Mercedes Takes Top Spot In U.S. Luxury Sales; Lexus Declining

Lexus, by virtue of their accessible lineup of vehicles and tank-like reputation for reliability, has reigned supreme among the U.S. luxury car market for years. But no longer.

Capitalizing on the strongest lineup they’ve ever had and a burgeoning brand identity, Mercedes Benz took over Lexus’ exalted spot at the top of the luxury sales charts last month. With sales climbing 17% for the month of September, Mercedes expects to see the year end off with a steady upward trend.

Conversely, Lexus has seen a recent sales decline of six percent over the last month; accredited in part to a massive 27% drop in the brand’s previously popular IS sedan. Although tight lipped about future prospects, Lexus of America’s Vice President of sales, Brian Smith, did say that he expects Lexus to remain the top selling luxury brand of the year when 2010 concludes.