Year-to-date sales figures:

1. MB: 30,028
2. Lexus: 29,304
3. BMW: 28,163

Lexus is a close second despite the massive Toyota recall fiasco (By the way, you can show your support to Toyota by signing the “I Support Toyota” petition). MB had a fabulous month which enabled them to take the lead, BMW remains at 3rd but still well within the striking distance. Seems like the Toyota recall is hurting Lexus but definitely not lethal, people are still buying Lexus products for their reliability, luxury and the legendary customer service.

Few interesting facts worth to point out…

1. Another bad month for the HS, a hybrid ES looks better than ever now?

2. The 7-series really took a charge in February, maybe the LS and S-class are showing their ages?

3. The Acura TL sales remain pathetic month after month, this might be the most epic fail in Honda’s history.

4. Audi’s sales number is steady but still isn’t where they want it to be with the big boys.

Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:

Discuss about this blog entry in LexusNet Forums – Blog Discussion

1. Lexus: 15,517
2. MB: 15,158
3. BMW: 13,163

Lexus remained strong among the luxury brands even under the massive Toyota recall that’s currently going on and MB is a very close second. As for BMW… after the “supposed-to-take-over-as-number-one” year in 2009, the question now is where is it headed with all the niche products like the X6M, X5M and the 5-series GT.

Few interesting facts worth to point out…

1. The HS sales still isn’t as well as Lexus had predicted, maybe some “spice” is missing for this car?

2. The LS sales went up compare to last year… facelift and the addition of the sports model are working?

3. BMW sold 5,418 3-series in january… this thing usually goes for 8,000 – 9,000 units per month just not that long ago. BMW losing its magic or people are getting smarter?

4. Acura sold 1,986 TLs, considering that the previous generation was challenging the 3-series for the top entry luxury sedan spot this is just plain PATHETIC. Still think the beak and ugliness isn’t hurting Acura?

Following is the complete sales number break down for all luxury brands:

Discuss about this blog entry in LexusNet Forums – Blog Discussion

I have to say that there is nothing awfully exciting right now or in the near future for me. If I absolutely must have to get a new car within the next 12 months here are some candidates:

Acura TL – SH-AWD + 300hp is inviting but the size a bit too big for my taste. 300hp would not be “enough” to offset the added weight by SH-AWD, something like 330hp is more desirable. Oh by the way, not to mention the ugly new front and rear styling, huge turn off…

BMW 335i – A very possible replacement candidate as long as I can overlook the interior styling. Oh and if I do get one I’ll make sure I lease it instead of purchase it.

BMW 335di – More expensive than the petrol 335i and not much (if any) performance gain.

BMW 135i – Kind of expensive for such a little car, the one in my liking would be around $43k… Also, it is 2 doors short for being ideal

Infiniti G37 – I’ll definitely consider this if something happens to my IS350…

Lexus IS250/350 C – Thanks but no thanks, weighs too much, not enough doors and performance isn’t as well as the sedans.

Pontiac G8 GT – I am really liking this car right now, a poor man’s 5-series at around $32k loaded. The only downsides are the gas-guzzling V8 and its GM heritage, not to mention that Pontiac is on its way and that doesn’t sit too well with me…

Based on the list looks like I’ll be driving my current ride for a long time to come.

Discuss about this blog entry in LexusNet Forums – Blog Discussion

It is the common knowledge within the automotive industry as well as the auto enthusiast community that the 3-series is getting softer with each generation. Thus there are critics from the auto publications and the so-called “purists” claiming that it has lost the “soul” (whatever that is…).

Personally I don’t think the 3er is “falling” per se, it is just that the competitors are getting better so it really doesn’t stand out that much anymore compare to say, 10 years ago.

Let’s see who were 3er’s competitors back in 1999:

• Audi A4 (the closest one in my opinion)
• MB C-class (luxury yes, handling… didn’t stand a chance)
• Saab 9-3 (what’s that again?)

Now fast forward to year 2009:

• Acura TL/TL SH-AWD (arguably the best FWD car up to date, the SH-AWD version can give the 3-series a run for its money handling-wise. If one can get past the looks then this is a great value)
• Audi A4 (still a formidable and worthy challenger, although getting fatter with each iteration)
• Infiniti G37 (need I say more? It’s probably the best value in the whole automotive industry)
• Lexus IS350 (this car is one pedal and couple more inches for rear seat away from being perfect)
• MB C-class (getting better with each iteration)

Now this just makes you go… Wow, how the time has changed!

Source: http://autos.msn.com

Discuss about this blog entry in LexusNet Forums – Blog Discussion