Posted on Tuesday 25 September 2007
Lexus is unlikely to launch a sub-$30,000 model in the U.S. but that doesn’t mean it won’t develop a new entry-level model for other markets. One possibility is Europe, where small cars like BMW’s 1-series hatch and Mercedes A and B-Class sell in substantial numbers. Toyota exec Tokuichi Uranishi has revealed that Lexus could develop a new entry-level model for Europe to help reach its European sales target of 150,000 vehicles by 2015.
During an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, Uranishi explained that for Lexus to become a true rival to Mercedes-Benz and BMW, it has to strengthen its standing in Europe and to do so it will need to expand its product portfolio.
Lexus is already confirmed to launch the upcoming LF-1 flagship coupe as well as a hybrid only model and possibly a seven-seater crossover, which should see its market share in Europe rise considerably. This year, Lexus hopes to sell 56,000 vehicles in Europe, a fraction of its global target of half a million vehicles.
Here’s the possible small Lexus:
http://www.cwwcardesign.com/cars/lexus_cs200.html