UMW Toyota expects to sell 105 all-new Lexus RX350s

 

The all-new, third-generation Lexus RX350 was unveiled yesterday, with distributor UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd expecting its first year sales to almost double the number its predecessor had achieved in nearly two years.

A total of 67 units of the second-generation RX350 sports utility vehicle (SUV) were sold since April 2007 and UMW Toyota said the all-new model should get sales of 105 units from now till year-end.

Its president Kuah Kock Heng does not think the target is "too" ambitious amid the tough market conditions.

"We are confident given the outcome of the market survey done previously and the initial response prior to the launch.

"As of yesterday (Wednesday), we collected 15 orders," Kuah said after launching the RX350 in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

"We find ourselves in challenging economic circumstances, yet there will be a segment of customers who have the means and demand the perfect blend of quality, safety and performance to stay one step ahead of time," he added.

Kuah said the company is reviewing the market situation before deciding on any further Lexus launches this year.

"We will wait for a few more months," he said.

Meanwhile, the Lexus regional service support centre outside the Klang Valley will be expanded to Johor by end-March. This will complement the Penang centre as well as the flagship facility in Mutiara Damansara.

The 3.5-litre RX350 sells at RM377,000 without insurance, about RM4,000 more than its predecessor and slightly more expensive than its two main rival models.

Company executives said the new RX350 marks the start of the next generation of the L-finese design philosophy that provides the design direction for all Lexus models.

Compared with the previous model, the new SUV is almost similar in size with slight dimensional increases all around.