For the second month in a row, Lexus sales dropped when compared with the previous year. Here’s the details:

The only real gain came by way of the GS models, whose sales have picked up somewhat since the minor refresh was released in November. The IS sales figures were roughly the same, but beyond that, every other vehicle saw a decrease. LX sales are abysmal, as buyers are no doubt awaiting the LX 570’s release in January.

[Source: Toyota]

The Auto Network has served up another Lexus presentation, this time a full blown dissertation about the IS-F. This presentation, along with the previously noted LX 570 breakdown, took place in Point Clear, Alabama, and provided the automotive press with an opportunity to learn about the vehicles to an extraordinary level of detail.

The first IS-F video is an introduction, most notable due to its alternative viewpoint as to where the “F” designation started (the other version states the “F” comes from the Fuji Speedway) and its assertion that the IS-F shifts faster than a Ferrari F430:

The second part, presented by Charles Hubbard of Lexus College, is easily the most detailed technical breakdown of the IS-F that I’ve seen or read:

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The Auto Network has posted up the full LX 570 presentation given by Lexus to the press in late 2007, and it’s a incredible collection of facts and information, detailing every aspect of the vehicle, from its technical specifications to its marketing plan.

The first part is a general overview of the LX 570, presented by Nancy Fein, VP of Customer Service:

The second part is a presentation by Charles Hubbard, and is a highly detailed 20 minute technical breakdown of the new SUV, including a demonstration of the Crawl Control feature. (The sound’s a little low so be sure to turn up your speakers):

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With demand for dealer-certified used Lexus vehicles rising eight percent in 2007, Lexus has adjusted the requirements for its Certified Pre-Owned program. Eligible vehicles can now have up to 70,000 miles, where the previous mileage could only be 60,000. On top of that, the maximum age has been bumped up a year, to seven years old.

The multi-point inspection will remain the same, so vehicles will still have to meet some very strict quality standards, including a clean title history, but these changes could boost the used vehicle volume by seven percent.

[Source: Automotive News via Winding Road]

With all this talk of Lexus gift-giving for Christmas, I found myself more interested in the logistics behind it: What if they don’t like the model? Or the color?

According to the Houston Chronicle, who looked into the car-giving phenomenon, vehicles can be exchanged if necessary, though there was no mention of people returning the cars immediately due to financial considerations, which I imagine happens much more often.

Something that surprised me was the cost of the red bows:

But bows aren’t typically thrown in as an afterthought. The big ones cost more than $500 because they’re so intricate, explains Machann of Westside Lexus. Hybrids get green bows, of course.

For customers who balk, the dealership has cheaper — and smaller — bows available that run as low as $85.

Some people actually do get a Lexus for Christmas — and not only that, but with Youtube, we can watch along:

To be honest, I couldn’t even watch the videos all the way through, they’re rather awkward with the yelling and tears.

Update: Added another video.