Lexus Vehicle Shortages Already Being Felt, Brand May Never Regain Number One Spot In Sales

I have to say it is sad to see that this juggernaut was derailed by not by competition but by a disaster of biblical proportion. In a fair world the strongest should be on top based on quality, value, and leadership. Not by geographical location.

they're not derailed. they were smart enough to move production to multiple locations in north america. the RX, for example, is made in canada.

plus they still have a 30-day inventory on hand....so sales have not yet been affected.

I think it's far too early to say, "never"...unless you expect Lexus to close shop in the next 10-20 years or to give-up producing model updates, do you?

The recession, the earthquake & tsunami, and the radiation are all unforeseeable events that has affected the corporation today. The Toyota/Lexus corporate structure is fairly strong and has already made adjustments to its business models. Japan will soon start full-scale recovery and re-construction. And in the next few years, we'll see Toyota/Lexus regain its previous strength.

"Longer term, Lexus likely may not be the best-selling luxury brand ever again, as Mercedes-Benz and BMW move further down-market to hit fuel economy targets."

009, was that YOUR statement, or was that Mr. Mark Templin's statement?
you have an tendency of putting your words in other people's mouth as well as making bold statements (and hate anything that's not German, should i include that?)

making your own statement/predication when you quoting others without making it explicit is poor journalism.

wasn't you also predicted BMW/MB would out sold Lexus in year 2008/2009/2010/2011 and how lexus was in trouble every year for the past 5 years?

i was on this site long enough to recall all those crazy posts.

That quote is from the article posted. I believe it will be at least 3 more years before Lexus can be the sales leader again based on the new product line.

we need more LFAs, less Elephants

Supercars don't save car companies.

Bread and butter products do.

Who ever makes the most money WINS.............

"Longer term, Lexus likely may not be the best-selling luxury brand ever again, as Mercedes-Benz and BMW move further down-market to hit fuel economy targets."

What kind of assinine statement is this? "May Not be". So that means they "may again be the best selling" also. The currenty downturn caused by the earthquake more than a aging product lineup "may" lead to a sales upturn also. duh. Only MB and BMW are making downmarket fuel efficient cars? What about the Lexus CT? Lexus is affected by fuel economy regs and gas prices also, and will be moving downmarket in terms of price points and engine sizes.

Since "Lexus" is a Toyota anyway they are classified as commodity luxury in a retail setting. So cars that are Camrys, Avensis, Land Cruisers and Avalons (basis for IS line) are downmarket to begin with. Toyota is reaching upmarket with these cars & trucks.