Has Lexus Struggles In Japan Caused Acura To Rethink Entry?

Lexus really shouldn't have been thrown in the title here.

"No specific reason was cited, except for the vague '[the decision was] based on a comprehensive evaluation of the current market environment.'"

Just about every automaker selling cars in Japan is "struggling." Japan's economy is still under a period of recovery.

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/070116/4/2vvv0.html

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 11:53:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Funny when I think tuner market I think Honda above all else. So I doubt they have lost any ground there at all.

Honda may have been late to the SUV market, but when gas prices rose they were also in a better position than most anyone, just look at the sales figures.

However you are correct they have totally misjudged the luxury market here. Really no good reason that I can see.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 1:04:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

tuner cars for Honda

Fit
CRV
S2000
Civic

And other than Scion, Toyota has slim pickins in the tuner market.

But no doubt there are plenty of examples of each. The point is that Honda is still a force in the tuner market.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 1:44:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Some of what you said is true, but one thing worth mentioning; the CR-V is the best selling SUV in America, also the Ridgeline has won virtually all comparisons that it has been involved in. I think Honda/Acura is playing it safe (smart) before leaping blindly...patience is a virtue.

— Blakura (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 8:14:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

All the lexus models have been sold in Japan under toyota name's, aristo/GS altezza/IS celsior/LS soarer/SC windom/ES harrier/RX. And now the smae cars cost 20% more only becouse they ware the lexus badge.

— STJ88 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 12:29:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Acura probably realized that you can't simply take off the Honda Logo on the Legend sedan in Japan, slap on an Acura logo, put the RL lettering on the trunk and expect it to sell as an upmarket brand. In order to give their own country a sense of new upmarket feel, they would have to time the launch of the Acura brand at the exact same time they completely revamp the entire lineup.

— Dave (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 3:09:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

don't forget the cost of separate high end dealships, can honda afford to spend the money?

— ctsang (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 4:44:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Err Ricemaster the Celsior (LS430,LS400) was always sold in Japan I can take some pics of one if you like. And the Aristo (GS300) uses the same platform as the Cresta/MarkII Grande. The Infinity Q45 is as well the Nissan Cima. I think it sell better because its better looking than any prior Celsior not because it has a new badge.

— M316 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 5:27:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Toyota = Lexus
if you are smart to know

— ashramboy (View Profile)

Posted on 7/18/2007 8:20:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

lexus is the most mature out of them all. i dont see how they made a mistake in japan. instead of half assing it, they built a full fledged network of lexus dealers and released 3 lexus only cars within 3 years. the logical next step would be the RX and SC (for japan). as for acura and infiniti? acura doesnt even have a mature lineup regardless of badge. acura even runs two different accords, the TL/US accord and TSX/world accord. infiniti is like lexus 5 years ago with the G/skyline, M/fuga. infiniti has stronger sales with the G and proper v8 RWD sedans (ditched the Q45) and SUVs.

so really the question isnt has lexus caused acura to rethink? its more like what can acura do to fix their lineup in the us, let alone japan?

— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 7/19/2007 12:59:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2