Lexus lowers 2010 sales target due to disasters

MANILA, Philippines - Lexus Manila Inc. lowered its sales target by 16.67 percent because the twin disasters in Japan have left them with no vehicle allocation for April and May.

In an interview with reporters, Lexus Manila president Danny Isla said they have decided to reduce their sales target to 250 units by the end of the year from the initial target of 300 units.

Isla said Lexus Manila was not spared from the ill effects of Japan’s great disasters. He admitted that there was some slack in the supply last April and May. “After the tsunami we did not get any allocation,” Isla said. With that, he said their sales dropped more than 50 percent.

However, he reported that they are starting to recover from the disaster. “We haven’t fully recovered but we are recovering fast. All our cars are coming from Japan,” Isla noted.

He said their backlog is 40 units and they have no chance to recover that anymore. “There is no catch up for that, Because of this, he said it is impossible for them to sell 300 units this year.

Isla said their best sellers are still the ES 350 and the RX 350 while the CT 200H is gaining ground. Equipped with the most advanced of technologies, the ES 350 provides a dynamic driving experience brimming with intelligence, precision and control. Lexus engineers have equipped the RX 350 with technologies to ensure it not only performs, but protects.

The only full hybrid compact in the Lexus family, the CT 200h is firmly in a class of its own. With ground-breaking performance and refinement, the full hybrid offers a never-before driving experience, with the hallmark quietness and durability you have come to expect of the Lexus master craftsmen.