The Lexus IS convertibles – the IS 250C and IS 350C — have only been on the market for about a month now, but demand is already starting to outstrip supply. Orders for the IS C models have flooded Toyota’s Kyushu plant, leaving U.S. dealers in short supply.
Lexus originally planned to sell about 1,600 units of the IS convertible globally per month, but is now forecasting 1,200 monthly sales in the U.S. alone. “I don’t think we’re going to outstrip demand with our build rate,” Scott Wracher, general manager of the Lexus’s eastern area, told Ward’s Auto. “There’s a lot of value in the IS (models) compared to our competition.”
Lexus expects the IS 250C to represent the bulk of IS convertible sales – with an expected 85 percent take rate – with the up-level IS 350C model making up the rest of IS C sales. Only about 5 percent of buyers are expected to opt for the car’s manual transmission, only available on the IS 250C model.
Sales of the IS C could receive a significant boost in early 2011 as an open air version of Lexus’ high-performance IS F is expected to join the lineup.
07/09, 3:13 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I honestly don’t understand why there is such a huge demand for this, even though it’s still less than 2000 units. For the same price, you can get the ISF!!!
07/09, 3:16 PM
posted by:
cocojoe53
Surprising, considering how underpowered the IS250 is. I like the IS series, but why Toyota give the V6 in the Camry/RAV4 268 HP and the IS250 207 completey baffels me…..
07/09, 3:26 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
I personally dont care for the IS conv but this makes sense usually Lexus has high demand for their cars. I wonder if the G convertible is having similar success. I wish they would make a proper IS coupe
07/09, 3:26 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Big f*cking deal. It’s a new convertible and it’s summer. Duh.
07/09, 3:27 PM
posted by:
moparsalesman1
Its because of the commercial where he is outrunning the helicopter and then the neighbors on foot!
07/09, 5:24 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
Johnny:
Great point.
07/09, 5:35 PM
posted by:
Borat
Here is a hint: what if it drives well? Regardless of ponies and all other statistical/mechanical facts which are very meaningless when it comes to cars appeal. Do you think that anyone who will drive 3 series convertible or IS will have any idea that 3 series has 25 more ponies? But 3 series costs more.
07/09, 5:36 PM
posted by:
Dante_JoseCuervo
Meh, the IS is a good car in its own respect, but meh.
07/09, 5:43 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
they’re not targeting the LLN readership with this thing, obviously, but that doesn’t mean a lotta trophy wives don’t want them…
07/09, 6:03 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
We don’t understand it, but Toyota does. Hence the obvious…
07/09, 6:15 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I was at the Lexus dealer today and while waiting for an oil change to be done, talked to the manager about this car. He said they have been getting a lot of requests from MBenz, SAAB and Volvo convertible owners who are tired of the reliability issues and want to trade. Women are going for the 250C and couples are going for the 350C
07/09, 7:02 PM
posted by:
Borat
Beautus, you got it!
07/09, 10:02 PM
posted by:
DrFill
It will be a hot summer at your Lexus dealer
I expect the sales pace to drop olff sharply by October
DrFill
07/10, 10:18 AM
posted by:
A4
Holy hell they put a manual in it? It’s a shame all their buyers have arthritis or carpel tunnel already.
07/10, 11:28 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Why does this line look like a featureless soap bar? Not necessarliy ugly, just boring. Oh, almost forgot what company I was addressing.
07/11, 5:03 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Why? Just an Alteeza.
07/12, 1:37 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
just an alteeza is better than Just a GM
07/12, 9:55 PM
posted by:
A.J.
Of course convertibles are in demand. This IS-C is A) a Lexus B) better-looking than the SC and C) more efficient than the SC. Oh, did I mention D) we’re in the middle of July?
I do think the blue interior color for the IS-C is AWESOME though. I wish more manufacturers offered more colors than just Black, Grey, Light Grey, and Tan.