terdancam

clone

bone

peter kay

indeed, but then there is scope for limited editions/ enthusiasts versions. i think there is also further scope for more intimate involvement with "official" mods, instead of relying on the entrepreneurial aftermarket, excellent though it is. one could argue that niche marketing is a successful strategy, as resale values are quite strong, but i think a broader appeal will fatten the wallet in the long run (look at how well audi are doing 85% of VWs profit, every vw sold is a loss maker!). Also i bought the IS200 because it looks aggressive, and people have commented on how well it looks in the rear view, but unfortunately it doesn`t quite pack the punch you would expect from the styling----whereas an unassuming honda civic.... :D Lexus are definately missing a trick, imho, and their marketing strategy needs to get less 55yr+(i can`t remember the ave age, but its higher than bm/merc) targeted and more focussed on the new era of relatively wealthy 30yr+--baby boomers are moving on, and we`re next! :D

popular :) wiv da ladeez

lisper

grammar

muscle

fittings

It is interesting to compare the model/engine variants Lexus have when compared to the likes of BMW/Audi/Merc. However it is important to have a grounding in the history of the brand, and where the corporate strategy was initially focussed. Essentially it stole the market in the USA, by being the best cost leader, leading the way in added value engineering that BMw and MErc had grown complacent in. They rested on their laurels and traded a great deal on brand image. ANd so lexus stole a march on them. However over the years, the prestige companies reevaluated their supply chains,as did the whole industry, and it became increasingly difficult to secure competitive advantage based on cost leadership--imitation levelling the playing field. Fortunately for Lexus the SUV was another massively influential and dominating model that established their position. Obviously there are more factors such as the establishment of Specific dealerships in the USA, CRM above and beyond, reliability etc that were involved, but it is also interesting to note that Europe was almost a sideline consideration in respect of the massive usa market. The concentration on very few variants gave better reliability/costings etc, but it is well recognised that a big factor in the limited european success was the lack of a diesel engine--hugely popular in europe, but virtually unheard of in the states. Another factor is, of course, fortress bavaria! Bmw has diversified its product range from the 1 series to its own suv line-up, its own M division and large model variants, notwithstanding its Mini success, and is regaining its position over Lexus. However its reliability and dealership experience still has some way to go. With the global downturn in the fortunes of the huge carmakers, the consolidation of modular platforms (eg vectra/saab) and extremely incestuous supplier markets, lexus will have to capitalise on the hybrid technology (beating GM by quite some margin), look at the massive potential in the Indian and Chinese markets, and look at taking on fortress bavaria by offering the europeans what they want (which is a completely distinctive market to the american one). Suggestions would be a M/AMG/Type R variant for their product line up, and diesel/hybrid extensions to stave off the impending green/oil issues. Unlike politicians, Lexus/toyota are in a postion to think and act long term in these areas, but they need to gain european credibility, which is only gained by having a far bigger presence. It certainly makes you wonder if Lexus GB/ Japan actually visit the LOC :D

frankie

is200, granite ski, **51yha, newport pagnell? and don`t look so grumpy, you`re driving a lexus :D

i will be using it as i`ve just read two mag reviews saying it has performed the best. apparently its one of microsofts acquisitions....giant i think, and they`ve added to it....................but remember to run 2-3 sweeps, one after the other!!!!

bang goes another great british product........... proper, selfdeprecating, modest, intelligent man------don`t see many of those today. very sad

pickle

virgin (ithangu)

Sonus gloss shampoo, Klasse AIO, P21 wax. ar*e end looks like a showroom finish (ruddy tesco scratches and paintchips notwithstanding :tsktsk: ). (granite sky 52 plate is200 btw) Used Klasse aio on windows, inside and out, and super smear free and shiny......unfortunately its does get in the gaps and dries hard so you have to get a fingernail edged with a terry to get it out! However, the bonnet is surprisingly unspectacular. Apart from the ubiquitous stonechips it doesn`t have any swirl marks, but it just doesn`t look deep shiny, just shiny........difficult to explain........kinda dark milky effect......not glossy glossy. Its almost as though the sun had faded the paint, but it still polishes shiny.......it hasn`t been resprayed according to any paperwork, and it does match the surrounding panels. Am i expecting too much? I was hoping for retina burn B) ....... :D and then it started raining :tsktsk: Any ideas/advice/similar experiences?

international (its a hog bike shop!)

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh IMAGINATION it`s a wonderful and rare thing shame some of the comments don`t quite appreciate that, and i think most of the russian ones are fromthe mafia...... certainly makes a change from the copious amounts of corporate committee design

well yeah, but B&Q discount on hammerite for me sir............. i wanted to know if the discy poos are any cop or are vented discs pretty much the same?

well bless his little calluses, i wonder how much he'll charge for a dress?

could all LOC please stop modding their cars like this 'cos now i ruddy well want some!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :tsktsk: :tsktsk: :tsktsk: :tsktsk: lovely g.design and minimalist look, but do u reckon resale will be affected? and where u get 'em done? I promise i won`t tell...............

i reckon 2000+ fully comp, any bets?

wednesday

philistine :D