Lexus Claims New Design Philosophy Is Post Puberty - What The Heck Does That Mean?

Earlier this month, Lexus revealed its latest concept at Geneva, the LF-SA. Although Lexus denies it, this concept seems to indicate an intention to build a Mini and Audi A1 rival at some point. And yes, it very much has love it or outright despise it styling. In fact, that’s pretty much the new design philosophy in general. Not a fan of it? Too bad, because according to Lexus’s European chief, Alain Uyttenhoven, that radical look isn’t going anywhere. "We’re 25 years old now," stated Uyttenhoven.
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TheSteve - 3/30/2015 2:45:23 PM

+5 Boost

Article: according to Lexus’s European chief, Alain Uyttenhoven, "that radical look isn’t going anywhere".

I have to agree. It certainly isn't going anywhere with me.

TheSteve - 3/30/2015 3:00:39 PM

0 Boost

I also want to add that what any one individual likes or doesn't (like me), doesn't matter! What matters is if a sufficiently high number of consumers are willing to put down enough money to make it worth Lexus's while. According to the article, that's already happening, and consumers are allegedly stating that the new, polarizing styling that's making them buy.

If that's true, and it continues to work for Lexus, then losing old customers isn't a big deal. BMW did that when they alienated many BMW faithful (like me) with their Flame Surface styling language, while also picking up enough new consumers to make it worth their while and stay profitable.

So does it matter that a four-time BMW customer jumps ship and orders his next vehicle elsewhere? Nope! There are others to take my place. Does it matter that some existing Lexus customers will leave the brand, and that the polarizing styling is unattractive to many? Nope! The are sufficient numbers of consumers who like it, and are making it worth Lexus's time to keep on going in this direction.

Bottom line: It doesn't matter if a lot of people like it or hate it. You just need enough people to buy it at a profitable price.

Agent009 - 3/30/2015 3:42:06 PM

-3 Boost

@TheSteve - you have a good point there.

The puberty comment is a bit odd.

jeffgall - 3/30/2015 8:16:57 PM

+3 Boost

I second Steve's first comment. That design is not going anywhere near my garage.

dumpsty - 4/1/2015 11:17:59 AM

+1 Boost

This makes me think that b/c Toyota has always just (1) designed their vehicles & (2) then put them out to sell to consumers. It never really seems like they're asking for "user feedback" for anything. With their most recent design theme, they know its radical but they aren't going to revert it b/c a few Americans want older style designs.

Lexus is space-age, future tech luxury. They are purposely trying NOT to be like M-B, BMW, Audi.

Dr550 - 3/30/2015 8:00:41 PM

0 Boost

Lexus has millions of Toyota consumers looking to buy up and also have better dealer service. Not hating, but when I see a Lexus I always think which Toyota is underneath. LX:Landcruiser; ES:Camry; NX:RAV-4. Most consumers would not know, but I will. Still not fooled 25 years later.

skytop - 3/30/2015 8:46:06 PM

+6 Boost

Can't be any UGLIER than Lexles make it. Lexles must be on heavy drugs.

Dexter1 - 3/30/2015 10:34:53 PM

+2 Boost

Another crazy eyesore from planet Lexus.