U.S. Lexus sales plans fell short in 2011

Initial 2011 target "probably won't be a reality"-exec

Toyota had said it may lower 2011 U.S. sales target

NEW YORK - The Lexus luxury brand of Toyota Motor Co (7203.T) is expected to fall short of plans for U.S. sales this year in the wake of supply problems caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the group vice president said on Wednesday.

"Originally, we had hoped to do 234,000 vehicles for the year, and we saw an upside depending on what happened in the marketplace even from there, but we know that probably won't be a reality now," said Lexus Division's Mark Templin on the sidelines of the New York Auto Show.

"Unfortunately, we just really don't know what we're going to be able to build for the rest of this year," he said.

As automakers grapple with shortages of auto parts and other supplies because of disruptions at Japanese factories, Toyota has had to halve its production in Japan, where most Lexus cars are built.

The decline in output threatens to reduce Lexus' sales, already down 4.4 percent year-to-date through March, and further pressure the brand's slipping stronghold on the luxury market.

"Sometime in the first week of May we'll have a really good picture of our wholesale for May, but that won't tell us a lot about June and July," Templin said.

In early March, Templin said luxury demand far outstripped expectations, and that Toyota was planning to ramp up production in the spring.

Since the March 11 disaster in Japan, automakers have been plagued by parts shortages, especially specialized electronics.

This week, Toyota extended its production cuts in North America and said it may have to lower its 2011 U.S. sales target.