Let's check through the new car sales data in Japan in February 2018. The total sales number was 296,665 units, which is decreased by 4.9% comparing from February 2017. While the sales of Mini-car (K-Car) with displacement less than 660 cc was increased by 13.5% at 177,213 units. Let's us introduce you the top 10 items of the car sales in February 2018.
Ranking Car Model Sales Number Comparison with February 2017 (%)
- N-BOX (Honda) * 22,007 units + 13.3
- DAYZ (Nissan) * 12,494 cars -11.2
- NOTE (Nissan) 13,769 units -7.3
- Spacia (Suzuki) * 13,620 units + 24.7
- MOVE (Daihatsu) * 13,479 units + 19.2
- Tanto (Daihatsu) * 12,911 units -14.5
- PRIUS (Toyota) 11,507 units -27.9
- Wagon R (Suzuki) * 11,460 units -8.9
- AQUA (Toyota) 11,167 units -1.9
- SERENA (Nissan) 10,408 units -5.2
(* Kei car/ K- car)
Honda N-BOX is at the top of the ranking consecutively for six months.
Lexus made a breakthrough with a new model “LS” with the price from 9,800,000 yen
This month, we will need to pay attention to Toyota's luxury car brand, Lexus. You can see that the sales in February 2018 with 6,171 units, is increasing of 68.1% compared to February 2017. The major reason was caused by the flagship model of Lexus, “LS”.
The new model “LS” was released sequentially in worldwide countries from last year autumn to the beginning of this year. Especially the sales in Japan which is the main market has achieved the sales of 2,527 in January and 2,132 in February. It is the model with the largest sales volume among Lexus vehicle in Japan.
The lowest price of LS model is 9,800,000 yen, however there are only few people buy it at this price. Most of the LS sold to the market are exceeding 10,000,000 yen. On the other hand, "LS 500 h EXECUTIVE", the most expensive hybrid AWD (4-wheel drive) is 16,800,000 yen, and even more expensive after added with the optional luxury equipment. It is the first time that Toyota has sold such many luxury models.
Introduction of LS
The history of Lexus LS began in year 1989. It was a signboard model when Toyota first launched Lexus as a luxury car brand in the United States.
In the 1970s, Japanese automobile manufacturers had grown rapidly due to energy saving technology and good quality of Japanese brand, however the luxury car made in Japan still couldn’t be recognized worldwide. It was the fifth president of Toyota, Toyota Eiji (豊田英二氏) as an outstanding engineer who has decided to challenge it. In commemoration of Toyota which was founded in 1937, he has decided to challenge for the luxury car as the celebration of 50th anniversary.
LS 400, big size and good fuel efficient
"LS 400", which was created with hardship, was a full-size luxury car with a 4-liter V8 engine. However, as the full size Sedan, by reducing the air resistance of the car body to increase the high rate of the engine, the manufactured car do not have to pay the high tax (Gas Guzzler TAX) that is required to be paid by the United States on low fuel-efficient cars.
The latest model of LS is the 5th generation since the first generation released.
Besides, the safety equipment of the car is also the latest generation one. The new monitor of LS has 360 degrees vision around the car with radar and camera and is equipped with a system that automatically controls the steering wheel as much as possible to avoid accidents when it is likely to collide with pedestrians and objects. On the other hand, LS is also equipped with semi-automatic driving feature for driving on highway.
Figure: LS+ at the Tokyo Motor Show. There is also an announcement of LS is evolving into automatic operated car
Please looking forward and pay attention to the performance by the Japan luxury car brand, Lexus.
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