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Originally Posted by arup.misra Given that Toyota has an extensive dealership / service network should the pilot work out well |
The dealer network is an important point, Anup. Offers are already being made to existing Toyota dealerships. Preference will be given to them for Lexus dealerships.
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Originally Posted by SankalpDesai Lexus is an aspirational brand, no doubt, and the fact that they are far superior in terms of technology and reliability, will only make the brand achieve cult status and sales targets in India. |
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Originally Posted by Durango Dude One thing that can make a difference between Lexus and the Germans, in India, would be ownership experience and costs. If Toyota could make it just say half as expensive to own as the Germans and also reliable and be honest with clients and not rip them off on one pretext or the other, I think it will be a success. |
I know of atleast a 100 people who would buy a Mercedes / BMW, but don't because of the shoddy reliability & tear-inducing maintenance bills.
I know of another 100 who would buy a Mercedes / BMW, but shy away because of the fear of "attention".
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A comparison with Infiniti is inevitable here as both are super luxury brands of otherwise day-to-day Japanese marques.
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Lexus still has some amount of awareness in India, but Infinity has zilch. Though, I must add, Infinity makes some awesome cars. My sis recently got a G37 (based on Team-BHP recommendations). It would be smart on Nissan's part to only focus on the volume sub-15 lakh segment where they have a lot of products to offer.
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Originally Posted by urajkumar Forgive me if my question is naive team but how important is the Diesel engine in the luxury segment cars? If you can afford to pay 30L for a car, you will most probably be driving it less than 50,000 KM max before you sell it & jump to the next car. Considering the running cost and extra investment for a diesel (also thrown in the expected diesel tax which is coming soon), what is the value of having a diesel? |
The rich got rich by saving their wealth, not blowing it
This is an extremely shrewd group of people who do count their pennies. There is a reason why diesel luxury cars outsell the petrols.
Modern diesels are also very refined, torquey and practical (no worry of high octane petrol on the highway + longer tank range). Lastly, the resale value of a diesel luxo-barge more than makes up for any difference paid at the time of initial purchase.
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Originally Posted by asr245 Now I am not a big fan of their styling (though I feel Audi is worse - yes I said Audi) |
The two of us won't ever be able to see eye to eye then
. I absolutely love Audi & Lexus' clean, understated styling.
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I am not sure that's true. I first heard this brand during the Harshad Mehta stock market scam days. Apparently he had a couple of Lexus's in his fleet of cars confiscated by some department after the scam was unearthed.
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Harshad Mehta's flashy Lexus LS was noticed by a curious journalist. Some time later, that very journalist wrote the report that got him nailed.
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Originally Posted by akshay1234 I can see people paying 10 maybe even 15 lacs more for a Lexus since that price is fine for the Lexus |
Maybe. But what's the market size for 1+ crore SUVs? The LX could end up as an unnecessary distraction for the brand.
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Originally Posted by karmania I have driven the IS and GX in the US, but honestly they are designed for older people. They never had the oomph compared to driving a BMW or an Audi. |
True. Whatever Lexus' I've driven have been very boring. Much like an evolved Corolla or Camry.
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Originally Posted by elantracrdi05 3. LS / LX may actually manage decent volumes in my opinion. Lots of NRIs returning to India buy German cars but may choose a Lexus given their stronger brand recall. |
Believe me, I would pick the LS460 any which day over an S-Class or 7 series. I just love the design, the refinement and, most importantly, the reliability.
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Originally Posted by scooby05 The handling is very very poor, typically Japanese. The refinement and comfort is top class. I decided not to buy it just because of the driving feel, would hate to drive her on the expressway visavis a 7 or an S for that matter. |
Out of curiosity, how much for the LS600?
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Originally Posted by supremeBaleno Indeed. My boss in the US owns a Lexus sedan and while out for lunch once, he said he hates the fact that the Lexus is so reliable and issue-free because it does not give him an excuse to change the car !!! |
He should buy a Mercedes then!
Seriously though, I think it's an achievement to produce cars that are so technologically advanced, yet perform with the reliability of a Honda City.
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Originally Posted by ACM The CBU route will just not work for them and if they are serious about India CKD (completely knocked down kits - partial local assembly) is the way to go. |
I completely agree. If I were Lexus India's manager, I'd get a book on BMW India and all they did. Aggression is the only way forward.