USA
The March sales numbers for Lexus USA are in:
| MONTH | Year to Date (*DSR) | |||||
| 2010 | 2009 | % CHG* | 2010 | 2009 | % CHG* | |
| ES | 3,860 | 3,225 | 15.1 | 9,132 | 8,771 | 5.5 |
| HS | 1,494 | 0 | N/A | 3,453 | 0 | N/A |
| LS | 894 | 852 | 0.9 | 2,785 | 2,456 | 14.9 |
| SC | 30 | 78 | -63.0 | 81 | 227 | -63.8 |
| GS | 645 | 625 | -0.8 | 1,662 | 2,118 | -20.5 |
| IS | 3,137 | 2,432 | 24.0 | 7,331 | 6,979 | 6.5 | Total Cars | 10,060 | 7,212 | 34.1 | 24,444 | 20,551 | 20.6 |
| LX | 314 | 289 | 4.5 | 850 | 898 | -4.1 |
| GX | 1,785 | 561 | 205.9 | 4,787 | 1,705 | 184.6 |
| RX | 8,060 | 6,177 | 25.5 | 19,442 | 18,915 | 4.2 | Total Trucks | 10,159 | 7,027 | 39.0 | 25,079 | 21,518 | 18.1 | Total Sales | 20,219 | 14,239 | 36.5 | 49,523 | 42,069 | 19.3 |
Lexus led all luxury brands for the month, posting a substantial 36.5% increase in overall sales by daily rate and a 42.0% increase by overall volume. On the car front, the ES and IS lines posted healthy gains, up 15.1% and 24.0% respectively. The refreshed LS line held steady, and the new GX and RX lines continued to show strong growth. Revised models and the improved economy are likely factors to the big sales increase, along with sweetened lease and financing deals.
Overall, it seems that Lexus sales are continuing their recovery from industry-wide difficulties in 2009, although the coming months will tell if Lexus can maintain its luxury market leadership for longer than a decade. Already BMW execs have claimed that they expect Lexus to maintain its lead this year, but that they hope to take the luxury sales crown in 2012 (after saying they would do so in 2009). Lexus spokeswoman Nancy Hubbell responded this month that being the top seller in the luxury segment “has never been our goal.” With the exchange rate affecting profitability, it’s quite likely that overall sales numbers are just part of the equation.
Canada
Lexus Canada had a slight drop in sales for March compared to last year, selling 4.4% less vehicles for a total of 1,303 units.
[Sources: Lexus Pressroom and PR Newswire]
Congrats on the gains!
Lexus Canada first major loss. Honestly Lexus better revamp the SC before it hits 0 sales
BMW is gonna make FWD cars to try to get ahead, and Lexus execs are laughing their butts off, telling me, “I told you that RWD isn’t everything!” Sigh…
Good job on the jump, but I’d say the same about other automakers!
@jesseps:
- Mercedes promised us their sexiest car with the E-class coupe; they succeeded.
- BMW also promised us their sexiest car with the next-generation 6-series. I have some hopes in them.
- Lexus too promised us their sexiest car with the next-generation SC. I really hope Lexus doesn’t embarrass themselves… They better take their time, but remember that they had since 2001 when the 2nd-generation was revealed, people made comments, and new cars slowly gained better exteriors because of the almighty Chris Bangle.
Oh, and Lexus better upgrade the LX’s interior. The new QX56 has certain oddities, but the interior is more apparent with its use of wood and leather. (I know… the QX’s center dash is kinda like the Hyundai EQUUS’s when compared to its competitors’.)
@WorldofLuxury: Lots of interesting cars coming, for sure, but from my sources there’s been just hints and rumors of the next SC, but nothing about it being the sexiest Lexus or even being built at all…(please do that though!)
so the only negative sedan/coupe is the SC
amazing
another good thing the sales of GS too low but it’s up again from long time
I heard that the new IS will be launched in 2011. Someone has some news about it?
All these figures make sense to me. The dramatic drop in the SC line is not surprising at all, as many informed owners will wait for the next-gen SC.
Personally, the SC has never really attracted me. It’s two big and bulky-looking with any real aerodynamic look, like, say the BMW M6. It’s a giant car, but it still looks fashionable and intimidating, and I don’t believe the SC possesses these traits.
It also looks like people are enjoying the new GX, which is also nice to see.
However, I’m a little puzzled about the monthly numbers for the GS. It sold 645 units in March 2010, and 625 units in March 2009, yet there is a sales DECLINE of 0.8%? Or should that say an INCREASE of 0.8%?
@Taylor: On an overall # basis, it’s up, but based on days available on sale, it’s a different #.