Lexus IS-F Coming To Europe in 2008 - Page 2

cawimmer430 · 09-13-2007, 01:34 PM

First of all it will be hard for the IS-F to compete with names like //M, ///AMG and RS/S as these companies stand for something and have a list of achievements. Everyone knows about BMW Motorsport, Mercedes-Benz AMG and the recent success of Audi at Le Mans which translates into RS/S.

Then you have the problem that Lexus isn't considered a real competitor from an image point of view. Technology wise, yes, but who wants a car that's laden with technology but really offers nothing else, nothing appealing. No cheaper trim levels, which is fine for luxury cars in Europe. No engine choices, a must, especially diesels. No manuals or automatics for certain cars, lower end models for exmaple. That's what keeping Lexus from breaking through, and the lack of image as mentioned before.

Lexus cars have also gotten very pricey as of late in Europe. They come better equipped, because that's a strategy that Lexus employs, but their appeal just isn't as strong to get someone to buy them.

In a way, a European luxury car, despite being pricier, despite coming with less standard features offers more appeal based on badge and reputation alone - and the fact that consumers can select what they want in their car and what they don't. I know it sounds crazy, but when you're here, you sort of notice these things. There is however a growing trend here that is forcing carmakers to offer more for less money, and slowly the German luxury makes are catching unto that. Slowly...

09-13-2007, 01:34 PM	#11
cawimmer430 Trendsetter Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mühldorf am Inn, Germany Posts: 8,028 Thanks: 3,975 Thanked 3,189 Times in 1,366 Posts	Re: Lexus IS-F Coming To Europe in 2008 First of all it will be hard for the IS-F to compete with names like //M, ///AMG and RS/S as these companies stand for something and have a list of achievements. Everyone knows about BMW Motorsport, Mercedes-Benz AMG and the recent success of Audi at Le Mans which translates into RS/S. Then you have the problem that Lexus isn't considered a real competitor from an image point of view. Technology wise, yes, but who wants a car that's laden with technology but really offers nothing else, nothing appealing. No cheaper trim levels, which is fine for luxury cars in Europe. No engine choices, a must, especially diesels. No manuals or automatics for certain cars, lower end models for exmaple. That's what keeping Lexus from breaking through, and the lack of image as mentioned before. Lexus cars have also gotten very pricey as of late in Europe. They come better equipped, because that's a strategy that Lexus employs, but their appeal just isn't as strong to get someone to buy them. In a way, a European luxury car, despite being pricier, despite coming with less standard features offers more appeal based on badge and reputation alone - and the fact that consumers can select what they want in their car and what they don't. I know it sounds crazy, but when you're here, you sort of notice these things. There is however a growing trend here that is forcing carmakers to offer more for less money, and slowly the German luxury makes are catching unto that. Slowly...

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