Having sold 41 units last month—right after selling 32 in May and 35 in June—may seem insignificant for most car companies that need to sell by the hundreds or even thousands.
But Lexus Manila is no ordinary car company and the fact that the Toyota luxury badge achieved these phenomenal monthly sales amid a prevailing slump in the luxury car market—a 16-percent decline according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc.—is a cause for celebration.
“The Lexus brand is slowly making a mark—inch by inch, just the way we have planned when we opened three years ago. No flamboyant promotions, no noisy goings—just a consistent, understated presence moved by the sincerity of our staff to make a difference in the industry,” said Danny Isla, the president of Lexus Manila.
According to Lexus Manila, the models that helped the company achieve number is the P3.58-million RX350 luxury crossover SUV and the P3.34-million ES350 luxury sedan.
The 3.5-liter V6 RX350 is regarded as exceptionally quiet and offers a plush ride that few SUVs could offer.
Able to generate 270 horsepower and 336 Nm of torque, the RX350 is also offered in “Premier” option. The P3.89-million Premier includes a tilt and slide moon roof, new 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, memory functions on the driver’s seat, steering wheel and side mirror, a multipurpose roof rail, perforated leather seats, power rear door and a backup camera integrated in the rear view mirror.
Launched in July, the ES350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 346 Nm of torque.
The ES350 has grown in size (compared to its predecessor) and with a longer wheelbase, expect the headroom to be more spacious, longer knee space and generous legroom.
The sedan offers a luxurious cabin and long list of safety features (10 airbags; ABS with EBD and brake assist; traction control; stability control; hill-start assist) as well as fine appointments (Lexus Premium Sound System with eight speakers, automatic sound levelizer, in-dash CD player, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, phone transfer, and vehicle information display; and a self-illuminating LED analog clock).