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21518 messages,  Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 10:07 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Maserati, Maybach, Car Comparisons, Coupe, Convertible, Sedan


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#12401 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [jlbl] by circlew
Apr 21, 2008 (9:00 am)
Reply

Replying to: jlbl (Apr 21, 2008 8:10 am)

Jose, I completely agree. Taxis must have solid build quality, durability and blended with some comfort depending on the places they are used. I'd much rather a ride in an MB/BMW than lesser cabs.
 
In the US, the limo companies purcjase "stretch" versions of everything from Lincolns to Hummers. Yes, all sorts of MB and BMW combinations have been elongated for the "party hearty" sect and ornate wedding (over 50% failure rate!!). Here's an example of my B7 LONGO.
 

 
In other words, thinking from a pure business aspect, the owner/drivers want the best not just a cheap ride for their fare...like a lowly Prius-mantis!
 

 
Taxi!!!!!!!!
 
Regards,
OW
#12402 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [jlbl] by 2001gs430
Apr 21, 2008 (9:11 am)
Reply

Replying to: jlbl (Apr 21, 2008 8:10 am)

I guess your part of Europe is just as you described. If you read btw the lines, my point is that you are not going to find any kind of Lexus being used as taxis, yet!
Please don't say that Lexus is not reliable enough to be taxi cabs
#12403 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [2001gs430] by circlew
Apr 21, 2008 (9:34 am)
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Replying to: 2001gs430 (Apr 21, 2008 9:11 am)

Not so fast!
 

 
Regards,
OW
#12404 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [circlew] by 2001gs430
Apr 21, 2008 (9:41 am)
Reply

Replying to: circlew (Apr 21, 2008 9:34 am)

#12405 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [2001gs430] by jlbl
Apr 21, 2008 (9:56 am)
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Replying to: 2001gs430 (Apr 21, 2008 9:11 am)

any kind of Lexus being used as taxis, yet!
 
Yeah, "yet" is the key word, I think. Lexus has not taken full speed in Europe. But Lexus is growing over here too; it is only a matter of time to see Lexus Taxi Cabs. (Sure there are Lexus Cabs in some European cities though I have still not seen any; I'll keep an eye wide open to spot them. )
 
Regards,
Jose
#12406 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [circlew] by jlbl
Apr 21, 2008 (10:04 am)
Reply

Replying to: circlew (Apr 21, 2008 9:00 am)

Circlew, it amazes me those 'stretched' limos doesn't break in two halves when riding on rough streets! That B7 Longo, can be purchased directly from the factory or is stretched afterwards?
 
Regards,
Jose
#12407 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [bristol2] by houdini1
Apr 21, 2008 (10:17 am)
Reply

Replying to: bristol2 (Apr 21, 2008 6:15 am)

You hit the nail on the head about U.S. marketing. I couldn't agree more.
 
We started out talking about luxury and prestige and how being used as taxis didn't help a brands image. Certainly BMW and Mercedes build fine cars and even though they may be cost effective when used as taxis, the original thought was yes, but it sure doesn't help their image as exclusive luxury vehicles.
#12408 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [houdini1] by jlbl
Apr 21, 2008 (10:50 am)
Reply

Replying to: houdini1 (Apr 21, 2008 10:17 am)

… as exclusive luxury vehicles.
 
It did not help too that M-B put diesel engines in its passenger cars intended for being sold to farmers and other rural inhabitants back in the 20th-Century Fifties (or it was in the Forties?). Yet M-B is in the lux market anywhere and diesel now is in these lux cars almost everywhere ( ). Solid as an M-B—a comfort car for everyday work, it was said back then.
 
On the other hand, I agree that M-B prestige is more damaged nowadays by the proliferation of so many models with a somewhat vulgar look (I am paraphrasing LG by heart; I am sorry if I have forgotten some hint of his real statement.)
 
Regards,
Jose
#12409 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [jlbl] by dewey
Apr 21, 2008 (10:51 am)
Reply

Replying to: jlbl (Apr 21, 2008 9:56 am)

True.
 
Lexus cabs are not prevalent because Lexuses are mainly sold in a continent where BMW and MB taxis are hardly ever seen.
 
This whole North American notion of prestige, luxury and exclusivity I find kind of funny.
It is quite humourous when someone considers themselves as an excluisve car owner when everywhere you look in middle class neighborhoods there are several of these highly exlusive and prestigious marque automobiles parked on very non-exclusive and non-prestigous driveways. In otherwords exclusive and inclusive have similar meanings in North America. And horror of horrors if a cab driver is driving a MB car? Now that according to a North Americans is truly shocking and wrecks the exclusivity of a MB
 
My wealthiest client whose networth is in the dozens of millions owns a single 98 Accord while my poorest client whose networth is in the hundreds of thousands and whose income is not that high has a spanking new 08 MB E350 (leased ofcourse). One client feels a need to be exclusive while the other one doesn't.
 
#12410 of 21518
Re: The Real Lexus Numbers in Japan [jlbl] by circlew
Apr 21, 2008 (10:52 am)
Reply

Replying to: jlbl (Apr 21, 2008 10:04 am)

The cars are purchased by the coach builders and stretched to custom specifications.
 
Here is an example of a builder and the cars the customize.
 
http://www.empirecoach.cc/livery_vehicles.htm
 
Regards,
OW

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