Lexus VP Says NX and GX Demand Remain Strong But Almost Decade Of Neglect Has Hampered LS Sales

A year after its launch, U.S. sales of the Lexus NX compact CUV remain strong, but supply of the vehicles likely will remain static.

“We’ll continue to push for more. Our dealers are certainly looking for more, (but) it’s going to continue to be a negotiation with (Toyota in Japan), because it’s so popular globally,” Jeff Bracken, senior vice president and general manager for Lexus in the U.S. tells WardsAuto in an interview.

Toyota builds the NX in Kyushu, Japan, for 89 markets and in 2015 could allot only about 40,000 units for export to the U.S.

U.S. sales of the NX for the year (24,386 units) are pacing toward 40,000, but the vehicle spiked in July, up 19.0% to 4,337 from year-ago’s 3,503.

Car4Life - 8/20/2015 10:44:11 AM

+1 Boost

Ummm that and the S Class...

carsnyc - 8/20/2015 12:44:13 PM

+2 Boost

Yes and no Car4LIfe. The S class is almost in a league of its own. I think that despite Toyota's plans and ambitions from back in the 90s, the LS has been for a long time now more of a Equus, Q70 or Paethon/A8 competitor.

Car4Life - 8/20/2015 2:23:04 PM

+3 Boost

carsync, I'd have to disagree, volume wise the LS sells more than A8 and plays leapfrog with the 7 series temporarily, the LS runs circles around the Equus, Q70, and Phaeton autos you listed and is quieter than the A8 and outgoing 7 series.

The fact is the S Class is the only one that consistently outsells the LS along with the 7 series and A8, while yes the S Class has elevated itself to new levels, don't think for a minute Lexus, BMW, or Audi have not been aiming for it.

The truth is no one can keep up...

GMCadillac - 8/20/2015 3:56:05 PM

0 Boost

Why does LS sell? Because of that cheap crappy price and reliability. If LS had none of them, then there is no way in heck it could even compete with any brand from Germany.

And Lexus really needs more cheap crap, because honestly, this brand competes with something like Buick.

In reality, no one even thinks LS is better than an S class, 7 series or an A8.

MDarringer - 8/20/2015 8:05:55 PM

-1 Boost

@Car4Life You noted: "...don't think for a minute Lexus, BMW, or Audi have not been aiming for it."

Well in that respect, BMW already has missed. The new 7 Series looks like the previous one with a big chrome hockey stick grafted on.

The Audi Prologue is supposed to preview Audi's radical new design language, which is dull, played out, and stand still.

I don't think the Lexus LS will displace the S Class.

I do think a Cadillac Sixteen or an Elmiraj could take a very decisive swing at the S Class however because it would in no way compete directly and would be its own arrogant premium barge statement like the S Class does but the 7 Series, A8, and LS most decidedly don't.

knowitall1985 - 8/20/2015 6:23:32 PM

0 Boost

It is better to be assumed the village mute, then confirmed the village idiot...gm is confirmed....

GMCadillac - 8/20/2015 8:20:48 PM

0 Boost

Oh, this knownothingmoron is always here because all he can afford is some used Lexus ES lol!

I feel sorry for you, when are you moving to Fukushima, dumbass? lol!!!

knowitall1985 - 8/22/2015 12:33:48 PM

+1 Boost

After 30yrs in the car business I forgot more then you ever knew....LOL!!!