Lexus USA May 2009 sales are in, and while it’s not exactly a dramatic turnaround, there are some minor improvements over last month:
| April | Year to Date | |||||
| 2009 | 2008 | % CHG | 2009 | 2008 | % CHG | |
| IS | 2,913 | 5,420 | -44.2 | 12,216 | 21,936 | -43.4 |
| ES | 4,125 | 6,831 | -37.3 | 16,445 | 27,430 | -39.1 |
| GS | 516 | 1,708 | -68.6 | 3,102 | 7,846 | -59.8 |
| SC | 93 | 216 | -68.6 | 403 | 1,076 | -62.0 |
| LS | 830 | 2,115 | -59.2 | 4,051 | 10,029 | -59.0 |
| Total Cars | 8,477 | 16,290 | -46.0 | 36,217 | 68,317 | -46.2 |
| RX | 7,462 | 8,082 | -4.1 | 32,614 | 36,690 | -9.7 |
| GX | 668 | 1,394 | -50.2 | 2,878 | 7,904 | -63.0 |
| LX | 315 | 827 | -60.4 | 1,477 | 3,547 | -57.7 |
| Total Trucks | 8,445 | 10,303 | -14.9 | 36,969 | 48,141 | -22.0 |
| Total Sales | 16,922 | 26,593 | -33.9 | 73,186 | 116,458 | -36.2 |
The new RX 350 is doing its part for the bottom line—as the only Lexus built in North America, the press release breaks it down individually—the new SUV is up 1.6% over last year. That makes the RX 350 the first positive number since the LX 570 back in December 2008.
All other numbers are showing minor 3-5% improvements over last month, but it’s still a grim scene. One thing to look for in next month’s numbers is the debut of the IS-C. Can it repeat the 2010 RX success and bring IS sales closer to the black?