USA
Lexus USA has reported their sales numbers for December, putting 2009 in the books:
| December | Year to Date | |||||
| 2009 | 2008 | % CHG | 2009 | 2008 | % CHG | |
| IS | 4,153 | 3,539 | 9.0 | 38,077 | 49,432 | -23.0 |
| HS | 1,980 | 0 | N/A | 6,699 | 0 | N/A |
| ES | 6,531 | 5,236 | 15.8 | 48,485 | 64,135 | -24.4 |
| GS | 1,063 | 1,200 | -17.7 | 7,430 | 15,759 | -52.9 |
| SC | 50 | 116 | -60.0 | 720 | 1,986 | -63.7 |
| LS | 2,085 | 1,451 | 33.4 | 11,334 | 20,255 | -44.0 |
| Total Cars | 15,862 | 11,542 | 27.6 | 112,745 | 151,567 | -25.6 |
| RX | 11,815 | 9,932 | 10.5 | 93,379 | 84,181 | 10.9 |
| GX | 502 | 1,380 | -66.2 | 6,235 | 16,424 | -62.0 |
| LX | 386 | 508 | -29.4 | 3,616 | 7,915 | -54.3 |
| Total Trucks | 12,703 | 11,820 | -0.2 | 103,230 | 108,520 | -4.9 |
| Total Sales | 28,565 | 23,362 | 13.5 | 215,975 | 260,087 | -17.0 |
Easily the highlight of the month is a 33.4% increase in LS sales over last year, which could be an early indication that the LS Sport/minor refresh is being well received. Another point is the increase in ES sales, as it suggests that the vehicle’s recent recall has done little to affect sales.
For the year overall, sales were significantly affected by the US recession, especially in the first half. The last quarter’s positive gains did a lot to reduce the negative numbers, but in the end, 44,112 less Lexus vehicles were sold in the USA.
The hardest-hit model has to be the GS. A 52.9% single year sales decrease speaks volumes—the buying public is ready for a new Lexus sports sedan, which I would expect to see some time this year, though likely only as a concept.
Canada
Lexus Canada sold 1,235 vehicles in December, a 36.3% increase in sales over December 2008, and sold 15,802 vehicles in total for the year, an all-time yearly sales record. Very impressive numbers.