Good Move? Lexus Choosing To Focus On Higher End Models - Entry Level Not A Priority

Premium cars priced below $30,000 are coming back. Last year Buick introduced the Verano, a smallish sedan that's based off the Chevrolet Cruze and starts under $23,000. Acura followed with the ILX, which shares underpinnings with the Honda Civic and will start "well below $30,000" when it hits dealerships this spring. Mercedes is still on track to roll out a family of compact cars stateside.

Toyota's Lexus division wants none of it. Lexus has just one car below the $30,000 mark, the pint-sized CT 200h hybrid, and it sells well enough. But the automaker wants none of the near-luxury pie, said Brian Smith, marketing vice president.



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LJ745 - 2/21/2012 4:11:48 PM

+2 Boost

Considering the 3 series is the best selling BMW and the C-class the best selling Mercedes, it seems that focusing on the equivalent Lexus, the IS, would make the most sense. The GS was never a great car.

Agent009 - 2/21/2012 4:32:56 PM

+3 Boost

The GS and the IS have potential. The designs were sound, however the execution was for a 65 year old.

Baby - 2/21/2012 5:10:11 PM

+2 Boost

LJ the GS was too a great car in the late 90's early 2000's.

LexSucks - 2/21/2012 5:15:46 PM

+1 Boost

"The GS and the IS have potential. The designs were sound, however the execution was for a 65 year old."

- Bite your tongue!!!

AgentOrange - 2/21/2012 4:13:52 PM

+3 Boost

If they focus on higher end models like the one in the black dress, then I'd say they're on the right track..

dlin - 2/22/2012 9:24:26 AM

+1 Boost

Lexus knows how to play the game and that'll bring lots of pressure on German competitors. If INFINITI is also shifting to elec steering, then my next car will either be Lexus or BMW, depending how well the former's engine turns out. So far bimmer's turbo I-4 seems hard to beat.