Talking About Automobiles

Lexus Malaysia, the luxury division of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, will be launching a new model, the Lexus IS250. Lexus is expecting this model to create a name in the market, more of something that will boost its sales by next year.

The Lexus IS250 is the fourth and smallest of the Lexus range. And, it is powered with a 2.5 L V6 engine that produces a top speed of 205 bhp. Since there is a trend of small cars these days worldwide, UMW Toyota managing director Datuk David Chen foresees that this new model would probably account for 30% of the 300 units they will be selling for 2008.

Currently, there are 7,000 luxury car units being sold in the local luxury market annually. Chen said, “I think the market is ready to share with another new brand.”

According to Chen, the Lexus IS250 is potentially competitive in the compact sedan segment of the luxury car market, joining its top rivals: BMW 325i and Mercedes C-class. Considering it in the line, the segment seemingly represents about one third of the total luxury market, Chen said.

Lexus Malaysia will get to have a complete range composed of the Lexus IS250 in the compact sedan division; the Lexus LS460L in the limousine segment; the Lexus GS300 in the mid-sized sedan group; and the Lexus RX300 in the sports utility vehicle segment.

Lexus just set has set a sales target for the new model in 2008, considering that its operations were actually limited to the Lexus Center (a RM35mil 3S center opened in Mutiara Damansara last January) as it is their only outlet. In a span of nine months, more than 150 unites were sold. For that, the company is expecting to have about 200 units for the entire year.

Chen said, “The Lesux GS300 and the Lexus LS460L (the two top-selling models) sold in almost equal quantity. I’m pleasantly surprised at the strength of both models.”