Lexus Plans to Sell 1,600 IS250C's Per Month

Lexus, like everyone else has been hurting with this economic downturn. They seem to be getting hurt especially hard though and some have wondered if the brand problems lie deeper then just the slowing economy. Lexus would like to turn things around with new models like the next-generation RX and by attracting younger buyers with more variants of the IS line.

I did get a chance to check out the new RX Crossover in person and found it to be not as bad as it seemed in the press shots. In the right color combination it can look decent. Hardly reason enough to buy one though. I think that is part of Lexus' problem too. Save for the IS, none of their vehicles have me even remotely interested.

The IS is the lone vehicle in their stable that I think is OK. I don't think the interior is remarkable but the exterior styling is at least good looking and it's RWD (thank goodness!). In addition to producing a full range of variants, Lexus is going to need to really step up it's game on the next-generation IS if they ever hope to compete with the 3-Series. 

A step towards doing that is the IS250C retractable hardtop convertible. Lexus project manager Keiichi Nishiyama told Automotive News that Lexus plans to sell 1,600 units of the car worldwide. 70% of those models are expected to be sold in the United States, which would work out to 1,120 units a month (13,400 for the year). I would say that's about par for the course for a luxury convertible like the IS. A lot of it depends on pricing, and in that area Lexus intends to make the car very competitive.

According to Nishiyama, the IS250 C will start under $40,000. I suspect that is a number that will get buyers attention. Under $40,000 for a retractable hardtop from a luxury marque is good. At that price, I think they might be able to hit their goal.