Lexus Three-Row Crossover Wiser Than RC Coupe: CEO
Every automaker has a few regrets, but not many are willing to admit to them.
Lexus CEO Jim Lentz said he wishes his company invested in a large three-row crossover before the sporty RC coupe during an interview with Automotive News. Lentz believes a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz GL and Audi Q7 would have been the wiser choice, rather than listening to dealer demands for a sports car. Currently, Lexus offers the GX and LX models for three-row shoppers, but those vehicles are truck-based SUVs while its top-selling RX crossover only seats five.
“In hindsight, if I was making this decision 10 years ago, seeing what I see today, the three-row [crossover] probably would have been the better play to come out first,” said Lentz. “Strategically that’s a more important vehicle to have than necessarily a lower volume, higher priced image product.”
SEE ALSO: 2015 Lexus RC 350 F Sport Review
The company wouldn’t confirm whether a three-row crossover is under development, but dealers are now demanding such a model. Regardless, Lexus doesn’t see the RC as a mistake and through April of 2015, it has sold 4,258 units – outpacing the flagship LS sedan. The company has seen its U.S. sales up nearly 17 percent compared to last year, with its new compact NX selling 12,532 units through April. Lexus currently is about 4,300 vehicles behind top-luxury brand Mercedes-Benz and 2,400 vehicles behind second-place BMW.
Lentz reiterated that Lexus has no plans of creating a vehicle that’s cheaper than $30,000, at least not for the U.S. market: “Luxury cars cost a certain dollar amount for a reason. I don’t want to cheapen my cars just to offer a lease that’s $20 a month less.”
[Source: Automotive News]
Discuss this story at our Lexus RC350 forum
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
More by Jason Siu
Comments
Join the conversation
3 row RC, let them eat cake