Lexus - USED CARS IN VERO BEACH

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About Lexus:

Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus brand name vehicles are sold in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, Africa, and Latin America; in the United States, Lexus is the highest-selling make of luxury cars. In 2005, the Lexus marque launched in Japan, marking the continued global expansion of the luxury division.

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has developed a reputation for the luxury and reliability of its vehicles, along with the quality of its customer service. In 2007, consumer ratings firm J.D. Power and Associates named Lexus the most reliable brand in the U.S. based on its Vehicle Dependability Survey, a measure of over 53,000 vehicle owners and the problems they experienced in the first three years of vehicle ownership. It was the thirteenth consecutive year that Lexus achieved this top rating. In recent years, Consumer Reports has also named Lexus among the top five most reliable brands in its Annual Car Reliability Surveys of over one million vehicles nationwide. Additionally, Lexus ranks highly on surveys of dealership service experience. The British Top Gear and Auto Express satisfaction surveys have had Lexus at the top of their ratings since the entry of the luxury division, with reliability and quality among the main selling points of Lexus around the world.

The worldwide motto of Lexus in multiple countries is "The Pursuit of Perfection." Lexus has used this signature phrase since its inception. The slogan of the Lexus division in the U.S. has been "The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection."

Origins of Lexus

The first LS 400 flagship sedan debuted in 1989, introducing Lexus to the world. In 1983, Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda summoned a secret meeting of company executives, to whom he posed the question, “Can we create a luxury vehicle to challenge the world's best?” This question prompted Toyota to embark on a top-secret project, codenamed F1 (“Flagship” and “No. 1 vehicle”). The F1 project, which eventually became known as the Lexus LS 400, aimed to develop a luxury car that would expand Toyota’s product line, giving it a foothold in the premium segment and offering both longtime and new customers an upmarket product. The F1 project was inspired by the success of the Toyota Supra sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were rear-wheel drive cars with a powerful 7M-GE/7M-GTE engine. The successful launch of the Acura marque by Honda three years prior also influenced Toyota to advance its plans for a luxury division. Around this same time, Nissan would unveil plans to create its own luxury division, Infiniti, while Mazda and Mitsubishi considered developing luxury flagships.

Toyota researchers visited the U.S. in May 1985 to conduct focus groups and market research on luxury consumers.[6] That summer, several F1 designers rented a home in Laguna Beach, California to observe the lifestyles and tastes of American upper-class consumers. Toyota’s market research concluded that a separate brand and sales channel was needed to present its new luxury flagship, and plans were made to develop a new network of dealerships in the U.S and in other markets.

Lexus brand

The grille of a Lexus IS featuring the Lexus emblem. In 1986, Toyota’s longtime advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi formed a specialized unit, Team One, to handle marketing for the new luxury brand.[5] Image consulting firm Lippincott & Margulies was hired to develop a list of 219 prospective names; Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were chosen as top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner (possibly due to the association with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s primetime drama Dynasty) and later morphed to Lexus, the name has been attributed to the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance."[6] According to Toyota, the name has no specific meaning and is just meant to be pleasing and easy to remember.

Just prior to the release of the first vehicles, database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used as they stated it might cause confusion. Upon reflection, the court lifted the injunction, deciding that there was a low likelihood of confusion between the two products.

The original Lexus slogan, developed after Team One representatives visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."

The Lexus logo was developed by Molly Designs and Hunter Communications. The final design for the Lexus logo featured a stylized “L” within an oval, and according to Toyota was rendered using a precise mathematical formula. The first teaser ads featuring the Lexus name and logo, designed by Team One, appeared at the Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York auto shows in 1988.


Launch of Lexus
In 1989, after an extended development process involving 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, 220 support workers, around 450 prototypes, and over $1 billion in costs, the F1 project was completed.[5] The resulting flagship, the Lexus LS 400, had a unique design, sharing no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L V8 gasoline engine and rear-wheel drive.

In 1989, Lexus showcased the smoothness of its V8 engines by placing champagne glasses on the hood of an accelerating LS 400.The LS 400 debuted in January 1989 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The following September, Lexus vehicles officially went on sale at a network of 73 new Lexus dealerships across the U.S. The LS 400 was sold along with a smaller sibling, the Toyota Camry-based ES 250. The launch of Lexus was heralded by a multi-million dollar advertising campaign in both television and print media. Lexus subsequently launched in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia in 1990.

The LS 400 was widely praised for its silence, well-appointed and ergonomic interior, fine engine performance, outstanding build quality, aerodynamics, fuel economy, and value. (In some markets, it was priced against mid-sized six cylinder Mercedes-Benz and BMW models, while offering size, performance, and quality comparable to their full-size cars). It was generally regarded as a major shock to the European marques, but was criticized by some automobile columnists for anonymous styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. Nonetheless, the LS 400 won several major motoring awards when released.

In 1990, during its first full-year of sales, Lexus sold 63,594 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the U.S., the vast majority being of the LS model. By 1991, sales had increased to 71,206 cars in the U.S. market, making Lexus the top-selling luxury import in the U.S. That same year, Lexus earned first place in J.D. Power’s studies on initial vehicle quality, customer satisfaction, and sales satisfaction. Lexus also introduced two new models in 1991, the SC 400 coupe and ES 300 sedan. The SC 400 (designed in tandem with the Japanese market Toyota Soarer) shared the LS 400’s V8 engine and rear-wheel drive design, while the ES 300 replaced the ES 250 and became Lexus’ best-selling sedan. In 1996, Lexus introduced its first luxury sport utility vehicle, the LX 450. In 1998, Lexus debuted the first luxury crossover SUV, the RX 300.


Lexus today

In its 2007 television debut, the new fourth generation Lexus LS parallel parked itself between two champagne glass pyramids. Lexus has grown to become the top-selling automotive luxury brand in the United States. In 2006, Lexus sold 322,434 vehicles in the U.S., more than any other luxury competitor, foreign or domestic. In terms of volume, Lexus has been the number one selling luxury marque in the largest automotive market for the past seven years. Lexus vehicles are now available in over forty countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, and the Lexus marque ranks as the fourth-largest luxury car brand in the world by volume.[11] Lexus was finally introduced to the Japanese market on July 26, 2005, ending domestic sales of Lexus-similar models under separate brands. The compact IS sedans, convertible SC, and mid-size GS sedans became available in Japan in the 2006 model year.

The Lexus flagship sedan has been upgraded in four successive generations and premiered in 2006 as the all-new LS Series. This latest generation of the LS adds both standard and long wheelbase versions (LS 460 and LS 460 L), along with greater luxury and technological appointments than previous models, including an automated parallel/reverse parking feature. The LS 460 was awarded International Car of the Year and World Car of the Year in 2007.

Lexus’ full vehicle lineup now includes the IS, ES, GS, and LS series of sedans, the SC convertible coupe, and the RX, GX, and LX ranges of luxury sport utility vehicles. The IS and ES sedans are positioned towards the entry-luxury consumer, with the IS performance sedans catering to the luxury sport segment, and the larger front-wheel drive ES catering to the comfort luxury segment. The GS performance sedans are focused on the mid-size luxury sport sedan market. Lexus' luxury SUV lineup progresses in size with the RX crossover SUV, mid-size GX, and full-size LX models. Designed for the high-end luxury consumer, the convertible SC and the flagship LS sedans complete the Lexus model range.

Lexus directly competes with such luxury brands as Europe's Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Saab, and Volvo; the U.S.’ Cadillac and Lincoln, and Japanese brands Acura, and Infiniti.


The Lexus RX has become Lexus' best-selling vehicle, and now has a hybrid version, the RX 400h.Recently, Lexus has been a pioneer in the field of hybrid vehicles. In 2005, Lexus introduced the world’s first hybrid luxury SUV, the RX 400h.[13] This vehicle combined gas and electric motors for increased power, improved fuel efficiency, and lower emissions relative to traditional, gas-powered equivalents.[14] In 2006, Lexus unveiled the GS 450h, a performance hybrid sedan with a V6 gas-electric powertrain and rear-wheel drive. In 2007, Lexus launched the LS 600h and LS 600h L hybrid versions of its LS flagship series, featuring V12 power and torque with conventional V8 fuel economy and emissions. Lexus terms the powertrain setup in its RX 400h, GS 450h, and LS 600h/LS 600h L vehicles as Lexus Hybrid Drive, with each hybrid model being the halo vehicle in their respective lineups.

In January 2007, Lexus announced a new performance division, Lexus F-Sports, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury performance vehicles. The first F-Sports vehicle, the IS-F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, accompanied by an exotic supercar concept, the LF-A. The Lexus F-Sports line is designed to compete with the high-performance, motorsport-derived lineups of the leading European and American luxury brands. The IS-F debuted with a 5.0 liter V8 engine generating over 400 hp, along with numerous performance enhancements. Detailed specifications for either the LF-A have yet to be released.

In the U.S. and Canada, the full Lexus model range is sold, including almost all gasoline- and hybrid-powered variants. The hybrid flagship LS 600h L is offered in the U.S. and Canada, while the LS 600h and LS 600h L are both offered in Europe, Japan, and other countries. The diesel-powered IS 220d is only available in Europe, where the ES sedan and GX/LX full-size SUVs are not sold; similar versions of the latter models are sold under the Toyota brand in Europe. In recent years, Lexus has broadened its model range internationally as part of its ongoing global expansion, with new vehicle launches in Europe and Asia.
 

Service

Interior of a Lexus dealership, featuring indoor steel waterfall. Lexus has become known for efforts to project a luxury image even with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in the service departments are complete with such amenities as a refreshment bar, business center that is soundproofed and stocked with computers and a fax machine, and often an accessories/gift shop. Other amenities can include a children's play area, indoor putting green, and other recreational services. Recently, several Lexus dealerships have added on-site cafes and designer shops.

Lexus dealerships typically feature a service bay that is lined with large picture windows, allowing customers to watch the servicing of their vehicle. Dealership services often include complimentary loaner cars, free car washes, and convenience shuttles. At the conclusion of each service appointment, Lexus owners may receive a follow up survey, either in mail, online, or via telephone, and be asked to rate their recent service experience. To improve customer service, some Lexus dealerships have sent their employees to train at establishments known for their attentiveness and hospitality, such as Nordstrom department stores and Ritz-Carlton hotels. Lexus has also recently added an additional owners' privilege, the use of exclusive parking lots at major sporting arenas, entertainment events, and shopping malls, reserved only for Lexus vehicles.

In 2007, Lexus scored the top position for the sixth consecutive year in the Auto Express survey on service satisfaction, and in 2006 Lexus ranked first for the eleventh time in the J.D. Power Customer Service Index, an annual study involving over 79,000 U.S. owners and dealership experience. From 2002 through 2005, Lexus also came first in the Top Gear Survey, "the UK's biggest independent car satisfaction survey" with over 76,000 respondents.[54] In 2006, the Luxury Institute, New York, rated Lexus #1 in Customer Experience among luxury automobile brands based on its survey of over 2,100 high-income households. On the strength of its customer service standards and high product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.


Lexus Tokyo dealership reception. Lexus' customer service efforts date from the outset with the "Lexus Covenant," its founding promise which states that "Lexus will treat each customer as we would a guest in our home." This commitment was put to an early test in 1989 when new LS 400 models were voluntarily recalled due to a parts issue; owners were pleasantly surprised to find their cars serviced at home for no extra charge, and in many cases washed and refueled for their convenience.

In the U.S., Lexus offers a 4-year or 50,000 mile basic warranty, by default. The powertrain warranty is a 6-year or 70,000 mile coverage plan. Corrosion protection is a 6-year warranty as well. Lexus' Certified Pre-Owned program, among the first in the automotive industry (begun in November 1993), features a 161-point inspection of pre-owned vehicles, a 3-year or 100,000 mile limited warranty, and is now available in multiple countries.

In 2005, Lexus Financial Savings Bank, in conjunction with US Bank, launched a Lexus Pursuits Visa Card, with points earned at dealerships and elsewhere going toward vehicle and service rewards.[60] An official owners publication, Lexus Magazine, is issued quarterly featuring automotive and lifestyle articles.
 

About Lexus cars:

Current models

Lexus introduced the all-new IS luxury sport sedans in 2006.
The Lexus ES has been Lexus' best-selling series of sedans for over a decade. IS - entry-level luxury car RWD/AWD
2008 IS 250/IS 250 AWD/IS 350/IS 220d
ES - mid-size FWD
2008 ES 350
GS - mid-size RWD/AWD
2008 GS 350/GS 350 AWD/GS 460/GS 450h
LS - full-size RWD/AWD
2008 LS 460/LS 460 L
2008 LS 600h/LS 600h L
SC - coupé/coupé convertible RWD
2008 SC 430
RX - mid-size crossover SUV
2008 RX 350/RX 400h
GX - mid-size sport utility vehicle
2008 GX 470
LX - full-size sport utility vehicle
2007 LX 470

Production model history

The Lexus GS series luxury performance sedan.
The Lexus LS series flagship sedan.
The Lexus SC 430 hardtop convertible coupe.
The Lexus LX, GX, and RX Luxury Utility Vehicles (left to right).
The Lexus LX is the largest Lexus off-roader.

IS - compact RWD/AWD
2000 IS 200/IS 300
2006 IS 250/IS 250 AWD/IS 350/IS 220d
2009 IS-F
ES - mid-size FWD
1990 ES 250
1992 ES 300
1996 ES 300
2000 ES 300
2003 ES 330
2007 ES 350
GS - mid-size RWD/AWD
1993 GS 300
1998 GS 300/GS 400
2001 GS 430
2006 GS 300/GS 300 AWD/GS 430/GS 450h
2007 GS 350/GS 350 AWD/GS 460
LS - full-size RWD/AWD
1990 LS 400
2001 LS 430
2007 LS 460/LS 460 L
2008 LS 600h/LS 600h L
SC - coupé/coupé convertible RWD
1992 SC 300/SC 400
2002 SC 430
RX - mid-size crossover SUV
1998 RX 300
2003 RX 300/RX 330
2006 RX 400h
2007 RX 350
2009 RX
GX - mid-size sport utility vehicle
2003 GX 470
LX - full-size sport utility vehicle
1997 LX 450
1999 LX 470
2008 LX 570
LF-A - exotic sports car
2009 LF-A (GT-F)

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