theory on Toyota strategy...
#106
Lexus Fanatic
#107
Lexus Test Driver
#109
Lexus Test Driver
#110
Lexus Fanatic
Thanks. I don’t keep track of everything. The whole tier 1 or tier 2 thing is lame IMO. Mercedes sells Metries and work vans out of the same dealers as they do A class and Mayback convertibles. BMW is not as bad, pretty low end van by MB, are they ever criticized?. I just look at them all as luxury brands. Each brand has its core strengths and its weakness.
#112
Lexus Test Driver
They were released in late 2013 / early 2014 so over 5 years old. Thats getting old in car years The interior feels a bit dated...i sat in one back to back with the new 2 series and its decidedly old school. Of course i'm not much of a fan of the new BMW interiors but they are admittedly more modern.
#113
Lexus Fanatic
You need to look at the new product and drive the new product and how terribly behind Lexus is becomes very clear. They truly do compete with Acura and Kia and Buick now while having a few upmarket options like the LS and LC, and ancient truck based SUVs that dont really compete with anybody. They dont have any serious entry in any of the sport sedans or high end SUV segments whatsoever.
If things dont change after 22 years this will absolutely be my last Lexus product. They don't have one vehicle that interests me at this point outside of the LC, which isn't a practical vehicle for me today. At BMW or Mercedes or Audi, there are literally 3-4 serious options for me just within each brand. MB I could do an S Class, GLE or GLS, perhaps even a CLS. BMW I could do a 7 Series, X5 or X7, Perhaps an 8 GC. Audi I could do the A8, Q7 or Q8. Lexus...I could do another LS but I wouldnt because of the dynamic choices they've made. No SUV I would buy.
Last edited by SW17LS; 12-06-19 at 12:37 PM.
#114
Lexus Fanatic
What is interesting about the Mercedes Benz is that the A-Class really is a low-end vehicle. Sold all over the world, starting a 107hp. Engine is collaboration with Nissan/Renault. Comes with a beam rear axle in many configurations. It is what it is
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 12-06-19 at 12:54 PM.
#115
Lexus Fanatic
Oh yeah, MB sells cars that arent high end by any stretch of the imagination elsewhere in the world
#116
Super Moderator
They also sell (in some countries) an X Class, which is nothing more than a Nissan Frontier with a three-pointed star on the hood. I think it's almost like they were in a similar but opposite situation of where Toyota was in the 80s--A full-line luxury manufacturer who also wants to sell some cheaper, non-luxury products--and they've simply made a different decision. Rather than spin off a new, low-end brand, they've just kept these other entrants under the MB umbrella. Kind of like if Toyota had brought the Crown, Altezza, etc to the US instead of launching Lexus.
#117
Lexus Fanatic
They also sell (in some countries) an X Class, which is nothing more than a Nissan Frontier with a three-pointed star on the hood. I think it's almost like they were in a similar but opposite situation of where Toyota was in the 80s--A full-line luxury manufacturer who also wants to sell some cheaper, non-luxury products--and they've simply made a different decision. Rather than spin off a new, low-end brand, they've just kept these other entrants under the MB umbrella. Kind of like if Toyota had brought the Crown, Altezza, etc to the US instead of launching Lexus.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 12-06-19 at 02:04 PM.
#119
Lexus Fanatic
Hyundai gets it, why can’t Toyota?
#120
Lexus Fanatic
I still remember this thread. At this point, the incredible cash on hand for Toyota will put them in incredible position once this COVID-19 disaster is in the clear. While I don't believe Toyota ever saw a global pandemic coming, I do believe they were expecting an economic downturn at some point, and here it comes. I have always maintained that models such as 4Runner, Land Cruiser, LX, Tundra, Tacoma and then Lexus with IS, or GS and GX and many delayed engines were delayed with intention of a downturn.