44 Votes

Has the self park feature HELPED or HURT the image of the Lexus LS?

Agent001 submitted on 12/8/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:39:13 PM

79 user comments | Category: Report Cards | Source: www.autospies.com

It's always good to be first with a new idea right?

Well sometimes things can be a dual edged sword and sometimes pioneers get the arrows.

For example, let's look at the case of the self park feature for the new Lexus LS.

The first time we heard it would have a self parking feature, it sounded amazing.

NOBODY, has ever done that before on a luxury car and it seemed like a natural feature for the person who wanted 'luxury'.

Or probably so it seemed when the product managers made the decision to green light the feature in the planning stages.

But when it was finally shown, A LOT of people were 'WOWed' but a whole other set of people were insulted.

"I know how to park my own car, I'm not 90!"

"How does it do that? Amazing!"

Those were the two prevailing camps statements.

Story headlines like this then surfaced:

"Gadgets: Even CNBC's Old Man LeBeau Can Self-Park The Lexus"

Then Audi, makes a commercial that pokes fun at the feature implying if you drive a Lexus, you can't drive.

And for the first time ever for Lexus, they succumbed to the natural fighting instinct we all have inside and made a response commercial showing a Lexus can be driven like a wreckless sportscar, you just shouldn't.

So in the end their intentions were good.

They wanted to show that they not only build the best quality cars in the world, they also want the world to know that they intend on being the leaders technologically as well.

But the question is- Did this feature backfire for them and stigmatize the LS as a car for old fogies’?

Will it futher alienate the chasm between a person who likes BMW's let's say and hinder the chances of Lexus conquesting them over to their side?

Can a company show technological leadership with something and end up shooting themselves in the foot at the same time?

Or did they get SO much PR, even though the feature has not caught on, it was worth the buzz?

Let us hear your comments on the subject.

Has the self park feature HELPED or HURT the image of the Lexus LS?

About the Author

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— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

I thought it brought a lot of attention to the car, which was good. On the flipside the fact that it doesn't actually work most of the time (and when it does it takes so long that it's worthless anyway) probably hurt it as well.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 12:45:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 17

yeah. if you want to make something as revolutionary as this, why not make it acually work. makes sense to me. it will be a great advancement in cars when lexus does some more checks and balances to the system. the things they really need to watch out for is it safe? will it work all the time, every time correctly? are we sure that this is not going to damage a $100,000 car that damaged its self?

and what about conpetitors? what about mercedes. and bmw. and audi. they have a chance at taking lexus's parking feature and making it so much better, slap a badge on it and sell it as an s-class. or a 7-series. or a8.

this new product is currently hurting lexus because of accuracy and safety. its helping lexus because it can be a whole new division in the automobile market.

safety first
— user75 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:44:40 PM | | Votes: 0

There is no reason anyone needs to be insulted by the fact the car can alledgedly park itself. If people are getting offended, then it all falls on the shoulders of the sales consultant for poorly presenting the feature. 99% of people that get this vehicle aren't getting it souly because it has the innovative feature; it should presented moreso as something additional on top of all of the other innovative technology in the car. It should be explained that it's packaged with the car, not so much a primary dealbreaker.
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 4:44:23 PM | | Votes: 1

The feature itself isn't the issue, it's that there are those who find it more difficult than need be to utilize i.e. counter-intuitive.

A bit of 'bad press/resistance' is often the case when introducing a newer/innovative technology, just look at BMW and iDrive, or even VCR/DVR programming - still a challenge for many!

It's simply another case of technology that could have been better implemented, and in the next iteration, I'm sure it will be.

Little to no harm done here, as I feel that few have gone out and bought an LS specifically for this one feature.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:05:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

This feature did not either hurt but more so made a former intorduction to advancements in technology going into the future. Lexus is showing that they too are not forgetting they can egineer any form of technology especially a car moving on its' own, wether slow or fast...do this and doing that. This is just the begining of what is yet to come. Not only for Lexus, but other luxury brands as well....so German fanboys avoid the 2 cents bashing, b/c I'm sure the german makes are working on the same concept of a car with brains on a independant level....
— BigShow50 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:08:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

it was good for marketing because it sounded amazing.

but if you've ever tried using it it's disappointing. it takes SOOOO long and it's complicated.

and it certainly didn't help to make lexus appealing to people who like to drive because--in my opinion--you shouldn't be allowed to drive if you can't even park.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:12:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I think it boost Lexus' image. Most people out there are very under-educated when it comes to cars. They don't really know what cars to go for and what cars to stay away from so when a company comes out with a car that can drive itself in reverse, that's a big hit.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:33:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

you're right to the extent that naive people will fall for this feature. but lexus is trying to get younger people who like to drive with cars like the ISF. and this isn't helping with that.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 3:42:11 PM | | Votes: 0

Hurt- My dealer hates demonstrating it because they have about a 50% chance of it working. I've noticed that Lexus has all but stop advertising it.

Personally I terrified of it, terrified I going to be stuck behind some slow moving senior citizen taking 20 minutes to figure it out.
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:37:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Hmmm...

That then begs the question:

If someone walks in the door and asks for a demo and it does not live up to the expectation, is there ANY chance that customer will ever become a customer?

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:41:03 PM | | Votes: 6

I think the car that could hurt Lexus image is the LS600h, not some self-parking feature from the LS460. Here we have a car that was claimed to be "green" and "perform with V12s" and it fails miserably in both aspects. Enough said.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:37:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I think it reinforces the marketing driven priority of Lexus...the 'technology' is really quite pointless but as mentioned it is newsworthy moreso than some safety feature that would probably be less 'flash' and 'ohh ahh'. Frankly, this is what I hate about Lexus..its never about the passion for the car or driver experience, its about marketing, fluff and creating buzz.

BUT, having said that, this is what sells cars as most people are not enthusiasts, Leuxs has built and sold cars the average american wants, an upscale, not-so-showy 'luxury' car.
— markusck (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 1:39:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Spot on. I totally agree with you.
— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 1:46:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Hey sevor, where's your Mercedes CL? It's coming soon right?
— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 7:38:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

No publicity is bad publicity. When your car made it onto the Oprah show only because of one of its (minor) features, you know you have something special.

I personally would never use the self-park system, because I'd rather appreciate the car as a whole and not impress my friends with gimmicks. Fortunately, the LS is also a very well-engineered vehicle, with excellent acceleration, a refined V8, a plethora of luxury features and elegant styling. I would buy it for those reasons... not because it parks itself.

This stood out to me:

"Will it futher alienate the chasm between a person who likes BMW's let's say and hinder the chances of Lexus conquesting them over to their side?"

I don't think most BMW owners would seriously consider a Lexus, period. After less than two weeks with our X5, I can tell my wife will probably keep buying (ahem, I will keep buying) Bimmers for years.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 2:16:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I hate Oprah. If you ask me, having Oprah bring the LS on her show hurt it more than having a self-park feature.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 2:25:13 PM | | Votes: -8

S4, what made you decide to get the X5 4.8i over the Q7 (or, if you looked at one, the GL)? And I'm not denigrating the choice, I have a 2005 X5 4.4i and I think the new X5 is fantastic (say what you will about BMW interiors but in my opinion the X5 is flat out nicer inside than everything else in the class). I'm just curious as someone who normally favors Audi what your motivation was.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 3:00:31 PM | | Votes: 6

I'm curious how the new Infiniti Q45 will stack up..Infiniti is being awfully quiet about it..
— rok_altima (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 3:29:05 PM | | Votes: 1

I'm not ONLY an Audi person. I think I've made it clear in the past that another BMW will find its way into my fleet, whether it be a winter car (335xi, 535xi) or convertible (M3, 6 Series, M6).

Anyway, we chose the X5 because it fits us perfectly. We have only one kid at home, so the third row is unnecessary, and I don't need a 200in long land yacht like the Q7. The X5 offers sophisticated style, class-leading performance, a gorgeous interior and a price that doesn't destroy my wallet before or after I buy it (Range Rover).

We drove the Cayenne S and the RR Sport HSE... no comparison. The Cayenne simply didn't offer the same level of performance, but to make matters worse its interior is a joke. The RR Sport, while nice, is heavy, slow, frighteningly unreliable and drinks gas like it needs an oil tanker by its side. Although the X5 is no fuel miser, at least it doesn't have a "gas-guzzler" image.

Like I have said, I don't buy the car because of the badge on its hood (your Q7 reference). I buy it because I would enjoy owning it.

So yes, I love our BMW, and I plan on getting one myself (the X5 is my wife's). I want to have two BMWs and two Audis in my garage, sorry Porsche.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 5:15:55 PM | | Votes: 2

lexusis350, regardless of your opinion, every housewife in the United States of America saw the Lexus LS460 park itself on the Oprah show.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 5:17:16 PM | | Votes: 1

lexusis350 wants everyone to know he hates Oprah.

o_O
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 6:47:06 PM | | Votes: 3

Not everyone watches Oprah, you know. She's a fraud and those too dumb to see it are just sad.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 12:26:31 AM | | Votes: -3

lexusis350, regardless of your opinion, every housewife in the United States of America saw the Lexus LS460 park itself on the Oprah show.

Did I say I liked her? NO.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 12:33:15 AM | | Votes: -1

Why didn't Lexus/Toyota use the large amount of funds to develop this technology on other, more pressing tasks?
For example, the Camry's auto trans which most of the time doesn't work as advertised. Most 4 cyl. owners are furious buying a car that stumbles, stutters, and sometimes can't get out of its way. The V6 auto trans model is just about as bad.
I own a Lexus IS which for the most part they got right, but I would gladly buy a Chevy Malibu over the Camry without a 2nd thought.
Automatic parking - what a useless gimmick!!
— BMW995 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 2:40:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Why does everyone think that this 'self-parking' feature is a brand new to Toyota vehicles?

It's been a Prius option for a while now in the JDM.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 4:24:29 PM | | Votes: 0

By the way S4Cabrio, I sold my BMW 3 series for an '07 Lexus IS. BMW put in a auto trans that self destructs at an unknown mileage over 40,000 in my model with a shortage of replacement trans. A $5000 charge for replacement at say 50K miles when I'm somewhere on vacation with no replacements in sight. Not the best way to foster faithful, repeat buyers. I was beyond my extended warranty and only had 58,000 miles on my 3 series. The '07 IS is 95% of a 3 series at $9000 off the price of a new 3 series.
— BMW995 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 2:46:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

"BMW put in a auto trans that self destructs at an unknown mileage over 40,000 in my model with a shortage of replacement trans."

You should've gotten the manual. (-;
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 5:17:54 PM | | Votes: -1

Uhm, it's called a valet parking. And yes, the LS is a car for old and stodgy people, with or without useless gadgets.
— vdiv (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 2:50:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

LA parking is an oxymoron.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 5:18:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Imagine trying to park this thing somewhere in NYC... haha. The Taxis will sideswipe your LS for being so slow...

I know nothing about it, but I heard it takes a really long time to accomplish. I could do it myself...
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 11:57:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

"...they also want the world to know that they intend on being the leaders technologically as well."
By even attempting to achieve this position, Lexus disgraced itself by introducing useless technology like the self-park feature (hybrid tech is good but it's from toyota). With all their fanboys claiming Lexus' LS technology is even better than the undisputed leader Mercedes S-class', they have insulted themselves. They should've worked more on green technology or something like that instead.
Of course, all this publicity has probably helped Lexus.
— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 5:24:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I sell the LS and of all I have sold with this feature, not one customer actually wanted to use it. Lexus packages (in the western region) this option with a number of the features one would want in a luxury car. Namely, Mark Levinson Audio and the comfort plus package (heated and cooled adjustable rear seats- not the executive package.)

I have never demonstrated it, and it has nothing to do with salesmanship- the customers think it's neat- but know that they will never use it and therefore don't care to see it in action.

This might be a regional issue, as I live in an expanse area where parking is not a problem. In 12 years driving here, I have never had to parallel park.

I don't think it hurt, but I am not sure that I could say it has helped. No customer I have dealt with has bought the car because of this feature, and none have told me that it is the reason they bought another car. Some have said that they looked at the car simply because of this feature (while trading in their 7 series, S class or A8) all good cars... but they didn't buy another one- maybe they would have if they had not ended up in the Lexus showroom.

The only people who ask about it are not true LS buyers, it is a nifty feature that generates attention to the brand. I see time and time again people arguing about things like whether or not the new Nissan GT-R is beautifully styled or ugly. My point being that the vehicle is a halo car, built not because of it's tremendous profitability and longevity- but to attract people to the showroom.

Long story short I guess it has helped the brand in the fact that it brings attention and customers to the showroom. While it is not your typical "halo" car, maybe it is the "halo" feature
— chilipalmer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 5:25:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

i plan to get an LS next fall...and i plan to get it with the auto park system.

will i use it on the street? no

will i use it to show off to my friends? yes
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 5:37:38 PM | | Votes: -4

palmer, I completely agree with your post.

But one thing stood out to me:

"This might be a regional issue, as I live in an expanse area where parking is not a problem. In 12 years driving here, I have never had to parallel park."

REALLY? Because I've lived in my area for over thirty years, and I parallel park at least once a day. That just blows my mind.

"i plan to get an LS next fall...and i plan to get it with the auto park system."

I have built the LS several times, just in case we ever divulge into the luxury sedan stratosphere, and to put it simply, it's hard NOT to get the self park system. If you want the heated/cooled rear seats or the air suspension (LS460L), the self park always comes with it. It's definitely an interesting feature, but I agree with you in that it's not practical (and sometimes impossible--what if it doesn't "recognize" the space???) to use in everyday life.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 10:10:57 PM | | Votes: 3

How do you not have to parallel park? God, there isn't anywhere near me I can't parallel park!! I have to do it outside my own house!

Where on earth do you live???
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 5:30:36 PM | | Votes: 2

more naive comments from the 17 year old...
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 8:12:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

Can you go away please?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 10:11:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

"Has the self park feature HELPED or HURT the image of the Lexus LS?"

I don't know if it's helped or hurt, but Lexus should come out with a robot that sits in the back seat and plays Twinkle Twinkle little Star on the Violin.

Forest Gump would probally love self parking though!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 6:44:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

actually, it's funny you mention it because Toyota already did that.

http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=72177
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 10:03:41 AM | | Votes: 1

I talk to people in their 20s and 30s about cars, and often when the LS comes up in conversation, they know about and are excited by the self parking feature. None of them likely need it, nor would they use it, but there is a case for innovation for the sake of innovation. It's called progress. Same reason why the LS600hL is so great, even if it as fast or fuel efficient as it could be. I guess that's why I never hated i-drive like so many critics. It may have flaws, but it was forward thinking (and has led to much better systems in Audi and MBZ). So I, for one, hopes Lexus keeps putting these kind of features on their cars, critics and bloggers be damned.

Besides, as others have said, it sure hasnt hurt its sales, as it is consistently is the top selling vehicle in its class in the US.
— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 6:45:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

innovation for it's own sake?

well, that's pointless. innovations that matter are the ones that improve the user experience with the product. this one doesn't...it's complicated and IT TAKES MUCH LONGER than doing it yourself. so what's the point?
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 8:14:39 PM | | Votes: 3

i.e., it isn't an innovation.

It's a gimmick.

I won't downplay its coolness factor--it surely will impress the neighbors--but beyond that, it has no practical use. The LS has many other endearing luxury features that deserve a potential buyer's attention. There's the amazing ML audio, the super-luxury-cooled-heated-massaged-whatever seats, the 380hp V8, the quick-shifting transmission, the optional air suspension that brings it up to par with the S550, etc...
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 10:13:57 PM | | Votes: 3

I personally only think it hurt the image of Lexus on auto-spies. Other than on this site I've never heard anyone say, “oh that Lexus self-park feature is so silly it turns me off from buying a Lexus,” if anything it makes them looks more sophisticated.

I know my Mom saw it on Oprah & was talking to me about it like it was the most amazing thing to happen in the auto industry. People who have no idea about the systems flaws will find it truly remarkable…So to answer the question I’d say it helped.

— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 7:26:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Since when was self parking any sort of issue?
If you don't want to use it, don't.

If you hate it, you probably secrectly wish your car of choice atleast had it as an option (even if you wouldn't use it).
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 7:59:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Same goes for Lexus' 8-speed auto. Lo and behold, BMW's 7 is supposed to get 8 gears next time around. Wouldn't surprise me if they decided to make it 9, whether it was needed or not.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 8:03:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Only in the convoluted world that is AutoSpies would BMW be accused of "copying" Lexus for putting out an eight-speed transmission. In any other environment, it would just be considered a natural progression.

Although, I still honestly don't see the point of it. Even if the next A8 has an eight-speed, it won't make or break my wanting to buy the car. I'd much rather it had DSG... which BMW is also developing for their cars.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 10:16:06 PM | | Votes: 4

What about this article?

http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2007/12/08/how-long-before-toyotas-drive-themselves-with-robotics/
— tundrahq (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 8:27:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I think it helped Lexus overall. It was an excellent marketing tool. Yes..it did not work consistently, took way too long, and require 6ft clearance to even work which was way too much space for even average drivers could, but who cares!! The goal was to be in the news and get free advertisement and they succeeded... Lexus must have tested it extensively and determined it did not work well, but they bet on the marketing and that was a great move.. I'll give the head marketing guy a big bonus....good job..
— TheGenius (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 10:46:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Does Distronic Plus or NightView Assist help the S-Class's image? Does iDrive help the 7er's image? It really is not a question of whether the tech is helping or hurting, it is really just a matter of new showcase technology to generate more interest and buzz for a new model. However, there is no doubt in my mind that we will see more cars have automated parking in the future, and when that day comes, Lexus will be able to say that they had it first. Brilliant marketing behind so-so engineering, which is really a new thing for Lexus, who's always been about brilliant marketing behind exceptional engineering. It's an opportunity cost Lexus has decided they will take on in their pursuit of an image on par with the Europeans.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 12/8/2007 11:23:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Sure, Distronic Plus, NightView Assist, and the iDrive help the S-class' and 7ers' images, but they're actually USEFUL too. LS self-parking feature is for those nincompoops who cannot park (like their targeted demographic, 70 year olds), but it's fluff. People really should just LEARN TO PARK. If they really need help, then we should all the Driver's Ed programs in the world: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TEACHING OUR CHILDREN?!?!?!? Lexus will never have an image equal to the Europeans. Yes, they will respected for the quality/durability (from Toyota), but their history, lack of innovation (rather, direct copying from the S-class two generations ago), bland driving dynamics (except perhaps the IS-F), and old-man design will prevent from having true car enthusiasts adding Lexus to the list of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes of European luxury cars they want to buy.
— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 12:26:46 AM | | Votes: 2

It definitly helped the LS and brought even more attention to it. Now its known for being the first car with AI in it.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 1:55:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

AI? this is not artificial intelligence. it's radar and a monitor. and the spot has to be 6 FEET bigger than the car. it MIGHT be useful if it could get you into tight spots. but it doesn't work in those situations. and it takes forever.

don't insult the amazing strides being made in AI by relating this pointless feature to it.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 4:02:17 AM | | Votes: 2

Certainly has helped it, at least for me, i am more interested in this car because of this new gadget, and i am not 50 years old but rather 21. I mean Audi's ads were cool(attacking the self park feature of lexus), but for me this feature counts as a technological bolster and a cool gadget. Who cares about usefulness. I mean i hear all these people talking about what is the usefulness of this feature, well let me ask you this, What is the usefulness of the 400 hp in your car. Will you ever be able to tap it in the road? never really. So this extra features just makes your car feel more special, even if you end up never using them.
— farabira1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 5:12:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

If people think that this feature was added on, they are completely stupid. Lexus added the feature so it can create attention when its new vehicle came out, just like the S-class does when a new version arrives. It is stupid to hear responses like "I know how to park my own car, I'm not 90!" Obviously the people who are offended by this are the ones who don't know how to park, but pretend as if they are masters. In my opinion this feature has created the publicity that Lexus wanted, even if some is bad.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 10:27:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The first sentence should be

If people think that this feature was added just because people can't park their own cars, they are completely stupid.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 3:16:47 PM | | Votes: 0

Yes.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 3:22:54 PM | | Votes: 0

I think it is a great advanced feature but many probally won't opt for it. When ever a new car is introduced it is always best to be a pioneer in a certain field, however with that comes the bugs. In the LS case many editors have noted that the system does not recognize certain objects such as trash barrels. But like ever great manufacture you listen to the critics and you remove the bugs and make your product better!
— mikeydred20 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 11:01:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I have thought it thru and I guess self-parking doesn't hurt the image of Lexus since Lexus cars have always been about parking.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 11:32:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Useless yet advanced technology has been part of the
European's image for years. Most here are just offended that Lexus has done the same with this technology. eNot to say that they have not pioneered extremely important technology as well, but come on. iDrive? Useless. NightView? Useless. Distronic? Useless. It is funny watching the typical Euro fanaticals rationalize and justify the usefulness of those technologies over self-parking. If you can't press a button to turn a radio on, or put your foot on the brake and stop the car you are driving yourself from hitting the car in front of you, then you too, should not be driving, period.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 3:27:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

You, toyotamarc, and kart1 constantly defend Lexus, but at least you guys show more intelligence than bleek=david989=nicad.
Ok, let's take this issue into perception. If Europeans have made "useless yet advanced technology for years," and lexus is COPYING THEM, the Lexus is also part of a group of "idiots."
But this is not the case: European technology is showy (like how Lexus' technology is proclaimed), but it's USEFUL!!! BEAT THAT INTO YOUR SENSELESS HEADS! iDrive is not as impressive as other technologies, but at least it was an honest step to beautify a car's interior by eliminating buttons. NightView Assist and Distronic CANNOT replace a driver's instincts and skill, but they're more justified than a system that parks for you - a skill you should have learned when you were in Driver's Ed. Also, Lexus COPIED the anti-collision system that was PIONEERED by MERCEDES - copying is the sincerest form of flattery. In that system, both cars brake in attempt to mitigate the damages in a collision. Distronic is more or less an extension of that system in that it provides acceleration/deceleration for you. True, not as important as the driver himself/herself, but infinitely times more useful than parking. We European fanatics are more or less CAR ENTHUSIASTS, not only pro-European drivers. We hate fanboys (who usually turn out to be pro-Lexus) who try to pretend Lexus is pioneering the ENTIRE CAR INDUSTRY. That is simply not true. Please, spare us your foolish talk.
— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 6:58:06 PM | | Votes: 1

Your flamboyant responses do not change anything. Let us see your arguments when BMW and Mercedes come out with their own HYBRID and SELF-PARKING technology. Nobody here said Lexus was pioneering the entire car industry, and clearly anyone who IS saying that should not be taken as seriously as you are taking them. Spare yourself from foolish talk, before one of your veins explode for no reason.
— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 10:04:59 PM | | Votes: 1

but lexus has to be credited for being ahead.
— c36amg (View Profile)

Posted on 12/9/2007 4:27:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I don't see how this feature could hurt Lexus. Maybe a little bit in the execution of it, due to its limitations, but that should not be a big hit.

They are trying to push the envelope and come up with features people may want that have not been done before. If this one is not a big hit, their next one might be.

That said, I don't see my buying any car by any maker based on this feature. I don't have to parallel park very often, and I can do it on my own LOL
— Targa (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 11:12:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Its definitely a useless technology, but as far as hurting the image, NO. Helping, not really.

I think it doesn't hurt or help them in any way that is significant, but i do think it helps more than hurt. I do not see how it would hurt them.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 12:08:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

btw, is there a reason that Lexus doesn't do options ala carte, ala the german cars (not selling only packages, but packages or individual options). Just wondering.
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 12:09:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

yes, it saves money in production to make many of the same cars rather than 'custom' versions. this is one reason why lexus doesn't command a price premium...you're likely to see EXACTLY the same car being driven by 3 or your neighbors.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 2:07:52 PM | | Votes: 2

enthusiast is right. It's all about production.

IMO, if they want to break into a higher luxury bracket and charge higher prices, they can't have blanket packages. Maybe sport packages, premium packages, etc. (what the Germans do), but no single package for every option. Obviously, there should be no packages on the LF-A.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 9:22:22 PM | | Votes: 1

Can anyone explain this??? Say if the Lexus with auto-parallel parking feature ON hits a car while parking does it come out of the drivers insurance or Lexus? I assumed there may be a case there if enough potential accidents happen.

I just figured the auto park was a one up on MBs brake assist. Both trying to compete in the "Our cars have better tech than the competitions" dept.
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 4:35:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I am sure there is a disclaimer somewhere that tells you that they are not responsible for any collision or death if you use the self park feature, and you should always use your own judgment or something.
— monkeyrun (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 9:18:38 PM | | Votes: 1

I am wondering if Hyundai's Genesis will have both Self parking and brake assist?!? :)
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 4:36:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It would help if it actually works.
Unfortunately it only work under certain situations.
— monkeyrun (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 8:20:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I would say hurt, personally. As someone who owns a 2004 LS which I bought new, I would be one of the people they are/were trying to up-sell to the new model. If they had spent their money on other useful features, instead of something which was gimmicky, didn't work well, and I would never use, I might have been more inclined to buy another.

That said, Lexus has done very well knowing their target market in the past, so I could be the minority.
— sigmabody (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2007 10:42:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

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Has the self park feature HELPED or HURT the image of the Lexus LS?

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