The New NX SUV Looks to Get Lexus Back in the Luxury Sales Race
At the dawn of the 21st Century, Toyota Motor Corporation’s Lexus line began its decade long dominance over the luxury auto segment. Sounds pretty epic when we put it like that, doesn’t it? Lexus was indeed at the top of the heap for eleven years beginning in 2000 and ending in 2011. That’s when a certain German automaker, that we won’t mention, started making gains and took over the top spot. At Lexus of Highland Park we’re happy to report that not only has the Lexus sales slide been halted, it’s been reversed.
This reversal of fortune can be partially attributed to the new compact crossover the Lexus NX, which has helped gain the company an increase in sales of 26 percent through February of this year, edging out BMW for second place in US luxury auto-sales. While the Lexus RX crossover held the top spot for those eleven years of market dominance, and was a very popular car for the company, some unfortunate circumstances intervened in the form of both man-made (recalls) and natural disasters. An earthquake and the resulting tsunami in 2009 negatively impacted production and sales, but it seems as if these obstacles have been overcome and once again Lexus is poised to take the lead with the NX.
Priced at around $35,000, the NX is in a fast-rising segment as car buyers increasingly turn towards compact SUVs, which make up 11 percent of the US new car market. Compacts are more fuel efficient than their full-sized cousins, but still have plenty of storage space for stowing everything from sports gear to groceries.
This is making the NX quite appealing to a younger demographic who might start with the NX, but may stay brand loyal and upgrade to luxury Lexus vehicles as they continue to move up the economic ladder. While the NX is priced right for a certain upwardly mobile segment of the population, Lexus has made a commitment to not set pricing below $30,000. Other automakers in the luxury market have tested theses waters, but Lexus feels that this tactic runs the risk of diluting the brand and that is not something they care to do.
To see one of these fantastic luxury SUVs for yourself, come visit us at 2930 Skokie Valley Road in Highland Park, IL. Remember, at Lexus of Highland Park, we care about what you want.
