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| Lexus | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Luxury division |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Eiji Toyoda |
| Headquarters |  Toyota, Aichi, Japan  Torrance, California, USA |
| Key people | Takeshi Yoshida, Managing Officer, Lexus Division Mark Templin, Vice President and General Manager, Lexus Group |
| Industry | Automobile |
| Products | Luxury vehicles |
| Parent | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Slogan | The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection |
| Website | Lexus Japan Lexus Europe Lexus U.S.A. Lexus Australia |
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus brand name vehicles are sold in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, Africa, and Latin America; in the United States, Lexus is the highest-selling make of luxury cars. In 2005, the Lexus marque launched in Japan, marking the continued global expansion of the luxury division.
Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has developed a reputation for the luxury and reliability of its vehicles, along with the quality of its customer service. In 2007, consumer ratings firm J.D. Power and Associates named Lexus the most reliable brand in the U.S. based on its Vehicle Dependability Survey, a measure of over 53,000 vehicle owners and the problems they experienced in the first three years of vehicle ownership. It was the thirteenth consecutive year that Lexus achieved this top rating.Lexus and Toyota Models Rank Highest. J.D. Power and Associates (2006-08-09). Retrieved on 2007-05-06.Lexus Brand Ties for Highest Rank in Vehicle Dependability. J.D. Power and Associates (2007-08-09). Retrieved on 2007-08-09. In recent years, Consumer Reports has also named Lexus among the top five most reliable brands in its Annual Car Reliability Surveys of over one million vehicles nationwide.Lexus Ranked First in Predicted Reliability for 2006 Models. Consumer Reports (2006-03). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Additionally, Lexus ranks highly on surveys of dealership service experience. The British Top Gear and Auto Express satisfaction surveys have had Lexus at the top of their ratings since the entry of the luxury division, with reliability and quality among the main selling points of Lexus around the world.
Lexus\' slogan is The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection.
Contents |
The first LS 400 flagship sedan debuted in 1989, introducing Lexus to the world.
In 1983, Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda summoned a secret meeting of company executives, to whom he posed the question, “Can we create a luxury vehicle to challenge the world\'s best?” This question prompted Toyota to embark on a top-secret project, codenamed F1 (“Flagship” and “No. 1 vehicle”). The F1 project, which eventually became known as the Lexus LS 400, aimed to develop a luxury car that would expand Toyota’s product line, giving it a foothold in the premium segment and offering both longtime and new customers an upmarket product.Press, Jim (2006). How Lexus Was Successful in the U.S. (interview). Auto Line Detroit. Retrieved on 2006. The F1 project was inspired by the success of the Toyota Supra sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models.Dawson, Chester. Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit. 2004: Jon Wiley & Sons, NJ. Both the Supra and Cressida were rear-wheel drive cars with a powerful 7M-GE/7M-GTE engine. The successful launch of the Acura marque by Honda three years prior also influenced Toyota to advance its plans for a luxury division. Around this same time, Nissan would unveil plans to create its own luxury division, Infiniti, while Mazda and Mitsubishi considered developing luxury flagships. Toyota would serve as the parent company with Lexus being a separate division.
Toyota researchers visited the U.S. in May 1985 to conduct focus groups and market research on luxury consumers. Mahler, Jonathan. The Lexus Story: The Behind the Scenes Story of the #1 Automotive Luxury Brand in America. 2004: DK Melcher Media. That summer, several F1 designers rented a home in Laguna Beach, California to observe the lifestyles and tastes of American upper-class consumers. Toyota’s market research concluded that a separate brand and sales channel was needed to present its new luxury flagship, and plans were made to develop a new network of dealerships in the U.S and in other markets.
In 1986, Toyota’s longtime advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi formed a specialized unit, Team One, to handle marketing for the new luxury brand. Image consulting firm Lippincott & Margulies was hired to develop a list of 219 prospective names; Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were chosen as top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama Dynasty) and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance." According to Toyota, the name has no specific meaning and is just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember, although Lexus in Australia claim the original name is short for Luxury Export to United States. (LExUS).
Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products.
The original Lexus slogan, developed after Team One representatives visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."
The Lexus logo was developed by Molly Designs and Hunter Communications.Molly Designs history, Lexus logo design. Molly Designs. Retrieved on 2007-05-06.Hunter Communications, final Lexus logo design. Hunter Communications. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. The final design for the Lexus logo featured a stylized “L” within an oval, and according to Toyota was rendered using a precise mathematical formula. The first teaser ads featuring the Lexus name and logo, designed by Team One, appeared at the Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York auto shows in 1988.
In 1989, after an extended development process involving 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, 220 support workers, around 450 prototypes, and over $1 billion in costs, the F1 project was completed. The resulting flagship, the Lexus LS 400, had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L V8 gasoline engine and rear-wheel drive.
The LS 400 debuted in January 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The following September, Lexus vehicles officially went on sale at a network of 73 new Lexus dealerships across the U.S. The LS 400 was sold along with a smaller sibling, the Toyota Camry-based ES 250. The launch of Lexus was heralded by a multi-million dollar advertising campaign in both television and print media. Lexus subsequently launched in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia in 1990.
The LS 400 was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed and ergonomic interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, aerodynamics, fuel economy, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized six cylinder Mercedes-Benz and BMW models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars).Lexus LS 400, LS 430 and LS 460 Generations: Setting the Standard in the Most Comfortable Way Possible (HTML). Edmunds.com (2003-03-13). Retrieved on 2007-04-08. It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by some automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released.
In 1990, during its first full-year of sales, Lexus sold 63,594 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the U.S., the vast majority being of the LS model. By 1991, sales had increased to 71,206 cars in the U.S. market, making Lexus the top-selling luxury import in the U.S. That same year, Lexus earned first place in J.D. Power’s studies on initial vehicle quality, customer satisfaction, and sales satisfaction. Lexus also introduced two new models in 1991, the SC 400 coupe and ES 300 sedan. The SC 400 (designed in tandem with the Japanese market Toyota Soarer) shared the LS 400’s V8 engine and rear-wheel drive design, while the ES 300 replaced the ES 250 and became Lexus’ best-selling sedan. In 1996, Lexus introduced its first luxury sport utility vehicle, the LX 450. In 1998, Lexus debuted the first luxury crossover SUV, the RX 300 and the GS300/GS400 sedans.
Lexus has grown to become the top-selling automotive luxury brand in the United States. In 2006, Lexus sold 322,434 vehicles in the U.S., more than any other luxury competitor, foreign or domestic. In terms of volume, Lexus has been the number one selling luxury marque in the largest automotive market for the past seven years.Lexus Earns Best-Selling Luxury Brand Title For Sixth Consecutive Year. Lexus.com (2006-01-04). Retrieved on 2007-05-06.van Loon, Jeremy (2007-05-04). Lexus is the biggest-selling luxury car brand in the U.S.; worldwide data. Bloomberg. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Lexus vehicles are now available in over forty countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania,Lexus International sites. Lexus.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. and the Lexus marque ranks as the fourth-largest luxury car brand in the world by volume. Lexus was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005, ending domestic sales of Lexus-similar models under separate brands. The compact IS sedans, convertible SC, and mid-size GS sedans became available in Japan in the 2006 model year.
The Lexus flagship sedan has been upgraded in four successive generations and premiered in 2006 as the all-new LS Series. This latest generation of the LS adds both standard and long wheelbase versions (LS 460 and LS 460 L), along with greater luxury and technological appointments than previous models, including an automated parallel/reverse parking feature. The LS 460 was awarded International Car of the Year and World Car of the Year in 2007.
Lexus’ full vehicle lineup now includes the IS, ES, GS, and LS series of sedans, the SC convertible coupe, and the RX, GX, and LX ranges of luxury sport utility vehicles. The IS and ES sedans are positioned towards the entry-luxury consumer, with the IS performance sedans catering to the luxury sport segment, and the larger front-wheel drive ES catering to the comfort luxury segment. The GS performance sedans are focused on the mid-size luxury sport sedan market. Lexus\' luxury SUV lineup progresses in size with the RX crossover SUV, mid-size GX, and full-size LX models. Designed for the high-end luxury consumer, the convertible SC and the flagship LS sedans complete the Lexus model range.
Lexus directly competes with other luxury brands, such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, and Volvo in Europe, Cadillac and Lincoln in the US, and Acura, and Infiniti in Japan.
The Lexus RX 400h, a hybrid version of its best-selling vehicle.
Recently, Lexus has added hybrid vehicles to its lineup. In 2005, Lexus introduced the world’s first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h.Lexus RX 400h. BusinessWeek (2005-04-25). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. This vehicle combined gas and electric motors for increased power, improved fuel efficiency, and lower emissions relative to traditional, gas-powered equivalents.Petersen, Thane (2006-03-08). Hybrid Heaven in a Lexus. BusinessWeek. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. In 2006, Lexus unveiled the GS 450h, a performance hybrid sedan with a V6 gas-electric powertrain and rear-wheel drive. In 2007, Lexus launched the LS 600h and LS 600h L hybrid versions of its LS flagship series, featuring V12 power and torque with conventional V8 fuel economy and emissions. Lexus terms the powertrain setup in its RX 400h, GS 450h, and LS 600h/LS 600h L vehicles as Lexus Hybrid Drive, with each hybrid model being the halo vehicle in their respective lineups.
In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, Lexus F-Sport, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-Sport vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A. The Lexus F-Sport line is designed to compete with the high-performance, motorsport-derived lineups of the leading European and American luxury brands. The IS-F debuted with a 5.0 liter V8 engine generating over 400 hp (300 kW), along with numerous performance enhancements. Detailed specifications for the LF-A have yet to be released.
In the U.S. and Canada, the full Lexus model range is sold, including almost all gasoline- and hybrid-powered variants. The hybrid flagship LS 600h L is offered in the U.S. and Canada, while the LS 600h and LS 600h L are both offered in Europe, Japan, and other countries. The diesel-powered IS 220d is only available in Europe, where the ES sedan and GX/LX full-size SUVs are not sold; similar versions of the latter models are sold under the Toyota brand in Europe. In recent years, Lexus has broadened its model range internationally as part of its ongoing global expansion, with new vehicle launches in Europe and Asia.
The IS.
The ES.
The GS.
Shown from left to right: The LX, GX, and RX.
The LS and other Lexus vehicles on showroom display.
The Lexus LF-A concept.
The fifth-generation Lexus touchscreen navigation system.
Lexus design has traditionally placed an emphasis on targeting world-class luxury vehicle standards. Key Lexus attributes, emphasized from the first Lexus LS model onward, include aerodynamics, performance, smooth ride, interior ergonomics, quiet cabins, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. General characteristics are summarized in the Lexus IDEAL philosophy (Impressive, Dynamic, Elegant, Advanced, and Lasting), which guides the development process of each Lexus design.Focus: Lexus brand (PDF) Toyota Motor Corporation, 2005 Each Lexus vehicle also must fulfill over 500 specific product standards known as Lexus Musts ranging from steering wheel responsiveness to leather seat stitching.Vasilash, Gary (2006). Introducing the \'06 IS. Automotive Design & Production. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Technological innovations on Lexus vehicles include advanced safety systems, powertrain designs, and vehicle comfort, convenience, and entertainment features.In the vehicle cabin, Lexus has incorporated touchscreen navigation system interfaces across the entire model range, eschewing knob-style rotary button systems. SmartAccess, the smartkey entry and startup system on new Lexus vehicles, senses owner proximity and responds to touch. Instrument panels feature electroluminescent Optitron gauges, first introduced on the original LS, for improved clarity. Dealer-adjusted Lexus Personalized Settings allow owners to customize operation of door locks, lighting, and other vehicle features. Lexus cabin storage compartments, cupholders, and visors open at the same speed for a harmonious effect.Brown, Greg (2005-03). New Car Test Drive - 2006 Lexus GS. New Car Test Drive. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. New features introduced on the fourth generation LS, never before seen in luxury vehicles, include the first production eight-speed automatic transmission, shiatsu and shoulder massagers, ceiling climate diffusers, and four-zone climate control with infrared body temperature sensors.Lexus LS 460 - 2007 World Car of the Year (HTML). World Car of the Year (2007-04-05). Retrieved on 2007-04-08.
The Lexus Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System.
Lexus vehicles were among the first to offer surround sound premium audio systems, partnering initially with stereo firm Nakamichi and since 1998 with high-end audio purveyor Mark Levinson.Nakano, Roy (2004). Surveying The Best New Car Sound Systems. LA Car. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. The latest Lexus sound systems incorporate digital sound imaging and multiformat capabilities. Along with premium audio, Lexus designers have focused extensively on improving the quiet of their cabins, a tradition going back to the first LS 400 when sound-absorbing foam was injected into structural passages around the cabin. More recent techniques include sound-absorbing sun visors, acoustic glass windshields, and modulated power window motors. The Lexus Hybrid Drive systems used on the RX, GS, and LS hybrid models involve quiet electric motors, with the overall hybrid system tuned for increased power, while retaining environmental and efficiency performance benefits.
Lexus backup camera safety system.
Safety features which have been incorporated on multiple vehicles of the Lexus lineup include the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability/traction control systems, Emergency Steering Assist, twin-chambered passenger airbags, knee airbags, backup cameras, swivel headlights, and sonar warning systems. The Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) integrates multiple safety systems along with emergency avoidance and collision detection capabilities. In 2007, Lexus introduced the world\'s first advanced pre-collision/safety systems with infrared and pedestrian detection capabilities, lane keep assist, facial recognition monitoring of driver attentiveness, and rear pre-collision whiplash protection.:Automotive Engineering International Magazine Names Lexus LS 460 As 2007 Best Engineered Vehicle. SAE International (2007-04-10). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. The hybrid LS 600h L is the first production vehicle to use LED headlamps,Lexus is first to deploy LED-based car headlamps. Compound Semiconductor (2007-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. with glare-reduction benefits.
As a safety precaution, Lexus GPS navigation systems feature a motion lockout when the vehicle reaches a set speed. To prevent distraction, navigation inputs are limited while in motion, while voice commands and pre-programmed buttons remain accessible. This safety feature has attracted some criticism because passengers cannot use certain functions when the vehicle is in motion.Evarts, Eric (2004-08-06). New peril in driver\'s seat. The Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved on 2007-10-01. Pre-2007 models come with a hidden OEM override option which is accessible with caution.How to Override Lexus Navigation Motion Lock. WikiHow (2007). Retrieved on 2007-09-28.
Lexus College in Shizuoka, Japan.
In 2005, Lexus completed a full organizational separation from parent company Toyota, with dedicated Lexus Design, engineering, training, and manufacturing centers working exclusively for the luxury division.Vasilash, Gary (2006). Lexus Comes Into Its Own. Automotive Design & Production. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. This effort coincided with the launch of Lexus in its home market of Japan, and an expanded global launch of Lexus in major world markets. A recent focus of the Lexus Development Center (founded in 2003) is the introduction of L-finesse, a new design philosophy for the latest generation of Lexus vehicles (see following). Related areas of focus include the incorporation of Japanese cultural motifs into new designs, and the development of future automobile technologies.The pursuit of higher sales: new Lexus managing officer is on a mission to grow Lexus in the European and Japanese markets. Automotive Industries (2003-11). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. The new GS, IS, and LS designs are a product of the new Lexus design and engineering centers, along with the latest LF Series concept vehicles. Separate efforts are underway to produce the Lexus F-Sport performance division.Lexus Japan headquarters are located in Toyota City (Aichi, Japan); in wards of Tokyo, rivals Acura (Minato, Tokyo) and Infiniti (Chūō, Tokyo) have facilities, along with Lexus (Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo). Companion Lexus design facilities are located in Southern California and the Côte d’Azur, France.
The three essential qualities of L-finesse design are each represented by a single Japanese kanji character. Individual characters are also embodied in L-finesse design cues; for instance, the character concept of kirikaeshi is seen in the sharp angled turns of arrowhead shapes on the rear windows and cabin fittings of the new IS, GS, and LS.Lexus L-finesse design philosophy (Japanese). Lexus.jp (2007). Retrieved on 2007-08-06. Design hallmarks of L-finesse vehicles further include a fastback profile, lower-set grille, and the use of both convex and concave surfaces. Since 2006, Lexus has unveiled a completely new sedan lineup with all models featuring a L-finesse design treatment, giving the latest generation of Lexus vehicles a familial resemblance.
Exhibitions of L-finesse styling and artwork, including scenic, sculpture, projection, and photographic art displays along with the GS, the LF-A concept, and LS 600h, were presented in Milan, Italy in 2005, 2006, and 2007 during the Milan Design Week.Lexus L-finesse design exhibition. Lexus.jp (2007). Retrieved on 2007-06-01. The launch of the 2007 Lexus LS model in October 2006 was accompanied by special presentations at "460 Degrees" art galleries in Beverly Hills, Chicago, Miami, and New York City, and an outdoor vehicle art display at the World Financial Center in downtown Manhattan.Greenberg, Karl (2006-11-03). Lexus Marries Art With Design At City Events. Marketing Daily. Retrieved on 2007-05-06.
Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota models. At the Tahara plant, site of LS, GS, IS, and GX production, separate assembly lines were developed for the manufacture of Lexus vehicles. New molds and specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process; assembly equipment includes KUKA robotic welders. Lexus plant workers, typically veteran technicians, are identified via repeated performance evaluations and ranked according to skill grade; only a select group of craftspeople are eligible to work on Lexus vehicles.Kageyama, Yuri (2007-06-28). At Lexus \'dojo\' plant workers train on virtues to keep up quality, build elite team. The Associated Press. Retrieved on 2007-08-26. In addition, welding processes, body panel fit tolerances, and paint quality requirements are more stringent for Lexus models. Each production Lexus vehicle is given an extensive visual inspection for flaws, individually test-driven at high speed, and subjected to vibration tests to ensure a smooth and quiet ride.
All Lexus wood trim is genuine and procured from sustainable sources;Conway, Gavin (2006). 4Car - Lexus IS environmentally-friendly wood. 4Car. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. each wood inlay in a single vehicle is selected from the same tree for a consistent appearance.Is Lexus Sexy Enough To Seduce Europe?. BusinessWeek (2006-02-28). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Lexus engines are tested by stethoscope-equipped takumi engineers (Japanese for "master craftsmen") to ensure optimum performance.Knox, Doug (2006). LS Radical Evolution. Lexus Magazine. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. These engineers are responsible for maintaining production standards at key points in the assembly process. Craftmanship on the latest Lexus LS model extends to twice-buffed cabin leather and a twice hand-sanded paint finish,Yoxon, Grant (2006-08-15). First Drive: 2007 Lexus LS 460/460L. Canadian Driver. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. a rare treatment for production vehicles.Kendall, Tommy. SPEED Channel Test Drive: Lexus LS 460. 2006-10-05
The North American-market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced in the city of Cambridge, in Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant located outside of Japan. Lexus vehicles are produced at the Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha), Katashiki, Kyushu, and Tahara plants in Japan.Lexus Manufacturing. Lexus.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-06.
Interior of a Lexus dealership, featuring indoor steel waterfall.
Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and often an accessories/gift shop. Other amenities can include a children\'s play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.Gittelsohn, John (2006-12-17). Luxury battle looming. The Orange County Register. Retrieved on 2007-05-06.Lee, Booyeon (2006-07-20). Lexus airs plans for an eatery, fountains. The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved on 2007-05-06.Lexus dealerships typically feature a service bay that is lined with large picture windows, allowing customers to watch the servicing of their vehicle. Dealership services often include complimentary loaner cars, free car washes, and convenience shuttles. At the conclusion of each service appointment, Lexus owners may receive a followup survey, either in mail, online, or via telephone, and be asked to rate their recent service experience. To improve customer service, some Lexus dealerships have sent their employees to train at establishments known for their attentiveness and hospitality, such as Nordstrom department stores and Ritz-Carlton hotels.Schweinsberg, Christie (2005-09-01). Lexus Kicks Up Service. Ward\'s Dealer. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. Lexus has also recently added an additional owners\' privilege, the use of exclusive parking lots at major sporting arenas, entertainment events, and shopping malls, reserved only for Lexus vehicles.Gerdes, Lindsey (2005-07-18). The Real Reason To Buy A Lexus. BusinessWeek. Retrieved on 2007-05-06.
In 2007, Lexus scored the top position for the sixth consecutive year in the Auto Express survey on service satisfaction,Lexus car dealers are Britain\'s best. Motortrader (2007-04-27). Retrieved on 2007-05-06.Auto Express Driver Power 2007 Survey. Auto Express (2007-03). Retrieved on 2007-09-18. and in 2006 Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in the J.D. Power Customer Service Index, an annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience.Lexus Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service. J.D. Power and Associates (2006-07-20). Retrieved on 2007-09-18. From 2002 through 2005, Lexus also came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK\'s biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondents.Top Gear Survey 2005. Top Gear (2005-11-01). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households.Wealthy Rate Lexus #1 in Customer Experience. Luxury Institute/Autochannel (2006-01-19). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.Lexus Ranks Highest in Customer Retention. J.D. Power and Associates (2005-12-08). Retrieved on 2007-05-06.
Lexus Tokyo dealership reception.
Lexus\' customer service efforts date from the outset with the "Lexus Covenant," its founding promise which states that "Lexus will treat each customer as we would a guest in our home."The Lexus Covenant. Lexus.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-15. This commitment was put to an early test in 1989 when new LS 400 models were voluntarily recalled due to a parts issue; owners were pleasantly surprised to find their cars serviced at home for no extra charge, and in many cases washed and refueled for their convenience.Detroit, S.C. Gwynne (1990-09-17). "Zen and the Art of Automotive Maintenance". Time Magazine. Retrieved on 2007-04-29.
In the U.S., Lexus offers a 4-year or 50,000-mile (80,000 km) basic warranty, by default. The powertrain warranty is a 6-year or 70,000-mile (110,000 km) coverage plan. Corrosion protection is a 6-year warranty as well. Lexus\' Certified Pre-Owned program, among the first in the automotive industry (begun in November 1993), features a 161-point inspection of pre-owned vehicles, a 3-year or 100,000-mile (160,000 km) limited warranty, and is now available in multiple countries.Lexus Certified Pre-Owned Program. Lexus.com. Retrieved on 2007-05-15.
In 2005, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card, with points earned at dealerships and elsewhere going toward vehicle and service rewards.Lexus Pursuits Visa Card, Lexus.com, Retrieved 2007-08-06 An official owners publication, Lexus Magazine, is issued quarterly featuring automotive and lifestyle articles.Lexus Magazine Online, Lexus.com, quarterly issues.
In 2006 and 2007, Lexus won the Rolex Sports Car Series Manufacturer\'s Championship.
Lexus first entered the motorsport arena in 1999 when its racing unit, Team Lexus, fielded two GS 400 race vehicles in the Motorola Cup North American Street Stock Championship. In its 1999 inaugural season, Team Lexus achieved its first victory with its sixth race at Road Atlanta. That year, Team Lexus also attained four podium finishes in nine races and held two track records. Led by SCCA and IMSA driver Chuck Goldsborough, Team Lexus raced to a second victory, two podium finishes, and three top-five finishes in 2000. Team Lexus ranked third overall in the manufacturers championship that year, which each GS 400 race achieving a top ten result.Team Lexus - The Team & Team Stats. Team Lexus (2006). Retrieved on 2007-05-06.
In 2001, Team Lexus capitalized on the debut of the first generation Lexus IS by entering three IS 300s in the renamed Grand-Am Cup (now run by the Grand American Road Racing Association). By 2002, Team Lexus had won the Drivers Championship and Team Championship with nine podium finishes, and a sweep of the top three finishes at Le Circuit Mont Treblant in Quebec, Canada. In 2003, Team Lexus achieved four pole positions, six podium finishes, two track records at Daytona 24 and Mosport, and a victory at Miami-Homestead.
Lexus has also participated in endurance racing, in particular the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association. After entering the Rolex Sports Car Series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races.Lexus race report. Motorsport.com (2006-09-02). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up and in 2006 it won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at the Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing finishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.Rolex 24 at Daytona final results. Associated Press (2007-01-28). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. In 2008, Lexus won its third consecutive win at Daytona.
Lexus SC 430 at the Fuji Speedway Super GT series.
After the release of the Lexus brand on the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) in 2005, four SC 430 coupes were entered in the Super GT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag,TOM\'S SC 430 (Wakisaka-Lotterer) Clinch Season Opener. SuperGT.net (2006-03-19). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. and drivers André Lotterer and Juichi Wakisaka raced the SC 430 to capture the GT500 championship for that year. In 2007 another SC 430 was victorious in the GT500 opening round race.Super GT Rd. 1 Suzuka Race Results. 247Motoring.com (2007-03-22). Retrieved on 2007-05-06. In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in the Tokachi 24-hour Race in Hokkaido, Japan. Lexus Canada entered the GS 450h in 2007\'s Targa Newfoundland event. Lexus IS models have also been entered in the British Touring Car Championship via BTC Racing, LGT Engineering, and other teams.In 2006, Team Lexus made plans to enter two IS 350 race cars in the American Le Mans Series\' GT2 class. Lexus is also expected participate in 12 Hours of Sebring which now form a part of American Le Mans. Additionally, there have been unsubstantiated rumors since 2005 of Lexus badged F1 engines in the near future, facilitated by the re-branding of the Toyota engines currently supplied to the Williams F1 racing team; Toyota itself maintains an active F1 operation.Williams engines to wear Lexus badges in future?. Crash.net (2006-11-12). Retrieved on 2007-10-01.
In late 2006, Lexus filed trademark applications for an "F" emblem, leading to speculation that the luxury marque was about to launch a performance brand.Toyota\'s Lexus readies performance division-report. Reuters (2006-12-04). Retrieved on 2006-12-05. At the time it was suggested that "F" stood for "Fast" or "Flagship." Later reports surmised that "F" referred to the Fuji Speedway in Japan, whose first corner, 27R, was said to have inspired the shape of the "F" emblem.Pettendy, Marton; Martin, Terry (2007-06-21). IS-F, TRD power-plays. GoAuto. Retrieved on 2007-08-27. Interviews with company executives in prior years had included mentions of Lexus possibly starting a performance brand to compete with the likes of Mercedes\' AMG, Audi\'s S/RS, Cadillac\'s V-series, and BMW\'s M division, among others. An earlier in-house tuning effort, the TRD-based L-Tuned, had offered performance packages on the IS 300 and GS 400 sedans in the early 2000\'s.
In December 2006, Lexus announced that the first vehicle in the F-marque lineup, the IS-F sedan, previously known in the press as the IS 500,Lexus High Performance - Brought to You by the Letter “F”. Automoblog (2006-12-08). Retrieved on 2007-10-01. would premiere at the North American International Auto Show in January 2007.Padgett, Marty (2006-12-11). Lexus Confirms “F” Performance Cars. The Car Connection. Retrieved on 2007-05-06. The vehicle subsequently premiered at Detroit along with a redesigned version of the concept LF-A supercar. Compared to the 2GR-FSE V6, 306 hp (228 kW) IS 350, the IS-F featured a 2UR-GSE V8 engine and over 400 hp (300 kW). Media reports suggested that the IS-F sedan would be followed by a GS-F sedanLexus GS-F Artist Impression. paultan.org (2007-04-03). Retrieved on 2007-05-17. and IS-F coupe. The IS-F is scheduled to be in dealerships by early 2008. The IS-F made its European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, and premiered in Japan at the Fuji Speedway in October 2007.
The first Lexus F-Sport model, the IS-F.
With the launch of the second generation 2007 IS sedans, the premiere of concept LF-Series vehicles, and increasing participation in motorsports, Lexus\' brand identity is expanding to include more performance-oriented aspects. Versions of the SC and GS models have received favorable reactions from sport luxury buyers and automotive enthusiasts, while several Lexus models have been characterized as favoring comfort at the expense of sporty performance. A number of automotive reviewers have also given Lexus\' German rivals higher marks for road feel and handling,Motorweek Lexus LS 460 test drive (FLV). Motorweek (2007). Retrieved on 2007-04-09. especially during racetrack testing. The IS-F has been seen as an effort to further bolster Lexus\' performance credentials.Lexus ISF proves Japanese brand can do sporty. BusinessCar (2007-03-16). Retrieved on 2007-10-01.In 2007, Lexus entered the IS-F in the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, offering a factory sanctioned performance accessory line in conjunction with its F-Sport debut.
The Lexus LF-C concept.
Lexus’ future intentions are hinted at in its concept car efforts. While a number of early Lexus concept cars never saw production, the latest LF Series concept vehicles (which first began appearing at auto shows in 2003) have translated into production form. Elements of the LF-S sedan appeared in the 2006 GS sedan, and design cues from the LF-C convertible appeared in the 2006 IS sedan. The LF-C\'s hardtop design has also led to speculation on a possible IS coupe or convertible model. The LF-Sh concept car gave the public an advance preview of the 2007 LS 460’s appearance several months later. Unique features on the LF Series concept vehicles include advanced instrumentation, multiple driver-selected vehicle configurations, hybrid/experimental powertrains, concept security features, and unconventional driver interface designs.
Reports in Road and Track indicate that the LF-A coupe concept has been approved for production, potentially designated as the 2009 GT 450.Lexus LF-A Greenlighted for Production. Leftlane News (2006-03-02). Retrieved on 2007-10-01. Autoweek has also reported that the LF-X crossover concept will appear as the forthcoming JX SUV.Future Products – Lexus. AutoWeek (2006-08-15). Retrieved on 2007
