Collapse of the Lehman Brothers in 2008 and Japan Earthquake of 2011 crucial factors
Lexus, Lexus, what's taking you so long with the new LS?
The current generation LS has been with us since 2006 in LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h and LS 600h L versions. In 2012, Lexus gave its headliner model a substantial update; the extent of which was rather unusual. Whilst other manufacturers are content merely to update their cars on a superficial level, Lexus gave the LS a completely new front cabin in addition to new headlights, engine diagnostics and infotainment software and front bumper to incorporate the signature spindle grille.
All Lexus has just found the reason why Lexus gave the LS an unusually-thorough makeover in 2012: It was not just to fend off the launch of the all-new 2013 Mercedes S Class. There were two more important factors:
The collapse of the Lehman Brothers in the autumn of 2008 and the Great East Japan earthquake in the spring of 2011: These two disasters (one manmade, the other natural) presented new challenges which changed the nature of the global automotive landscape. Banks had to prioritise funds towards humanitarian aid and economic development.
Lexus still needed to fend off the new Mercedes S Class, but with little funds available from banks, choosing to embark into R&D for the all-new LS was no longer a viable course of action. At the time of the Lehman Brothers collapse and the Japan Earthquake, most of Lexus' funds were channelled into the development of the Lexus NX and RX, with little left over for the flagship LS. Under the parentage of Toyota, Lexus made the decision to bestow the existing LS with a facelift rather than to develop an entirely new model as this would cost substantially less.
Find out in Part 2 of this article for Lexus' plans on the all-new LS.
Cheers!
All Lexus
Lexus, Lexus, what's taking you so long with the new LS?
The current generation LS has been with us since 2006 in LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h and LS 600h L versions. In 2012, Lexus gave its headliner model a substantial update; the extent of which was rather unusual. Whilst other manufacturers are content merely to update their cars on a superficial level, Lexus gave the LS a completely new front cabin in addition to new headlights, engine diagnostics and infotainment software and front bumper to incorporate the signature spindle grille.
All Lexus has just found the reason why Lexus gave the LS an unusually-thorough makeover in 2012: It was not just to fend off the launch of the all-new 2013 Mercedes S Class. There were two more important factors:
The collapse of the Lehman Brothers in the autumn of 2008 and the Great East Japan earthquake in the spring of 2011: These two disasters (one manmade, the other natural) presented new challenges which changed the nature of the global automotive landscape. Banks had to prioritise funds towards humanitarian aid and economic development.
Lexus still needed to fend off the new Mercedes S Class, but with little funds available from banks, choosing to embark into R&D for the all-new LS was no longer a viable course of action. At the time of the Lehman Brothers collapse and the Japan Earthquake, most of Lexus' funds were channelled into the development of the Lexus NX and RX, with little left over for the flagship LS. Under the parentage of Toyota, Lexus made the decision to bestow the existing LS with a facelift rather than to develop an entirely new model as this would cost substantially less.
Find out in Part 2 of this article for Lexus' plans on the all-new LS.
Cheers!
All Lexus
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