41 Votes

Is Lincoln copying Lexus?

johnsmitny submitted on 3/24/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 8:02:59 PM

78 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: www.talkaphobe.com

Tag Links: lexus, lincoln, copy, mks, gs, commercial

The new Lincoln MKS has the slingshot design that the Lexus GS heavily uses and also throughout the Lexus line-up.

Is this a sign that Lincoln is trying to copy Lexus?

And if you've seen the new Lincoln MKZ commercial with the ramp and silver ball bearings, you'll know that it is quite reminiscent of the Lexus IS AWD silver ball bearing ad.

Here is the MKZ ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2U8IFLYgYg

(If you don't remember the IS commercial, the link is included in the article.)

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— johnsmitny (View Profile)

User Comments

are you kidding me? EVERYONE is copying lexus.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 8:28:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

And I think you need to book an appointment with the nearest eye doctor.
— bmwman1963 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 8:39:25 PM | | Votes: -4

"1995e34"

Your right. Everyone is copying Lexus. They see that Lexus is making all the dough $$$$ and been #1 sales auto luxury car in U.S. for back2back years. The other auto makers want money also, therefore whatever Lexus is doing to make all that dough they want to to make money to.

Ford Motor Corp. Needs It!
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 4:14:36 AM | | Votes: -10

"Spellchecker001" What a very dumb comment

Don't forget it's toyota corolla that is the #1 selling car in the world.....

Now on Lexus...

Total Lexus Europe sales increased 72% in 2006 to over 50,000 vehicles, thanks to Europe making Lexus one of the fastest growing makes on the continent.
Thanks Europe!

Lexus vehicles in Russia and China are experiencing high demand, with higher per-dealership sales than any other market.

Thank you Russia and China!

In South Korea, with sales of the ES 350 spearheading its efforts, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury import since 2005in Taiwan, Lexus also became the top-selling luxury import.

Thank you South Korea and Taiwan!

In Australia, Lexus experienced high sales growth and ranked third in overall luxury import sales in 2006, with the IS model generating high demand.

Thank you Australia!

In 2007, Lexus sales captured the lead in the emerging Chinese luxury car market.

Thank you China!

Lexus is one of the fastest growing makes on the European continent.

Once again thank you thank you Europe!

Lexus sales have grown by 84% while in Scandinavia they shot up by 325%, a wake up call to Germany's premium auto makers.

Thank you Scandinavia, Europe

Toyota's steady domination of quality and service rankings is a wake up call for European auto makers.

Domination!!! :o
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 10:19:01 AM | | Votes: -1

"Spellchecker001"

Point is. Lexus is coming into markets making sales sales sales. Of course Some of the Europeans markets was a battle but Lexus has a great stragtegy and it seems to be working.

Make money copy Lexus. Don't copy Lexus loose money... Don't everybody wants the dough cause Lexus has it all....
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 10:23:37 AM | | Votes: -2

Also, another reason to copy Lexus is customer service satisfaction Lexus is #1, also with the best retention rate in the auto industry right after Toyota.
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 10:39:54 AM | | Votes: 0

If Mercedes don't start copying they will just Lexus lead them far behind.

Math Madness: Who Will Be The Premium Market Leaders in 2010 and to 2030?

http://www.autospies.com/news/Math-Madness-
Who-Will-Be-The-Premium-Market-Leaders-in-
2010-and-to-2030-22884/

Mercedes
Year: 2007 Units 255,026
2010 277,054
2015 318,075
2020 365,170
2025 419,238
2030 481,312

Lexus:
Year: 2007 Units 335,976
2010 380,112
2015 466,928
2020 573,573
2025 704,575
2030 865,498

By the year 2030 as you can see Lexus numbers will double the amount of Mercedes.

Copy Lexus are your future will dwindle and get very shallow.
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 10:44:48 AM | | Votes: -4

Silver, if you sold an average of 10000 widgets a year and then starting selling 20000 widgets a year, you'd have an increase of 100%. And that would sound great until you noticed that your competitors were already selling 1000000 widgets, and your 100% increase would be a tiny blip on their radar.

And that is what you have with Lexus outside the U.S. While Lexus sells more vehicles here than BMW, Mercedes or Audi, globally they are absolutely dwarfed, including in their home market. Audi sells 2.5 times as many vehicles worldwide as Lexus. Mercedes sells over 3 times as many. BMW sells almost 4 times as many. So those large Lexus increases in tiny markets don't mean much, as a large percentage increase of a tiny number is still going to be a pretty tiny number. A little less tiny, sure, but tiny nonetheless. If BMW's growth percentage is 1/4 of Lexus, Mercedes is 1/3, and Audi is 2/5, they're still growing as fast as Lexus is because they are building on much higher figures in the first place.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 10:49:42 AM | | Votes: -1

"JRobUSC"

The only reason because of that look how long those automakers have been establish. Lexus is only 20 years old, and Mercedes, BMW, Audi, or any other automaker saw this percentage growth in only their first 20 years. Lexus is just waking up. Once they are woke, there no stopping them.
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 11:59:25 AM | | Votes: -1

Maserati
— commander104 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 3:05:47 PM | | Votes: -1

Lexus LS 650h World's First 5.0 V12 Hybrid 2 Electric motors 500hp all-wheel drive
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 6:43:31 PM | | Votes: -1

1995e34 , Lexus is simply following the market trend like everyone else. Nobody is copying Lexus. There are better cars to copy if that is anyone's game.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 4/1/2008 12:03:46 AM | | Votes: 1

Lincoln is so lost, they don't know what to do. I wouldn't be surprised to see them emulate Lexus, since Ford's new boss, Alan Mullaly is a huge Lexus fan. He once claimed that the LS430 was the 'finest car in the world' (What a moron!)
Can't you see how the Five Hundred/Taurus looks just like the last generation LS(430)?
— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 8:33:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

Pushrod27: No, but I can see how the Five Hundred/Taurus looks like a B5 Passat.
— BennyILL (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 8:36:15 PM | | Votes: 6

pushrod27, the Ford 500 looks like a Mercedes.

It's the Lexus that looks like a Mercedes as well.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 8:48:05 PM | | Votes: -6

Actually, the Ford bought out Jaguar; hence Taraus becamer oval shape on just about everything from door handles to the grill..Basicall the Ford Taraus copied a Jag.
— Homer008 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 10:32:24 PM | | Votes: -7

haha, is that why the new Jaguar XF looks like the Lexus GS from the sides? Wow, it all makes sense now...
— johnsmitny (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 10:43:54 PM | | Votes: 4

johnsmitny, Lexus ripped off the old Cadillac Eldorado's profile.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 12:12:46 AM | | Votes: -2

They should.
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 8:49:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Are they copying lexus? I hope so.
— sholemon (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 8:49:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Those tail lights look like they copied Maserati.

There's no way they copied a squirrely lookin' ToyLex.

Who else needs to be schooled?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 8:50:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Exactly, why pick out Lexus to be the benchmark? they obviously went striaght to Maseratti.
— commander104 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 3:04:18 PM | | Votes: 0

EL34 - What kind of Mercedes looks like a Ford 500.
— BennyILL (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 9:06:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

From the back the Ford 500 and many other car companies have ripped off Mercedes with their V shape trunk and tail lights :-/
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 12:10:53 AM | | Votes: -5

The back of the 500 looks just like the last gen S class and C class. How'd you miss that?!
— M35MT (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 9:34:40 AM | | Votes: 2

Not w/ that FWD/AWD crap they aren't. They wanna compete w/ Real RWD Toyota's , then well, bring back the RWD V8 LS. Lincoln isn't even at ES 350 level, I don' even like ES 350 cuz it's an over priced FWD, but its freakin fast (full defeatable traction ctrl.) and drives a million times better than an MKZX or whateever it is.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 3/24/2008 9:48:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The ES actually does drive better than the Camry. I've driven both and I don't even see a resemblance between the two as far as quality goes. The ES is much better.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 2:36:34 AM | | Votes: 0

I drove the current MKZ, whichever it is and someone i know has to have a new ES 350, so i drove that too. Fact is, this ford motors can't come close to revving like a Toyota motor, which provides driving pleasure whether something is FWD or RWD.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 9:48:55 AM | | Votes: -3

I wouldn't say the ES drives better than a Camry V6 SE. Don' know what you describe as better, but the V6 SE has much tighter driving characteristics for a FWD than the ES 350 and the SE is faster still. Too much weight on the ES from luxury items.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 9:53:37 AM | | Votes: -1

well, after all... Lexus IS focused on building luxury cars, not sporty ones. That's where the "F" brand comes in I guess
— johnsmitny (View Profile)

Posted on 3/26/2008 3:07:14 PM | | Votes: 1

Lately I've felt Lincoln has been quietly looking at Cadillac for ideas on how to carry the company successfully into the future. I haven't really seen any Lexus cues or trademarks in a Lincoln.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 12:18:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Hence the purpose for this article.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 2:37:42 AM | | Votes: 0

exactly. haha
— johnsmitny (View Profile)

Posted on 3/26/2008 3:15:25 PM | | Votes: 1

Maybe, maybe not. However its cool how Lincoln's "copy" looks better than the GS. Oh and FYI maybe some reminence of Lexus would be because some former Toyota/Lexus workers went to work for FOMOCO. The writers of this article would have a definite argument if the look at the Hyundai Genesis, looks a lot like the Lexus LS.
— Tonee (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 1:30:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

yeah, I agree. even if (keyword: if) the MKS was copied from the GS, it still looks sharper than the GS. which is a good thing
— travis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 3:09:13 AM | | Votes: 0

Lexus' instant success on the luxury market is something other manufacturers, who don't do so well, envy. Take Hyundai for example. They've been trying to follow in Lexus' footsteps and even took some of Lexus' designs. Lincoln is, compared to other luxury brands, unsuccessful. So like Hyundai, why not copy Lexus if it means better sales? I find this tactic pathetic and lazy, personally.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 2:32:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Rather than copying, I think it is just the latest trends in automotive design... that is why we see so many similar design cues in modern vehicles
— travis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 3:06:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

There are difference between Copying and Benchmarking. And YES, Merc and BMW benchmarks from Lexus and vice versa. Whether you like it or not all car manufacturers does that.
— Bu6alal (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 3:40:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

it's weird because I think Toyota is one of the very few car makers that actually have different/unique interiors and exteriors across its lineup.
— johnsmitny (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 3:01:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Again, the amount of ridiculous comments here is mind-boggling.

To think most manufacturers don't "copy" from others' playbooks is ridiculous. Of course they do - some to a greater extent than others. And they all have strengths and weaknesses. I'm not a Lexus fanboy (so don't start berating me), and while they may be slow to succeed in the rest of the world, but there's no denying that theirs was a text-book case in brilliant marketing and execution and will be studied in business schools for years to come. I also have no doubt that they will eventually succeed outside the US. None of this is to say that their cars are original, inspiring, better-performing or anything else - they do what they do well and appeal to a lot of people.

As for Lincoln, this is a sad case, and I have no doubt that they are now trying to emulate the lower end of the Lexus line. They've blown their whole history, and will take a long time before they are ever on par with Cadillac, let alone anyt other luxury makes. And while I first thought this MKZ/MKS strategy was a mistake (forget that the cars are unremarkable), the MKZ and MKX are doing well because they hit a good luxury/price/value point, even though you can argue that the same cars can be had as Fords for less money. And the MKS, if priced right, should do well.

— Hachee2001 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 9:16:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I haven't really noticed any Lexus cues on Lincoln vehicles lately, but if they are really copying Lexus, good for them.
It's called BENCHMARKING, and Lexus is quite a benchmark to follow.
— 07G35J (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 9:39:29 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I just don't know what Rolls Royce and Bentley going to do when Lexus releases the LS 650h World's first V12 Hybrid Engine at $150,000.
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 10:25:38 AM | | Votes: 3

GS is RWD, this crap is FWD/AWD, u can't do a peel out/burn out in this! I drove the silly MKZ (the squarer looking one) and an ES 350 is much better driving than it,yes I drove both, Hertz rents the current MKZ.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 9:46:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Lexus doesn't copy anyone.. But I do wonder where they got that Bangle butt.
— AgentOrange (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 10:40:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

You don't see very much. Are you blind?
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 12:15:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Only Lexus Women Lexus cars are the RX, SC, and ES.. The rest are Male
— silver1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 12:48:03 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I see celebrities driving RX's all the time in like paparazzi shots
— johnsmitny (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 5:52:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The only time lexus is 'copied' or benchmarked is when its easy stuff, like quiet interiors, soft ride, customer asskissing. Well, I suppose that's actually all they have worth benchmarking, since that's all they have going for them.

But still, those qualities are simple and easy to duplicate. Try something like driving dynamics, handling, braking, looks, etc., and the name lexus doesnt even cross the competition's mind.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 1:15:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The only thing similar is just the marbles, otherwise, there's no copy. I hate this thing with the flame wars.
— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 3:36:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I think that's what the article was trying to point out haha
— johnsmitny (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 5:52:36 PM | | Votes: 1

Whats the big deal? Auto companies borrow from eachother for ideas. Do not tell me early Lexus's were not Mercedes clones.
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 6:53:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Yeah that makes a lot of sense. Lexus is still "copying" from Mercedes. The LS reclining seats has Maybach-inspired accommodations lol.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 7:04:05 PM | | Votes: -1

or inspired from commercial airline cabins maybe? A little off topic but I don't know... all these gadgets, wouldn't they drain out the battery quicker than usual, ordinary cars?
— johnsmitny (View Profile)

Posted on 3/26/2008 3:13:39 PM | | Votes: 1

But in the end you know what matters the most? is that all the automakers are borrowing from each other. You can even call them working together to make the auto world a better place with healthy competition. Just because for 10 years people buy a Mercedes doesn't mean they won't buy a Jaguar, BMW, Audi, or Lexus. Perhaps it's got to the point where cars are so perfectly made that it all becomes subjective to the styling and styling ONLY.

I think the current BMW 7, MB S, Audi A8, Jag XJ, and LS have great things to offer.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 7:08:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Why is Lexus so good? I don't get it. Drive a BMW, MBenz, Audi, or Porsche, I sure you will feel the difference. Of couse, someone will say Lexus is better. Really? I don't see it that way. But on the other hand, Lexus is the only automaker in the group to offer hybrid. Other than hybrids, I am not thinking about Lexus. Pricing too high.
— MZauto (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 8:20:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

You don't get it because you don't own a Lexus. That's why.
— johnsmitny (View Profile)

Posted on 3/26/2008 2:12:20 AM | | Votes: 1

Audi? Except for RS line, Audi's are slow and AWD. Lex offers true RWD in most of their line up. An ES 350 is faster than an A6.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 3/26/2008 11:44:47 AM | | Votes: 1

I wont say I dont get what's so good about them, but to me, there's not enough good about them to make me want one. If I wanted a cushy quiet ride and to have my @ss kissed when I go in for service, Id consider one. But since Im a driver and enjoy pushing my cars when it's safe to do so, I'll continue to look elsewhere.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 3/26/2008 9:29:53 PM | | Votes: 1

oh, the other thing is, I think everybody is copying from everybody.
— MZauto (View Profile)

Posted on 3/25/2008 8:21:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

EVERY automaker that is seriously trying to improve quality and profitability is copying, not lexus but TOYOTA.

the Toyota Production System to be precise. an assembly PROCESS that toyota invented, and refined over a 20 year period, which is what enabled them to build in "quality at NO COST."

the "just in time" assembly innovation has transformed other industries besides the auto industry. it has enabled toyota to become the world's most efficient, lowest cost producer of cars. quality of parts aside, it also ensures production of the BEST PUT TOGETHER vehicles anywhere on the planet.

those who DO NOT copy toyota in their assembly method, will just fall behind and behinder.

styling is subjective, and yes, styling cues are borrowed and swapped among ALL the car makers. but UNDER the sheetmetal, car makers are seeing they MUST copy toyota/lexus OR DIE.

— ChicaneShooter (View Profile)

Posted on 3/26/2008 7:47:52 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

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Is Lincoln copying Lexus?

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