The History of Lexus

1989	Lexus launched with two sedans, the LS 400 and ES 250, and a commitment to pursue perfection.   A single consumer complaint launches a special service campaign, earning the brand recognition as the new standard in personalized service
1990	Out of thousands of parties interested in a Lexus franchise, only 121 top-notch dealers are selected for Lexus’ first year of business.
1991	Lexus introduced an all-new ES 330 as well as the SC 300 and SC 300 sport coupes.   Lexus outsold both Mercedes-Benz and BMW to become the best-selling luxury import brand in the U.S.
1993	The GS 300 luxury sport sedan was introduced.   Industry-leading Certified  Pre-Owned (CPO) program was introduced.
1994	Completely redesigned second generation LS 400 goes on sale.
1995	100% tariffs on select Japanese luxury vehicles proposed by U.S. government in effort to settle long-standing U.S.-Japan trade dispute.    An agreement was reached between U.S. and Japan and trade war averted.   The LX 450 luxury sport utility was announced.
1996	Lexus LX 450 and all-new ES 300 go on sale.
1997	Redesigned LS 400 featuring VVT-I was introduced.   Next-generation GS 400 and GS 300 luxury performance sedans go on sale.
1998	Lexus introduced the RX 300, which created the luxury crossover segment.    Lexus LX 470 luxury sport utility vehicle debuted.   Monthly sales surpass al luxury competitors – a first for any international automaker.
1999	One-millionth vehicle sold in the U.S.
2000	Lexus develops a second offering in the entry-luxury sedan category with the IS 300 sport sedan.   First import luxury brand to sell 20,000+ vehicles in one month.   Lexus became the top-selling luxury brand in the U.S.
2001	Lexus updates its classic SC model into a hardtop convertible, the SC 430.   Fourth-generation ES 300 goes on sale.
2002	The ES 300 and RX 300 are America’s best-selling luxury car and SUV.   The GX 470 mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle was announced.   LF-S, first Lexus Future concept vehicle, unveiled in Tokyo, showcases new design philosophy.
2003	All-new second generation RX 330 goes on sale.   LF-X concept vehicle unveiled.   Lexus announces the RX 330 will become the first Lexus vehicle to be manufactured in North America at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC) in Cambridge, Ontario facility in Canada.  It is the first plant outside Japan to produce a Lexus model.
2004	Two-millionth vehicle sold in the U.S.
2005	Introduced the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the RX 400h.    Third-generation GS 300 and GS 430 go on sale.   All-new IS 250 and IS 350 sport sedans go on sale.   LFA super-premium two-seat GT sports car concept revealed in Detroit   LF-Sh concept vehicle revealed in Tokyo.   Lexus-badged vehicles sold in Japan for the first time.
2006	Lexus’ second hybrid offering and industry’s first luxury hybrid sport sedan, GS 450h, goes on sale.   ES 350, LS 460 and LS 460 L goes on sale.
2007	Lexus Pursuit of Potential philanthropic program launches   Premium hybrid sedan, the world’s first full V8 hybrid vehicle, the LS 600hL  goes on sale.   F SPORT performance parts line launches at SEMA.
2008	All-new LX 570 goes on sale.   Powered by a 416-hp V8 engine the Lexus IS F  high-performance sedan was the most uncharacteristic car Lexus had ever built, demonstrating Lexus could make a car for high-performance enthusiasts.    Winner of the first Lexus Eco Challenge announced.
2009	Lexus introduces the all-new RX 350 and RX 450h luxury utility vehicles, reinventing the vehicle that invented it all.   The all-new IS 350C and IS 250C hard-top convertibles go on sale.   Second-generation RX 450h goes on sale.   More than 1 million RX vehicles have been sold in the U.S., making it the most successful luxury utility vehicle.   HS 250h, the world’s first hybrid-only luxury vehicle goes on sale.   All-new second generation GS 460 goes on sale.   LF-Ch premium compact hybrid concept makes North American debut.   Lexus’ 20th anniversary.
2010	World premiere of the CT 200h, premium compact hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show.
2011	First LFA production vehicle arrives in the United States.  Only 500 hand-assembled LFA’s planned for production.   CT200h, Lexus’ fifth hybrid vehicles, goes on sale.   Lexus debuts new look of Lexus at the world premiere of the GS 350 at Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance   World premiere of GS 350 F SPORT in Las Vegas.
2012	World premiere of LF-LC concept vehicle in Detroit.   LF-LC is named best concept car in the annual EyesOn Design Awards at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.   Fourth-generation GS 350  and GS 450h go on sale, completely redesigned, inside and out, and features the brands’ new design philosophy, with styling cues such as a distinctive new front grill, that will be seen on all future Lexus vehicles.    Lexus debuts first-ever Super Bowl commercial for Super Bowl XLVI.   World-premiere of redesigned LS, including the first-ever LS 460 F SPORT, debuts at the “Lexus Laws of Attraction” exhibit in San Francisco.  LS models go on sale.   Sixth generation ES 350 and first-ever ES 300h hybrid sedan go on sale.   Final Lexus LFA was built on December 14, 2012, ending the 500 unit run of the supercar.
2013	World premiere of the third-generation IS sport sedan.   Lexus announces the selection of 12 winners for the 1st Lexus Design Award, an international design competition that targets next generation innovators around the world.

Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. In every vehicle, Lexus incorporates innovative technologies, high-quality designs and luxury materials. With numerous models featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader and is dedicated to developing vehicles that are kinder to the Earth. Lexus’ current vehicles incorporate outstanding driving dynamic characteristics and feature a new design language that includes a spindle grille and distinctive lights, creating a signature look and feel for the luxury brand. In the United States, Lexus models are sold through 232 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Wonderful Customer Testimonial at Lexus Carlsbad

Customer Testimonial:

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"I just bought a Lexus ES300h last night from Carlsbad Lexus and Bob is the consultant that helped me the whole way through.  I asked Bob for his managers email address because I wanted to make sure you were aware of the experience i had.

I have been talking with many dealers in the orange county area and didn't feel like I was getting the attention and willingness to negotiate, until I spoke with Bob Kreger.  Immediately, I felt like I was a valued customer and he was very attentive to my needs.  Very quick and informative responses through email, phone calls, and texts.  Very accessible and I told my family many times that I feel Bob could read my mind.  When I discussed that I was waiting for an insurance check, he offered to let me put a deposit to hold the car.  I was just about to ask that question.  When I was thinking of how to pick up the car since i live in the OC, Bob offerred to pick me up from the train station.  Again, exactly what I was thinking.

When I was able to come into the store, there were no surprises with the contract.  Car was perfect. Bob explained all the features great.  Ive been telling friends and coworkers today about how easy this experience was, and if I met Bob early in the buying process, i could have saved a lot of time.

Excellent experience.  This is the second Lexus I have bought, but my first from Carlsbad.  This experience blows away the experience I had in my area.  Will definitely be back.  So satisfied, every time I‘m at the Carlsbad outlets, I want to drop by just to say hello. Thanks for the fine service.
-Jeremy"

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2013 Lexus GS - synchronize

Lexus to Build Vehicle in the United States for the First Time

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For the first time, a Lexus vehicle will be produced in the United States, Toyota executives announced this morning. Starting in 2015, the ES 350 will have its own new dedicated line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK). 

The company will invest $360 million in the Georgetown plant and add 750 new jobs.  This move brings Toyota’s total investment in Kentucky to approximately $6.4 billion.

About 50,000 Lexus vehicles a year will roll off the assembly line at TMMK, bringing the plant’s total annual capacity to more than 550,000 vehicles. 

“Lexus was founded in the United States, so it’s only fitting that we are bringing the production of luxury sedans for our U.S. customers back to where the brand was born,” said Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, while making the announcement in the United States today.  “Today’s announcement is a major step in our Global Vision to make ever better cars and trucks, give regions greater autonomy to make the products their customers want and achieve sustainable growth globally.”

Jim Lentz, Toyota’s chief executive officer for North America, added,  “We’re extraordinarily proud to have helped create over 365,000 jobs across the country and to produce so many of the industry’s highest quality vehicles right here in the United States.”

courtesy of lexusnewsroom.com

Edith shared incredible feedback regarding her "best car purchase experience" with our staff at Lexus Carlsbad! Check it out:

5-Star Review on Yelp:

"Love, love, love this dealership. Best car purchase experience in my 55 years. Gary -  the marathon man is zen and keeps his word, no haggling. Love my convertible. I highly recommend this dealership!"

Toyota and Lexus Achieve United States and Global Hybrid Sales Milestones

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Nearly 2 million (1,951,243) Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles have been sold in the United States since July 2000 and a total of 5 million globally.  Toyota estimates its global fleet of nearly 20 hybrid vehicles has resulted in approximately 34 million fewer tons of CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption than those emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles. In addition, Toyota estimates its hybrids have saved owners more than 3 billion gallons of gasoline compared to gasoline-only powered vehicles.

Toyota and Lexus hybrids make up 70 percent of the U.S. auto industry’s total hybrid vehicle sales, and account for 16 percent of overall Toyota/Lexus sales globally and locally.  Between now and the end of 2015, Toyota plans to introduce 18 new hybrid models and expects global sales of its hybrids to be at least 1 million units a year.  Toyota Motor Sales forecasts that about one-third of those will be sold in the United States.

courtesy of toyotanewsroom.com

Lexus Launches Luxury Out Loud Promotion at Select Live Nation Shows

Get ready music fans! Lexus worked with Live Nation to create unique music experiences in New York, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta and Los Angeles throughout the spring and summer.  The Lexus Luxury Out Loud program will visit 11 venues for 16 concerts.

“We’re excited to engage with music fans and provide them a VIP experience through our Luxury Out Loud program,” said Brian Smith, vice president Lexus marketing. “Walking the red carpet and giving fans the chance to win seat upgrades are just two of the opportunities we’re creating for concertgoers. We want them to have fun and feel like pampered rockstars.”

Lexus will engage with fans in a combination of exciting on-site activations including:

• Lexus Red Carpet:  Lexus is giving concertgoers the opportunity to be a VIP by creating a red carpet experience inside each venue. Fans can walk the red carpet while paparazzi take their pictures. Two lucky guests will win a pair of upgraded VIP tickets.

• Pics-to-Screen:  Concertgoers in select venues will be encouraged to text their Lexus Red Carpet photos, and any pictures they take throughout the concert, to a designated number. The photos will be posted on the in-house video screens throughout the venue allowing fans to share their concert experience.

• Ride Home:  In markets where public transportation or taxis are predominantly used, all concertgoers will have the opportunity to register for a chance to win a complimentary ride home in a Lexus.

• Vehicle Display:  A Lexus will be staged near the Lexus Red Carpet where space permits. Product specialists will be on hand to answer questions about the display vehicle and the Lexus line-up, including the all-new IS sport sedan.

In addition, Lexus dealers will have a chance to treat some of their customers to the luxurious VIP program. Each experience will include a pre-show VIP cocktail hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments; VIP seating or tickets near the stage; a chance to walk the Lexus Red Carpet plus a VIP gift bag.

courtesy of pressroom.toyota.com

Lexus Planning Compact Crossover & Large Three-Row Crossover?

In an interview with Ward’s Auto, Lexus vice-president of marketing Brian Smith shared some details on how the Lexus SUV lineup might be changing:

The Lexus RX currently is the only CUV in the luxury marque’s lineup. A number of auto makers, including Ford’s Lincoln division, have cited small CUVs as an area of growth in the luxury segment.
“In general, CUVs of any size are becoming a bigger force in the industry. So as we sell more products globally, I think that could lead to new products for us,” Smith says, declining to reveal details.

The rumor of a Lexus compact crossover has been around for at least half a decade — the main difference between then and now is that Lexus appears to have trademarked the name NX to use as the CUV designation.
Perhaps the bigger news from the interview is this passage:

Smith says one of the brand’s two large body-on-frame SUVs, the GX and LX, could be converted to unibody platforms as the auto maker works to meet looming government-imposed fuel-economy regulations.
“In the future, if we could do a 3-row unibody (utility vehicle), I think that’s what consumers would want to see,” he says.

Lexus is the only full-line luxury brand to offer two off-road-capable SUVs, and it’s also the only luxury brand that doesn’t have a unibody SUV with third-row seating. Add these two facts together, and it makes for some very interesting speculation — if Lexus makes a three-row crossover, should it replace the GX or LX?

courtesy of lexusenthusiast.com

Lexus' Bolain On The Entry-Luxury Sandbox

Lexus, which launched its CT compact car last year to compete in the entry-luxury segment alongside older stablemate the IS sports sedan, has been busy updating both its vehicle designs and advertising to create a new, less pragmatic and more emotional brand persona more appealing to younger consumers. Brian Bolain, Lexus’ national marketing manager, speaks with Marketing Daily about the rigors of fighting for share among younger prospects and how Lexus is pivoting with products and marketing to win them over.  

Q: First off, how are you ramping up for the 2014 IS launch this summer? 

A: We have a prelaunch in the middle of April called "The Amazing Mix" [Lexus.com/AmazingMix]. It's a music and visual experience with a little stage, where the IS is front and center. Every letter on your keyboard activates either sound or motion on the car or props around it. The system will record your keystroke movements so basically you can make your own 30-second video. We will bury some surprises there so certain keystroke combinations will do something surprising. A social media contest around it [where you can upload your creation for votes] will give the winner a trip to one of our hotel partners. We will promote it with digital buys and social. 

Q: Are you doing experiential programs?

A: We are going to do a 12-city ride-and-drive tour this summer for the IS. But one thing we will do differently is that, often when we do do tours we focus only on the car we are promoting. But with the IS you can imagine a customer who might say they'd rather have the mpg of a CT (compact), or the size of a GS sedan. So we will focus on the IS but will also have CT F-Sport (performance marque), the GS F-Sport and LFA [supercar]. 

Q: What are the biggest challenges in entry-luxury?

A: The entry-luxury area will be an absolute battleground for the next five years with an influx of new buyers. And I think we don't know them very well yet, so we have lot of educated guesswork to do to anticipate what their needs will be. I personally think there's going to be a big question about loyalty because with all the new vehicles being launched into entry luxury, the more choices there are, the more temptation there is. We will have to up our game in terms of what it means to own a Lexus.  

Q: How do younger auto prospects feel about the Lexus brand nowadays? 

A: [Perception] is changing fast. In our own ratings on desirability, which are more about emotional versus rational appeal, we are trending significantly higher on people under 47 than over over 47. People over 47 are still gravitating to us for rational reasons, but those under are realizing an emotional appeal. That's outstanding. We really started seeing this over the last 18 months. It's an early signal that the moves we are making are having impact on younger audiences without hurting our older buyer base. Our measures suggest that to a younger audience we are becoming a compelling proposition. Our real test is the IS, which historically has the lowest median age in luxury.

courtesy of mediapost.com