Someone asked, what do you think about the 100,000 RMB markup on Lexus?
Honestly speaking, it's like hitting 315 right away. I'm "standing strong" with Lexus!
With that extra 100,000 RMB, you could buy a BYD Qin PLUS DM-i and have enough left over for two years' worth of fuel! But it's already 2024, and yet there are still people who don't know the true nature of Lexus cars, insisting on making themselves unhappy!
Some classmates are curious about what's the deal with Lexus cars?
In simple terms, Lexus cars are still imported so far. After entering the Chinese market, they have been vigorously promoting craftsmanship spirit. Coupled with restricted import quantities, it has become common for "markup" to be the norm when purchasing a Lexus.
If you want to buy a Lexus, you really need to consider whether your wallet is ready for the markup.
Just like this time, after negotiating the price, signing the purchase intention agreement, and paying the deposit, you end up having to pay an additional service fee of 100,000 RMB when picking up the car. If the customer doesn't accept, they just refund the deposit directly. And the manager of the Lexus dealership bluntly said, if you don't agree, you can go wherever you want to file a complaint. This calmness is indeed admirable.
Since returning to work after the New Year, every car manufacturer seems to be caught up in cutthroat competition. Even the flagship models are losing their appeal, while the special editions keep coming one after another. So why does Lexus still maintain its dominance so aggressively? Who gave it the audacity? Who indulged its stubborn issues? With so many good options available, why do some still insist on choosing Lexus? Why is "Zhongsheng Group" so formidable?
Therefore, by openly supporting Lexus this time, one is essentially inviting trouble upon oneself and must be prepared to face the consequences.
Previously, it was understandable why Chinese consumers favored Japanese cars, considering the long-standing reputation of Japanese vehicles for their quality, reliability, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
However, with China consistently topping the global automobile production and sales charts for several years now, and even surpassing Japan in exports last year, with models like the BYD Qin PLUS DM-i priced as low as 79,800 RMB, it's perplexing why Lexus continues to swim against the current.
This demonstrates that the root cause of Lexus's arrogance lies in the irrational infatuation of some consumers with foreign brands.
Certainly, some argue that Tesla owners are generally affluent, and this particular car enthusiast doesn't fit the typical target demographic for Tesla.
Indeed, consumer behavior broadly falls into two categories: those who prioritize quality and brand, and those who prioritize price and utility. However, negotiating a good price only to markup afterward falls outside the realm of ethics and warrants investigation.
There are other consumer trends worth noting as well: Nowadays, people are increasingly seeking both brand quality and value for money.
You'll notice that since last year, businesses offering discounts on branded goods have seen an uptick in activity. For instance, discount stores for brands like Adidas and Nike, as well as outlets like previously overlooked outlet malls, have experienced increased foot traffic.
Since 2023, there's been a fundamental shift in the dynamics of many businesses.
In the past, when people had around three hundred thousand, who would consider buying domestic cars? Many believed the more expensive, the better, the more prestigious.
Now, even with the same price range, are young people still buying Mercedes, BMWs, and Audis like before? It's mostly middle-aged folks.
So, behind the recent uproar over price hikes in Tesla cars lies the truth: consumer trends have indeed changed!
Just as simps are collectively waking up and the simp economy suddenly disappears, it's both a correction of the past and a reminder to society. Most people are becoming more practical and rational, no longer chasing the elusive sense of ritualistic extravagance.
Afterword
With the development of social economy and the changing consumer values, it's clear that outdated practices are no longer appropriate.
Whether it's Chinese automobiles or Lexus, both should be based on equality and respect to establish a healthy consumer value system. Lastly, the editor has a question: if both Chinese and Lexus cars are made in India, which one is still considered high-end?
