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Lexus success evident

Agent001 submitted on 08/11/2006 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 6:20 PM
from: www.businessweek.com

[22] user comments | category: Report Cards

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Lexus success evident

The redesigned GS 430 sedan is a product of that strategy. It's priced and powered as if sights had been firmly set on the reigning midsize bad boys of German luxury, the 5 Series, E-Class, and A6. At $51,375, its base price is right in the middle of that peer group. And the 4.3-liter V8 which delivers 300 horses sets it ahead—on paper at least—of base sedans from both BMW and Mercedes. Read Article

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BMW530i - 8/11/2006 6:46:12 PM

+2 Boost

A 300-hp 4.3-l V8 will not cut it in Europe, and neither will the V6 option. They need a diesel and a 4-cylinder and a smaller V6: diesel and gasoline-wise.

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huu76 - 8/11/2006 9:00:14 PM

0 Boost

I'm rather surprised that the 5series to GS sales ration is only 2-1, I thought it was higher.

It's too bad they didn't actually drive the thing, I'd like to know how real world accel match up to the manufacturer's.

It's too bad Lexus doesn't go back to real names rather than the European postal code names. It might take away from the brand, but it's better than saying "Hey, look, I drive a 90210".

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MercBasher - 8/11/2006 10:00:17 PM

+1 Boost

Given that there's a GS 460 instead of a GS 430 about to be released I wasn't sure what the point of posting this article was! And anyway the GS is probably the least compelling of any Lexus sedan.

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Jovi - 8/12/2006 2:46:08 AM

+2 Boost

Couldnt agree more...

Why GS430 against German base Sedans? Is that all Lexus is trying to aim for?

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BMW530i - 8/12/2006 8:17:20 AM

+2 Boost

Why GS430 against German base Sedans? Is that all Lexus is trying to aim for?
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Lexus should be INSPIRED by the European base model sedans. Those are the cars that sell, not a GS300 or GS430.

Take a look at BMW's European 5-Series lineup:
520i
523i
525i
530i
535i (I assume this might be coming soon)
540i
550i

520d
525d
530d
535d

Now, Lexus GS lineup in Europe:
GS300
GS430
GS450h

Audi and Mercedes have similar offerings like BMW. The result of more engine choices increases APPEAL. Lexus really needs to offer more smaller engines (and DIESELS), there's no other way to say it. Until then, they'll continute to do poorly in Europe.

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Rupert - 8/12/2006 11:53:19 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

bmw530i, you are very right
think about the is and 3 series

european 3 series line up

318i
320i
325i
330i
335i (coming soon)

318d
320d
330d
335d (soon)
9 engines, in touring, saloon, coupe and soon convertible.
i know all the engines won't feature in all models (318d is unlikely in coupe or convertible) but still, it's huge range

is lineup
is 250
is220d
2 engines in 1 saloon.

there are more engines in the 3 series lineup than there are in the entire european lexus range.
220d, 250, 300, 430, 400h, 450h, 460, 600h (is that what the ls hybrid will be called?)

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BMW530i - 8/12/2006 3:45:10 PM

0 Boost

It's so simple. Lexus could be successful in Europe if they did this - and offered cheaper trim levels like the Germans do.

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huu76 - 8/12/2006 8:58:28 PM

0 Boost

BMW530i,
But isn't that Toyota's job? Personally, I'd feel pretty stupid sitting in a stripped down Benz/Lexus. That "trying too hard" feeling just doesn't sit well with me.

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SixxFive - 8/13/2006 3:41:15 AM

0 Boost

That explains why Audi sales are down....

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BMW530i - 8/13/2006 6:17:20 AM

+1 Boost

huu76,

But isn't that Toyota's job? Personally, I'd feel pretty stupid sitting in a stripped down Benz/Lexus. That "trying too hard" feeling just doesn't sit well with me.
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No. European luxury is different from American luxury. In Europe, smaller engined luxury cars are a common sight. There's no shame in offering 4-cylinders in a Lexus in Europe, and diesels.

American luxury demands power and excess, hence powerful uneconomical luxury cars with power are sought after, but not so in Europe.

Leave Toyota out of this. Toyota isn't luxury in Europe. They don't sell a premium Toyota in Europe. They do in Japan (Crown, Mark II etc.) and America (Avalon). ;)

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Rupert - 8/13/2006 11:05:18 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

a broad spectrum is good in europe, thats why vw having audi is so useful, as they sell anyting from a vw fox to an audi a8 and still make a ton of money.

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M53R - 8/13/2006 11:21:37 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Actually , I think that Lexus is Audi's competitor more than MB or BMW's. They both offer less engine ranges than BMW and MB. example A6 v6 3.2 and a6 V8 4.2
GS300 and GS430 (although audi has the S6)

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BMW530i - 8/13/2006 3:23:00 PM

+2 Boost

M53R,

Audi offers more engines in Europe.

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