Lexus Concedes They Are No Longer In The Running For Top Spot In 2011

The long reign of Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus atop the U.S. luxury car market is almost certain to come to an end this year, a victim of an aging lineup and production disruptions caused by the March 11 earthquake in Japan.

Shutdowns at Toyota plants in Japan, where all Lexus models except one, the RX 350 sport-utility, are made, threaten its already thin hopes of retaining its crown for the year, concedes Mark Templin, Lexus general manager in North America.

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LexSucks - 4/18/2011 3:51:54 PM

-5 Boost

They will always be #1 in my book.

Willis - 4/18/2011 4:03:29 PM

+9 Boost

Sarcasm detected!

Dr550 - 4/18/2011 6:03:23 PM

-3 Boost

Hope the HS production line is stopped. It looks like a Yaris and has the "Bangle butt" the ToyBoys love to talk about. CT halt would also be good. Not hating, but these cars are boring to look at.

Monopoly - 4/18/2011 7:35:21 PM

-5 Boost

@Dr550
I concur completely with your comments. Alleged innovation is one thing. Sheer stupidity and lack of insight is another. These 2 dork mobiles (HS & CT) should have never seen the light of day.

Enough is enough! Lexus, it's time to start designing and producing REAL LUXURY automobiles again (not awkward looking sub-compacts with high end leather interiors)before it's too late.

knowitall1985 - 4/18/2011 8:35:08 PM

+2 Boost

Only thing that really matters is if they make money or not. Anyone can buy business for a short period.....

david999 - 4/18/2011 9:15:25 PM

+4 Boost

Tough times for Lexus this year. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. In the next 3 years they will have a whole new lineup that will emphasize luxury and sport, starting with a new GS, ES, SC, and IS.

enthusiastx11 - 4/18/2011 9:44:02 PM

-3 Boost

and everyone else will too.... they'll still be behind the 8 ball.

enthusiastx11 - 4/19/2011 1:31:37 PM

0 Boost

sports...lots of new BMWs and lots more coming....

all-new 3-series coupes, convertible, sedans, and wagons; 3-series GT; M5, M3 coupe and convertible, etc.

but i'll wait for that EXCITING new ES (for my grandmother) and GS (for my 62 year old mom)

enthusiastx11 - 4/19/2011 1:29:01 PM

0 Boost

silly sportsbike. you don't need to worry. just look at the recent track record of BMW vs. lexus....

lexus has recently introduced the HS (bomb), CT (boring) and the IS convertible (lady car).

bmw has recently introduced 2 versions of the X3, 5 versions of the 5-series sedan, the 6-series coupe and convertible, the IS versions of the Z4 and 3-series coupe, new 1-series coupes and convertibles and the 1M coupe.

hmmm...which list looks more impressive?