Often, a shortened or missing model year has to do with CAFE numbers. The 1999 Yukon/Tahoe was produced early because the 1998 models pulled down GM's CAFE numbers too much. The 1999's were, of course, identical to 1998's but hey, they were the next model year.
What's the deal with the 2012 Land Cruiser? Is there such an animal ??
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I have always wondered why there are so few produced for US market? About a half of the 100. From my perspective there isn't any SUV in the world like it. I've tried to see if I can find anything even remotely comparable from my perspective and I haven't been able to. My love for land cruisers has helped me overcome my german car addiction.
Supply and demand. After the 2008 financial collapse, there just hasn't been a significant market, given how expensive the vehicle is. Toyota could produce more, but they would likely end up sitting on dealer lots longer, which would lead to dealers looking for incentives to move them. Those willing to spend $80k on an SUV tend to buy the LX570, which has double the sales numbers of the LC
Lexus LX Sales Figures - GOOD CAR BAD CAR
Markuson
SILVER Star
Ya, baffles me too, though I do think of a few things that contribute (besides the obvious, like cost and bling).
Sequoia:
Toyota created the Sequoia specifically for the US market.
It appeals to the anti-minivan family...is bigger...cheaper & roomier than the LC, yet still projects a rugged image.
I wonder how many Sequoias are sold in the US each year...
Another one could be roads in the US.
You can get from just about any driveway in any state...to just about any other driveway in any other state without leaving pavement.
We're kinda spoiled that way. -We don't have an Outback...or a Sahara Desert... so unless you go out of your way to hit rough trails, you can get to just about any place in a sedan.
It really is kind of incredible how few are sold though.
I've often wondered what would happen if they just bumped up the "rugged looks" element. So many people buy expensive vehicles for the image they project. Let's face it... The LC doesn't LOOK **nearly** as bad-ass-capable as it really is.
What do you think?
And isn't that just the advantage as well?
Markuson
SILVER Star
Mark and Linux: Awesome points! I do agree with you Mark that we are spoiled here in US and I share your perplexity on why people don't understand the value in this machine.
For me in Chicago, it seems like the roads are not as perfect as they used to be and I am daily driving offroad through construction zones, pothole mine fields, many road imperfections, road debris, etc. Maybe Toyota isn't putting a nice enough suspension stock for people to realize how awesome the truck can be. Also, consumers may not want such an excellent product - with many pretty Mercedes and BMWs available in the market I can see why someone might prefer one of them. Toyota always feels dated with technology. I wish they would put even nicer interiors than the 2016.
For me in Chicago, it seems like the roads are not as perfect as they used to be and I am daily driving offroad through construction zones, pothole mine fields, many road imperfections, road debris, etc. Maybe Toyota isn't putting a nice enough suspension stock for people to realize how awesome the truck can be. Also, consumers may not want such an excellent product - with many pretty Mercedes and BMWs available in the market I can see why someone might prefer one of them. Toyota always feels dated with technology. I wish they would put even nicer interiors than the 2016.
The Wrangler looks like serious off roading. You can get "trail rated" and "Rubicon edition" to take you to work in the city each morning. You can get the LR/RR that has the name but doesn't look the part or you can get a LC that (to other drivers) looks no different than a Sequoia or a Highlander (i.e. the SUV/minivan combo) but can take you places few modern Land Rovers can.
Hey another Chicagoean!
Toyota will produce as much as they can sell. This isn't an LFA (still can find new at dealers 4 years after production, or a P1)...
However, in my non car circle of friends this is what I have seen:
When I spent 80K on a new 200 = "Wow you spent 80K on a Toyota??"
When I spent 80K on a LX570 = "Wow you are doing well, that thing is amazing."
USA=Brand matters. Prestige matters.
I grew up with FJ40 and Nissan Patrol. I buy what is capable, EFF the brand whorism.
Markuson
SILVER Star
Sad, but true. Image-seekers love to drive brand new Range Rovers here.
At some point along the line, the perception of quality somehow disconnected from reliability so that even when a vehicle's life is often lived behind a tow truck, fans still flock. I don't get it.
I guess it's like $400 ball point pens. A ball point can only write so well. Beyond that, it's just bling. But if those $400 pens didn't write as well as a $2 Pentel? -Some folks would still buy them just because they cost $400.
FYI
Sales might have decreased greatly in the US but they just keep increasing in the key markets of the LC200.
Full year 2014 sales figures for the LC + LX .
Land Cruiser 200 ( 121,500 )
Lexus LX 570 ( 28,600 )
Combined ( 150,100 )
No doubt sales have increased after the 2016 update.
Sales might have decreased greatly in the US but they just keep increasing in the key markets of the LC200.
Full year 2014 sales figures for the LC + LX .
Land Cruiser 200 ( 121,500 )
Lexus LX 570 ( 28,600 )
Combined ( 150,100 )
No doubt sales have increased after the 2016 update.
