Rx-400 Sales Down

[markatty]

RX-400 sales were only 1,190 in June. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13943220/ (Lexus ought to consider a firmware update that lets you select better mileage or better performance.)

The Prius has been so successful that Toyota has already reached the 60,000 car limit on the full tax credit. As a result the credit will be cut in half and will disappear next year if they don't change the law. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/13958268/

[RX400h]

This firmware would also have to include "lower battery life" with "better economy". Remember, the RX400h weighs 4600 lbs. Allowing it to use more of the battery's charge would result in having to replace the batteries sooner than the current 150,000+ miles.

[SW03ES]

I think any cooling of sales has more to do with the fact that the RX350 now boasts as good performance for less money.

To people who buy $55,000 RX400s, the paltry hybrid tax credit isnt enough to sway their decision.

[Rx330driver]

also with the competition with the GS hybrid. Also, it used to be only toyota and lexus and of course honda who made hybrids, but now Ford motor has some that achieve good economy as well. Competition!

Oh btw, with the newer model with the RX, how come they didnt add the smart access as well...are they going to wait until they release the L finesse redesign?

[SW03ES]

The GS hybrid is so low volume, I doubt it steals many sales from the RX.

[Rx330driver]

your right, havent seen one ever. A lot of GS300s tho

[katzjamr]

each lexus dealer only gets one a month, the GS hybrid is a sweet ride. also my pacific northwest dealer takes the allotment from alaska too as not many hybrids sell up there.

[rocky2]

Discounting on the RX400h will start if it has not already.

I guess the number of people willing to pay between $8,000 and $10,000 more than for a RX350 has been exhausted.

I know whe we purchased our RX400h between paying list for the RX400h vs buying a heavily discounted new RX330, was almost $9,000 at the time.

As discounting begins on the RX400h the price diferential will not be so great and sales will gradually go up again.

[smalcom]

also with the competition with the GS hybrid. Also, it used to be only toyota and lexus and of course honda who made hybrids, but now Ford motor has some that achieve good economy as well. Competition!

Oh btw, with the newer model with the RX, how come they didnt add the smart access as well...are they going to wait until they release the L finesse redesign?

Here we go again. You could buy two Ford Escape Hybrids for one Lexus RX400h. If people want an economical car, they can buy any of the Ford/Honda/Toyota hybrids. The Lexus is a LUXURY automobile! People don't tend to spend $50,000 on a car and worry about gas mileage. Other issues (performance, ride, etc.) drive purchasers at these price points. If sales are down, perhaps the initial frenzy is over, and we are seeing a more normal market for these cars.

[SW03ES]

Here we go again. You could buy two Ford Escape Hybrids for one Lexus RX400h.

Well, thats not quite true but your point is valid.