In today’s car market, crossovers and SUVs rule the roost, and the demand for other body types is gradually fading. For example, in Europe in the first half of this year, SUVs accounted for more than half of all car sales. However, not everyone is ready to get rid of sedans. Thus, Lexus will retain four-door models in its lineup, and buyers in the world’s largest market, China, play a significant role in this decision.
Lexus brand head Takashi Watanabe admitted that sales of sedans are declining year after year. However, they still have an audience that justifies the cost of developing new models.
While the rest of the world is switching to crossovers, the picture is different in China. There, the ES sedan accounts for half of Lexus’ sales. Therefore, the company will continue to produce three-box models – perhaps only for this market if demand in the rest of the world drops to zero. At the same time, Watanabe noted that the interests of the Chinese public are changing rapidly, and what is popular today may not be in trend in a few years.
There are currently three sedans in the Lexus lineup – IS, ES and LS, and the former is not sold in China. A couple of years ago, the company announced several models, including an electrified sedan and a car similar in size to the Toyota Camry.
The brand does not forget about other body types: Watanabe did not rule out the appearance of a pickup truck if customers have a need for such a car.
Sedans – that’s it? We explore where the automotive world is heading
