LATHAM, N.Y., May 9, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — While some luxury cars plummet in value the second they leave the showroom, New York Lexus owners can rest easy knowing that a Lexus will hold its value for years to come. Edmunds.com recently named Lexus as the top luxury brand in its inaugural Best Retained Value Awards, news that is drawing customers to Lexus dealerships like New Country Lexus of Latham.

Edmunds.com found that 2011-model-year Lexus cars and SUVs will have the highest projected value after five years, retaining 48.1 percent of their original cost. That means when it comes time to trade in or sell a Lexus, owners will get more money back on their investment. Those who lease a Lexus also stand to benefit, as higher projected values typically result in lower lease costs.

“Maintaining a high retained value is a real achievement in the luxury car market,” said Eric Rosen, general manager of New York Lexus dealer New Country Lexus of Latham. “In part, it’s a matter of future-proofing Lexus cars and SUVs, because manufacturers often put their newest technology into their luxury models. It takes a rare combination of durability, reliability and forward thinking to create a luxury vehicle that people still want five years down the road, and Lexus excels in this area.”

In addition to winning the brand award, Lexus won category awards for four of its models. The GS 350, IS 250, RX 350 and GX 460 all took top honors for retained value.

With its new entry-level CT 200h hybrid, Lexus is now looking to expand the reach of its brand and bring in a new generation of customers. The CT 200h, a performance-oriented hybrid, offers a sticker price below $30,000 and features that favor young, suburban commuters. Promising 43 miles per gallon in the city, signature Lexus styling and handling that rivals other zippy hatchbacks, the CT 200h has been heaped with praise since its debut.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance named the 2011 CT 200h the most fuel-efficient car in the $25,000-$30,000 category, while Truecar.com placed the CT 200h on its Top 10 New Cars of 2011 and Top 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Vehicles lists. USA Today named the CT 200h to its list of the 10 most fuel-efficient cars and Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com chose the CT 200h as a Top 10 Green Car for 2011.

The CT 200h’s superior handling derives from independent front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension with new Yamaha-designed lateral performance dampers that reduce chassis vibrations for a more solid feel on the road. Four available engine settings will let drivers customize their driving experience to conditions on the road, ranging from a fuel-saving EV mode that runs solely on electric power over short stretches to a sport mode that lets the 16-valve, inline 4-cylinder engine tear up the asphalt.

“The CT 200h is a shot across the bow of boring hybrids,” Rosen said. “It proves that hybrids can be dynamic and exciting to drive and own, not just an eco-friendly way to get you from place to place. This new Lexus hybrid proves that fun and fuel efficiency can live in the same car, and we expect it to hold its resale value as well as any other model that we carry.”