The LC and LX's were definitely priced too closely. In '07 the difference is $10K (base vs. base), which is not much to someone shopping in the $60K price range; especially when one says Japanese Toyota and one says Luxury Lexus (to the luxury SUV buyer).
I also agree with the thought that the Lexus buyer is looking for a spiffy luxury SUV which they won't keep as long, one reason for the dropoff in LX sales as buyers found the LX lacking luxury features (cooled seats, hids, etc).
Maybe the big '06 LX drop was due to the RR Sport and new Escalade?
In any event, it will be interesting to see how Lexus responds with the new offering, and whether or not they get back to that 10K mark.
I also agree with the thought that the Lexus buyer is looking for a spiffy luxury SUV which they won't keep as long, one reason for the dropoff in LX sales as buyers found the LX lacking luxury features (cooled seats, hids, etc).
Maybe the big '06 LX drop was due to the RR Sport and new Escalade?
In any event, it will be interesting to see how Lexus responds with the new offering, and whether or not they get back to that 10K mark.