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Lexus Japan sold 12,000 LS460's in the first month--9 times more than the original sales projection

XeroK00L submitted on 10/20/2006 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 7:51:47 PM

87 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: | SOURCE: biz.yahoo.com

Tag Link: lexus japan ls460 first month sales figure

Toyota's (NYSE: TM - News) Japanese IR website reports approximately 12,000 LS460s were ordered/sold in the one month period since its launch, beating its monthly estimate of 1,300 by more than 9x.

As expected, its core customers were in the age group of 50-60 years, but Toyota reports broad acceptance by consumers in their 40s and younger.

Positive feedback from consumers includes praise for:

* Refined combination of luxury feeling and sportiness

* Newly developed V8 engine, smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, powerful acceleration, and quiet ride

* Safety features such as pre-crash safety system and the VDIM stability and traction control system

This news, in addition to mounting anticipation over its quarterly earnings release on November 7th, pushed its ordinary shares (Tokyo: 7203) higher by 1.5% to close at 6,880 yen ($115.90 ADR equivalent).

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Lexus Japan sold 12,000 LS460's in the first month--9 times more than the original sales projection

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Great. Let's see what will happen in Europe with new LS.
— AUDBMLEXMRC (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 12:10:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

That is a lot, surprisingly. More than I expected.
— BMW530i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 7:11:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

well the ultimate trannys are CVTs. but for some reason, they 1) have been slow in being developed/applied to high hp engines and 2) have been much criticized for the lack of "feel" real trannys provide.

in any case, no of speeds aside, the new LS tranny has fewer parts and is lighter. that in itself is an improvement. the extra gears are a bonus.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 4:14:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Well Well Well

Where are all the "Lexus is not even doing well in its' Home Country" People ??
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 8:01:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

lol
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 8:50:29 PM | | Votes: 1

How do they do that???

hmmmm.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 12:30:28 AM | | Votes: -1

Well they're not doing well in their country if sales are bellew projections.

It's like saing you have 3 flat tyres, and can't posibly go at a 100 mph speed like you said, but you're bragging that your good tyre gives you better grip that you tought.
— DarkOneForce (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:39:16 AM | | Votes: -3

DONT BUY THIS CAR. Wait for the 2024 ES, It will have ALL the stuff the LS460 does.
— montz (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 8:27:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

The new LS460 is fantastic to drive and simple to use. BMW/MB/Audi watch out. Usally I don't care for Lexus sound systems but this new Mark L is amazing. plus 4k songs right to the hard drive awesome, can't wait to drive it again on 10/24 event. It may get me out of my BMW. Will will love that.
— adoptgreyhounds (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 8:49:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I never had any doubt that Lexus could sell it's vehicles in it's own country successfully.
I don't think I would ever drive anything other than a Lexus!!
— 2JZSoarer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 9:11:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

i suspect prior difficulty in japan was due to all previous (U.S) lexuses were branded with Toyota logo.

customers weren't convinced the new Lexus logo (and presumed fancy new dealer showrooms) were worth the extra yen.

LS460 changes that.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 4:25:50 AM | | Votes: 1

"were" should be "being"
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 4:28:15 AM | | Votes: 0

Lexus is Lexus and no one can say anything bad about it. For it to be #1 in all areas, only tune the steering feel and suspension. The new LS is a big headache for the German cars, and oh yeah American lexus cars they're out of the picture ages ago.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 9:57:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I kind of doubt that the LS really is a big headake since both S klasse and 7 series sales are up this year.

Especially the S klasse who's sales basicaly doubled.
— DarkOneForce (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:36:38 AM | | Votes: -4

"Lexus is Lexus and no one can say anything bad about it."
Lexus is toyota, and there is plenty bad to say about both, unless boring, bland, conservative, derivative, soulless, passionless, et al, are considered 'good' things.

"For it to be #1 in all areas, only tune the steering feel and suspension."
So, basically, redesign it? Trust me, they ALL need more tuning than just those areas to compete.

"The new LS is a big headache for the German cars"
You know this, how? You toyota zealots are a trip. Everytime a new car comes from them, you all start with the death notices for the competetion. The gs came out, but what's this, the 5 series is still outselling it. The is comes out, and look, the 3 is still outselling it. The ls is coming out, and what's going to happen? The 7 is going to remain steady up until its redesign.

You all need to get over yourselves. Strong sales are a good thing, but they aren't the ONLY thing. If even Edmunds said the ls couldnt win their love, chances are it wont win it of the TRUE enthusiast and carlovers either.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 4:52:23 PM | | Votes: 1

I'm sorry to say that Lexus LS looks bloated and I'm sure the handling is as well.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 10:15:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

This new Lexus LS460 looks like a hammerhead shark.

Here's a photo.
http://zoo.ogresnet.com/goodies/wallpaper/Hammerhead%20Shark%201280960.jpg
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/21/2006 10:29:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

Where is BMW,MB,Audi fans now .....and This is only in Japan,,,how about over here, gremans better whitch it.
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 2:09:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Audi, BMW and MB still outsell Lexus overall in Japan.

PS: Learn to spell properly.
— BMW530i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:58:37 AM | | Votes: -3

No, I am annoyed at some of the immaturity on these boards.

And sadly, I tend to sink to its level. :(
— BMW530i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 1:37:02 PM | | Votes: -2

Actually, that is incorrect 530i.
BMW/MB combined outsell Toyota high-end models, but individually, Toyota outseld them. I think the sales for 2005 were 55k, and 40k/40k. I'll look for the link again.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2006 11:08:34 PM | | Votes: 1

interesting that before it was even released in NA, there were flurries of criticisms by the anti-Lexus crowd.

now that it's been on sale in japan for a month, it is far EXCEEDING even toyota's prior expectations.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 4:35:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

No it's not.
Audi USA sales ~77 k per year.

And actually Lexus Japan sales are (way) bellow projections.
— DarkOneForce (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:34:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

expectations for the LS460! did you not even read the article, or you just illiterate?
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2006 7:51:50 AM | | Votes: 1

QUESTION FOR WILL - One thing with Lexus vehicles, that I am not 100% convinced about is their safety record. I know they have Pre-Collision System like MB's Pre-Safe and have VDIM the all encompassing stability system. But what about their vehicle architecture, use of high strength/ultra high strength steel do they use it extensively like MB,BMW & Audi. What about their Euro NCAP crash test scores are they high? Can you please advise.
— mbrules (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:29:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

This is a Lexus press release. Of course they're going to claim the GS is the safest car in its class. I just saw the same thing coming from an MB website. ;)
— BMW530i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 3:39:36 PM | | Votes: -3

So that mean that the other cars are underperfoming considering Lexus Japan sales are bellow projections.

Now interesting would be to compare LS460 sales with Toyota Celsior of last years.

I smelling a PR spin. My idea is that the LS460 is actually selling poorer than the Celsior it replaced.
— DarkOneForce (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:32:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

It is always like this the German car fans try to put down solid numbers from Lexus all the time and then try to put down Lexus for not being sporty enough. It is the same arguments from them all the time and the same positive sales results from Lexus all the time. Lack of new put downs is what people are missing on this website.

It is like the energizer bunny, it just keeps going and going and going and going and going ;).
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:48:12 PM | | Votes: 0

"Well Well Well

Where are all the "Lexus is not even doing well in its' Home Country" People ??"

Absolutlely agree with u 195Speedingtickets.

Were are all of u,especially audi guys who have least respect for any other brand then Audi.

A month ago i was in Middle east for business purpose.Especially in UAE(Dubai and Sharjah).I have seen so many New Lexuses there.Believe me i have seen more ALL-NEW ES350s in ME than i have seen so far in the US.

Even the USED/RECONDITIONED LEXUSES MARKET is doing great.I have seen plenty of USED American specs Lexuses on their roads.And they don't come in cheap, the used car dealers are asking high pricess.

I asked a used car dealer about the price of a good conditioned US spec LS400,and he replied that
'A good condition,low mileage with Navi/TV 2000 model year LS400 comes in approx 90000 Dirhams*.
(*1 USD = 3.678 Dirhams)

I just mean that if u guys were thinking were all the previous years Lexuses go,this is the answer.They r exported to many countries.Because they have a looooooooooot of demand across the world.

Only because of these sales together with reconditioned cars sales,i repeat the sentence 'LEXUS DOMINATION OF THE WORLD'every time.

THIS IS...............LEXUS APPEAL

LEXUS FOR LIFE

JUGNU----->THE CARMAN
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 7:41:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

"Were are all of u,especially audi guys who have least respect for any other brand then Audi."

No, I like Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Cadillac, Ferrari, Jaguar, Infiniti, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab and Volkswagen.

And a few others that I've probably forgotten.

I feel that this offensive comment refers more to the die-hard BMW fans.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 2:29:07 PM | | Votes: -1

Projected annually this is an astounding rate. They were waiting for this with pent up demand.
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 10:57:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I don't know about UAE, apparently according to edmunds.com this is the country where the 7 series outsells the 5 series and the 5 series outsells the 3 series.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=109278
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:52:07 PM | | Votes: 1

I am sure that there are some, but "most" is not at all accurate. MOST are traded in at the local dealer where purchased, and sold as certified pre-owned Lexus.
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 12:02:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Lot of LEXUS fans in this site!
— AUDBMLEXMRC (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 12:19:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I am a California real estate agent and quite successful and in my experience the successful real estate agents drive Mercedes Benz.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 12:47:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Wow.. since EL34 and ALL the succesful real estate agents in california drive benz.. we all should drive benz too!! Screw Lexus/BMW/Audi/Infiniti or any other luxury brand out there!
— whoadiz (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 3:25:54 PM | | Votes: 2

What has that got to do with anything

Over Here If you drive an S-Class or 7-Series Sedan, you are regarded as a Chaueffeur.
— I95SPEEDINGTICKETS (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:02:54 PM | | Votes: 3

I'm starting to like it... but it would still be very hard for me to pick between this, the Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class.

And I'm glad I don't have to! Sedans are for my better half.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 2:25:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

In fact my car is more expensive than the S4 sedan...

By "better half", I meant my wife. :-S
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:34:49 PM | | Votes: 1

Why buy the LS460 when you can save thousands buying a Buick Lucerne because after all both cars drive like a couch and with the money saved buying the Buick you can invest in a Roth 401k and make money for your retirement.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 3:30:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

why bother with a benz when you buy an Avalon with as much lux features and FAR BETTER reliability and durability.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2006 8:01:45 AM | | Votes: 1

speaking of which, for all the comments about lexuses being just overpriced toyotas, ALL TOYOTAS, even the cheapest models, are better put together and more RELIABLE and DURABLE than the benz's CA r.e. floggers seem to prefer.

lexuses are in a class alone.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2006 8:13:19 AM | | Votes: 1

EL YOUR JOKES ARE SO LAME! NO WONDER ARNOLD IS YOUR GOVENOR!
— KeyserSoze (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 5:32:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

KeyserSoze, Arnold is 15 points up on his lefty opponent Phil Angelides.

Here's a another little something for you to ponder, in Republican Orange County this year the county created 38,175 new jobs! and Liberal Los Angeles created 40,264 new jobs.

What's the big deal about those figures?....Los Angeles is ten times bigger than Orange County.

In Orange County you will find 113,299 millionaires and that's a lot of Mercedes Benz S-Class on the streets.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 7:36:26 PM | | Votes: -2

I know it's likely a little too early since there is still a few more months of 2006 to go, but I would like to nominate EL34 as Autospies.com jackass poster of the year.

Back on topic, I am glad to see the LS doing well. For those that don't care for Lexus, why do give a damn how well or poorly they sell in Japan, the USA, or Antarctica? Lexus sales aren't going to hurt "you" will they?
— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 6:28:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

Hey, at least he's (SLIGHTLY) better than logical, eh?

Ahh, logical... there is no substitute.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 9:28:00 PM | | Votes: 1

it's cuz they're SO INSECURE, they THINK by undermining the NUMBER ONE car maker (in quality and soon to be volume as well), "their" favored brands mite somehow get more elevated. along with their fragile egos latching on like logo whores.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2006 8:08:46 AM | | Votes: 1

WILL - Thanks for the info. Two areas where lexus need to improve with safety is, one - their stability system. The cars that don't have VDIM have the standard Toyota version VSC (Vehicle Stability Controle.g. the ES. Lexus also lag behind in 4WD system, they only use the standard Toyota version of a 50:50 front/rear split. Meanwhile BMW's X Drive, MB 4Matic/4ETS, Audi Quattro and even Acura's SHAWD are superior to the Lexus system. These are couple of obvious areas Lexus need to improve as far as safety is concerned.
— mbrules (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 7:31:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

"Meanwhile BMW's X Drive, MB 4Matic/4ETS, Audi Quattro and even Acura's SHAWD are superior to the Lexus system."

"...and even Acura's SHAWD are superior to the Lexus system."

I don't like how you say that. SH-AWD is perhaps the most advanced AWD system on the market.

Even still, the next-gen quattro system (first being used on the A5 coupe) will be better.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 9:29:32 PM | | Votes: 3

S4cabriofox - Fair point, I was not trying to denegrate Acura. Agree, they do have the best AWD system currently in the market.

Can you give any details of the new gen Quattro on the upcoming A5.
— mbrules (View Profile)

Posted on 10/22/2006 10:34:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Wilco and S4cabriofox
I think u all r missing the AWD's Leader name.
The SYMMETRICAL AWD OF SUBARU.

Mbrules
Toyota now took control (Not fully though, bought some stake in it) of Subaru----A leader in AWD system.
So i believe shortly Toyota/Lexus will develop a new top of the line AWD System with Subaru and that system will take it's place in whole Lexus and Subaru Line-up.

As WILL said in another post of Mark Levinsion,that Sound System war is over.

I believe shortly even the AWD's WAR will be over.Toyota/Lexus and Subaru will be the new leaders in AWD SYSTEM.

JUGNU----->THE CARMAN
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2006 6:48:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

That's right I forgot about subie. This will help with AWD.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2006 9:19:05 PM | | Votes: 2

blah blah blah.. lexus this and lexus that..

as i predicted the their main selling point is the park assist..as seen in the commercials.. BIG SURPRISE!..

the LS does lose in the "looks" category to its competition
— luvmybmr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/23/2006 6:23:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

Ive seen three now, 2 for parking (inlcuding the one with the champagne flutes) and one for 8 speeds. I, along with everyone else in the room watching, was absolutley amazaed, floored, speechless. We kept replaying the parking ones.

1989 Lexus. The relentless pursuit of perfection.
199? Lexus. The passionate pursuit of perfection.
2007 Lexus. Perfection achieved.
— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2006 3:18:52 PM | | Votes: 2

"I, along with everyone else in the room watching, was absolutley amazaed, floored, speechless. We kept replaying the parking ones."

=======================================================

i think i made a post b4 on how you lexus boys (will) would be sitting on the side of the road clapping your hands while the LS parked itself. guess what you just proved me right.
— luvmybmr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/24/2006 3:54:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

A good start, already 25% of what BMW/MB sell in a year there.

If the LS is this well received, it only bodes well for the IS and GS as more buyers will shift to the smaller Lexus' cars if they can't afford the big one yet. Maybe Lexus has done a better job informing people these are not rebadged Toyotas.

I think the LS goes on sale next month doesn't it? or is it this one?
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2006 11:04:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Hmmm, now some ppl think Lexus needs AWD sedans? Toyota may not have the best system, but remember, Toyota owns part of Subaru now.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2006 11:10:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Oh crap, someone already mentioned it.
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/25/2006 11:11:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Lexus Japan sold 12,000 LS460's in the first month--9 times more than the original sales projection

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