" packages. By doing so, Toyota North America gets to make as many options available as possible, but also limiting the choices you have. You can't get a la carte options individually from the factory (such as upgraded stereo systems or radar cruise or parking sensors or leather seats), but you can add port-installed options (such as wheels or body kits or Bluetooth).
When cars are made in the factory, they make pre-determined cars that are requested by Toyota North America's market demands. Any variation to this will cost; it will make the production and organization of variable cars more complicated. By keeping the choice of options more simple, you lower the final cost of the vehicle.
09-13-12 | 02:43 PM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 31,636
Likes: 73
From: ON/NY
Let me clarify.
Simply put, choice costs.
Toyota North America pays Toyota Corporation (in Japan) to bring Toyota cars in the U.S, Mexico, & Canada (no matter if the car is made in Japan or the US or otherwise). It's not just the cost of the car, but also the options, which need to be regulated throughout the market (for instance, within North America). Warranties cover such options, so the more options, the more the cost.
To get their allotment, they need to choose what options will be available. Toyota North America has been "bundling" options into special pre-sorted packages, like "Luxury" packages or "Sport" packages. By doing so, Toyota North America gets to make as many options available as possible, but also limiting the choices you have. You can't get a la carte options individually from the factory (such as upgraded stereo systems or radar cruise or parking sensors or leather seats), but you can add port-installed options (such as wheels or body kits or Bluetooth).
When cars are made in the factory, they make pre-determined cars that are requested by Toyota North America's market demands. Any variation to this will cost; it will make the production and organization of variable cars more complicated. By keeping the choice of options more simple, you lower the final cost of the vehicle.
Simply put, choice costs.
Toyota North America pays Toyota Corporation (in Japan) to bring Toyota cars in the U.S, Mexico, & Canada (no matter if the car is made in Japan or the US or otherwise). It's not just the cost of the car, but also the options, which need to be regulated throughout the market (for instance, within North America). Warranties cover such options, so the more options, the more the cost.
To get their allotment, they need to choose what options will be available. Toyota North America has been "bundling" options into special pre-sorted packages, like "Luxury" packages or "Sport" packages. By doing so, Toyota North America gets to make as many options available as possible, but also limiting the choices you have. You can't get a la carte options individually from the factory (such as upgraded stereo systems or radar cruise or parking sensors or leather seats), but you can add port-installed options (such as wheels or body kits or Bluetooth).
When cars are made in the factory, they make pre-determined cars that are requested by Toyota North America's market demands. Any variation to this will cost; it will make the production and organization of variable cars more complicated. By keeping the choice of options more simple, you lower the final cost of the vehicle.