Posted on Monday 4 February 2008
Sales of SUVs may be slowing but that hasn’t stopped carmakers around the world developing new models to cater for the competitive market. Mercedes-Benz just took the wraps off its new GLK compact SUV and now Lexus is considering building a small SUV of its own. The official stance thus far has been to ignore launching a new model but the increasing number of vehicles in the compact-luxury segment has got Lexus executives to rethink their stance.
Officials have reason to be wary. The compact SUV market already has several strong competitors in the form of the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35, and soon it will be joined by the new Mercedes GLK and upcoming Audi Q5. Speaking with Automotive News, Toyota America Chief Jim Lentz said a small Lexus SUV could be a response to the “urbanization” of Gen Y buyers and empty-nest boomers, which studies have found is an expanding market.
The new model would be positioned below the current RX350 (pictured), Lexus’ smallest SUV model, and would be priced around the $30,000 mark. To keep costs low engineers would use an AWD version of the Toyota RAV4 platform but developers are still worried about creating a luxury vehicle that would sell in this price range.
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…response to the “urbanization” of Gen Y buyers and empty-nest boomers, which studies have found is an expanding market.
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Surely the result of very expensive research by highly paid Harvard MBA which more often than not fall flat on their faces. Surely that was the same study behind the birth of the crapfest that is the MB R Class. I look forward to NOT buying one.
On a related note. Is it too much to hope that when they build this new SUV (do we really need a 4th Lexus SUV?) that Lexus will turn off the DRLs? The ones in the RX350 are specially offensive, glaring high beams at you whether from the front or the rear. I guess it’s too much to ask since Toyota already knows that those damned lights are too bright and they haven’t bothered to fix them (meaning turn them the F&^% off).
Even tho RDXs & X3s aren’t flying off the lots, Toyota knows those are still lost sales. Except for maybe coupes, Toyota seems determined to be represented in every segment. I am sure that this is coming & I can hear Lexus fans groan over it …
I think Lexus has taken a good decision, but far too late (just like Mercedes and Audi). Small crossovers will survive the emissions war, especially when they dismiss four-wheel drive and body-on-frame chassis. And I like most of them.
instead of wasting time on another SUV they should be making the LFA and then replacing the Celica. for a company that spends so much on an F1 team and not to have a Halo sports car is pure madness !!!
Pull your finger out Toyota.
Anyway if you want a smaller SUV that the RX then get a Rav4. Ive got the Kluger (or Highlander in many other markets) which is effectively an RX with a different shell on it and the extra row of seats. I saved $40k and it still drives the same, plus i wont be as timid to take it offroad.