LEXUS DIVISION Chronology from 1983-2003
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LEXUS DIVISION Chronology from 1983-2003
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_li...xus-chronology
MILESTONES
* Aug. 1983 - Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda and other top management decide in a secret meeting that the time has come for Toyota to take the next step and create a top-level luxury car.
* Fall 1984 - The "F1" project is well underway. "F1" is Toyota's code for flagship luxury car of the highest order. Shoiji Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki head a large engineering team to develop this ultra-important new car.
* May 1985 - Lexus conducts its first study of the American market with a team headed by Jimbo attending focus groups and interviewing dealers in major markets. A separate five-person team moves to Laguna Beach, Calif., to study lifestyles and integrate design concepts suited for American customers.
* Nov. 1987 - Saatchi and Saatchi, Toyota's advertising agency, creates a separate entity called "Team One" to handle Lexus advertising.
* Jan. 1988 - Lexus and the "L" logo are introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
* Feb. 1988 - Lexus makes its Midwest debut at the Chicago Auto Show with artist renderings of the cars, a teaser video and general product information. Debuts in the South in Atlanta and the East in New York follow.
* April 1988 - Lexis, a legal information network, files suit in New York challenging the use of the Lexus name.
* May 1988 - After a demanding selection process, the first 80 Lexus dealerships are named.
* Aug. 1988 - Design plans for Lexus dealerships are unveiled. Lexus of Columbus in Ohio is the first Lexus dealership to break ground.
* Dec. 1988 - On Friday, Dec. 28 the New York lower appellate court rules Lexis does not have right to name. Monday, Dec. 31 Lexus earns a stay and can proceed until further notice.
* Jan. 1989 - The first Lexus production model, the LS 400, makes its American debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and the Los Angeles Auto Show.
* Jan. 1989 - J. Davis (Dave) Illingworth is named Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager.
* March 1989 - Lawsuit with Lexis is resolved in favor of the auto manufacturer.
* Sept. 1989 - The first Lexus model, the LS 400, goes on sale to the public and is very well received. In the first month 2,919 LS 400s are sold.
* Dec. 1989 - Lexus initiates a special service campaign. Although aware of only one consumer contact regarding a cruise control malfunction and several complaints of stoplight housing distortion, Lexus elects to recall all 8,000 LS 400s sold to check items. Dealers contact owners individually and quickly make repairs. Rather than being viewed negatively, Lexus is credited with setting a new standard in personalized service.
* Oct. 1990 - In its first full year of sales, Lexus exceeds its 12-month sales goals of 60,000 cars by more than 3,000.
* April 1991 - In an effort to ensure all Lexus headquarters and dealership employees understand the Lexus mission of complete customer satisfaction, a comprehensive certification program (the industry's first) is introduced.
* Dec. 1991 - Lexus becomes the No. 1 selling luxury import by selling 71,206 cars, more than Mercedes Benz or BMW.
* Jan. 1993 - George Borst becomes Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager.
* Oct. 1993 - Lexus introduces the first Certified Pre-owned Vehicle program in the industry. It offers customers the opportunity to purchase a quality Lexus vehicle and experience Lexus' outstanding customer service.
* Jan. 1995 - Lexus closes 1994 as the No. 1 selling import luxury nameplate for the third consecutive year.
* April 1995 - James E. Press becomes senior vice president and general manager of the Lexus Division.
* May 1995 - U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor threatens 100 percent tariffs on selected Japanese luxury vehicles, including the entire Lexus line, in an effort to settle a long-standing U.S./Japan trade dispute. Proposed tariffs threaten more than 7,500 American Lexus jobs with minimal potential impact on Toyota's Japanese operations.
* June 1995 - 11th hour agreement is reached between the United States and Japan averting a potentially disastrous trade war.
* January 1996 - Lexus total sales since its inception reach 500,000 units.
* March 1996 - Lexus announces the launch of the Lexus Centre of Performance Art, the luxury automaker's Internet site on the World Wide Web. The new web site offers consumers a personal library of information about Lexus and is the first to offer direct links to dealership and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle web sites.
* April 1996 - Lexus and Coach fine leather establish a co-branding partnership to bring out a special-edition ES 300 that offers additional features and comes with a Coach bag.
* Aug. 1996 - Lexus introduces its companion dealership program, an alternative means to providing a Lexus dealership in markets which would otherwise be too small to support a separate dealership. Lexus of Maplewood (Maplewood, Minn.) is established as a companion to Lexus of Wayzata (Wayzata, Minn.).
* March 1997 - Lexus once again partners with Coach fine leather to offer the first Coach special edition LS 400.
* Sept. 1997 - Lexus reports the best sales month in its history with total August sales of 11,117, representing a 41.1 percent increase over the same period in 1996.
* Dec. 1997 - Lexus debuts its one-of-a-kind street rod at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Based on a '32 roadster, the Lexus Street Rod was created to showcase a specially modified Lexus GS 400 V8 producing more than 400 horsepower.
* Dec. 1997 - Lexus set a new all-time sales record with 97,593 units in 1997 - a 20.0 percent increase over 1996 calendar year sales.
* March 1998 - Lexus announces its participation as presenting sponsor of Eric Clapton's 1998 U.S. Tour. The sponsorship offered Lexus unique opportunities for innovative and effective marketing, as well as the opportunity to contemporize the Lexus brand and generate excitement both at the national and local dealer levels.
* April 1998 - Bryan Bergsteinsson is named Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.
* April 1998 - Lexus sets a new division record in the month of April with sales of 12,364. Some of this increase can be attributed to the new hot-selling RX 300 mid-sized SUV.
* May 1998 - For the second consecutive month, Lexus sets a division record with May sales of 14,620, an improvement of 100.0 percent over the same period last year.
* July 1998 - Lexus again reports its best-ever month with July sales of 14,673, a 57.9 percent increase over July 1997. Year-to-date sales total 83,041, up 55.0 percent over the same period last year. Lexus is the best-selling luxury brand in the United States for the first time in its nine-year history, outselling Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac and Lincoln.
* Aug. 1998 - Lexus sets another all-time monthly sales record of 16,949, an improvement of 52.2 percent over the same period the previous year. 1998 calendar-year-to-date sales of 100,000 surpassed total 1997 sales of 97,593. This represents a 54.6 percent increase from the previous year.
* Dec. 1998 - Lexus posts best-ever annual sales of 156,260 units, representing a 60.0 percent increase over 1997 and a 90.0 percent increase over 1996.
* Feb. 1999 - Lexus and Coach partner to introduce a second ES 300 special edition.
* March 1999 - For the first time ever, Lexus finished the first quarter of 1999 as the top-selling luxury nameplate outpacing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lincoln and Cadillac.
* May 1999 - Lexus sets an all-time new record with May sales of 18,110 units.
* Sept. 1999 - Lexus celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its first vehicle going on sale in the United States.
* Oct. 1999 - Lexus is represented at the Tokyo Motor Show for the first time when the Lexus Sport Coupe concept car debuts.
* Nov. 1999 - In early November, Lexus surpassed its 1998 sales record of 156,260 units.
* Nov. 1999 - Lexus sold its one-millionth vehicle in the United States.
* Dec. 1999 - For the fourth consecutive year, Lexus posted best-ever annual sales. 1999 sales of 185,890 units represented a 19.0 percent increase from 1998, and a 90.0 percent increase from 1997.
* Feb. 2000 - Lexus and American Express introduce the Platinum Series LS 400, GS 400, GS 300, and ES 300 offering qualified customers a complimentary American Express Platinum Card for two years. The value-priced Platinum Series vehicles feature special exterior colors, elegantly enhanced interior features, distinctive wheels and Platinum Series badges on the sides of each car.
* June 2000 - Lexus' one-millionth vehicle built for the United States (a 2000 RX 300 SUV) was auctioned on June 17 at Christie's Exceptional Cars auction at the Petersen Automotive museum in Los Angeles, Calif.
* July 2000 - Dennis E. Clements is named Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.
* Aug. 2000 - Lexus is the first import luxury brand to sell more than 20,000 vehicles in one month.
* Oct. 2000 - Lexus modifies its well-known tagline "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" to better reflect the company's attitude toward building the best automobiles in the world. The new message becomes "The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection."
* Dec. 2000 - Lexus posts best-ever annual sales for the fifth consecutive year with 2000 CY sales of 206,037 units, making Lexus the top-selling luxury brand in the United States.
* January 2001 - Lexus and Coach announce its third collaboration on a special edition ES 300. Additionally, a factory-built RX 300 Silversport is debuted.
* Oct. 2001 - A special edition SC 430 "Silver Belle" is offered through the 2001 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. All 99 vehicles are sold within 14 hours. One vehicle is auctioned via the Internet with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross in honor of the September 11 terrorist attack victims.
* Dec. 2001 - Lexus becomes the top-selling luxury brand in the United States for the second year in a row, with 2001 CY sales of 223,983.
* January 2002 - Lexus debuts its "Minority Report" sports car at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car was specially built for the movie, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg. The car traveled to many auto shows prior to the film's release in June.
* April 2002 - Partnering with Coach once again, Lexus introduces a special edition RX 300 model.
* May 2002 - Lexus has the top-selling luxury sedan and SUV in the market. The new
ES 300 is the most popular luxury sedan while the trend-setting RX 300 continues to dominate the luxury SUV class. Also, the LS 430 is the best-selling car in the luxury prestige segment.
* January 2003 - With record-breaking 2002 annual sales, Lexus retains its crown as the nation's No. 1 selling luxury brand for the third consecutive year.
* January 2003 - Lexus Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle sales hit record highs in 2002. Lexus CPO sales of 39,707 were up 17.7 percent over 2001 calendar year totals.
* January 2003 - Lexus announces that the RX 330 will become the first Lexus vehicle to be manufactured in North America.
* February 2003 - Toyota Motor Corporation announces that it introduce and sell Lexus vehicles in Japan by mid-2005.
* February 2003 - Lexus and Pebble Beach Resorts announce a four-year partnership, with Lexus as the preferred vehicle of Pebble Beach Resorts.
* April 2003 - The Lexus High Performance Crossover concept car (HPX) debuts at the New York International Auto Show. The HPX demonstrates the versatility of a luxury utility vehicle with strong emotional styling and high performance capabilities.
* June 2003 - "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" opens in movie theaters and the SC 430 hardtop convertible is driven by the villainess "Terminatrix."
* June 2003 - Lexus cars come to life on the refreshed Lexus.com Web site. The new web site debuts and features moving images, user-friendly features and a new look. The Lexus web site attracts up to 2 million visitors/month and is the primary source of information for new car buyers.
* August 2003 - To commemorate Lexus' partnership with the Pebble Beach Resorts, an SC 430 Pebble Beach Special Edition of the retractable hard-top convertible is introduced with a limited run of 400 units. The special edition features exclusive Azure Metallic paint, Azure painted aluminum whells, Ecru leather interior with black walnut wood trim, special badging and blue illuminated doorsill scuff plates.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
* July 1990 - Lexus nameplate tops the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) in its first-ever sales year.
* March 1991 - Lexus is ranked first in J.D. Power and Associates' Dealer Attitude Survey.
* Aug. 1991 - Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI), completing a sweep of the three major studies conducted by Power that included the IQS and Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI).
* July 1992 - Lexus named top nameplate in J.D. Power and Associates' SSI.
* May 1993 - Lexus becomes the top nameplate in J.D. Power and Associates' IQS for the second year in a row.
* July 1993 - Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates' CSI for the third year in a row.
* Feb. 1994 - Lexus is ranked first in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Performance Index reflecting satisfaction of customers with two-year-old vehicles.
* May 1994 - Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates IQS by having all four models place in the top 10 in overall car rankings.
* June 1994 - Lexus takes the top ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates SSI for the third time. Lexus scored 157 points resulting in the highest score ever achieved by any nameplate - 35 points above the industry average.
* July 1994 - J.D. Power and Associates' CSI study ranks Lexus the No. 1 nameplate for the fourth consecutive year. While improving on last year's top-ranked score, Lexus captures all major J.D. Power and Associates' customer satisfaction studies for which the division is eligible.
* Jan. 1995 - Arthur D. Little, the leading international management-consulting firm, recognizes Lexus as the automotive industry's 1995 "Best of the Best" in customer management.
* March 1995 - In its first year of eligibility, Lexus tops all makes with the highest J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) score in the study's history.
* July 1995 - For an unprecedented fifth consecutive year Lexus tops J.D. Power and Associates' CSI. The five-year winning streak is the longest in the study's history.
* June 1996 - Toyota Motor Corporation's Tahara plant, which builds the Lexus LS 400 and GS 300 sedans, captures the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Award among Asian manufacturing facilities.
* June 1996 - Lexus shares the top ranking as Best Overall Nameplate for Sales Satisfaction in the 1996 J.D. Power and Associates SSI. Lexus also ranks first in the VDI for the second year in a row. Since the Lexus brand was established in 1989, the marque has captured 17 out of 22 major J.D. Power and Associates awards for which it has been eligible.
* March 1997 - For the third consecutive year Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates VDI as the No. 1 Nameplate in Long-Term Dependability among all car and truck brands. Lexus has won the VDI award every year it has been eligible.
* July 1997 - For the sixth time in its seven years of eligibility, Lexus ranks as the No. 1 car and truck Line in the J.D. Power and Associates CSI study. Since introducing its first model in 1989, Lexus has ranked at the top in 30 of the 40 major J.D. Power and Associates' surveys for which the brand has been eligible.
* Sept. 1997 - Lexus is named a total value leader in the luxury and near-luxury car segments by the research firm Strategic Vision in their 1997 Total Value IndexTM.
* April 1998 - Lexus captures the title of No. 1 nameplate in long-term dependability after five years of ownership by J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI). Lexus has earned this honor every year it has been eligible.
* July 1998 - Lexus ranks No. 1 in the J.D. Power and Associates CSI study for the seventh time in eight years of eligibility.
* March 1999 - Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates VDI for the fifth consecutive year.
* May 1999 - The Tahara plant, which builds the LS 400 and GS luxury sedans, shares the J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Plant Award with GM's Flint, Mich., plant.
* July 1999 - Lexus ranks No. 1 in the J.D. Power and Associates CSI study. This marks the eighth time in nine years that Lexus has received the top ranking.
* July 2000 - For the ninth time in 10 years, Lexus is ranked No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service in J.D. Power and Associates' annual CSI study.
* May 2000 - The Kyushu car plant, where the ES 300 is built, earns the J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Plant Award.
* Nov. 2000 - Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates' VDI for the sixth consecutive year.
* May 2001 - For the second year in a row, the Kyushu car plant earns the J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Plant Award.
* July 2001 - Lexus once again ranks No. 1 in J.D. Power and Associates' CSI study for the 10th time in 11 years.
* Nov. 2001 - Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates VDI for the seventh consecutive year.
* May 2002 - Lexus is the only luxury nameplate to rank first in any luxury segment of J.D. Power and Associates IQS. The Araco plant in Japan, which builds the LX 470, receives the Platinum Plant Award. It is the fourth year in a row a Lexus plant has earned the top award.
* November 2002 - Lexus ranks highest in long-term dependability for the eighth consecutive year in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index.
* November 2002 - Lexus is named No. 1 nameplate in customer satisfaction for certified used vehicles in the J.D. Power and Associates Used-Vehicle Sales and Certification Study.
* May 2003 - Lexus vehicles ranked highest in 4 of 16 segments of the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), topping every segment in which they compete. The LS 430 had the fewest problems (only 76 problems per 100 vehicles) of any vehicle in the study for the seventh consecutive year. In addition to the LS 430, the GS 430/300, ES 300, RX 300 all ranked first in their respective segments.
* July 2003 - For the ninth consecutive year, Lexus is the top-ranked nameplate in the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Also for the ninth consecutive year, the LS 400 had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles of any car in the study. The RX 300 and ES 300 also ranked highest in their respective segments.
* July 2003 - For the second year in a row, Lexus Certified Pre-Owned vehicles ranked first in customer satisfaction in the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Used Vehicles Sales and Certification Study.
MILESTONES
* Aug. 1983 - Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda and other top management decide in a secret meeting that the time has come for Toyota to take the next step and create a top-level luxury car.
* Fall 1984 - The "F1" project is well underway. "F1" is Toyota's code for flagship luxury car of the highest order. Shoiji Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki head a large engineering team to develop this ultra-important new car.
* May 1985 - Lexus conducts its first study of the American market with a team headed by Jimbo attending focus groups and interviewing dealers in major markets. A separate five-person team moves to Laguna Beach, Calif., to study lifestyles and integrate design concepts suited for American customers.
* Nov. 1987 - Saatchi and Saatchi, Toyota's advertising agency, creates a separate entity called "Team One" to handle Lexus advertising.
* Jan. 1988 - Lexus and the "L" logo are introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
* Feb. 1988 - Lexus makes its Midwest debut at the Chicago Auto Show with artist renderings of the cars, a teaser video and general product information. Debuts in the South in Atlanta and the East in New York follow.
* April 1988 - Lexis, a legal information network, files suit in New York challenging the use of the Lexus name.
* May 1988 - After a demanding selection process, the first 80 Lexus dealerships are named.
* Aug. 1988 - Design plans for Lexus dealerships are unveiled. Lexus of Columbus in Ohio is the first Lexus dealership to break ground.
* Dec. 1988 - On Friday, Dec. 28 the New York lower appellate court rules Lexis does not have right to name. Monday, Dec. 31 Lexus earns a stay and can proceed until further notice.
* Jan. 1989 - The first Lexus production model, the LS 400, makes its American debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and the Los Angeles Auto Show.
* Jan. 1989 - J. Davis (Dave) Illingworth is named Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager.
* March 1989 - Lawsuit with Lexis is resolved in favor of the auto manufacturer.
* Sept. 1989 - The first Lexus model, the LS 400, goes on sale to the public and is very well received. In the first month 2,919 LS 400s are sold.
* Dec. 1989 - Lexus initiates a special service campaign. Although aware of only one consumer contact regarding a cruise control malfunction and several complaints of stoplight housing distortion, Lexus elects to recall all 8,000 LS 400s sold to check items. Dealers contact owners individually and quickly make repairs. Rather than being viewed negatively, Lexus is credited with setting a new standard in personalized service.
* Oct. 1990 - In its first full year of sales, Lexus exceeds its 12-month sales goals of 60,000 cars by more than 3,000.
* April 1991 - In an effort to ensure all Lexus headquarters and dealership employees understand the Lexus mission of complete customer satisfaction, a comprehensive certification program (the industry's first) is introduced.
* Dec. 1991 - Lexus becomes the No. 1 selling luxury import by selling 71,206 cars, more than Mercedes Benz or BMW.
* Jan. 1993 - George Borst becomes Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager.
* Oct. 1993 - Lexus introduces the first Certified Pre-owned Vehicle program in the industry. It offers customers the opportunity to purchase a quality Lexus vehicle and experience Lexus' outstanding customer service.
* Jan. 1995 - Lexus closes 1994 as the No. 1 selling import luxury nameplate for the third consecutive year.
* April 1995 - James E. Press becomes senior vice president and general manager of the Lexus Division.
* May 1995 - U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor threatens 100 percent tariffs on selected Japanese luxury vehicles, including the entire Lexus line, in an effort to settle a long-standing U.S./Japan trade dispute. Proposed tariffs threaten more than 7,500 American Lexus jobs with minimal potential impact on Toyota's Japanese operations.
* June 1995 - 11th hour agreement is reached between the United States and Japan averting a potentially disastrous trade war.
* January 1996 - Lexus total sales since its inception reach 500,000 units.
* March 1996 - Lexus announces the launch of the Lexus Centre of Performance Art, the luxury automaker's Internet site on the World Wide Web. The new web site offers consumers a personal library of information about Lexus and is the first to offer direct links to dealership and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle web sites.
* April 1996 - Lexus and Coach fine leather establish a co-branding partnership to bring out a special-edition ES 300 that offers additional features and comes with a Coach bag.
* Aug. 1996 - Lexus introduces its companion dealership program, an alternative means to providing a Lexus dealership in markets which would otherwise be too small to support a separate dealership. Lexus of Maplewood (Maplewood, Minn.) is established as a companion to Lexus of Wayzata (Wayzata, Minn.).
* March 1997 - Lexus once again partners with Coach fine leather to offer the first Coach special edition LS 400.
* Sept. 1997 - Lexus reports the best sales month in its history with total August sales of 11,117, representing a 41.1 percent increase over the same period in 1996.
* Dec. 1997 - Lexus debuts its one-of-a-kind street rod at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Based on a '32 roadster, the Lexus Street Rod was created to showcase a specially modified Lexus GS 400 V8 producing more than 400 horsepower.
* Dec. 1997 - Lexus set a new all-time sales record with 97,593 units in 1997 - a 20.0 percent increase over 1996 calendar year sales.
* March 1998 - Lexus announces its participation as presenting sponsor of Eric Clapton's 1998 U.S. Tour. The sponsorship offered Lexus unique opportunities for innovative and effective marketing, as well as the opportunity to contemporize the Lexus brand and generate excitement both at the national and local dealer levels.
* April 1998 - Bryan Bergsteinsson is named Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.
* April 1998 - Lexus sets a new division record in the month of April with sales of 12,364. Some of this increase can be attributed to the new hot-selling RX 300 mid-sized SUV.
* May 1998 - For the second consecutive month, Lexus sets a division record with May sales of 14,620, an improvement of 100.0 percent over the same period last year.
* July 1998 - Lexus again reports its best-ever month with July sales of 14,673, a 57.9 percent increase over July 1997. Year-to-date sales total 83,041, up 55.0 percent over the same period last year. Lexus is the best-selling luxury brand in the United States for the first time in its nine-year history, outselling Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac and Lincoln.
* Aug. 1998 - Lexus sets another all-time monthly sales record of 16,949, an improvement of 52.2 percent over the same period the previous year. 1998 calendar-year-to-date sales of 100,000 surpassed total 1997 sales of 97,593. This represents a 54.6 percent increase from the previous year.
* Dec. 1998 - Lexus posts best-ever annual sales of 156,260 units, representing a 60.0 percent increase over 1997 and a 90.0 percent increase over 1996.
* Feb. 1999 - Lexus and Coach partner to introduce a second ES 300 special edition.
* March 1999 - For the first time ever, Lexus finished the first quarter of 1999 as the top-selling luxury nameplate outpacing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lincoln and Cadillac.
* May 1999 - Lexus sets an all-time new record with May sales of 18,110 units.
* Sept. 1999 - Lexus celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its first vehicle going on sale in the United States.
* Oct. 1999 - Lexus is represented at the Tokyo Motor Show for the first time when the Lexus Sport Coupe concept car debuts.
* Nov. 1999 - In early November, Lexus surpassed its 1998 sales record of 156,260 units.
* Nov. 1999 - Lexus sold its one-millionth vehicle in the United States.
* Dec. 1999 - For the fourth consecutive year, Lexus posted best-ever annual sales. 1999 sales of 185,890 units represented a 19.0 percent increase from 1998, and a 90.0 percent increase from 1997.
* Feb. 2000 - Lexus and American Express introduce the Platinum Series LS 400, GS 400, GS 300, and ES 300 offering qualified customers a complimentary American Express Platinum Card for two years. The value-priced Platinum Series vehicles feature special exterior colors, elegantly enhanced interior features, distinctive wheels and Platinum Series badges on the sides of each car.
* June 2000 - Lexus' one-millionth vehicle built for the United States (a 2000 RX 300 SUV) was auctioned on June 17 at Christie's Exceptional Cars auction at the Petersen Automotive museum in Los Angeles, Calif.
* July 2000 - Dennis E. Clements is named Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.
* Aug. 2000 - Lexus is the first import luxury brand to sell more than 20,000 vehicles in one month.
* Oct. 2000 - Lexus modifies its well-known tagline "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection" to better reflect the company's attitude toward building the best automobiles in the world. The new message becomes "The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection."
* Dec. 2000 - Lexus posts best-ever annual sales for the fifth consecutive year with 2000 CY sales of 206,037 units, making Lexus the top-selling luxury brand in the United States.
* January 2001 - Lexus and Coach announce its third collaboration on a special edition ES 300. Additionally, a factory-built RX 300 Silversport is debuted.
* Oct. 2001 - A special edition SC 430 "Silver Belle" is offered through the 2001 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. All 99 vehicles are sold within 14 hours. One vehicle is auctioned via the Internet with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross in honor of the September 11 terrorist attack victims.
* Dec. 2001 - Lexus becomes the top-selling luxury brand in the United States for the second year in a row, with 2001 CY sales of 223,983.
* January 2002 - Lexus debuts its "Minority Report" sports car at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car was specially built for the movie, starring Tom Cruise and directed by Steven Spielberg. The car traveled to many auto shows prior to the film's release in June.
* April 2002 - Partnering with Coach once again, Lexus introduces a special edition RX 300 model.
* May 2002 - Lexus has the top-selling luxury sedan and SUV in the market. The new
ES 300 is the most popular luxury sedan while the trend-setting RX 300 continues to dominate the luxury SUV class. Also, the LS 430 is the best-selling car in the luxury prestige segment.
* January 2003 - With record-breaking 2002 annual sales, Lexus retains its crown as the nation's No. 1 selling luxury brand for the third consecutive year.
* January 2003 - Lexus Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle sales hit record highs in 2002. Lexus CPO sales of 39,707 were up 17.7 percent over 2001 calendar year totals.
* January 2003 - Lexus announces that the RX 330 will become the first Lexus vehicle to be manufactured in North America.
* February 2003 - Toyota Motor Corporation announces that it introduce and sell Lexus vehicles in Japan by mid-2005.
* February 2003 - Lexus and Pebble Beach Resorts announce a four-year partnership, with Lexus as the preferred vehicle of Pebble Beach Resorts.
* April 2003 - The Lexus High Performance Crossover concept car (HPX) debuts at the New York International Auto Show. The HPX demonstrates the versatility of a luxury utility vehicle with strong emotional styling and high performance capabilities.
* June 2003 - "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" opens in movie theaters and the SC 430 hardtop convertible is driven by the villainess "Terminatrix."
* June 2003 - Lexus cars come to life on the refreshed Lexus.com Web site. The new web site debuts and features moving images, user-friendly features and a new look. The Lexus web site attracts up to 2 million visitors/month and is the primary source of information for new car buyers.
* August 2003 - To commemorate Lexus' partnership with the Pebble Beach Resorts, an SC 430 Pebble Beach Special Edition of the retractable hard-top convertible is introduced with a limited run of 400 units. The special edition features exclusive Azure Metallic paint, Azure painted aluminum whells, Ecru leather interior with black walnut wood trim, special badging and blue illuminated doorsill scuff plates.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
* July 1990 - Lexus nameplate tops the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) in its first-ever sales year.
* March 1991 - Lexus is ranked first in J.D. Power and Associates' Dealer Attitude Survey.
* Aug. 1991 - Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI), completing a sweep of the three major studies conducted by Power that included the IQS and Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI).
* July 1992 - Lexus named top nameplate in J.D. Power and Associates' SSI.
* May 1993 - Lexus becomes the top nameplate in J.D. Power and Associates' IQS for the second year in a row.
* July 1993 - Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates' CSI for the third year in a row.
* Feb. 1994 - Lexus is ranked first in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Performance Index reflecting satisfaction of customers with two-year-old vehicles.
* May 1994 - Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates IQS by having all four models place in the top 10 in overall car rankings.
* June 1994 - Lexus takes the top ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates SSI for the third time. Lexus scored 157 points resulting in the highest score ever achieved by any nameplate - 35 points above the industry average.
* July 1994 - J.D. Power and Associates' CSI study ranks Lexus the No. 1 nameplate for the fourth consecutive year. While improving on last year's top-ranked score, Lexus captures all major J.D. Power and Associates' customer satisfaction studies for which the division is eligible.
* Jan. 1995 - Arthur D. Little, the leading international management-consulting firm, recognizes Lexus as the automotive industry's 1995 "Best of the Best" in customer management.
* March 1995 - In its first year of eligibility, Lexus tops all makes with the highest J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) score in the study's history.
* July 1995 - For an unprecedented fifth consecutive year Lexus tops J.D. Power and Associates' CSI. The five-year winning streak is the longest in the study's history.
* June 1996 - Toyota Motor Corporation's Tahara plant, which builds the Lexus LS 400 and GS 300 sedans, captures the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Award among Asian manufacturing facilities.
* June 1996 - Lexus shares the top ranking as Best Overall Nameplate for Sales Satisfaction in the 1996 J.D. Power and Associates SSI. Lexus also ranks first in the VDI for the second year in a row. Since the Lexus brand was established in 1989, the marque has captured 17 out of 22 major J.D. Power and Associates awards for which it has been eligible.
* March 1997 - For the third consecutive year Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates VDI as the No. 1 Nameplate in Long-Term Dependability among all car and truck brands. Lexus has won the VDI award every year it has been eligible.
* July 1997 - For the sixth time in its seven years of eligibility, Lexus ranks as the No. 1 car and truck Line in the J.D. Power and Associates CSI study. Since introducing its first model in 1989, Lexus has ranked at the top in 30 of the 40 major J.D. Power and Associates' surveys for which the brand has been eligible.
* Sept. 1997 - Lexus is named a total value leader in the luxury and near-luxury car segments by the research firm Strategic Vision in their 1997 Total Value IndexTM.
* April 1998 - Lexus captures the title of No. 1 nameplate in long-term dependability after five years of ownership by J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI). Lexus has earned this honor every year it has been eligible.
* July 1998 - Lexus ranks No. 1 in the J.D. Power and Associates CSI study for the seventh time in eight years of eligibility.
* March 1999 - Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates VDI for the fifth consecutive year.
* May 1999 - The Tahara plant, which builds the LS 400 and GS luxury sedans, shares the J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Plant Award with GM's Flint, Mich., plant.
* July 1999 - Lexus ranks No. 1 in the J.D. Power and Associates CSI study. This marks the eighth time in nine years that Lexus has received the top ranking.
* July 2000 - For the ninth time in 10 years, Lexus is ranked No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service in J.D. Power and Associates' annual CSI study.
* May 2000 - The Kyushu car plant, where the ES 300 is built, earns the J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Plant Award.
* Nov. 2000 - Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates' VDI for the sixth consecutive year.
* May 2001 - For the second year in a row, the Kyushu car plant earns the J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Plant Award.
* July 2001 - Lexus once again ranks No. 1 in J.D. Power and Associates' CSI study for the 10th time in 11 years.
* Nov. 2001 - Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates VDI for the seventh consecutive year.
* May 2002 - Lexus is the only luxury nameplate to rank first in any luxury segment of J.D. Power and Associates IQS. The Araco plant in Japan, which builds the LX 470, receives the Platinum Plant Award. It is the fourth year in a row a Lexus plant has earned the top award.
* November 2002 - Lexus ranks highest in long-term dependability for the eighth consecutive year in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index.
* November 2002 - Lexus is named No. 1 nameplate in customer satisfaction for certified used vehicles in the J.D. Power and Associates Used-Vehicle Sales and Certification Study.
* May 2003 - Lexus vehicles ranked highest in 4 of 16 segments of the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), topping every segment in which they compete. The LS 430 had the fewest problems (only 76 problems per 100 vehicles) of any vehicle in the study for the seventh consecutive year. In addition to the LS 430, the GS 430/300, ES 300, RX 300 all ranked first in their respective segments.
* July 2003 - For the ninth consecutive year, Lexus is the top-ranked nameplate in the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Also for the ninth consecutive year, the LS 400 had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles of any car in the study. The RX 300 and ES 300 also ranked highest in their respective segments.
* July 2003 - For the second year in a row, Lexus Certified Pre-Owned vehicles ranked first in customer satisfaction in the 2003 J.D. Power and Associates Used Vehicles Sales and Certification Study.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Washington
Yet another award. 2003/2004: LS430 is named #1 luxury sedan by Car and Driver. Just saw this on Spike this morning and thought it was prett cool! Beat out the 745i, A8L, S430, Xj8, and Phaeton.
James
James
Bippu
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: California
Originally posted by jet864
Yet another award. 2003/2004: LS430 is named #1 luxury sedan by Car and Driver. Just saw this on Spike this morning and thought it was prett cool! Beat out the 745i, A8L, S430, Xj8, and Phaeton.
James
Yet another award. 2003/2004: LS430 is named #1 luxury sedan by Car and Driver. Just saw this on Spike this morning and thought it was prett cool! Beat out the 745i, A8L, S430, Xj8, and Phaeton.
James
http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=7
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EVEN MORE DETAILS!!
KEY LEXUS MILESTONES
Since the Lexus nameplate was established in 1987, the luxury division of Toyota has strived to establish itself as a leader in the prestigious automotive market. The achievement of this status is a result of years of research and development, and takes its roots from the tradition established more than 50 years ago by its parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation.
The story of how Lexus evolved from an idea proposed at a secret meeting in 1983 to the premier luxury nameplate in the world is an impressive one, with several key milestones and the top of the automotive world.
Aug. 1983 -- Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda, keenly aware of Toyota's long and outstanding history, decides the time had come for the logical next step. At a top-level, top-secret meeting of Toyota management, strategists and engineers, the question is posed, "Can we create a luxury car to challenge the very best?" The answer was not only a resounding "yes," but the conviction that this challenge must be undertaken.
Fall 1984 -- The "F1" project is well underway. The project is designated "F1" to denote F as "flagship" and 1 as a luxury sedan of the highest order. Chief engineers Shoiji Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki and a full team of general managers and engineers supervised the development of all aspects of the automobile, from handling, brakes, traction control, engine, electronics, and corrosion.
May 1985 -- Lexus conducts its first tests of the American waters. A study team headed by Jimbo attended focus groups and interviewed dealers in San Francisco, Houston, Miami and New York in an effort to "get to know the American customer." A separate five-person design team moved to Laguna Beach, Calif., to study lifestyles and integrate design concepts suited for the American luxury car buyer. This team spent the entire summer in Southern California and worked closely with designers at Calty Design, Toyota's American design studio.
July 1985 -- The first of 450 running prototypes is built. It represents the work of 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, and 220 support workers.
May 1986 -- Tests are performed on the Autobahn in Germany.
Sept 1986 -- Ten months of extensive evaluation on American roads begin. This testing resulted in improvements in F1's handling and suspension. Other evaluations during the next several months include traction control testing in Sweden, audio system testing and long distance road testing in America.
May 1987 -- The final design of the F1 is approved, after eight previous presentations to management, far more than customary.
Nov 1987 -- Saatchi and Saatchi, Toyota's advertising agency, creates a separate entity to handle Lexus' advertising. Team One is officially established November 10.
Jan 1988 -- Lexus and the "L" logo are introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Feb 1988 -- Lexus makes its Midwest debut at the Chicago Auto Show with artist's renderings of the cars, a teaser videotape and general product information. The Southern debut at the Atlanta Auto Show and the Eastern debut at the New York Auto Show followed.
April 1988 -- Lexis, a legal information network, files suit in New York challenging the use of the Lexus name.
May 1988 -- After a demanding selection process, the first 80 Lexus dealerships are named.
Aug 1988 -- Roger Penske, race-car driver, team owner and soon-to-be Lexus dealer goes to Japan to test drive the F1.
Aug 1988 -- Clinics in New York and Los Angeles are held inviting current luxury car owners to view the F1 along with competitive models from Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Lincoln. Design plans for Lexus dealerships are unveiled. Lexus of Columbus in Ohio is the first Lexus dealership to break ground. The use of the satellite communications network is introduced.
Nov 1988 -- The F1 is designated the LS 400, "LS" meaning luxury sedan, and "400" for the 4.0-liter V8 engine. The smaller Lexus sedan is
named ES 250, for executive sedan, 2.5-liter engine.
Dec 1988 -- Lexus teams with Nakamichi and Pioneer to produce the sound systems in the LS 400.
Dec 1988 -- Friday, Dec. 28 -- New York lower appellate court rules Lexus does not have right to name. Monday, Dec. 31 -- Lexus earns a stay and can proceed until further notice.
Jan 1989 -- The LS 400 and ES 250 debut at Detroit Auto Show. One day later, a similar debut takes place at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Jan 1989 -- J. Davis (Dave) Illingworth is named Lexus Group vice president and General Manager. He had been with the Lexus division since its inception.
Mar 1989 -- Lawsuit with Lexis is resolved in favour of the auto manufacturer.
May 1989 -- First production LS 400 rolls off the assembly line at Lexus' Tahara plant, amid much celebration.
Sept 1989 -- The LS 400 and ES 250 go on sale to the public and are very well received. In the first month 2,919 LS 400s are sold and 1,216 ES 250s.
Fall 1989 -- Lexus begins its tradition of sponsoring fine events including the Champions for Charity Golf Tournament, the San Francisco Opera, the Concours d'Elegance, Phantom of the Opera, and the Dallas Opera.
Dec 1989 -- Lexus initiates a special service campaign. Although aware of only one consumer contact regarding a cruise control malfunction and several complaints of stop light housing distortion, Lexus elects to recall all 8,000 LS 400s sold to check items. Dealers contact owners individually and quickly make repairs. Rather than being viewed negatively, Lexus is credited with setting a new standard in personalized service.
Jan 1990 -- The LS finishes first in all categories, including overall satisfaction, in Car & Driver's 1990 New Car Buyer's Study.
Feb 1990 -- Motoring Press Association names LS 400 "Best Imported Car of the Year."
Mar 1990 -- The LS 400 is awarded the "Best Luxury" car title in Motor Week's Drivers' Choice Awards.
July 1990 -- Lexus nameplate tops the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. The LS 400 in its first eligible survey, ranked fourth overall and second in it's segment. The ES 300 ranked 12th overall.
Oct 1990 -- Lexus exceeds its first 12-month sales goals of 60,000 cars by more than 3,000.
Mar 1991 -- Lexus is ranked first in J.D. Power's Dealer Attitude Survey.
April 1991 -- In an effort to ensure all Lexus associates understand the Lexus mission of complete customer satisfaction, a comprehensive certification program, the industry's first, is introduced.
May 1991 -- Lexus unveils its first addition to its product line, the SC 400 sport coupe. Designed at Calty Design in Newport Beach, Calif., the stunning SC tradition of Lexus luxury. The first coupes go on sale in June.
Aug 1991 -- Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index, completing a sweep of the three major studies conducted by Power. Lexus had already been named the top nameplate in the Customer Satisfaction Index and in the Initial Quality Study.
Aug 1991 -- The SC 300 sport coupe joins the Lexus family.
Sept 1991 -- Lexus unveils another addition to its line, the ES 300 sedan, replacing the successful ES 250.
Nov 1991 -- The SC 400 makes the honour rolls of Car and Driver, Automobile, Popular Science, and Playboy.
Dec 1991 -- Lexus becomes the No. 1 luxury import by selling 71,206 cars, more than Mercedes Benz or BMW.
Feb 1992 -- The SC 400 is named "Import Car of the Year" by Motor Trend and by the Motoring Press Association.
May 1992 -- LS 400 named model with fewest problems after three months in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study.
June 1992 -- LS 400 and ES 250 finish one-two in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index, which gauges satisfaction after one year of ownership.
July 1992 -- Lexus named top nameplate in J.D. Power and Associates' Sales Satisfaction Index.
Sept 1992 -- "Freshened" LS 400 debut with more than 50 changes, many as a direct response to dealer and customer requests.
Dec 1992 -- SC 300 is named to the Car and Driver 10 Best List and Automobile's All-Star List.
Dec 1992 -- SC 400 and ES 300 are named two of Motor Trend's Best Buys. Personal Finance lists the LS 400 as the best buy in the $30,000+ category and the ES 300 a best buy in the $20,000-$30,000 category.
Jan 1993 -- The Lexus GS 300 luxury performance sedan makes its debut at the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows.
Jan 1993 -- George Borst becomes Lexus group vice president and general manager.
Mar 1993 -- American Automobile Association (AAA) names the SC 300 and LS 400 as the best 1993 models in their price ranges.
Mar 1993 -- Consumer Reports calls the LS 400 "Benchmark of Quality. The ES 300 is also listed as best in the mid-sized class.
May 1993 -- Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study with the LS 400 and SC 400/300 finishing 1-2 with the fewest reported problems. Lexus was once again the top nameplate in the study.
June 1993 -- Robb Report names LS 400 the Best Import Car for 1993.
July 1993 -- Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index for the third year in a row.
Dec 1993 -- SC 300 is named to the Car and Driver 10 Best List and Automobile's All-Star List for the second year in a row.
Feb 1994 -- Lexus is ranked first in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Performance Index reflecting satisfaction of customers with three-year-old cars.
Feb 1994 -- Intelli Choice, a national automobile product information company, names the LS 400 "Best Overall Value of the Year" in the over $40,000 luxury class and ES 300 "Best Overall Value" in the under $40,000 luxury class.
May 1994 -- Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey (IQS) by having all four models place in the top 10 in overall car rankings. The LS 400, GS 300 and SC 400/300 finished 1-2-3 respectively, while the ES 300 tied for 10th place. Although no longer reported by J.D. Power and Associates, the Lexus nameplate finished first overall with a score of 54 with an industry average of 110. The LS 400 tops itself after setting an industry record low of 54 problems per 100 last year, it received an astounding 32 problems per 100 this year.
June 1994 -- Lexus takes the top ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates' Sales Satisfaction Index study. Having captured the title three of the last four years, Lexus scored 157 points, resulting in the highest score ever achieved by any nameplate -- 35 points above the industry average.
July 1994 -- Lexus is ranked as the No. 1 car brand for customer satisfaction for the fourth consecutive year as reported by J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index study. While improving on last year's top-ranked score, Lexus captured all major J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction studies for which the division is eligible.
Nov 1994 -- Completely redesigned second generation 1995 LS 400 goes on sale.
Dec 1994 -- The all-new Lexus LS 400 is designated "The Best of What's New" by Popular Science.
Jan 1995 -- Lexus closes 1994 as the number-one import luxury nameplate for the third consecutive year.
Jan 1995 -- Lexus LS 400 receives Popular Mechanic's 1995 Design & Engineering Award.
Jan 1995 -- Car and Driver names SC 300 one of 1995's 10 Best Cars.
Jan 1995 -- Lexus is recognized as the automotive industry's 1995 "Best of the Best" in customer management by Arthur D. Little, the leading international management consulting firm.
Feb 1995 -- SC 300 is designated one of Automobile Magazine's All-Stars.
Feb 1995 -- Intelli Choice ranks the Lexus ES 300 "A Best Value" in the under $40,000 luxury car category.
Mar 1995 -- In its first year of eligibility, Lexus tops all makes with highest J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) score in the study's history. Among individual models, LS 400 registered fewest problems during the last 12 months after five years of ownership.
April 1995 -- James E. Press becomes senior vice president and general manager of the Lexus Division.
April 1995 -- Lexus announces plans to enter the sport utility market in early 1996.
May 1995 -- Strategic Vision, a consulting and research firm measuring how consumers rate their cars in terms of least troublesome and most pleasurable ownership experiences found Lexus LS 400 the "Best of the Best" in the import luxury car category.
May 1995 -- U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor threatens 100 percent tariffs on selected Japanese luxury vehicles, including the entire Lexus line, in an effort to settle a long-standing U.S./Japan trade dispute. Proposed tariffs threaten more than 7500 American Lexus jobs with minimal potential impact on Toyota's Japanese operations.
June 1995 -- 11th hour agreement is reached between the United States and Japan averting a potentially disastrous trade war.
July 1995 -- For an unprecedented fifth consecutive year Lexus tops J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index. The five-year winning streak is the longest in the study's history.
July 1995 -- Lexus premieres an innovative "infomercial" to showcase its industry-leading Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles program.
Aug 1995 -- Lexus sales rebound after trade dispute uncertainty with the division enjoying the best August in its history.
Jan 1996 -- Lexus total sales since its inception reach 500,000 units.
Jan 1996 -- The LX 450 Sport Utility Vehicle goes on sale, launching Lexus into the popular sport-utility market.
Mar 1996 -- Lexus announces the launch of the Lexus Centre of Performance Art, the luxury automakers Internet world wide web site. The new web site offers consumers a personal library of information about Lexus and is the first to offer direct links to dealership and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle web sites.
Mar 1996 -- Two months after its debut, the Lexus LX 450 climbs to the top of the luxury sport utility vehicle segment, surpassing Range Rover in units sold.
April 1996 -- Lexus and Coach, the renowned manufacturer of distinguished leather products, announce a partnership to produce a distinctive limited edition ES 300.
June 1996 -- Lexus finishes 1-2-3 in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS). The SC 300 and SC 400 Coupes scored a noteworthy 45 problems per 100 cars, the best single vehicle model in the study, followed by the Lexus LS 400. The ES 300 ranked first in the entry-luxury segment.
June 1996 -- Toyota Motor Corporations Tahara plant, home of the Lexus LS 400 and GS 300 sedans, captures the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Award among Asian manufacturing facilities.
June 1996 -- Lexus posts its best-ever retail sales for the month of May and fifth best-selling month in division history. Sales were led by the ES 300, up 21.4% over May 1995, despite being in the fifth year of its current generation.
June 1996 -- Lexus shares the top ranking as Best Overall Nameplate for Sales Satisfaction (SSI) in the 1996 J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index. Lexus also ranks first in the Vehicle Dependability Index for the second year in a row. Since the Lexus brand was established in 1989, the marquee has captured 17 out of 22 major J.D. Power and Associates awards for which it has been eligible.
Aug 1996 -- Lexus introduces its companion dealership program, an alternative means to providing a Lexus dealership in markets which would otherwise be too small to support a separate dealership. Lexus of Maplewood (Maplewood, Minn.) is established as a companion to Lexus of Wayzata (Wayzata, Minn.).
Sept 1996 -- Lexus introduces its next-generation ES 300 entry-luxury sedan. The totally redesigned ES receives a sleeker appearance by adopting more sharp and solid forms and an increase in overall length of 2.4 inches. Value is strengthened with a reduced price over its predecessor despite the addition of many luxury features normally reserved for more expensive luxury segments.
Dec 1996 -- The all-new ES 300 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $25,000 to $30,000 price category. Lexus has been a AAA "Top Car" recipient in every year of the awards existence.
Jan. 1997 -- Lexus introduces the HPS (High Performance Sedan) concept vehicle at the 1997 Detroit International Auto Show. The HPS is a dramatic hint of the all-new GS 400/300 performance sedan to be launched as part of the Lexus model line up for 1998.
Feb 1997 -- Lexus reveals its latest concept project, the Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) at the 1997 Chicago Auto Show. The SLV is the luxury carmakers vision of a new blend of mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) characteristics combined with more luxury-sedan comfort and on-road performance than seen before in SUVs.
Feb 1997 -- The all-new ES 300 is named the Best Overall Value of the Year in the under-$30,000 category by the research firm Intelli Choice¨. In addition to the ES 300, the LS 400 and GS 300 sedans were named Best Overall Values in the Luxury car class and the LX 450 sport utility vehicle (SUV) was awarded Best Overall Value for large SUVs.
Mar 1997 -- Lexus and Coach, the renowned manufacturer of distinguished leather products, announce the continuation of their partnership with the production of a distinctive limited edition LS 400 sedan. The partnership began one year earlier with the successful limited edition ES 300 sedan.
Mar 1997 -- Lexus announces the official production name of its new luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). Based on the Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) concept unveiled one month earlier, the mid-sized luxury SUV will be called the RX 300. The RX 300 is slated for production in the first half of 1998.
Mar 1997 -- For the third consecutive year Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) as the No. 1 Nameplate in Long-Term Dependability among all car and truck brands. Lexus has won the VDI award every year it has been eligible.
April 1997 -- The LS 400 sedan is ranked No.1 one in the luxury segment of the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS). The LS also records the highest score among all cars and trucks in the study. The LX 450 sport utility vehicle ranks No.1 in the large SUV segment.
July 1997 -- For the sixth time in its seven years of eligibility, Lexus ranked as the No. 1 Car and Truck Line in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index Study (CSI). Since introducing its first model in 1989, Lexus has ranked at the top in 30 of the 40 major J.D. Power and Associates surveys for which the brand has been eligible.
Aug 1997 -- Lexus sets a division sales record for the month of July. Sales were led by the all-new ES 300 which recorded is best sales month ever.
Sept 1997 -- Lexus reports the best sales month in its history with total August sales of 11,117, a 41.1 percent increase over the same period in 1996.
Sept 1997 -- Lexus introduces its next-generation GS 400/300 luxury performance sedan. New powertrains featuring Variable Valve Timing/intelligence (VVT-i) and five- and four-speed automatic transmissions, produce 300 horsepower in the V8 5-speed GS 400 and 225 horsepower for the 4-speed six cylinder GS 300. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" advertising campaign is acclaimed for its dramatic impact.
Sept 1997 -- Lexus introduces a redesigned LS 400 featuring VVTi engine for higher performance, dozens of additional features and freshened styling. Despite the numerous upgrades the LS price remains the same as the previous year, enhancing its overall value.
Sept 1997 -- The classic SC 400/300 sport coupes receive improved performance for the 1998 model year. This is accomplished with the addition of Variable Valve Timing/intelligence (VVT-i) in both six- and eight-cylinder engines and a five-speed automatic transmission in the SC 400 and a four-speed automatic transmission in the SC 300.
Sept 1997 -- Lexus is named a total value leader in the luxury and near-luxury car segments by the research firm Strategic Vision in their 1997 Total Value IndexTM.
Oct 1997 -- The all-new GS 400/300 high performance sport sedan is named a "Best Buy" in the luxury car category by Consumers Digest. The GS 400 is given "Best of Whats New" status by Popular Science.
Nov 1997 -- The GS 400 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $40,000 to $50,000 category.
Dec 1997 -- The GS 400/300 high performance sedan series is named Motor Trends "Import Car of the Year." Motor Trend editors noted "the â98 Lexus GS series surely will surprise a lot of buyers -- not only with its pur sang performance but with the seamless manner in which its muscular acceleration and sports car handling meld into a soothing travel cocoon."
Dec 1997 -- Lexus introduces the all-new redesigned LX 470 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new LX features a powerful new V8 engine, roomier size and sophisticated adjustable-height hydroneumatic suspension.
Dec 1997 -- Lexus debuted its one-of-a-kind Street Rod at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Based on a 32 roadster, the Lexus Street Rod was created to showcase a specially modified Lexus GS 400 V8, producing more than 400 horsepower.
Dec 1997 Lexus set a new all-time sales record with 97,593 units in 1997 -- a 20 percent increase over 1996 calendar year sales.
Jan 1998 -- Lexus unveils its second entry in the sport utility market, the 1999 RX 300, at the North American International Auto Show. This new breed of SUV combines the most desirable aspects of both luxury sedans and 4x4s. It provides off-road ground clearance and available full-time four-wheel-drive for poor weather and road conditions, yet step-in height is lower than other SUVs for more convenient entry and exit.
Jan 1998 -- The GS 400/300 is honoured as one of Car & Drivers 10 Best.
Mar 1998 -- The LX 470 and RX 300 go on sale at Lexus 174 dealers nationwide.
Mar 1998 -- Lexus announces its participation as presenting sponsor of Eric Claptons 1998 U.S. Tour. The sponsorship offered Lexus unique opportunities for innovative and effective marketing, as well as the opportunity to contemporise the Lexus brand and generate excitement both at the national and local dealer levels.
April 1998 -- Bryan Bergsteinsson is named Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.
April 1998 -- Lexus was named the number-one nameplate in long-term dependability after five years of ownership by J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI). Lexus has earned this honour every year it has been eligible.
April 1998 -- Lexus sets a new division record in the month of April with sales of 12,364. Some of this increase can be attributed to new hot-selling RX 300 mid-sized SUV.
May 1998 -- For the second consecutive month, Lexus sets a division record with May sales of 14,620, an improvement of 100 percent over the same period last year.
June 1998 -- The LS 400 and ES 300 swept the Luxury Car segments for Premium Luxury car and Entry Luxury Car in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, the LS 400 earned the best score of any vehicle in the study, an honour it has achieved five out of six years.
July 1998 -- Lexus ranked number-one in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index Study (CSI) for the seventh time in eight years of eligibility.
July 1998 -- Lexus again reported its best-ever month with July sales of 14,673, a 57.9 percent increase over July 1997. Year-to-date sales totalled 83,041, up 55 percent over the period last year. Lexus was the best-selling luxury brand in the United States for the first time in its nine-year history, outselling Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac and Lincoln.
Aug 1998 -- Lexus sets another all-time monthly sales record of 16,949, an improvement of 52,2 percent over the same period last year. 1998 calendar year-to-date sales of 100,000 surpassed total 1997 sales of 97,593. This represents a 54.6 percent increase from last year.
Sept 1998 -- The RX 300 is named Most Appealing Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle, and the LS 400 earns the title of Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study.
Oct 1998 -- The RX 300 is named the inaugural Sport/Utility of the Year by Motor Trend magazine. This marked the first time the magazine separated its Truck of the Year award into two categories, truck and sport utility vehicle (SUV). This change reflects the continued popularity of SUVs.
Dec 1998 -- The GS 400/300 and ES 300 are named "Best Buys" by Consumer Digest, and the GS 400 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $40,000 to $50,000 category.
Dec 1998 -- Lexus posts best-ever annual sales of 156,260 units, representing a 60 percent increase over 1997 and a 90 percent increase over 1996.
Jan 1999 -- The GS 400/300 is honoured as one of Car & Drivers 10 Best.
Jan 1999 -- The Lexus IS compact sport sedan is shown at the Detroit Auto Show, and it is announced that it will debut in the United States in mid-2000.
Jan 1999 -- Automobile Magazine names the LX 470 the "All Star" in the large sport utility vehicle category.
Mar 1999 -- Lexus ranked first in J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDI) for the fifth consecutive year.
Mar 1999 -- For the first time ever, Lexus finished the first quarter of 1999 as the top-selling luxury nameplate outpacing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lincoln and Cadillac.
May 1999 -- The LS 400 and LX 470 received top honours in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study 2 (IQS2). Additionally, the LS 400 had the fewest problems of any vehicle for the sixth time in seven years.
May 1999 -- Lexus set an all-time new record with May sales of 18,110 units.
June 1999 -- Lexus finished the first half of 1999 as the No. 1 selling nameplate in the luxury arena.
July 1999 -- Lexus ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study (CSI). This marks the eighth time in nine years that Lexus has received the top ranking.
Sept 1999 -- Lexus celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its first vehicle going on sale in the United States.
Sept 1999 -- The LX 470 was ranked the most appealing luxury SUV in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study. Additionally, the RX 300 finished second to the LX 470 in the same category.
Sept 1999 -- Lexus remained the No. 1 selling luxury nameplate through the first three-quarters of 1999.
Oct 1999 -- Lexus unveiled the Lexus Sport Coupe concept vehicle at the Tokyo International Motor Show.
Nov 1999 -- In early November, Lexus surpassed its 1998 sales record of 156,260 units.
Nov 1999 -- Lexus sold its millionth vehicle in the United States.
Dec 1999 -- For the fourth consecutive year, Lexus posted best-ever annual sales. 1999 sales 185,890 units represented a 19 percent increase from 1998 and a 90 percent increase from 1997.
Jan 2000 -- Lexus debuted the 2001 IS 300 compact sport sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Jan 2000 -- Lexus unveiled the 2001 LS 430 flagship sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Jan 2000 -- Lexus 1999 sales set a new all-time record with 185,890 luxury cars and sport utility vehicles sold.
Since the Lexus nameplate was established in 1987, the luxury division of Toyota has strived to establish itself as a leader in the prestigious automotive market. The achievement of this status is a result of years of research and development, and takes its roots from the tradition established more than 50 years ago by its parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation.
The story of how Lexus evolved from an idea proposed at a secret meeting in 1983 to the premier luxury nameplate in the world is an impressive one, with several key milestones and the top of the automotive world.
Aug. 1983 -- Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda, keenly aware of Toyota's long and outstanding history, decides the time had come for the logical next step. At a top-level, top-secret meeting of Toyota management, strategists and engineers, the question is posed, "Can we create a luxury car to challenge the very best?" The answer was not only a resounding "yes," but the conviction that this challenge must be undertaken.
Fall 1984 -- The "F1" project is well underway. The project is designated "F1" to denote F as "flagship" and 1 as a luxury sedan of the highest order. Chief engineers Shoiji Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki and a full team of general managers and engineers supervised the development of all aspects of the automobile, from handling, brakes, traction control, engine, electronics, and corrosion.
May 1985 -- Lexus conducts its first tests of the American waters. A study team headed by Jimbo attended focus groups and interviewed dealers in San Francisco, Houston, Miami and New York in an effort to "get to know the American customer." A separate five-person design team moved to Laguna Beach, Calif., to study lifestyles and integrate design concepts suited for the American luxury car buyer. This team spent the entire summer in Southern California and worked closely with designers at Calty Design, Toyota's American design studio.
July 1985 -- The first of 450 running prototypes is built. It represents the work of 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, and 220 support workers.
May 1986 -- Tests are performed on the Autobahn in Germany.
Sept 1986 -- Ten months of extensive evaluation on American roads begin. This testing resulted in improvements in F1's handling and suspension. Other evaluations during the next several months include traction control testing in Sweden, audio system testing and long distance road testing in America.
May 1987 -- The final design of the F1 is approved, after eight previous presentations to management, far more than customary.
Nov 1987 -- Saatchi and Saatchi, Toyota's advertising agency, creates a separate entity to handle Lexus' advertising. Team One is officially established November 10.
Jan 1988 -- Lexus and the "L" logo are introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Feb 1988 -- Lexus makes its Midwest debut at the Chicago Auto Show with artist's renderings of the cars, a teaser videotape and general product information. The Southern debut at the Atlanta Auto Show and the Eastern debut at the New York Auto Show followed.
April 1988 -- Lexis, a legal information network, files suit in New York challenging the use of the Lexus name.
May 1988 -- After a demanding selection process, the first 80 Lexus dealerships are named.
Aug 1988 -- Roger Penske, race-car driver, team owner and soon-to-be Lexus dealer goes to Japan to test drive the F1.
Aug 1988 -- Clinics in New York and Los Angeles are held inviting current luxury car owners to view the F1 along with competitive models from Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Lincoln. Design plans for Lexus dealerships are unveiled. Lexus of Columbus in Ohio is the first Lexus dealership to break ground. The use of the satellite communications network is introduced.
Nov 1988 -- The F1 is designated the LS 400, "LS" meaning luxury sedan, and "400" for the 4.0-liter V8 engine. The smaller Lexus sedan is
named ES 250, for executive sedan, 2.5-liter engine.
Dec 1988 -- Lexus teams with Nakamichi and Pioneer to produce the sound systems in the LS 400.
Dec 1988 -- Friday, Dec. 28 -- New York lower appellate court rules Lexus does not have right to name. Monday, Dec. 31 -- Lexus earns a stay and can proceed until further notice.
Jan 1989 -- The LS 400 and ES 250 debut at Detroit Auto Show. One day later, a similar debut takes place at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Jan 1989 -- J. Davis (Dave) Illingworth is named Lexus Group vice president and General Manager. He had been with the Lexus division since its inception.
Mar 1989 -- Lawsuit with Lexis is resolved in favour of the auto manufacturer.
May 1989 -- First production LS 400 rolls off the assembly line at Lexus' Tahara plant, amid much celebration.
Sept 1989 -- The LS 400 and ES 250 go on sale to the public and are very well received. In the first month 2,919 LS 400s are sold and 1,216 ES 250s.
Fall 1989 -- Lexus begins its tradition of sponsoring fine events including the Champions for Charity Golf Tournament, the San Francisco Opera, the Concours d'Elegance, Phantom of the Opera, and the Dallas Opera.
Dec 1989 -- Lexus initiates a special service campaign. Although aware of only one consumer contact regarding a cruise control malfunction and several complaints of stop light housing distortion, Lexus elects to recall all 8,000 LS 400s sold to check items. Dealers contact owners individually and quickly make repairs. Rather than being viewed negatively, Lexus is credited with setting a new standard in personalized service.
Jan 1990 -- The LS finishes first in all categories, including overall satisfaction, in Car & Driver's 1990 New Car Buyer's Study.
Feb 1990 -- Motoring Press Association names LS 400 "Best Imported Car of the Year."
Mar 1990 -- The LS 400 is awarded the "Best Luxury" car title in Motor Week's Drivers' Choice Awards.
July 1990 -- Lexus nameplate tops the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. The LS 400 in its first eligible survey, ranked fourth overall and second in it's segment. The ES 300 ranked 12th overall.
Oct 1990 -- Lexus exceeds its first 12-month sales goals of 60,000 cars by more than 3,000.
Mar 1991 -- Lexus is ranked first in J.D. Power's Dealer Attitude Survey.
April 1991 -- In an effort to ensure all Lexus associates understand the Lexus mission of complete customer satisfaction, a comprehensive certification program, the industry's first, is introduced.
May 1991 -- Lexus unveils its first addition to its product line, the SC 400 sport coupe. Designed at Calty Design in Newport Beach, Calif., the stunning SC tradition of Lexus luxury. The first coupes go on sale in June.
Aug 1991 -- Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index, completing a sweep of the three major studies conducted by Power. Lexus had already been named the top nameplate in the Customer Satisfaction Index and in the Initial Quality Study.
Aug 1991 -- The SC 300 sport coupe joins the Lexus family.
Sept 1991 -- Lexus unveils another addition to its line, the ES 300 sedan, replacing the successful ES 250.
Nov 1991 -- The SC 400 makes the honour rolls of Car and Driver, Automobile, Popular Science, and Playboy.
Dec 1991 -- Lexus becomes the No. 1 luxury import by selling 71,206 cars, more than Mercedes Benz or BMW.
Feb 1992 -- The SC 400 is named "Import Car of the Year" by Motor Trend and by the Motoring Press Association.
May 1992 -- LS 400 named model with fewest problems after three months in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study.
June 1992 -- LS 400 and ES 250 finish one-two in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index, which gauges satisfaction after one year of ownership.
July 1992 -- Lexus named top nameplate in J.D. Power and Associates' Sales Satisfaction Index.
Sept 1992 -- "Freshened" LS 400 debut with more than 50 changes, many as a direct response to dealer and customer requests.
Dec 1992 -- SC 300 is named to the Car and Driver 10 Best List and Automobile's All-Star List.
Dec 1992 -- SC 400 and ES 300 are named two of Motor Trend's Best Buys. Personal Finance lists the LS 400 as the best buy in the $30,000+ category and the ES 300 a best buy in the $20,000-$30,000 category.
Jan 1993 -- The Lexus GS 300 luxury performance sedan makes its debut at the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows.
Jan 1993 -- George Borst becomes Lexus group vice president and general manager.
Mar 1993 -- American Automobile Association (AAA) names the SC 300 and LS 400 as the best 1993 models in their price ranges.
Mar 1993 -- Consumer Reports calls the LS 400 "Benchmark of Quality. The ES 300 is also listed as best in the mid-sized class.
May 1993 -- Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study with the LS 400 and SC 400/300 finishing 1-2 with the fewest reported problems. Lexus was once again the top nameplate in the study.
June 1993 -- Robb Report names LS 400 the Best Import Car for 1993.
July 1993 -- Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index for the third year in a row.
Dec 1993 -- SC 300 is named to the Car and Driver 10 Best List and Automobile's All-Star List for the second year in a row.
Feb 1994 -- Lexus is ranked first in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Performance Index reflecting satisfaction of customers with three-year-old cars.
Feb 1994 -- Intelli Choice, a national automobile product information company, names the LS 400 "Best Overall Value of the Year" in the over $40,000 luxury class and ES 300 "Best Overall Value" in the under $40,000 luxury class.
May 1994 -- Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey (IQS) by having all four models place in the top 10 in overall car rankings. The LS 400, GS 300 and SC 400/300 finished 1-2-3 respectively, while the ES 300 tied for 10th place. Although no longer reported by J.D. Power and Associates, the Lexus nameplate finished first overall with a score of 54 with an industry average of 110. The LS 400 tops itself after setting an industry record low of 54 problems per 100 last year, it received an astounding 32 problems per 100 this year.
June 1994 -- Lexus takes the top ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates' Sales Satisfaction Index study. Having captured the title three of the last four years, Lexus scored 157 points, resulting in the highest score ever achieved by any nameplate -- 35 points above the industry average.
July 1994 -- Lexus is ranked as the No. 1 car brand for customer satisfaction for the fourth consecutive year as reported by J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index study. While improving on last year's top-ranked score, Lexus captured all major J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction studies for which the division is eligible.
Nov 1994 -- Completely redesigned second generation 1995 LS 400 goes on sale.
Dec 1994 -- The all-new Lexus LS 400 is designated "The Best of What's New" by Popular Science.
Jan 1995 -- Lexus closes 1994 as the number-one import luxury nameplate for the third consecutive year.
Jan 1995 -- Lexus LS 400 receives Popular Mechanic's 1995 Design & Engineering Award.
Jan 1995 -- Car and Driver names SC 300 one of 1995's 10 Best Cars.
Jan 1995 -- Lexus is recognized as the automotive industry's 1995 "Best of the Best" in customer management by Arthur D. Little, the leading international management consulting firm.
Feb 1995 -- SC 300 is designated one of Automobile Magazine's All-Stars.
Feb 1995 -- Intelli Choice ranks the Lexus ES 300 "A Best Value" in the under $40,000 luxury car category.
Mar 1995 -- In its first year of eligibility, Lexus tops all makes with highest J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) score in the study's history. Among individual models, LS 400 registered fewest problems during the last 12 months after five years of ownership.
April 1995 -- James E. Press becomes senior vice president and general manager of the Lexus Division.
April 1995 -- Lexus announces plans to enter the sport utility market in early 1996.
May 1995 -- Strategic Vision, a consulting and research firm measuring how consumers rate their cars in terms of least troublesome and most pleasurable ownership experiences found Lexus LS 400 the "Best of the Best" in the import luxury car category.
May 1995 -- U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor threatens 100 percent tariffs on selected Japanese luxury vehicles, including the entire Lexus line, in an effort to settle a long-standing U.S./Japan trade dispute. Proposed tariffs threaten more than 7500 American Lexus jobs with minimal potential impact on Toyota's Japanese operations.
June 1995 -- 11th hour agreement is reached between the United States and Japan averting a potentially disastrous trade war.
July 1995 -- For an unprecedented fifth consecutive year Lexus tops J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index. The five-year winning streak is the longest in the study's history.
July 1995 -- Lexus premieres an innovative "infomercial" to showcase its industry-leading Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles program.
Aug 1995 -- Lexus sales rebound after trade dispute uncertainty with the division enjoying the best August in its history.
Jan 1996 -- Lexus total sales since its inception reach 500,000 units.
Jan 1996 -- The LX 450 Sport Utility Vehicle goes on sale, launching Lexus into the popular sport-utility market.
Mar 1996 -- Lexus announces the launch of the Lexus Centre of Performance Art, the luxury automakers Internet world wide web site. The new web site offers consumers a personal library of information about Lexus and is the first to offer direct links to dealership and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle web sites.
Mar 1996 -- Two months after its debut, the Lexus LX 450 climbs to the top of the luxury sport utility vehicle segment, surpassing Range Rover in units sold.
April 1996 -- Lexus and Coach, the renowned manufacturer of distinguished leather products, announce a partnership to produce a distinctive limited edition ES 300.
June 1996 -- Lexus finishes 1-2-3 in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS). The SC 300 and SC 400 Coupes scored a noteworthy 45 problems per 100 cars, the best single vehicle model in the study, followed by the Lexus LS 400. The ES 300 ranked first in the entry-luxury segment.
June 1996 -- Toyota Motor Corporations Tahara plant, home of the Lexus LS 400 and GS 300 sedans, captures the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Award among Asian manufacturing facilities.
June 1996 -- Lexus posts its best-ever retail sales for the month of May and fifth best-selling month in division history. Sales were led by the ES 300, up 21.4% over May 1995, despite being in the fifth year of its current generation.
June 1996 -- Lexus shares the top ranking as Best Overall Nameplate for Sales Satisfaction (SSI) in the 1996 J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index. Lexus also ranks first in the Vehicle Dependability Index for the second year in a row. Since the Lexus brand was established in 1989, the marquee has captured 17 out of 22 major J.D. Power and Associates awards for which it has been eligible.
Aug 1996 -- Lexus introduces its companion dealership program, an alternative means to providing a Lexus dealership in markets which would otherwise be too small to support a separate dealership. Lexus of Maplewood (Maplewood, Minn.) is established as a companion to Lexus of Wayzata (Wayzata, Minn.).
Sept 1996 -- Lexus introduces its next-generation ES 300 entry-luxury sedan. The totally redesigned ES receives a sleeker appearance by adopting more sharp and solid forms and an increase in overall length of 2.4 inches. Value is strengthened with a reduced price over its predecessor despite the addition of many luxury features normally reserved for more expensive luxury segments.
Dec 1996 -- The all-new ES 300 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $25,000 to $30,000 price category. Lexus has been a AAA "Top Car" recipient in every year of the awards existence.
Jan. 1997 -- Lexus introduces the HPS (High Performance Sedan) concept vehicle at the 1997 Detroit International Auto Show. The HPS is a dramatic hint of the all-new GS 400/300 performance sedan to be launched as part of the Lexus model line up for 1998.
Feb 1997 -- Lexus reveals its latest concept project, the Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) at the 1997 Chicago Auto Show. The SLV is the luxury carmakers vision of a new blend of mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) characteristics combined with more luxury-sedan comfort and on-road performance than seen before in SUVs.
Feb 1997 -- The all-new ES 300 is named the Best Overall Value of the Year in the under-$30,000 category by the research firm Intelli Choice¨. In addition to the ES 300, the LS 400 and GS 300 sedans were named Best Overall Values in the Luxury car class and the LX 450 sport utility vehicle (SUV) was awarded Best Overall Value for large SUVs.
Mar 1997 -- Lexus and Coach, the renowned manufacturer of distinguished leather products, announce the continuation of their partnership with the production of a distinctive limited edition LS 400 sedan. The partnership began one year earlier with the successful limited edition ES 300 sedan.
Mar 1997 -- Lexus announces the official production name of its new luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). Based on the Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) concept unveiled one month earlier, the mid-sized luxury SUV will be called the RX 300. The RX 300 is slated for production in the first half of 1998.
Mar 1997 -- For the third consecutive year Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) as the No. 1 Nameplate in Long-Term Dependability among all car and truck brands. Lexus has won the VDI award every year it has been eligible.
April 1997 -- The LS 400 sedan is ranked No.1 one in the luxury segment of the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS). The LS also records the highest score among all cars and trucks in the study. The LX 450 sport utility vehicle ranks No.1 in the large SUV segment.
July 1997 -- For the sixth time in its seven years of eligibility, Lexus ranked as the No. 1 Car and Truck Line in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index Study (CSI). Since introducing its first model in 1989, Lexus has ranked at the top in 30 of the 40 major J.D. Power and Associates surveys for which the brand has been eligible.
Aug 1997 -- Lexus sets a division sales record for the month of July. Sales were led by the all-new ES 300 which recorded is best sales month ever.
Sept 1997 -- Lexus reports the best sales month in its history with total August sales of 11,117, a 41.1 percent increase over the same period in 1996.
Sept 1997 -- Lexus introduces its next-generation GS 400/300 luxury performance sedan. New powertrains featuring Variable Valve Timing/intelligence (VVT-i) and five- and four-speed automatic transmissions, produce 300 horsepower in the V8 5-speed GS 400 and 225 horsepower for the 4-speed six cylinder GS 300. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" advertising campaign is acclaimed for its dramatic impact.
Sept 1997 -- Lexus introduces a redesigned LS 400 featuring VVTi engine for higher performance, dozens of additional features and freshened styling. Despite the numerous upgrades the LS price remains the same as the previous year, enhancing its overall value.
Sept 1997 -- The classic SC 400/300 sport coupes receive improved performance for the 1998 model year. This is accomplished with the addition of Variable Valve Timing/intelligence (VVT-i) in both six- and eight-cylinder engines and a five-speed automatic transmission in the SC 400 and a four-speed automatic transmission in the SC 300.
Sept 1997 -- Lexus is named a total value leader in the luxury and near-luxury car segments by the research firm Strategic Vision in their 1997 Total Value IndexTM.
Oct 1997 -- The all-new GS 400/300 high performance sport sedan is named a "Best Buy" in the luxury car category by Consumers Digest. The GS 400 is given "Best of Whats New" status by Popular Science.
Nov 1997 -- The GS 400 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $40,000 to $50,000 category.
Dec 1997 -- The GS 400/300 high performance sedan series is named Motor Trends "Import Car of the Year." Motor Trend editors noted "the â98 Lexus GS series surely will surprise a lot of buyers -- not only with its pur sang performance but with the seamless manner in which its muscular acceleration and sports car handling meld into a soothing travel cocoon."
Dec 1997 -- Lexus introduces the all-new redesigned LX 470 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new LX features a powerful new V8 engine, roomier size and sophisticated adjustable-height hydroneumatic suspension.
Dec 1997 -- Lexus debuted its one-of-a-kind Street Rod at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Based on a 32 roadster, the Lexus Street Rod was created to showcase a specially modified Lexus GS 400 V8, producing more than 400 horsepower.
Dec 1997 Lexus set a new all-time sales record with 97,593 units in 1997 -- a 20 percent increase over 1996 calendar year sales.
Jan 1998 -- Lexus unveils its second entry in the sport utility market, the 1999 RX 300, at the North American International Auto Show. This new breed of SUV combines the most desirable aspects of both luxury sedans and 4x4s. It provides off-road ground clearance and available full-time four-wheel-drive for poor weather and road conditions, yet step-in height is lower than other SUVs for more convenient entry and exit.
Jan 1998 -- The GS 400/300 is honoured as one of Car & Drivers 10 Best.
Mar 1998 -- The LX 470 and RX 300 go on sale at Lexus 174 dealers nationwide.
Mar 1998 -- Lexus announces its participation as presenting sponsor of Eric Claptons 1998 U.S. Tour. The sponsorship offered Lexus unique opportunities for innovative and effective marketing, as well as the opportunity to contemporise the Lexus brand and generate excitement both at the national and local dealer levels.
April 1998 -- Bryan Bergsteinsson is named Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.
April 1998 -- Lexus was named the number-one nameplate in long-term dependability after five years of ownership by J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI). Lexus has earned this honour every year it has been eligible.
April 1998 -- Lexus sets a new division record in the month of April with sales of 12,364. Some of this increase can be attributed to new hot-selling RX 300 mid-sized SUV.
May 1998 -- For the second consecutive month, Lexus sets a division record with May sales of 14,620, an improvement of 100 percent over the same period last year.
June 1998 -- The LS 400 and ES 300 swept the Luxury Car segments for Premium Luxury car and Entry Luxury Car in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, the LS 400 earned the best score of any vehicle in the study, an honour it has achieved five out of six years.
July 1998 -- Lexus ranked number-one in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index Study (CSI) for the seventh time in eight years of eligibility.
July 1998 -- Lexus again reported its best-ever month with July sales of 14,673, a 57.9 percent increase over July 1997. Year-to-date sales totalled 83,041, up 55 percent over the period last year. Lexus was the best-selling luxury brand in the United States for the first time in its nine-year history, outselling Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac and Lincoln.
Aug 1998 -- Lexus sets another all-time monthly sales record of 16,949, an improvement of 52,2 percent over the same period last year. 1998 calendar year-to-date sales of 100,000 surpassed total 1997 sales of 97,593. This represents a 54.6 percent increase from last year.
Sept 1998 -- The RX 300 is named Most Appealing Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle, and the LS 400 earns the title of Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study.
Oct 1998 -- The RX 300 is named the inaugural Sport/Utility of the Year by Motor Trend magazine. This marked the first time the magazine separated its Truck of the Year award into two categories, truck and sport utility vehicle (SUV). This change reflects the continued popularity of SUVs.
Dec 1998 -- The GS 400/300 and ES 300 are named "Best Buys" by Consumer Digest, and the GS 400 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $40,000 to $50,000 category.
Dec 1998 -- Lexus posts best-ever annual sales of 156,260 units, representing a 60 percent increase over 1997 and a 90 percent increase over 1996.
Jan 1999 -- The GS 400/300 is honoured as one of Car & Drivers 10 Best.
Jan 1999 -- The Lexus IS compact sport sedan is shown at the Detroit Auto Show, and it is announced that it will debut in the United States in mid-2000.
Jan 1999 -- Automobile Magazine names the LX 470 the "All Star" in the large sport utility vehicle category.
Mar 1999 -- Lexus ranked first in J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDI) for the fifth consecutive year.
Mar 1999 -- For the first time ever, Lexus finished the first quarter of 1999 as the top-selling luxury nameplate outpacing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lincoln and Cadillac.
May 1999 -- The LS 400 and LX 470 received top honours in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study 2 (IQS2). Additionally, the LS 400 had the fewest problems of any vehicle for the sixth time in seven years.
May 1999 -- Lexus set an all-time new record with May sales of 18,110 units.
June 1999 -- Lexus finished the first half of 1999 as the No. 1 selling nameplate in the luxury arena.
July 1999 -- Lexus ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study (CSI). This marks the eighth time in nine years that Lexus has received the top ranking.
Sept 1999 -- Lexus celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its first vehicle going on sale in the United States.
Sept 1999 -- The LX 470 was ranked the most appealing luxury SUV in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study. Additionally, the RX 300 finished second to the LX 470 in the same category.
Sept 1999 -- Lexus remained the No. 1 selling luxury nameplate through the first three-quarters of 1999.
Oct 1999 -- Lexus unveiled the Lexus Sport Coupe concept vehicle at the Tokyo International Motor Show.
Nov 1999 -- In early November, Lexus surpassed its 1998 sales record of 156,260 units.
Nov 1999 -- Lexus sold its millionth vehicle in the United States.
Dec 1999 -- For the fourth consecutive year, Lexus posted best-ever annual sales. 1999 sales 185,890 units represented a 19 percent increase from 1998 and a 90 percent increase from 1997.
Jan 2000 -- Lexus debuted the 2001 IS 300 compact sport sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Jan 2000 -- Lexus unveiled the 2001 LS 430 flagship sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Jan 2000 -- Lexus 1999 sales set a new all-time record with 185,890 luxury cars and sport utility vehicles sold.
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Know your history!
Know your history!
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