So much for predictions of the 4GS being a flop
01-11-13, 03:32 PM
#376
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi SW10ES.
You asked in the 3IS thread about how well the E Class and 5 Series sold back in 2005?
5 Series 52,722
E Class 50,383.
Thus today, both the E Class and 5 Series have both increased their sales, yet the 4GS is only selling at 2/3rd's the volume of 2005; a big discrepancy?
Theoretically, the 4GS should have grown in percentage-wise with E and 5.
Lexus knows this better than we do, and I'm sure they're presently hard at work.
You asked in the 3IS thread about how well the E Class and 5 Series sold back in 2005?
5 Series 52,722
E Class 50,383.
Thus today, both the E Class and 5 Series have both increased their sales, yet the 4GS is only selling at 2/3rd's the volume of 2005; a big discrepancy?
Theoretically, the 4GS should have grown in percentage-wise with E and 5.
Lexus knows this better than we do, and I'm sure they're presently hard at work.
AGAIN LEXUS WILL MEET/BEAT THEIR SALES TARGET FOR THE GS.
For the 1 trillionith time (not to you, I've stated it everywhere) the E/5 will always sell 1st 2nd. Instead of you and other beating up the GS for being 3rd, the GS is a solid 3rd. The A6 hasn't gained much ground, the M flopped, the XF is pretty niche, the RL is a joke and the 9-5 is gone.
It is like me saying the X3 or GLK or ML or X5 is not selling well b/c the RX outsells them 2-1 or 3-1. That is not the case they have different sales goals. Nothing will sell like the RX.
Its like saying the Sonata fails b/c it is never close to beating the Camry in sales. That is false, the Sonata factory is working overtime to build every one they can.
This is all done with a very limited GS lineup that is Lexus fault. But the fact is Lexus is 3rd with 90% of sales being the GS 350 and 10% being the GS 450h.
If you ask for my opinion as to why no in-line growth?
Probably that Camry accelerator floor mat recalls incident started it all, slowing TMC down in recent years.
Thus 8 speed auto gearboxes delayed a little etc.
Then there's the major change in design - now "niching" to sportiness, which is paradise for enthusiasts!
Rather than going mainstream to the mass market.
The past tells us about the future, so the 3IS will have no easy feat in 2013.
Probably that Camry accelerator floor mat recalls incident started it all, slowing TMC down in recent years.
Thus 8 speed auto gearboxes delayed a little etc.
Then there's the major change in design - now "niching" to sportiness, which is paradise for enthusiasts!
Rather than going mainstream to the mass market.
The past tells us about the future, so the 3IS will have no easy feat in 2013.
Regardless of the sales, it doesn't mean that the 4GS is a bad car!
Not at all.
I purchased the 3ES back in 1999 knowing its strengths and weaknesses.
I purchased the 2006 IS250 knowing its strengths and weaknesses.
I purchased the 2009 3GS knowing its strengths and weaknesses.
Of course there must be more strengths than weaknesses otherwise we wouldn't buy the car.
In all cases, I knew before the purchase that the IS and GS were NOT top sellers in their class.
Talking about weaknesses doesn't necessarily mean that we don't like it, or won't buy it.
We talk about weaknesses constructively so that the manufacturer can improve on the next model!
If they are listening and reading.
I'd probably buy the facelifted 4GS in a few years time, with hopefully cleaner looking tail light lenses?
Lexus facelifts often seem to rectify the originals; just a matter with being patient signing on the dotted line.
In previous posts, I have highlighted many good features of the 4GS including:
1) Exterior styling [except for the plain tail light lenses, especially the L-lines].
2) Decently roomy interior,
I have mentioned a number of times previously that the fancy air conditioned seats have huge thick seats bases and back rests that really rob the 3GS, 4GS and old 2IS of foot room and leg room, while the new 4GS door mounted ashtrays rob the 4GS of lateral knee room.
3) The tallest rear seat base in its class, with the highest rear seating position, for the best window view.
4) The biggest boot in class.
5) Best atmostpheric engine, though bottom end could do with more punch.
6) Decent economy [petrol is cheap where I am].
7) Good steering feel, turn in, and terminal grip.
8) Best ride in class!
Longer suspension travel than my 3GS, but also better damped than my floaty 3GS.
9) Quietest ride in class.
I don't like the way the engine roars under acceleration, however when cruising, it is actually quieter than my 3GS.
10) New lane change warning, headup display etc...
It is very easy to update the 4GS tail light lenses at facelift.
Lexus will give the facelifted 4GS luxury model a new set of 18" alloys, whether you ask them or not!
Easy to put a bit of firewall insulation back in, or remove resonance devices in the intake?
I'd be nice to get more bottom end punch, and an 8 speed auto.
Luckily, the interior styling is not as important as the exterior styling because most people do indeed judge a book by its cover, but a new interior will have to wait for the next generation....
Not at all.
I purchased the 3ES back in 1999 knowing its strengths and weaknesses.
I purchased the 2006 IS250 knowing its strengths and weaknesses.
I purchased the 2009 3GS knowing its strengths and weaknesses.
Of course there must be more strengths than weaknesses otherwise we wouldn't buy the car.
In all cases, I knew before the purchase that the IS and GS were NOT top sellers in their class.
Talking about weaknesses doesn't necessarily mean that we don't like it, or won't buy it.
We talk about weaknesses constructively so that the manufacturer can improve on the next model!
If they are listening and reading.
I'd probably buy the facelifted 4GS in a few years time, with hopefully cleaner looking tail light lenses?
Lexus facelifts often seem to rectify the originals; just a matter with being patient signing on the dotted line.
In previous posts, I have highlighted many good features of the 4GS including:
1) Exterior styling [except for the plain tail light lenses, especially the L-lines].
2) Decently roomy interior,
I have mentioned a number of times previously that the fancy air conditioned seats have huge thick seats bases and back rests that really rob the 3GS, 4GS and old 2IS of foot room and leg room, while the new 4GS door mounted ashtrays rob the 4GS of lateral knee room.
3) The tallest rear seat base in its class, with the highest rear seating position, for the best window view.
4) The biggest boot in class.
5) Best atmostpheric engine, though bottom end could do with more punch.
6) Decent economy [petrol is cheap where I am].
7) Good steering feel, turn in, and terminal grip.
8) Best ride in class!
Longer suspension travel than my 3GS, but also better damped than my floaty 3GS.
9) Quietest ride in class.
I don't like the way the engine roars under acceleration, however when cruising, it is actually quieter than my 3GS.
10) New lane change warning, headup display etc...
It is very easy to update the 4GS tail light lenses at facelift.
Lexus will give the facelifted 4GS luxury model a new set of 18" alloys, whether you ask them or not!
Easy to put a bit of firewall insulation back in, or remove resonance devices in the intake?
I'd be nice to get more bottom end punch, and an 8 speed auto.
Luckily, the interior styling is not as important as the exterior styling because most people do indeed judge a book by its cover, but a new interior will have to wait for the next generation....
I am not arguing the car is perfect. It just is the sportiest car in class.
It also is meeting sales targets.So no matter what the people that don't like the GS have to say, they didn't buy it and gasp, we did, and we are happy. 4GS owners seem to be a pretty cool group, they are happy with their purchase and many are CONQUEST sales.
01-11-13, 03:36 PM
#377
Guest
Posts: n/a
Its hilarious. When the 3GS sold 32k or so the first year not a peep was said. Not one. The GS has been the 3rd best selling in class most years.
I am truly unsure what the GS did to people, it is the most successful midsize sedan from Asia BY FAR and it has been sold consecutively since 1993 with no name changes or other crap.
The GS is the sportiest driving car in class. That used to be the big deal on the internet. Being the sportiest car was the main reason people bashed other cars and Lexus. Now that Lexus has built the sportiest car in class, these people have jumped on to other crap like looks and sales and any other argument to beat up the car. Suddenly its okay to be fluffy, to be not sporty b/c "that is what the market wants". Funny, Lexus did that for years and it was a huge internet problem. What kind of enthusiasts are these? Not applauding sport anymore and instead beating a car up for no fog lamps and tailamps. Hilarious
Time for some Glenlivet 21
I am truly unsure what the GS did to people, it is the most successful midsize sedan from Asia BY FAR and it has been sold consecutively since 1993 with no name changes or other crap.
The GS is the sportiest driving car in class. That used to be the big deal on the internet. Being the sportiest car was the main reason people bashed other cars and Lexus. Now that Lexus has built the sportiest car in class, these people have jumped on to other crap like looks and sales and any other argument to beat up the car. Suddenly its okay to be fluffy, to be not sporty b/c "that is what the market wants". Funny, Lexus did that for years and it was a huge internet problem. What kind of enthusiasts are these? Not applauding sport anymore and instead beating a car up for no fog lamps and tailamps. Hilarious
Time for some Glenlivet 21
03-02-13, 02:28 PM
#378
February 2013 sales: 1,108
It's sad to me that the GS has dropped off after only one year and I blame it on Lexus poor marketing efforts. After a few months it seems they forgot to market the GS while they focused their marketing money on Lexus new ES/LS/RX. They should've continued pushing the GS strongly as it's one of their best reviewed cars in a long time (not counting the LFA). It seems they have a new commercial for the GS so maybe realized that they have to keep marketing their cars instead of only doing it around launch period.
When they launch the new IS, it would be sick if they had side marketing for both the GS and IS together as "big brother - small brother", the brand's 2 sporty cars. It would be neat to have their own campaign together.
I would be happy if they go back up 1,500 if climbing back to 2,000 units per month is too difficult.
Edit: I feel the same way about the CT... it needs to be pushed more.
It's sad to me that the GS has dropped off after only one year and I blame it on Lexus poor marketing efforts. After a few months it seems they forgot to market the GS while they focused their marketing money on Lexus new ES/LS/RX. They should've continued pushing the GS strongly as it's one of their best reviewed cars in a long time (not counting the LFA). It seems they have a new commercial for the GS so maybe realized that they have to keep marketing their cars instead of only doing it around launch period.
When they launch the new IS, it would be sick if they had side marketing for both the GS and IS together as "big brother - small brother", the brand's 2 sporty cars. It would be neat to have their own campaign together.
I would be happy if they go back up 1,500 if climbing back to 2,000 units per month is too difficult.
Edit: I feel the same way about the CT... it needs to be pushed more.
03-02-13, 02:45 PM
#379
February 2013 sales: 1,108
It's sad to me that the GS has dropped off after only one year and I blame it on Lexus poor marketing efforts. After a few months it seems they forgot to market the GS while they focused their marketing money on Lexus new ES/LS/RX. They should've continued pushing the GS strongly as it's one of their best reviewed cars in a long time (not counting the LFA). It seems they have a new commercial for the GS so maybe realized that they have to keep marketing their cars instead of only doing it around launch period.
When they launch the new IS, it would be sick if they had side marketing for both the GS and IS together as "big brother - small brother", the brand's 2 sporty cars. It would be neat to have their own campaign together.
I would be happy if they go back up 1,500 if climbing back to 2,000 units per month is too difficult.
Edit: I feel the same way about the CT... it needs to be pushed more.
It's sad to me that the GS has dropped off after only one year and I blame it on Lexus poor marketing efforts. After a few months it seems they forgot to market the GS while they focused their marketing money on Lexus new ES/LS/RX. They should've continued pushing the GS strongly as it's one of their best reviewed cars in a long time (not counting the LFA). It seems they have a new commercial for the GS so maybe realized that they have to keep marketing their cars instead of only doing it around launch period.
When they launch the new IS, it would be sick if they had side marketing for both the GS and IS together as "big brother - small brother", the brand's 2 sporty cars. It would be neat to have their own campaign together.
I would be happy if they go back up 1,500 if climbing back to 2,000 units per month is too difficult.
Edit: I feel the same way about the CT... it needs to be pushed more.
03-02-13, 03:12 PM
#380
February 2013 sales: 1,108
It's sad to me that the GS has dropped off after only one year and I blame it on Lexus poor marketing efforts. After a few months it seems they forgot to market the GS while they focused their marketing money on Lexus new ES/LS/RX. They should've continued pushing the GS strongly as it's one of their best reviewed cars in a long time (not counting the LFA). It seems they have a new commercial for the GS so maybe realized that they have to keep marketing their cars instead of only doing it around launch period.
When they launch the new IS, it would be sick if they had side marketing for both the GS and IS together as "big brother - small brother", the brand's 2 sporty cars. It would be neat to have their own campaign together.
I would be happy if they go back up 1,500 if climbing back to 2,000 units per month is too difficult.
Edit: I feel the same way about the CT... it needs to be pushed more.
It's sad to me that the GS has dropped off after only one year and I blame it on Lexus poor marketing efforts. After a few months it seems they forgot to market the GS while they focused their marketing money on Lexus new ES/LS/RX. They should've continued pushing the GS strongly as it's one of their best reviewed cars in a long time (not counting the LFA). It seems they have a new commercial for the GS so maybe realized that they have to keep marketing their cars instead of only doing it around launch period.
When they launch the new IS, it would be sick if they had side marketing for both the GS and IS together as "big brother - small brother", the brand's 2 sporty cars. It would be neat to have their own campaign together.
I would be happy if they go back up 1,500 if climbing back to 2,000 units per month is too difficult.
Edit: I feel the same way about the CT... it needs to be pushed more.
03-02-13, 03:28 PM
#381
03-02-13, 04:04 PM
#382
http://www.yourlexusdealer.com/Detroit/GS/index.html
03-02-13, 07:01 PM
#384
Former Sponsor
They aimed for 24k for the 12 month period. Lets see how many they got.
February 2396
March 2558
April 2006
May 1996
June 2020
July 1662
August 1831
September 1454
October 1521
November 1826
December 2796
January (13) 1099
23,165, slightly below target but very close to target. Started out the gate strong, sold under 2k units and had a super December. January was horrid.
February 2396
March 2558
April 2006
May 1996
June 2020
July 1662
August 1831
September 1454
October 1521
November 1826
December 2796
January (13) 1099
23,165, slightly below target but very close to target. Started out the gate strong, sold under 2k units and had a super December. January was horrid.
03-03-13, 07:13 AM
#386
As great as the car is, it should be flying out the door. The car should be doubling projected sales. I believe its looks are holding it back. It is attractive....but not enough for the masses.
I also believe Lexus hard-headedness over horsepower is holding it back. The other cars in this segment boast big power. Although sufficient for getting the job done, 306 hp doesn't compete on paper and with bragging rights. It's enough for me though.
03-03-13, 07:31 AM
#387
Driver
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Ohio
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Winter months are always slow, not a shock there.
I noticed when I was looking for mine, dealers in my region don't have a lot of stock of the GS. In fact, the car I bought had to be brought in from a dealer 150 miles away via flat bed. I would guess they had less than 5-8 total in stock, and of that only 3 colors available. Both of the dealers here are pretty large to, they had tons of RX and ES, not so much on GS or LS models.
I noticed when I was looking for mine, dealers in my region don't have a lot of stock of the GS. In fact, the car I bought had to be brought in from a dealer 150 miles away via flat bed. I would guess they had less than 5-8 total in stock, and of that only 3 colors available. Both of the dealers here are pretty large to, they had tons of RX and ES, not so much on GS or LS models.
03-03-13, 07:49 AM
#388
I've had the opportunity to be around the 4GS a lot the last 3 weeks and have come to appreciate its looks more. I see the front as aggressive but its aggressiveness brings even more attention to the less dynamic rest of the car. But it's the drive, quality and technology that are winning me over. Put a body kit on it and I could see myself in one.
As great as the car is, it should be flying out the door. The car should be doubling projected sales. I believe its looks are holding it back. It is attractive....but not enough for the masses.
I also believe Lexus hard-headedness over horsepower is holding it back. The other cars in this segment boast big power. Although sufficient for getting the job done, 306 hp doesn't compete on paper and with bragging rights. It's enough for me though.
As great as the car is, it should be flying out the door. The car should be doubling projected sales. I believe its looks are holding it back. It is attractive....but not enough for the masses.
I also believe Lexus hard-headedness over horsepower is holding it back. The other cars in this segment boast big power. Although sufficient for getting the job done, 306 hp doesn't compete on paper and with bragging rights. It's enough for me though.
I agree the styling isn't great.Especially the side design and Sonata rear.
What sold me was the interior and drive ride and handling and of course reliability and again,the interior.
.Yes to appeal to more,the GS does need 40-50 more HP and more Tq but it's no slug but 306 HP number does sound weak to many potential buyers with a $60K price tag.
The GS needs a 0-60 5,2- 5.1 seconds to make it more interesting.AS does the 5.7 0-60 Lexus advertises.
I think the GS mid cycle refresh model will be very interesting.
03-03-13, 02:19 PM
#389
I agree the styling isn't great.Especially the side design and Sonata rear.
What sold me was the interior and drive ride and handling and of course reliability and again,the interior..
Yes to appeal to more,the GS does need 40-50 more HP and more Tq but it's no slug but 306 HP number does sound weak to many potential buyers with a $60K price tag.
The GS needs a 0-60 5,2- 5.1 seconds to make it more interesting.AS does the 5.7 0-60 Lexus advertises.
I think the GS mid cycle refresh model will be very interesting.
What sold me was the interior and drive ride and handling and of course reliability and again,the interior.
.Yes to appeal to more,the GS does need 40-50 more HP and more Tq but it's no slug but 306 HP number does sound weak to many potential buyers with a $60K price tag.
The GS needs a 0-60 5,2- 5.1 seconds to make it more interesting.AS does the 5.7 0-60 Lexus advertises.
I think the GS mid cycle refresh model will be very interesting.
03-03-13, 02:52 PM
#390
there are no commercials... no type of advertising. in the beginning yeah... but not enough to garner a consumers attention that's sitting there watching TV or picking up a magazine or driving and seeing a billboard. visual stimulation, subliminal messages in ads are what catches your attention the most. i see more LS commercials (even though it's the same one every time) in the last week than i saw GS commercials and the GS has been on the street for over a year. the car practically sells itself once you get in and drive it but people who are not aware of how good this car is need to see it and maybe when they're driving and see a Lexus dealer they'll remember the commercial or the article or the billboard and stop in to check it out. plus the ES and RX as we all know are swallowing (no pun intended) all the sales. advertising and promotion... they need more of it. i never considered the 2013 GS until i saw a sneak peek pic in 2011, and then i saw the Super Bowl commercial and i was sold. that said... this car is by far is no flop.
Last edited by sydtoosic; 03-03-13 at 02:56 PM.