After limited availability of Lexus models which led to a 26 percent fall in sales last month, we have realized that the carmaker is really short on supplies. It keeps on getting better this month, at least that’s what the general manager of Toyota’s luxury brand is trying to convince us about. Even so we’ve heard that the supplies won’t normalize until March.
Bracken said Lexus sold so many units in December that it went into the new year strapped for utility vehicles such as its top-selling RX, leading to a softer January than expected. Lexus sold 15,572 vehicles in January vs. just over 41,000 in December. Sales of utility vehicles were about 50 percent of the mix last month for Lexus while the market was closer to 65 percent, he added. Bracken said that he hopes to get light-truck supplies back up to support about 60 percent of sales and that the company has a plan to do so.
As for the next-generation LS sedan unveiled last month in Detroit, Bracken said it has received good reviews for its styling, but the engine choice has puzzled some critics. If there's a question, it's the V-6 twin turbo. The new V-6 could find its way into other Lexus vehicles such as the LC coupe should the motor find favor with consumers.
