Quote:
Originally Posted by lkchris
Actually it was Lexus. Indirectly, of course.
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This is far closer to the truth than just about anything else said here. Not discounting it, mind you, just saying that some changes are wrought by external influences.
Infiniti and Acura arrived in 1987. Their products, while worthwhile didn't quite compete with the German luxury marques. The arrival of the Lexus LS400 is what signalled a wholesale shift in the mindset of the American luxury car buyer.
Not the lesser ES250, but the LS400. To be honest, the car was just about equal with the Mercedes and BMW competition, while
quieter, cheaper, more fuel efficient and better appointed. This called into question the ethos of luxury cars and their pricing.
But it wasn't just the car, it was also the
dealership experience; complimentary coffee and pastries, car wash with all servicing, loaner car for all repairs, complimentary shuttle for servicing etc etc etc. At a time when Mercedes dealer experience was insular at best, if not insulting. Witness the handling of the wiring harness fiasco on the W124 vs Lexus recalling 8000 cars based on 2 complaints just after the cars debut.
You guys should really read the wikipedia page on the LS400.