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Krafcik says US Gov. shutdown is slowing Oct. auto sales

The government shutdown is eroding consumer confidence in the auto market, says John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai's US sales unit, and could lower October sales by as much as 10 percent, Automotive News reports. "It's that anxiety that keeps customers, potential buyers, on the sidelines when making a big purchase like an automobile," Krafcik says, adding that industry sales could be off by five to 10 percent in October compared to September.
The fourth quarter, which started October 1, usually consists of increased auto sales as dealerships clear their lots to make room for the next year's models. Leading up to the fourth quarter this year, the auto industry was doing well in the fragile, recovering US economy, although September deliveries decreased by 4.2 percent, due in part to this year's Labor Day sales being recorded for August.
To help its customers, Hyundai announced it is deferring new-car loan and lease payments for furloughed federal workers until they're called back to work and also offering them a three-month payment deferral if they buy a new Hyundai in October. "We have already had requests from over a thousand people to have their payments deferred," Krafcik says.

2022 Lexus RX L Black Line special edition darkens the three-row RX

The march of Black Line models continues for Lexus’ lineup. This time, itÂ’s the 2022 Lexus RX L Black Line special edition. It joins previous Black Line models from the NX, UX, GS, IS and ES. Yes, the Black Line special edition treatment has graced a massive chunk of the Lexus lineup already. Similar to past models, the RX LÂ’s Black Line package is all about aesthetics and exclusivity. Only 495 will be made in total. Lexus says that 389 will be of the 350L and 106 will be of the 450hL All Black Lines will have a blacked-out grille, black mirrors, black rear lower bumper and black badging. TheyÂ’ll also be fitted with unique 20-inch black wheels and black lug nuts. The standard exterior paint option will be a new-for-2022 Cloudburst Gray, but you can optionally have Eminent White Pearl to contrast all the black trim. The Black LineÂ’s interior includes black leather seats with blue stitching in the first two rows. Lexus doesnÂ’t specify what kind of treatment the third row receives, but itÂ’s likely less exciting than the first two. This blue stitching extends to the center console, gear lever, steering wheel and instrument panel. Your interior trim is done in black open-pore wood trim that looks rather nice in LexusÂ’ photos. Finally, Lexus finishes it off with special black floor mats and key gloves. Pricing for the 350L version begins at $53,055, and the 450hL at $56,315. Lexus says the Black Line models will hit dealerships at the end of July. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Lexus is killing off the slow-selling GS luxury sedan

You know that 2020 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition we told you about yesterday? As it turns out, it’ll be the last gasp for the midsize luxury sedan, as Lexus plans to cut the nameplate from its lineup. Lexus announced in Japan that it will discontinue the entire remaining GS lineup, including the 467-horsepower GS F performance sedan, after production there ends in August. It also follows the brandÂ’s decision last year to not offer the entry-level GS 300 in the U.S. for 2020. In a statement sent to Autoblog, Lexus said, “We are constantly evaluating model mixes throughout our lineup. In the declining sedan segment, GS family has represented a small amount of sales in the last few years.” Lexus first launched the GS in 1993 and last gave it full update for its fourth generation in 2012, designating it as the first model to get the signature, polarizing spindle grille. Rumors of its eventual demise have persisted for years, with Lexus sitting with a whopping six sedans and coupes at a time when all momentum is on the side of crossovers and SUVs. Last year, the GS represented just 4% of overall Lexus sales in the car segment. Through the first three months of 2020, Lexus sold just 624 GS sedans, a decline of more than 34% year over year. Full-year sales in 2019 were down a whopping 48.8%, at just 3,378. The model saw its best sales year in 2015, when it sold 23,117. The Black Line Special Edition, meanwhile, is limited to 200 examples and are available starting this summer. Pricing isnÂ’t yet available, but in Japan, where theyÂ’re calling it the “Eternal Touring” special edition and offering it in a blacked-out color scheme, Lexus is releasing it on June 1 starting at the equivalent of about $66,080. Related Video: