Showing posts with label lexus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lexus. Show all posts
Monday, August 24, 2015
USA SALES APRIL - TOYOTA/LEXUS - The US #1 brand edges further ahead with growth on both brands.
- Toyota division was no 1 brand in April
- RAV4 and Highlander post double-digit gains
- Lexus up nearly 12 percent
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., has reported April 2015 sales of 203,329 units, an increase of 1.8 percent from April 2014 on a volume basis. With the same amount of selling days in April 2015 and April 2014, sales were up 1.8 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis.
Toyota division posted April 2015 sales of 177,453 units, up 0.5 percent on a volume basis and 0.5 percent on a DSR basis.
“Light truck sales have carried the auto industry to its best start in 15 years,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. “The demand for crossover SUVs is off the charts and both the RAV4 and Highlander set April records.”
Lexus posted sales of 25,876 units, up 11.7 percent from April 2014 on a volume basis and 11.7 percent on a DSR basis.
“Lexus is off to its best start ever,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “We’re bullish on the industry as we head into the summer selling season and that goes double for the luxury segment.”
April 2015 Highlights:
- Camry is volume leader with sales of 34,066 units
- Corolla up over 10 percent
- Toyota Light trucks up 8 percent
- RAV4 up almost 22 percent; posted sales of 22,914 units
- 4Runner up 18 percent
- Tacoma up 12.9 percent
- Tundra up 4.5 percent, posted sales of 10,681 units
- Lexus luxury utility vehicles up 23.5 percent
- NX posted sales of 3,421 units
- GX up 19 percent
*Note: Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume
Chauffeured Limousine company invests in a fleet of Hybrid Lexus 330 GS Models.
Little’s luxury chauffeur drive has introduced the first hybrid vehicles to its fleet, adding five Lexus GS 300h to its limousine portfolio. The full hybrid saloons are helping the business strengthen its environmental profile and meet the demands of customers who require prestige transport with greener performance.
Heather Matthews, Managing Director, said: “The Lexus are the first hybrids we have used and we are confident they will add an important and attractive new dimension to our luxury vehicle fleet.
“More and more of our clients place an emphasis on environmental performance and sustainability, issues that we can address with the highly efficient GS 300h. By running these vehicles we are also able to strengthen the ‘green’ qualities of our own operations.
“At the same time, the Lexus hybrids provide a very smooth and refined ride and a luxurious, quiet cabin environment, maintaining the high standards of quality and comfort we require of all our vehicles.”
Stuart Ferma, Manager Toyota and Lexus Fleet Services, said: “Little’s decision to take the GS 300h is an acknowledgement of how Lexus successfully combines its advanced, highly efficient hybrid technology with contemporary luxury and refinement. We are confident the cars will prove a valuable, reliable and worthy addition to its prestigious fleet.”
Little’s has chosen the SE version of the GS 300h, which comes as standard with dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable seats, a 12-speaker audio system with DAB tuner, LED ambient cabin lighting and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers. The model’s full hybrid powertrain allows it to run in near-silent all-electric EV mode in slow moving city traffic, reducing tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption to zero.
The new cars, arranged through Toyota and Lexus Fleet Services and supplied through Lexus Glasgow, are entering service with Little’s Scottish fleet. Established almost 50 years ago, Little’s has its headquarters in Glasgow but has an international reach, co-ordinating chauffeur services in worldwide locations. It specialises in corporate travel, including airport and rail transfers and event delegate transport for groups of all sizes. Its team is also experienced in the logistical organisation for single and multiple venue roadshows, taking care of all transport, luggage and passenger requirements. For leisure travellers, it is able to provide bespoke visitor itineraries for worldwide destinations.
Updated Lexus LX 570 2016 for the first time seen in testing
The car is built on the same platform as the redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser. Updated SUV received a large grille, modified optics and new bumpers.
Inside, new items installed new seats, and the other dashboard, updated multimedia system with a large touch screen and an analog clock. For rear passengers also available a new entertainment system with two screens.
According to unofficial data, the model will be equipped with 5.7-liter petrol engine V8. Engine power will be 383 hp and 546 Nm of torque. The engine will run in conjunction with the six-speed automatic transmission. The car will receive all-wheel drive and the adaptive suspension and limited-slip differential.
In addition, Lexus LX570 will complement the advanced safety systems. Among them feature autonomous emergency braking. The system includes a radar and camera with high resolution. While driving the technology monitors the road offline. In the event of a contingency system itself inhibits the SUV to avoid a collision or a collision with a pedestrian.
SHANGHAI 2015 - Lexus to put turbocharging in the new RX SUV.
New RX 200t revealed today at the Shanghai motor show
Following the world debut of the next-generation RX in New York on 1 April, Lexus has revealed its luxury SUV will be available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The RX 200t was presented for the first time today at the Shanghai motor show. Designed for selected markets around the world, including the UK, the model is powered by the in-line four-cylinder engine first deployed in the NX range.
The unit features VVT-iW intelligent/wide variable valve-timing, a low-inertia turbocharger and an air-to-liquid intercooler. Target output in the RX is more than 225bhp.
The engine will be matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with ratios tailored to support strong acceleration from standstill and at overtaking speeds.
Takayuki Katsuda, RX Chief Engineer, said: “A major point of appeal in the RX 200t is its ability to deliver seamless and continuous acceleration up to mid and high speeds.”
According to market, new RX will also be available with a more powerful 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and producing more than 300bhp.
The full hybrid version (which will be sold in the UK) will use an Atkinson cycle 3.5 V6, together with an electric motor, giving a combined system output of around 300bhp. All three powertrains have been engineered for high fuel economy and lower carbon emissions.
The new RX has a sharp new look and an all-new cabin to match its refined engines. The chassis and suspension have been engineered to increase the degree of car-like handling. The model will also benefit from the new Lexus Safety System+ comprehensive active safety package.
Katsuda-san said: “I believe this new RX will not only surprise new customers but will also delight and satisfy our loyal customers, whose high expectations will be met by many innovations.”
The Shanghai motor show also hosted the world debut of the new 2016 Lexus ES, a luxury saloon model available in selected world markets, including Russia and China.
DRIVER POWER - Lexus shows the rest how its done, with six, yes SIX great results.
Best manufacturer and best car among six category awards
Lexus dominates the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey, receiving six awards including those for best manufacturer and – for the IS saloon – best car.
The IS also takes top spot in the category for best compact executive car with a 93.96 per cent satisfaction rating and is the highest-rated model for ease of driving. Its success reflects the growing popularity and appreciation of Lexus hybrid power as a smooth, refined, efficient and reliable technology.
The new Lexus NX compact SUV also makes an immediate impact, being named best car for build quality within its first six months on the road in the UK.
Lexus’s achievements extend all the way to making the most comfortable seats (in the RX).
Steve Fowler, Auto Express Editor-in-Chief, said: ““This is superb news for Lexus, winning a hat-full of Driver Power 2015 Awards.
“The new IS in first position is clearly much loved by its owners, while the new NX also features highly in our survey after just a few months on sale. In fact, even some of the older Lexus models are highly ranked, showing the enduring quality of the cars and the attention to detail of the dealers. Lexus is setting the standards other car makers need to aim for.”
Richard Balshaw, Lexus Director, said: “Auto Express’s Driver Power survey has impressive reach and relevance, making these awards all the more valuable.
“The opinions of Britain’s motorists are the best advocacy we could hope for as we increase our model range, bringing exciting new designs and more advanced technologies to the luxury car market.
Furthermore, we remain committed to our original concept of delivering the best customer service, something everyone in Lexus has worked for since our brand was launched here 25 years ago.”
The full list of awards: –
Best Manufacturer
Best Car – third generation (current) Lexus IS
Best Compact Executive Car – third generation (current) Lexus IS
Best for Ease of Driving – third generation (current) Lexus IS
Best for Seat Comfort – second generation Lexus RX
Best for Build Quality – Lexus NX
That is not the end of the story: there are two further Auto Express Driver Power awards for Lexus that remain under wraps until an announcement later this year.
The results are drawn from the experience of motorists themselves – readers of Auto Express magazine and its website. This year’s survey attracted a record 61,113 responses, confirming it as the UK’s largest in-depth car satisfaction survey.
SHANGHAI 2015 - Lexus launches the 2016 ES saloon in China.
- Lexus RX 200t Also Makes Global Debut
- Active Safety Technology Integrated Into Lexus Safety System+
As the best-selling sedan model in Lexus’ impressive stable, the ES has come to define the very essence of near luxury sedan. It’s evident that this trend will continue as Lexus unveiled the exciting new 2016 ES at the Shanghai International Motor Show today, alongside the RX 200t luxury utility vehicle which is also making its world premiere.
The 2016 ES features an exciting, sportier attitude, highlighted by elegant yet progressive exterior styling, an enhanced luxurious interior and the new safety system, Lexus Safety System+.
There’s a new 2.0L, direct-injection powerplant that will broaden the new ES’s global appeal (not available in U.S. market), while enhanced dynamics and upgraded technology packages will keep it on the forefront, giving both drivers and passengers the confidence to traverse any distance in safety and utmost comfort.
“Our development concept was ‘Take the ES to the next level of elegance and progressive luxury,’” said Toshio Asahi, ES Chief Engineer. “The Lexus ES is renowned for its innovative exterior and interior design. We wanted to build on that and make it more elegant, and tailor the car with the latest technology Lexus has to offer. We’re confident that the new Lexus ES will be a leader in its class and attract a lot of attention.”
An Elegant, Dynamic New Look
For 2016, Lexus designers have cast a daring new form with the refreshed ES. A commanding front fascia that features Lexus’s trademark spindle grille, framed in combination with accentuated brilliant satin chrome, gives this new ES a new sense of luxury and instantly distinguishes it from the crowd.
Accompanying the grille is a pair of newly designed headlights, now equipped with LED projector technology, while iconic “L”-shaped arrowhead Daytime Running Lights (DRL) extend outside the headlight element for a distinctive look that links it with other Lexus models.
Also, redesigned fog lamps areas have been relocated to the outer lower corners of the front fascia and amplify the vehicle’s wide stance.
A re-sculpted front fascia connects to the hood adding the sensation of motion even when the car is standing still. The sleek shape continues with the ES’ graceful roofline that flows effortlessly to the rear, where an improved, modern taillight design evokes the “L”-shaped theme furnishing an instantly recognizable nighttime glow.
Spanning the rear is a re-stylized chrome license plate garnish that flows visually into the clear elements of the lamps to communicate the vehicle’s on-road stability. Adding a considerable amount of flair to the vehicle’s already sporty attitude are newly sculpted chrome-tipped rectangular exhaust ports.
To complement the impactful new form, two 17-inch wheels with directional spoke patterns have been developed. A branching dark gray metallic, multi-plane machined 20-spoke wheel is optional for non-hybrids, while hybrids are distinguished with a 10-spoke design with machine finish over medium gray.
Four new exterior colors join the ES palette: Amber, Nightfall Mica, Caviar, and Eminent White Pearl. Like the six existing choices, each features Lexus’ innovative cutting-edge paint technology designed to allow the paint’s clear coat to heal itself even from light damage.
Each of the 10 colors were carefully selected to reflect the ES’ dynamic surface and is brought to life by the renowned, multi-stage paint process that gives Lexus models their deep, jewel-like luster.
A Luxuriously Updated Cabin with New Levels of Sophistication
When it comes to luxury and refinement, Lexus has no equal. Engineered to provide driving confidence and the ultimate in comfort, the ES surrounds its occupants with a luxurious, contemporary cabin. From the sweeping dashboard reminiscent of modern architecture to highly intuitive ergonomics mated with the finest materials and surfaces, the ES cultivates a feeling of sheer quality with every touch.
The 2016 model takes luxury to the extreme with a collection of new interior color combinations, including exquisite multi-color themes that exemplify elegance. The seats are now offered in four different colors: Flaxen, Parchment, Stratus Gray and Black. Customers can choose from the three trim materials: semi-aniline leather, leather and Lexus NuLuxe.
In addition, four styles of interior trim have been carefully selected to harmonize with the color choice: Illustrious Piano Black, Linear Dark Mocha Wood, Espresso Bird’s Eye Maple with Shimamoku ornamentation, and new for 2016, Bamboo now has matte finish. First appearing in the GS and LS sedans, Shimamoku is a high-end finish of luxurious wood created through a multi-step manufacturing process by highly skilled craftsmen.
Furthermore, an embossed pattern has been added to the comfortable-yet-supportive seats. Additional trim enhancements to cabin-facing door surfaces and the center console unite the interior in upscale feel and design cohesion. Color-matched upholstery appears along the center console as well, coupled with a new leather boot-enclosed gear selector.
A new, sporty steering wheel provides better driving engagement. A larger 4.2-inchThin Film Transistor (TFT) color multi-information display conveniently places vital vehicle and route information as well as multimedia information front and center. To further enhance Remote Touch Interface (RTI) control, the 2016 ES adds “Enter” buttons on either side of the interface controller.
Refinement Taken to a New Level and an Expanded Engine Lineup
Since its inception, Lexus has offered quiet and smooth driving vehicles. The 2016 ES upholds that tradition with a host of improvements to provide the driver with an exciting experience.
For the new 2016 ES, Lexus engineers applied structural reinforcements to foster stiffness in the vehicle’s unibody construction. Adapted from the Lexus IS sports sedan, this form of chassis tuning arms the ES with enhanced ride quality and handling. Moreover, this ES adds a sound-reducing layer behind the dashboard to better isolate engine noise from the cabin.
New for 2016 in specific markets is a 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine. Engineered to meet China’s fuel economy regulations, the D4 engine will be offered in China, Russia and Taiwan.
In the U.S., the luxury sedan will continue with its exceptionally smooth 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a gasoline-electric hybrid powerplant, while other markets also have a 2.5-liter L4 version. The ES now offers a range of powertrain options prioritized for fuel efficiency and power delivery, with enhanced sensitivity to the environment.
On the Cutting Edge of Safety----Lexus Safety System +
The ES offers Lexus Safety System +, which combines key innovative safety technologies into a single, networked package. Among them are the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which can detect vehicles and pedestrians, in some circumstances, by a combination of millimeter-wave radar and front-facing camera. It dispatches a warning as Brake Assist (BA) and emergency braking are activated.
The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) employs a camera to keep track of visible lane marking lines on the road. If the vehicle begins to unintentionally deviate from the lane, the LDA system will notify the driver with an audio-visual alert and vibration to the steering wheel.
The Automatic High Beam (AHB) senses headlights from oncoming traffic and the taillight of the car in front, automatically adjusting hi-beam and low-beam illumination to help ensure optimal forward visibility during nighttime driving.
The Radar Cruise Control uses millimeter-wave radar to detect the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to adjust the cruise control speed setting accordingly, helping to maintain a preset distance. This system also uses a combination of millimeter-wave radar and camera to detect a lane change by the vehicle in front for smooth acceleration and deceleration control.
“With improved performance, an expanded engine lineup and a quieter and thoroughly luxurious interior wrapped in a freshened chiseled body, the new ES builds efficiently on what has made it one of the most popular luxury sedans in the world, and we are confident that this latest version of the ES will build upon its past successes,” said Asahi.
The New RX 200t
While the new RX 350 and RX 450h luxury utility vehicles made a dazzling debut earlier this month at the New York International Auto Show, the RX 200t made its first appearance at the Shanghai International Motor Show, alongside the much-anticipated ES.
What sets the RX 200t apart from the vehicles introduced in North America is its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 under the hood, designed for select global markets, including China. The output of the powertrain, which features VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide) and a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with air-to-liquid intercooler, will be aimed at more than 228 hp (170 kW).
The gear ratios of the 6-speed automatic transmissions provide excellent acceleration off the line and exceptional passing power.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 joins the other RX’s engine offerings. One is an upgraded and more powerful 3.5-liter V6, which aims to deliver 300 hp and comes mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid model features an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 that produces around 300 hp when combined with the electric motor. These engines have been tuned for greater fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions.
The RX features a new bold look to go along with its refined engines. The front of the vehicle is highlighted by a completely new fascia with an emboldened spindle grille and triple L-shape LED headlamps.
A truly innovative styling cue is the blacked-out C-pillars, which provide a floating-roof effect never before seen on a Lexus product. The appearance of the rear has been sharpened and exudes a sense of rock-solid stability, as the new L-shaped taillights that wrap around the sides of the vehicle create a wider, more authoritative presence when illuminated.
Inside, the new RX’s cabin is one of comfort and luxury, with repositioned trim pieces that exude a high level of class, and specially-finished laser-cut ornamentation available for those who desire an extra dose of opulence. Rear-seat occupants are treated to more leg and knee space, and a retractable power panorama roof provides occupants with a refreshing open-air experience.
When it comes to delivering car-like handling, the RX has no peers. The entire chassis has been fortified to provide enhanced straight-line stability and control through turns. The RX’s fully independent suspension system has been tuned and reinforced for controlled handling while keeping ride quality remarkably smooth.
For those who prefer more excitement and performance in their luxury sport-utility vehicles, the RX F SPORT will be available with all of the model’s engine offerings. The RX F SPORT will feature, among other things, exclusive alloy wheels, “F SPORT” badges, and an “F” mesh design on the spindle grille to visually differentiate it from the other versions, while modifications to the chassis enhance the vehicle’s already superb cornering performance.
Lexus has always stressed safety technologies in all of its vehicles, so it should come as no surprise that the new RX is enhanced in the areas concerning the well-being of its occupants. Among these new changes is Lexus Safety System +, which is also available on ES. Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) are available as optional equipment.
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