The Lexus "is just a Toyota" debate must end.

How many times have you heard somebody mention the fact that Lexus is just a Toyota? Yes, it is a division of the Toyota Motor Group. Does it share the same quality as Toyota? In a reliability sense, yes, but in a luxury sense, obviously not! Many car connoiseurs try to play off Lexus as a cheaply upgraded automobile being sold at an unreasonable price. If this were true, then how has the LS460 flagship model become the best selling super luxury sedan amongst it's competitiors, while selling at the lowest price? Lexus is a Toyota in the sense that it is owned by Toyota Motor Group. Saying Lexus is just a Toyota is exactly the same as saying Audi and Bentleys are just Volkswagens, Mercedes Benz is just a Chrysler, and Cadillac is just a GM. While in some respect, it may be true, however we do not associate these labels with their more affordable images. I do not think it is Toyota's fault because nearly every Lexus model utilizes completely different bodies from Toyota. The Lexus IS line has no matching Toyota body. These luxury models carry a different name for a reason. Take a look at the Volkswagen Phaeton, which was discontinued due to poor sales. This vehicle sold poorly because it carried a $80,000+ price tag but still bore the Volkswagen image. Similar models sold by Audi have been a success. This leads me to believe logo and image play a big role in sales. The general public is diluting the Lexus brand and needs to stop spreading false information. Perhaps it is just a desperate attempt for European owners to retain their benchmark luxury status. Sales and rankings are telling a much different story though.