What about the Lexus' and the Infiniti's?

nutcracker · 17th February 2010, 13:11

Hey

Been browsing through this forum for quite some time now. Am purely enthralled by the quality of threads, the informative depth approach and the sheer passion of the some BHP-ians.

As much as I'm in total awe with this site, I do notice that in the luxury segment, its mostly the Beamers, the Mercs and the Audis which make news and views and are discussed widely. What about the Japanese luxuries, the Lexus', the Infinitis? Is there a general opinion around here about these cars?

Personally, I'm a huge fan these brands. The Lexus LS470 totally takes my breath away, and the Infiniti FX35, the G37 are considered an enthusiasts luxury. What about these?

Do we have BHPians who're proud owners these vehicles? Can we have some general opinion about these?

fx45 · 17th February 2010, 13:57

First of all, its LX470 which is based on toyota LC and is now discontinued and a newer version is called LX 570.

secondly you might find the pictures of these cars in the SUpercars and Imports in India sub-fourm elsewhere here.

nutcracker · 17th February 2010, 14:06

Thanks for the correction. Obviously its the LX570, it was just a mere typo. And yes, I did carefully check out the Supercars forum.

I'm afraid I think you're misunderstood my motive here. I'm talking about a general opinion, broader discussion involving the Lexus' and the Inifnitis, or even the Range rover as a matter of fact, not just mere posting of pics. I dont intend to say that it is a limit on this forum. It may be just my lack of knowledge amongst you BHPians. I want to understand these cars more. Thus my question was, to narrow it down to one parallel, say, is there something that bothers us in these cars? Have they been in the list of expansions of luxury cars in India, since this is a current boom sector in our country? What's stopping them from flooding our roads like the Beamers and the Mercs?

AyAn! · 17th February 2010, 14:16

Toyota maybe mulling over getting Lexus over to India,but Toyota being a conservative manufacturer,I guess that will take considerable amount of time.No concrete plans as of yet.

As for Infiniti,first let Nissan grab a foothold in the market,then probably they'll think about Infiniti.But things are looking up.Expansion plans are full on with Nissan,and they'll start with the Micra hatch.

And yes,I agree,Lexus & Infiniti do have a market here

nutcracker · 17th February 2010, 14:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by AyAn!

And yes,I agree,Lexus & Infiniti do have a market here

Exactly! The Lexus offers what the German giants dont. Low maintenance. One only has to dish out for the first 20k kms, then they're solid as a rock. Infinitis redefine 'quick'. The QX35 got 320 horses, and I swear it bleeds speed. Infiniti IMHO are really great looking. A perfect combo of class, style and muscle.

@AyAn Is Nissan planning to launch their other mainstream models like the Sunny and Altima? They both have great scope to become successes in India.

Speeding@160mph · 17th February 2010, 15:01

The dynamics of a developing market are such that Auto manufacturers are focusing on the Volume segments first to substantiate the significant investments they will need to make. Having said that, it is utterly disappointing to find said manufacturers cannibalizing the position of their own (upcoming) Luxury marquees by maintaining a single brand across all segments rather than breaking them down as they have done globally - (Honda/Acura, Toyotta/Lexus, Skoda/VW, Nissan/Infinity). The LX570 and the 80lac Landcruiser are siblings - What price will the Lexus come in at if Toyota is already so high up? Same for Infinity/Acura! VW is already having a ridiculously difficult time since Skoda is already established in India as Luxury - Where will VW go? VW isn't considered a luxury brand anyway but they need to position themselves according to the Skoda precedent! A major reshuffling is required across the board...but its still going to be a long while before we see Acuras/Lexus selling alongside Honda/Toyota here in India.

rohanjf · 17th February 2010, 15:01

Don't the Toyota dealers import Lexus cars for you (I mean, individual enthusiast) already? I have seen many Lexus cars with the stickers of 'Ravindu Toyota' on their rear windshields here in Bangalore.

nutcracker · 17th February 2010, 15:21

@Speeding Very good point indeed. Something that's bread and butter in the West might be a luxury home. Very true. Here in the cities, the 50lakh segment is at an exorbitant growth rate, and Lexus (say, the RX Series) which will come upto approx the price of a BM 5 Series, an E Class etc. is one they can exploit, and give us more options.

Its a growing market. First have a 'long' car was considered luxury. Now, the definition is changing. I remember Harbajan Singh said in an interview a few years back 'My dream can is the Honda City'. Honda City now is more like a staple. Thats how a growing market works. I think atleast now, us Indians in the sprawling and ever money making cities, are totally viable to the International luxury sector. We're not there yet, but we're definitely on the tip of the edge.

rjalihal · 17th February 2010, 18:55

Lexus is owned by Toyota while Infiniti is owned by Nissan (not sure, i think). neither Toyota nor Nissan would want to kill their own sales for their primary brands. Thus Lexus and Infiniti are unlikely to enter the Indian market anytime soon. Only once Toyota has a firm foot hold will they contemplate bringing Lexus in. As for Nissan, they are yet to make an impression on Indians. Lets see how the Micra/March is accepted by the people.

shortbread · 17th February 2010, 19:10

Toyota so far have shown very little interest to localise even the Camry despite being mauled by the Accord every month. Thus they end up selling a western bread and butter sedan thats maybe on a good day on par with an Accord and being a CBU priced closer to premium German marques.

Frankly despite what should be negligent sales in India for the likes of Merc, BMW, Audi; these companies have taken on a lot of initiative to assemble locally and price it as competitively as possible, within our taxation/duty structure. Toyota's half hearted attitude to the premium segment will only have products like the Lexus struggle in the market, then why launch it at all.

By the way let them sort out the problems first prior to any launches, last thing a Lexus owner would want is to run into the aam aadmi due to a faulty accelerator.

GTO · 18th February 2010, 12:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutcracker

What about the Japanese luxuries, the Lexus', the Infinitis? Is there a general opinion around here about these cars?

As an open fan of Lexus, I have to comment

I simply can't wait for Lexus to officially launch in India. Primary reason? Obviously not badge, rather the super reliability & lower ownership costs of the Japanese luxury marques. Mercedes, BMW and Audi come with their own share of issues, problems, big $$$ maintenance costs and unreliable nature. I want a premium luxury car that delivers top notch power, space, comfort, amenities yes....and also one that performs as ONE. Day after day with 100% reliability. This is where Lexus has left the Germans in the dust. The poor reliability is reason No.1 why I haven't upgraded to a new German car.

I would pick an LS460 anywhich day over an S Class, and the Landcruiser / LX570 is one of my top-ranked SUVs! Don't miss this discussion, Nutcracker.

Quote:

the G37 are considered an enthusiasts luxury.

Team-BHPians convinced my sister into buying a G37

. Related thread

DKG · 18th February 2010, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO

rather the super reliability & lower ownership costs of the Japanese luxury marques....

...and the world's finest drivetrain !! Nothing matches the NVH achievements of the Lexus LS series. The car is simply mindblowing.

McLaren Rulez · 18th February 2010, 13:09

I wonder if Lexus has quite the brand strength of Mercedes, BMW and Audi. And its even worse for Infiniti which is virtually unknown in India. As great as their cars might be, the brand name has a long way to go before people see it as alternatives to the Germans.

Latheesh · 18th February 2010, 13:11

Toyota and Nissan are considered as luxuary brands in India, why would they bring Lexus and Infiniti to India and kill their own sales?

FX35, G37 and G35 coupe are my favourites from infiniti table. Have seen many used G37s during our car hunt in 2008 at mouth watering price levels.

CARDEEP · 18th February 2010, 13:19

I believe that the ownership costs of these two marquee brands would be at par with the Germans (even if it is lesser the difference won't be much as in Europe or America), obviously, the two comapnies (Nissan & Totyta) would like to charge a premium for these premium brands over other models. Honda, Nissan & Toyota are considered premium brands in India.

Plus there would be lesser localisation of the superior engines, leading to to higher costs of spares (due to our due to India's duty structure). The number of dealers dealing in these brands will also be restricted by the comapnies' managements.

17th February 2010, 13:11	#1
nutcracker BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Delhi Posts: 223 Thanked: 437 Times	What about the Lexus' and the Infiniti's? Hey Been browsing through this forum for quite some time now. Am purely enthralled by the quality of threads, the informative depth approach and the sheer passion of the some BHP-ians. As much as I'm in total awe with this site, I do notice that in the luxury segment, its mostly the Beamers, the Mercs and the Audis which make news and views and are discussed widely. What about the Japanese luxuries, the Lexus', the Infinitis? Is there a general opinion around here about these cars? Personally, I'm a huge fan these brands. The Lexus LS470 totally takes my breath away, and the Infiniti FX35, the G37 are considered an enthusiasts luxury. What about these? Do we have BHPians who're proud owners these vehicles? Can we have some general opinion about these?
	() Thanks

17th February 2010, 13:57	#2
fx45 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: mumbai Posts: 1,823 Thanked: 384 Times	First of all, its LX470 which is based on toyota LC and is now discontinued and a newer version is called LX 570. secondly you might find the pictures of these cars in the SUpercars and Imports in India sub-fourm elsewhere here.
	() Thanks

17th February 2010, 14:06	#3
nutcracker BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Delhi Posts: 223 Thanked: 437 Times	Thanks for the correction. Obviously its the LX570, it was just a mere typo. And yes, I did carefully check out the Supercars forum. I'm afraid I think you're misunderstood my motive here. I'm talking about a general opinion, broader discussion involving the Lexus' and the Inifnitis, or even the Range rover as a matter of fact, not just mere posting of pics. I dont intend to say that it is a limit on this forum. It may be just my lack of knowledge amongst you BHPians. I want to understand these cars more. Thus my question was, to narrow it down to one parallel, say, is there something that bothers us in these cars? Have they been in the list of expansions of luxury cars in India, since this is a current boom sector in our country? What's stopping them from flooding our roads like the Beamers and the Mercs?
	() Thanks

17th February 2010, 14:16	#4
AyAn! Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Durgapur/Calcutta/Pune Posts: 2,169 Thanked: 869 Times	Toyota maybe mulling over getting Lexus over to India,but Toyota being a conservative manufacturer,I guess that will take considerable amount of time.No concrete plans as of yet. As for Infiniti,first let Nissan grab a foothold in the market,then probably they'll think about Infiniti.But things are looking up.Expansion plans are full on with Nissan,and they'll start with the Micra hatch. And yes,I agree,Lexus & Infiniti do have a market here
	() Thanks

17th February 2010, 15:01	#6
Speeding@160mph BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delhi Posts: 185 Thanked: 6 Times	The dynamics of a developing market are such that Auto manufacturers are focusing on the Volume segments first to substantiate the significant investments they will need to make. Having said that, it is utterly disappointing to find said manufacturers cannibalizing the position of their own (upcoming) Luxury marquees by maintaining a single brand across all segments rather than breaking them down as they have done globally - (Honda/Acura, Toyotta/Lexus, Skoda/VW, Nissan/Infinity). The LX570 and the 80lac Landcruiser are siblings - What price will the Lexus come in at if Toyota is already so high up? Same for Infinity/Acura! VW is already having a ridiculously difficult time since Skoda is already established in India as Luxury - Where will VW go? VW isn't considered a luxury brand anyway but they need to position themselves according to the Skoda precedent! A major reshuffling is required across the board...but its still going to be a long while before we see Acuras/Lexus selling alongside Honda/Toyota here in India.
	() Thanks

17th February 2010, 15:01	#7
rohanjf Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,193 Thanked: 706 Times	Don't the Toyota dealers import Lexus cars for you (I mean, individual enthusiast) already? I have seen many Lexus cars with the stickers of 'Ravindu Toyota' on their rear windshields here in Bangalore.
	() Thanks

17th February 2010, 15:21	#8
nutcracker BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Delhi Posts: 223 Thanked: 437 Times	@Speeding Very good point indeed. Something that's bread and butter in the West might be a luxury home. Very true. Here in the cities, the 50lakh segment is at an exorbitant growth rate, and Lexus (say, the RX Series) which will come upto approx the price of a BM 5 Series, an E Class etc. is one they can exploit, and give us more options. Its a growing market. First have a 'long' car was considered luxury. Now, the definition is changing. I remember Harbajan Singh said in an interview a few years back 'My dream can is the Honda City'. Honda City now is more like a staple. Thats how a growing market works. I think atleast now, us Indians in the sprawling and ever money making cities, are totally viable to the International luxury sector. We're not there yet, but we're definitely on the tip of the edge.
	() Thanks

17th February 2010, 18:55	#9
rjalihal BHPian Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 713 Thanked: 100 Times	Lexus is owned by Toyota while Infiniti is owned by Nissan (not sure, i think). neither Toyota nor Nissan would want to kill their own sales for their primary brands. Thus Lexus and Infiniti are unlikely to enter the Indian market anytime soon. Only once Toyota has a firm foot hold will they contemplate bringing Lexus in. As for Nissan, they are yet to make an impression on Indians. Lets see how the Micra/March is accepted by the people.
	() Thanks

17th February 2010, 19:10	#10
shortbread Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: KL 7 Posts: 2,387 Thanked: 6,267 Times	Toyota so far have shown very little interest to localise even the Camry despite being mauled by the Accord every month. Thus they end up selling a western bread and butter sedan thats maybe on a good day on par with an Accord and being a CBU priced closer to premium German marques. Frankly despite what should be negligent sales in India for the likes of Merc, BMW, Audi; these companies have taken on a lot of initiative to assemble locally and price it as competitively as possible, within our taxation/duty structure. Toyota's half hearted attitude to the premium segment will only have products like the Lexus struggle in the market, then why launch it at all. By the way let them sort out the problems first prior to any launches, last thing a Lexus owner would want is to run into the aam aadmi due to a faulty accelerator.
	() Thanks

18th February 2010, 13:09	#13
McLaren Rulez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mysore Posts: 3,387 Thanked: 5,099 Times	I wonder if Lexus has quite the brand strength of Mercedes, BMW and Audi. And its even worse for Infiniti which is virtually unknown in India. As great as their cars might be, the brand name has a long way to go before people see it as alternatives to the Germans.
	() Thanks

18th February 2010, 13:11	#14
Latheesh Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: CNN/BLR Posts: 4,241 Thanked: 10,072 Times	Toyota and Nissan are considered as luxuary brands in India, why would they bring Lexus and Infiniti to India and kill their own sales? FX35, G37 and G35 coupe are my favourites from infiniti table. Have seen many used G37s during our car hunt in 2008 at mouth watering price levels.
	() Thanks

18th February 2010, 13:19	#15
CARDEEP Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NCR Posts: 3,247 Thanked: 2,520 Times	I believe that the ownership costs of these two marquee brands would be at par with the Germans (even if it is lesser the difference won't be much as in Europe or America), obviously, the two comapnies (Nissan & Totyta) would like to charge a premium for these premium brands over other models. Honda, Nissan & Toyota are considered premium brands in India. Plus there would be lesser localisation of the superior engines, leading to to higher costs of spares (due to our due to India's duty structure). The number of dealers dealing in these brands will also be restricted by the comapnies' managements.
	() Thanks