Lexus January 2018 Sales Report

Lexus up 10% great start to the year. Cars actually didn't fall off the face of the earth. NX and RX are amazing.....

If the LS can hit 800-1000 units a month that would be awesome. The LC will hopefully jump back up with warmer weather. There are some other special editions coming but I don't think its going to bump those cars up to much.

The LUV's don't need much help but the 7 seat RX will add some conquest sales..

I think there was a post last year saying there would be 14 new models shown this year. Seeing as its now down to 10, I assume the 4 we've seen are LS500, LS500h, LC500 Special Edition, and LF-1 Limitless. 10 to go.

Demetrius

I think there was a post last year saying there would be 14 new models shown this year. Seeing as its now down to 10, I assume the 4 we've seen are LS500, LS500h, LC500 Special Edition, and LF-1 Limitless. 10 to go.

[QUOTELexus is off to a very strong start this year. The NX, both gas and hybrid, had their best January ever, and the all-new three-row RXL is just now starting to hit dealership showrooms,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus division. “Combined with the launch of our fifth-generation LS and LS hybrid this month, along with the Limited Edition LC Inspiration Series and two-row LX, we're very optimistic about the year ahead. These new models will be followed throughout the year by 10 additional new models.”
[/QUOTE]

14 does not count concepts... so I guess has to be cars coming on sale and not revealed before. So it ES would likely be at least 2 of these... then UX certainly another 2?

Wow, trucks accounted for almost 72% of sales from only 4 models. They could really use the UX and LF-1 in their lineup!

Demetrius

I think there was a post last year saying there would be 14 new models shown this year. Seeing as its now down to 10, I assume the 4 we've seen are LS500, LS500h, LC500 Special Edition, and LF-1 Limitless. 10 to go.

spwolf

14 does not count concepts... so I guess has to be cars coming on sale and not revealed before. So it ES would likely be at least 2 of these... then UX certainly another 2?

The 14 were gradually increased, first to 15, then to 17. The most current count appears towards the end of this thread.

Amy Wilson of Automotive News brings us this overview of the January 2018 luxury brand sales race in the United States:

LUXURY: Mercedes starts 2018 with clear lead over BMW
After winning two straight annual luxury sales crowns, Mercedes-Benz USA is kicking off 2018 with a clear-cut lead in the U.S. luxury market despite a small skid in January.

The segment's other top brands mirrored last year's annual results, with BMW and Lexus finishing in the second and third spots.

Mercedes' U.S. sales fell 0.9 percent in January to 25,307 vehicles, excluding the brand's commercial van sales. Mercedes called out the GLC compact crossover and the flagship S class for helping the brand in January.

The GLC "is doing extremely well with customers," Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dietmar Exler told Automotive News last month. "We were outsold a couple of times last year, so we increased supply to the dealers drastically."

BMW rode the strength of a 5 percent jump in volume to the No. 2 luxury spot, selling 19,016 vehicles. It was helped by gains for the redesigned X3 compact crossover and 5-series sedan.

Executives are optimistic the brand can achieve a slight increase in U.S. sales in 2018, BMW of North America CEO Bernhard Kuhnt said in a January interview.

"Why am I positive about it?" Kuhnt said. "We are going to launch in March the X2. We have a full year of X3. We have a full year of the 5 series, which we didn't have last year. And we will change to other X models.

Lexus' U.S. deliveries soared 15 percent for the month to come in at No. 3 with 17,914 vehicles. The strength of the NX compact crossover and the new three-row RXL helped it make up ground on what had been a terrible start to 2017. The brand's U.S. sales dropped by more than 25 percent in January 2017.

Total U.S. luxury sales rose 1.8 percent in January to 133,642 vehicles. Rounding out the segment's top five were Audi, with sales of 14,511 vehicles, up 9.9 percent, and Infiniti, with deliveries of 10,635 vehicles, down 8 percent.

Other luxury brands with gains for the month were Land Rover, Volvo and Porsche. The biggest decline among came from Lincoln, whose sales dropped 27 percent in January.

In summary, then, here are the U.S. sales rankings for January 2018 (with % changes vs January 2017):

1) Mercedes-Benz: 25,307 (-0.9%)
2) BMW: 19,016 (+5%)
3) Lexus: 17,914 (+15%)
4) Audi: 14,511 (+9.9%)
5) Infiniti: 10,635 (-8%)

Good job, still with the LS , RX-7seaters , LX-4seaters and the UX entering the showrooms and with this good start , I believe Lexus may take the top spot again

maiaramdan

Good job, still with the LS , RX-7seaters , LX-4seaters and the UX entering the showrooms and with this good start , I believe Lexus may take the top spot again

I say they need to first revolutionize the ES, then release the UX, bring ACP standard models to the lineup, and potentially bring in a few surprises to their lineup to really fire up their sales. The RX L, the NX refresh, and of course the flagship LC/LS helped too, but I believe when they release these, they will destroy the rest of the pack, like they always did. Keep going Lexus! <3

Only 1000 sales down from BMW with the RXL just hitting dealerships, this alone will make Lexus surpass BMW for second place no problem. Even with the X2, BMW cannot sell more than the UX no doubt, in terms of daily SUVs, Lexus is the king.

F1 Silver Arrows

I say they need to first revolutionize the ES, then release the UX, bring ACP standard models to the lineup, and potentially bring in a few surprises to their lineup to really fire up their sales. The RX L, the NX refresh, and of course the flagship LC/LS helped too, but I believe when they release these, they will destroy the rest of the pack, like they always did. Keep going Lexus! <3

with UX, RX-L, ES , LS they will certainly be able to add a lot more sales but keep in mind that some of these are coming later in the year and their impact will be more limited... in the end, 300k-350k is their natural territory, being first or 2nd doesnt matter too much imho.

Lexus' lead over Audi continues to get smaller. I think that within 3 years, they could meet or pass Lexus in USA sales volume.

Gecko

Lexus' lead over Audi continues to get smaller. I think that within 3 years, they could meet or pass Lexus in USA sales volume.

It actually grew larger in January, not smaller.since Lexus grew 15% and Audi 10%.. but sure, in general Audi should see uptick in sales since they are full lineup manufacturer and have vast lineup, currently much larger than Lexus. They should join the 300k club in next 7-8 years.

Their main problem is that their parent company is doing so bad in the USA, forever.

spwolf

Their main problem is that their parent company is doing so bad in the USA, forever.

I wouldn't call this bad news

Volkswagen of America's auto sales in January beat the overall market with the Chattanooga-built Atlas SUV making up more than 17 percent of the company's U.S. results last month.

The automaker's total sales of 24,744 climbed 5.2 percent in January over a year ago on the strength of the Atlas and the redesigned Tiguan SUV, VW reported on Thursday.

SUVs accounted for 52 percent of total volume for the Volkswagen brand last month. Atlas posted sales of 4,303. The 2018 Tiguan sales hit 6,336 in the month. Tiguan Limited recorded 2,034 in sales.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2018/feb/01/vws-us-sales-rise/462661/

For an embattled company, they did all right for the month thanks to new SUVs, scandal or not. Cars is a different story...

Tragic Bronson

I wouldn't call this bad news

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/breakingnews/story/2018/feb/01/vws-us-sales-rise/462661/

For an embattled company, they did all right for the month thanks to new SUVs, scandal or not. Cars is a different story...

That's horrible numbers for largest manufacturer in the world... They are easily outsold by Subaru that sells 12x less cars worldwide.

VW in a year became a SUV brand. It just shows it doesn't matter the brand or how good or bad the thing is, people buy SUVs. You cannot blame any company for going that route. It is what it is.

I think Mazda barely outsold VW as well. Its crazy to think Mercedes sold as much!

spwolf

That's horrible numbers for largest manufacturer in the world... They are easily outsold by Subaru that sells 12x less cars worldwide.

True, they're still more niche in the US unlike in Europe...Subaru OTOH is a darling here, thanks to their marketing and good understanding of their target demographic buyer base.

spwolf

It actually grew larger in January, not smaller.since Lexus grew 15% and Audi 10%.. but sure, in general Audi should see uptick in sales since they are full lineup manufacturer and have vast lineup, currently much larger than Lexus. They should join the 300k club in next 7-8 years.

Their main problem is that their parent company is doing so bad in the USA, forever.

If you look back at previous years - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 - Audi is slowly narrowing their gap with Lexus overall. To your point, Lexus doesn't sell anything comparable to A3, Q3 and some of their cheaper models that essentially compete with Toyota, so over time, I actually expect them to surpass Lexus. I'm totally OK with that and agree with Lexus' strategy to stay above $30k.

Another factoid: Lexus' 15% increase in U.S. sales in January 2018 vs January 2017 is the 4th-highest such percentage increase among all car brands (tied with Mazda). The only brands achieving a higher percentage increase in sales are Toyota (+17%), Mitsubishi (+31%) and Volvo (+61%).

Gecko

Lexus' lead over Audi continues to get smaller. I think that within 3 years, they could meet or pass Lexus in USA sales volume.

It will happen

Gecko

If you look back at previous years - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 - Audi is slowly narrowing their gap with Lexus overall. To your point, Lexus doesn't sell anything comparable to A3, Q3 and some of their cheaper models that essentially compete with Toyota, so over time, I actually expect them to surpass Lexus. I'm totally OK with that and agree with Lexus' strategy to stay above $30k.

And if you remember we were bashed what ten years ago for our theory that Acura and Infiniti's struggles are not good for Lexus, they hurt Lexus. Because it used to be BMW/Benz/Leuxs in the conversation in the USA when it came to the top luxury brands. Now you HAVE to include Audi and it really just makes German luxury overall seen superior overall.

We have all watched Audi kick complete ass since they debuted the first gen A5/R8 with hardly any mistakes and they are not letting off the gas pedal.

mikeavelli

And if you remember we were bashed what ten years ago for our theory that Acura and Infiniti's struggles are not good for Lexus, they hurt Lexus. Because it used to be BMW/Benz/Leuxs in the conversation in the USA when it came to the top luxury brands. Now you HAVE to include Audi and it really just makes German luxury overall seen superior overall.

We have all watched Audi kick complete ass since they debuted the first gen A5/R8 with hardly any mistakes and they are not letting off the gas pedal.

You just summed up most of their progress right there. I'll add to that. Audi has been a great brand. No, a HECK of a brand. Many years ago, they came to focus on a specific part of driving. They reinforced their brand to have the following core competencies. Buttoned down, trick AWD systems, and COMPLETE autobahn missiles when you mash your foot on the throttle, and gentle, safe, relaxed, secure (and surprisingly very loving and forgiving) cruisers.

I have always admired Audi all my life, despite having a few engineering flaws (eg. engine in front of front wheels, torque steer in FWD models, and occasionally reliability issues :p), they really did everything right. I strongly believe they are doing a better job than BMW today. Sales are proof that they are having impressive growth as Gecko pointed out. In the future I could see Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and Audi in the top 3 easily. Despite all three companies having their flaws, I think these are the best luxury companies you can get. Oh what a time to be alive.

Gecko

If you look back at previous years - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 - Audi is slowly narrowing their gap with Lexus overall. To your point, Lexus doesn't sell anything comparable to A3, Q3 and some of their cheaper models that essentially compete with Toyota, so over time, I actually expect them to surpass Lexus. I'm totally OK with that and agree with Lexus' strategy to stay above $30k.

we will see... with UX and LF-1, Lexus will be able to add even more sales. As Lexus president for NA mentioned last month, in real sales numbers are very similar, and up to October Lexus actually outsold BMW and was only a tiny bit behind MB... Germans re-export a lot of their cars i guess, hence the difference in numbers.

As to the Japanese vs German, this is not bad for Lexus at all... Audi/MB/BMW are competing neck to neck worldwide for similar type of buyer, they are expanding their lineups considerably in order to compete better, while Lexus is only Japanese brand that does global luxury, if you want luxurious Japanese vehicle, Lexus is only option.

spwolf

As to the Japanese vs German, this is not bad for Lexus at all... Audi/MB/BMW are competing neck to neck worldwide for similar type of buyer, they are expanding their lineups considerably in order to compete better, while Lexus is only Japanese brand that does global luxury, if you want luxurious Japanese vehicle, Lexus is only option.

Right. The new LS is going both more Japanese (with things like the Kiriko glass) and more Italian (with the Quattroporte-like profile), and the LF-1 looks to be following right along, with the Maserati Levant on the list of comparisons.

Yeah it looks inevitable that Audi will eventually surpass Lexus sales in USA. I say this given the current strategies of both Lexus and Audi. Audi is trying to be a truly full-line mainstream luxury brand in North America. With Lexus though their philosophy is changing. Looking at the LC, new LS, the background info on the LF-1, it seems Lexus going into the future no longer wants or is willing to compete directly with the German Big 3. So I could be wrong, but it seems like Lexus is slowly moving away from trying to be a mainstream luxury brand, and is striving towards being more of a niche/specialized luxury brand. Now I'm not saying this from a sales perspective, but from an overall brand philosophy.

The most direct competitor for the Lexus LC seems to be the Aston Martin DB11. The most direct competitors for the new 5LS seem to be the Panamera and Quattroporte. Lexus internally is comparing the LF-1 to Jaguar's F-Pace and Maserati's Levante. So personally this looks like a shift in philosophy for Lexus.

CIF

Yeah it looks inevitable that Audi will eventually surpass Lexus sales in USA. I say this given the current strategies of both Lexus and Audi. Audi is trying to be a truly full-line mainstream luxury brand in North America. With Lexus though their philosophy is changing. Looking at the LC, new LS, the background info on the LF-1, it seems Lexus going into the future no longer wants or is willing to compete directly with the German Big 3. So I could be wrong, but it seems like Lexus is slowly moving away from trying to be a mainstream luxury brand, and is striving towards being more of a niche/specialized luxury brand. Now I'm not saying this from a sales perspective, but from an overall brand philosophy.

The most direct competitor for the Lexus LC seems to be the Aston Martin DB11. The most direct competitors for the new 5LS seem to be the Panamera and Quattroporte. Lexus internally is comparing the LF-1 to Jaguar's F-Pace and Maserati's Levante. So personally this looks like a shift in philosophy for Lexus.

Pretty sure they want to compete better than currently, and not less... how can they become niche, if they sell more than ever? If they keep adding new models?

Now more luxurious and more unique, sure. But with better sales, not less.

As we can see from January numbers, it is fastest growing US luxury brand :).

CIF

Yeah it looks inevitable that Audi will eventually surpass Lexus sales in USA. I say this given the current strategies of both Lexus and Audi. Audi is trying to be a truly full-line mainstream luxury brand in North America. With Lexus though their philosophy is changing. Looking at the LC, new LS, the background info on the LF-1, it seems Lexus going into the future no longer wants or is willing to compete directly with the German Big 3. So I could be wrong, but it seems like Lexus is slowly moving away from trying to be a mainstream luxury brand, and is striving towards being more of a niche/specialized luxury brand. Now I'm not saying this from a sales perspective, but from an overall brand philosophy.

The most direct competitor for the Lexus LC seems to be the Aston Martin DB11. The most direct competitors for the new 5LS seem to be the Panamera and Quattroporte. Lexus internally is comparing the LF-1 to Jaguar's F-Pace and Maserati's Levante. So personally this looks like a shift in philosophy for Lexus.

Pretty sure they want to compete better than currently, and not less... how can they become niche, if they sell more than ever? If they keep adding new models?

Now more luxurious and more unique, sure. But with better sales, not less.

As we can see from January numbers, it is fastest growing US luxury brand :).

spwolf

Pretty sure they want to compete better than currently, and not less... how can they become niche, if they sell more than ever? If they keep adding new models?

Now more luxurious and more unique, sure. But with better sales, not less.

As we can see from January numbers, it is fastest growing US luxury brand :).

Read my post again. I just posted evidence that the LC, 5LS, and the LF-1 do not compete directly with the German Big 3. They compete directly with more niche luxury brands. Another example is that the 5LS is tighter overall in the rear interior space compared to the 4LS long wheelbase.

From a sales perspective, crossovers and SUVs are saving Lexus. Sedan and car sales are doing badly, even though the German Big 3 are managing decent car and sedan sales in this current market.

Feel free to disagree, but that is my opinion on the matter.

CIF

Read my post again. I just posted evidence that the LC, 5LS, and the LF-1 do not compete directly with the German Big 3. They compete directly with more niche luxury brands. Another example is that the 5LS is tighter overall in the rear interior space compared to the 4LS long wheelbase.

From a sales perspective, crossovers and SUVs are saving Lexus. Sedan and car sales are doing badly, even though the German Big 3 are managing decent car and sedan sales in this current market.

Feel free to disagree, but that is my opinion on the matter.

Niche brand means brand that sells little and unique vehicles. It does not mean one of the best selling luxury brands in the USA.

Lexus is not a niche brand because they move LS to more luxurious position and change its design. It is not a niche brand because LC is more luxurious than anything BMW has ever produced. It is also not a niche brand because RX is best selling luxury SUV or because NX is selling like hotcakes.

I also fail to see how BMW selling more 3 series means anything about Lexus being niche brand... and besides, as mentioned before by Lexus, actual car registrations that dont count exported cars, are very similar for Lexus vs MB and outselling BMW, so it is questionable how many actual cars they sell in the states, and how many end up in africa or south america.

I am sure all of them would love to replicate sucess of RX and NX, this is why they are putting so many SUV models on the road. Just because customers prefer RX, does not make Lexus a niche brand.. how can a brand that sells most SUVs be a niche brand?

By the definition:

adjective

1. 1.
   denoting or relating to products, services, or interests that appeal to a small, specialized section of the population.
   "other companies in this space had to adapt to being niche players"

Well Lexus official position is they never chased being number 1 in sales here but it was a nice crown to have. I honestly don't recall Lexus advertising that fact too much in the 2000s....

It also looks like Lexus has ramped up and fixed any NX inventory issues that sometimes hurt sales. Remember its selling about 20k a year more than Lexus predicted here.

CIF

Read my post again. I just posted evidence that the LC, 5LS, and the LF-1 do not compete directly with the German Big 3. They compete directly with more niche luxury brands. Another example is that the 5LS is tighter overall in the rear interior space compared to the 4LS long wheelbase.

I don't think people who buy Panameras and Quattroportes will cross-shop them against a Lexus. These people are likely obsessed with 'European Quality' and 'Exoticness' (even more so than Big 3 buyers), there's just no chance they will even bother looking at the LS. Just because they have similar profile and driving dynamics does not mean they are in the same class.

No matter what the LS becomes, the S-Class will always be its archnemsis.