Updates From Lexus

Four Lexus Vehicles and Canadian Lexus Plant Earn Top Awards in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Lexus Plant ties for Global Platinum Plant Quality Award
• Lexus Highest Ranked Nameplate in Study
• Toyota moves Up 14 Positions in Overall Nameplate Ranking

(TORONTO) - June 23, 2011 - The J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) has ranked Lexus models highest in four segments, Lexus ranks highest among all nameplates, while Toyota moved up 14 positions to place seventh overall. This while Canadian manufacturing was ranked highest when J.D. Power and Associates announced the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) Lexus plant has earned the Platinum Plant Quality Award in a tie among global automotive manufacturing facilities.

Lexus LS Places First for the Fourth Straight Year

Lexus captured four segment awards in this year's study:

• Lexus ES was ranked highest in the Entry Premium Car segment: Lexus IS ranked third highest
• Lexus GS was ranked highest in the Midsize Premium Car segment for a third consecutive year
• Lexus LS was ranked highest in the Large Premium Car Segment: highest-performing model in the industry for a second consecutive year with fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 54 PP100.
• Lexus GX was ranked highest in the Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV segment for a third consecutive year: Lexus RX ranked second highest

"We are honoured to receive these important awards," said Larry Hutchinson, Director, Lexus in Canada. " We believe Lexus offers high quality luxury vehicles and an unparalleled ownership experience, and the J.D. Power and Associates IQS 90-day feedback, along with strong resale values, long-term durability and guest loyalty, are strong indicators of the exceptional quality and customer experience that make the Lexus brand."

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Celebrates Platinum Quality Award

Following a Gold Plant Quality Award for TMMC in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates IQS for North/South America, TMMC's South Lexus plant is part of a tie for the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Plant Quality Award for manufacturing. This is the first time that a Toyota plant outside of Japan has been awarded with a Platinum award.

The TMMC South Lexus plant opened in Cambridge in 2003 and remains the only Lexus plant outside of Japan. TMMC President, Brian Krinock commented, "We're honoured to receive this award because it comes from our customers. It directly confirms that the skill, dedication and craftsmanship of our Team Members is recognized and appreciated".

Toyota Takes Major Leap Forward

Toyota made substantial advancements with marked improvement for the Corolla, Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza, RAV4 and Sequoia all earning double-digit score improvements in this year's study. Toyota recorded 16 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, enabling the brand to return to the top 10 among all nameplates.

All-New Lexus 2011 CT 200h Receives Top Safety Pick Rating for Crash Tests

May 26, 2011 -The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today announced the all-new Lexus 2011 CT 200h, the world's first luxury hybrid sportback, has earned a "Top Safety Pick" award.

The "Top Safety Pick" is the highest safety designation awarded by the IIHS. To qualify for the award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of "good" in the IIHS' front, side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations and be equipped with electronic stability control. The announcement was released on the IIHS website www.iihs.org. The IIHS is an independent non-profit research and communications organization funded by auto insurance companies.

All Lexus models meet or exceed the requirements of all U.S. and Canadian safety standards.

According to Lexus, the body structure of the CT 200h plays a key role in the fundamental safety characteristics. To help protect the driver and passengers, the body is designed to be strong but strategically resilient to help absorb and distribute energy in the event of a crash. High-strength steel components are carefully located in the body structure to help ensure strength in key areas.

The CT 200h incorporates a standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with dual-stage front airbags and knee airbags for driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags, and front side airbags to help protect front and rear passengers in certain types of severe frontal or side collisions.

The front passenger's twin-chamber airbag helps disperse the forces applied to the passenger immediately after deployment. Additionally, front seatbelts incorporate pretensioners with force-limiters to help protect occupants in the event of certain severe frontal collisions. The CT 200h also has Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat concept that features a new seat back structure and headrest design.

Delivering 134 total system horsepower and offering the best overall combined fuel economy in the luxury segment at just 4.6L/100km, the CT 200h has enjoyed strong sales in Canada since its launch in March, 2011. To learn more about why Canadian drivers are choosing the all-new CT 200h sportback hybrid, consumers are encouraged to visit their local Lexus dealership.

Lexus Wins Edmunds.com's Luxury Brand Award for 'Best Retained Value'

Lexus led the luxury segment in the Edmunds.com inaugural Best Retained Value Awards. Lexus won the 2011 brand award for luxury makes and took four categories earning twice as many awards than the next luxury brand.

Edmunds based its Best Retained Value on the average five-year retained value of the carmaker's 2011 models that launched prior to the end of 2010.

The four model-level categories captured by Lexus included:

• GS 350 mid-size luxury sport sedan - Sedan over $40,000
• IS 250 C luxury hard-top convertible - Convertible $35,000-45,000
• RX 350 luxury utility vehicle - SUV $35,000-45,000
• GX 460 mid-size luxury utility vehicle - SUV over $45,000

Edmunds.com launched in 1995 as the first automotive information website. Edmunds.com Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit.

Please click on the link below for more information:

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/best-retained-value-cars.html

Note: Awards based on U.S. specification vehicles

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Earns Top Honours in J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Initial Quality Study

• TMMC earns Gold Plant Quality Award for North/South America
• Lexus and Toyota earn five segment awards
• Lexus Ties for Most Segment Awards of Any Nameplate

TORONTO, ON - June 17, 2010 - J.D. Power today announced that Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) has earned a Gold Plant Quality Award for the North and South American region in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS).

"The Gold Plant Quality award is important because it represents the voice of the customer," said Ray Tanguay, President of TMMC. "For our more than 6,500 Team Members, it is a much appreciated recognition of their craftsmanship, commitment and attention to detail. We're honoured to be recognized as one of the greatest manufacturing teams in the world."

Toyota and Lexus brands were also awarded a combined five segment awards in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS).

"The J.D. Power and Associates IQS 90-day feedback, along with strong resale values, long-term durability, warranty claims and customer loyalty, are strong indicators of the overall quality of our products," said Yoichi Tomihara, President and CEO of Toyota Canada Inc. "We are pleased with the strong performance of our vehicles, despite recent Toyota and Lexus recalls which we expected would influence specific vehicle rankings. We remain committed to ensuring the superior quality, safety and long-term value of our cars and trucks"

The Scion xB, coming to Canada this September, was also recognized with the highest ranking in the Compact Multipurpose Vehicle segment.

Lexus Ties for Most Segment Awards of Any Nameplate

Lexus ranked fourth among all nameplates in the 2010 IQS with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Among individual models, the Lexus LS earned the distinction of fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 55 PP100.

Lexus also captured three segment awards to tie for the most awards of any nameplate in this year's study. These include the Lexus GS for Midsize Premium Car, the Lexus GX 460 for Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV; and the Lexus LS 460 for Large Premium Car. This is the third year in a row that the LS had ranked highest in its segment and the 10th time in 13 years that the LS has been at the top of its segment.

Reflecting heightened customer awareness of Toyota's recent recalls, the Toyota nameplate PP100 increased in this year's study by 16 PP100 to 117 PP100 resulting in a ranking of 21.

At the same time, the FJ Cruiser received the segment award for the Compact Crossover/SUV, while the Sienna ranks highest in the Midsize Van segment for the second year in row.

With the exception of the Highlander, all of the TMS models involved in the company's recent recalls experienced an increase in reported issues, while those not involved in the recalls, taken together, showed an overall improvement over 2009.

Toyota Segment Awards Chart

Production Facilities Earn Top Honours

In addition to the TMMC Gold Plant Award for the North and South American region with 30 PP100, three other Toyota production facilities also took top honours for the Asia Pacific region including:

• The Kyushu 2 plant (IS line, ES 350, RX line) earned the Gold Award with 32 PP100
• The Tahara 3 plant (GS line, IS sedans, LS 460) earned the Silver Award with 33 PP100
• The Kyushu 1 plant (HS 250h, RX line) earned the bronze award with 37 PP100.

2010 HS 250h Receives Five Star Crash Test Ratings

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2010 HS 250h its maximum five-star ratings in four key crash safety measures.

The all-new Lexus hybrid earned five stars in front impact tests for the driver and front passenger seats, and five stars in side impact tests for the driver and left rear passenger seat (only the left side was tested).

As with many other Lexus models, the HS 250h features a class-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, including:

• Driver and front passenger dual-stage front SRS airbags
• Driver and front passenger seat mounted side airbags
• Driver and front passenger knee airbags
• Rear outboard seat side airbags
• Roll sensing side curtain airbags

The reinforced HS 250h body is engineered for strength and resiliency to absorb and diffuse energy from front, rear and side impacts. And active front seat headrests come standard to help reduce the potential for whiplash from lower speed rear impacts.

Click here for more information about the 2010 HS 250h.

2010 RX 450h Named Top Pick By CanadianDriver.com

CanadianDriver.com, the respected online automotive magazine, recently announced its first annual Top Picks awards. The 2010 RX 450h was selected as one of the top 20 new vehicles in the Canadian marketplace among a broad range of classes, makes and models.

The magazine’s panel of senior editors and writers, who have a combined 60 years of test-driving experience, based their decision on key factors such as styling, comfort, functionality, quality, performance, fuel economy, safety features, reliability, and value for money. They also considered class-specific advantages such as cargo capacity, payload, towing, utility, and ground clearance.

The all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid was also recently named Best New SUV/CUV over $60,000 by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada.

Click here for more information about the 2010 RX 450h.

All-New 2010 Lexus RX 350 Wins Best Buy Award

Le Guide de L'Auto, the highly respected Quebec-based automotive publication, named the 2010 Lexus RX 350 the best new SUV over $50,000. After test-driving several comparative luxury vehicles, the magazine's writers and editors selected the RX 350 as the best buy in its category.

Built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) plant since 2003, the best-selling Lexus crossover is completely re-thought and redesigned for 2010. Loaded with advanced driver-focused technology, the next generation RX raises performance, style and luxury to inspired new levels.

2010 RX 450h Voted Best New SUV/CUV Over $60k

After a week of rigorous testing at their annual TestFest to determine the 2010 Canadian Car of the Year, members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) named the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid the winner of its category: Best New SUV/CUV over $60,000.

Completely re-invented for 2010, the win for the RX 450h, is a ringing endorsement of the only hybrid vehicle in the Best New SUV/CUV over $60,000 category. The luxurious RXh delivers more power, better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than ever, and boasts several advanced and intuitive control, safety, and comfort features.

For more information on the RX 450h, please click here.

2008 Lexus IS F Voted Best New Sports/Performance Car Over $50k

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has declared the 2008 Lexus IS F the winner in the Best New Sports/Performance Car Over $50k category following its 2009 Canadian Car of the Year TestFest. The powerful IS F features a high performance 5.0-litre 416-hp V8 engine, the world’s first 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, and variable driver-selected handling dynamics.

Every fall, more than 70 AJAC members put hundreds of vehicles through four days of thorough “real world” testing and evaluation at the annual TestFest. This year’s 14 category winners were announced in October following member voting. AJAC will announce its choice for 2009 Canadian Car of the Year from the category winners at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

LS and RX Ranked #1 in 2008 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study

At a press conference in Detroit on June 4, 2008, the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) cited Lexus quality once again as two Lexus models lead their respective segments for 2008. The LS 460 and LS 600h L ranked first among this year in the Large Premium Car segment, and the RX 350 and RX 400h took top spot in the Premium Multi Activity Vehicle segment.

In the Assembly Plant Quality Award recipients, the Tahara plant was awarded with bronze for the lowest number of defects per 100 vehicles in plants across North America and Asia. The Tahara plant is located in Japan and builds several Lexus models such as GS 350, GS 460, GS 450h, GX 470, IS Series, LS 460 and LS 600h.

AutoNerve® Readers Vote LS 600h L Best Prestige Car

In the magazine’s 2008 Chinese-Canadian Consumers Car Choice Awards, AutoNerve® readers voted the Lexus LS 600h L hybrid luxury sedan, Best Prestige Car. The only Chinese language automotive magazine in Canada, Vancouver-based AutoNerve® serves the country’s approximately 1.3 million Chinese-speaking car buyers. The nation-wide vote was part of the magazine’s 5th annual Readers Choice Awards.

Consumer Reports Names the LS 460 L Best Luxury Sedan

The LS 460 and LS 460 L continue to earn awards and recognition. With the highest combined score of all vehicles tested, including a near perfect road test of 99 out of 100, Consumer Reports made the Lexus LS 460 L its 2008 Top Pick among Luxury Sedans. In addition to safety and reliability, Consumer Reports cited the Lexus flagship for its exceptional quality, interior environment, quick acceleration and unmatched ride. In 2007, international automotive journalists voted the LS 460 World Car of the Year.

Luxury Institute WealthSurvey: High Net-Worth Consumers Name Lexus the Brand Admired Most for Environmental Concerns

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - October 18, 2007) - High net-worth consumers named Lexus their most admired brand for environmental concerns in the 2007 Social Responsibility WealthSurvey from the independent New York-based Luxury Institute (www.luxuryinstitute.com). Also cited were outdoor equipment and clothing producer Patagonia and automaker Mercedes-Benz, in second and third place, respectively.

Four-fifths (81%) of wealthy consumers said that a company's commitment to the environment (i.e., global warming) was important, as well as companies that provide recyclable/biodegradable packaging and that exceed EPA requirements.

"Being 'green' is no longer a luxury," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute, "It is a requirement of doing business according to wealthy consumers. Luxury brands that want a share of wealthy consumers' wallets need to impress them that they are aware, committed and involved in saving the planet. Our research shows that 70% of the wealthy specifically look for environmentally friendly brands with whom to do business. In a world that is increasingly transparent, the Luxury Institute provides impartial and independent 'voice of the high net worth consumer' insights that benefit luxury consumers and the companies that seek to serve them," added Pedraza.

The proprietary WealthSurvey is the only measure of wealthy Americans on corporate social responsibility. A national sample of over 950 wealthy American consumers, with an average income of $307K, and average net worth of $3.1 million, was surveyed online. Survey results are weighted to match demographic and net-worth profiles of the same audience according to the latest Survey of Consumer Finances from The Federal Reserve.

The Luxury Institute provides this detailed PowerPoint analysis and dozens of its own proprietary surveys exclusively to members of its Luxury Board (www.luxuryboard.com), a global community of luxury goods and service executives, professionals and entrepreneurs.

About the Luxury Institute

The Luxury Institute is the uniquely independent and impartial ratings and research institution that is the trusted and respected voice of the high net-worth consumer globally. The Institute provides a portfolio of proprietary publications and research that guides and educates high net-worth individuals and the companies that cater to them on leading edge trends, high net-worth consumer rankings and ratings of luxury brands, and best practices. The Luxury Institute also operates the Luxury Board (www.luxuryboard.com), the world's first global, membership-based online community for luxury goods and services executives, professionals and entrepreneurs. To reach the Luxury Institute, please call 646-792-2669 or go to www.luxuryinstitute.com.

2007 LS 460 Voted World Car of the Year

An international jury of automotive journalists from 22 countries voted the Lexus LS 460 the 2007 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) in January. After a thorough selection process involving an initial 28 vehicles and 10 finalists, the 2007 LS 460 was announced as this year's WCOTY winner at the April New York International Auto Show. This is the third year that the World Car of the Year Awards Association has presented the award.

In addition to considering the needs and desires of drivers around the world, the demanding evaluation and rating criteria included all aspects of styling, quality, performance, safety and innovation. WCOTY jurors deemed the flagship LS 460 to be the full expression of the Lexus "pursuit of perfection", citing its many firsts, including the innovative automatic parking system and 8-speed automatic transmission.

LS 460 Named 2007 Best Engineered Vehicle

Automotive Engineering International (AEI) magazine named the Lexus flagship LS 460 the Best Engineered Vehicle of 2007 after voting by the magazine's editors, writers and readers. Announcing the award in its April 2007 edition, AEI made special note of the fact that the LS 460 sets groundbreaking new standards in engineering and technical innovation, citing the introduction of several world's firsts in performance and safety.

2007 ES 350 Voted Best New Luxury Car (under $50,000)

Lexus is pleased to announce that the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) named the 2007 Lexus ES 350 the Best New Luxury Car (under $50,000). The 2007 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year awards voting results were released November 21, 2006 after new vehicles in 13 categories were evaluated by AJAC journalists and writers at the association's annual "TestFest" in October.

24-hours of competition-one moment of victory

Lexus triumphs at Rolex 24 in Daytona
1/28/2006

Lexus-powered racers finished 1, 2 in the Rolex 24 endurance championship at Daytona Beach, Florida. Drivers Scott Dixon, Dan Wheldon and Casey Mears navigated the Ganassi Racing Target Lexus Riley into a first place finish and a decisive victory for Lexus in the Daytona Prototype category. They took the lead on Lap 558 and did not relinquish their command of the track for the remaining 168 laps, or 5.5 hours, of the race. This Lexus-propelled crew led for a total of 272 laps during the race and Mears was the lead driver for a race-high 109 laps. Another Lexus powerplant in the Michael Shank Racing Flight Options Lexus Riley cruised into second place capping a triumphant performance for Lexus-powered cars at this endurance racing classic.

JD Power & Assoc. Recognizes Lexus

Lexus is pleased to announce the following accolades from the J.D. Power and Associates 2004 U.S. Initial Quality Study: ¹

The SC 430 is the Highest Ranked Premium Luxury Car in the U.S.
The RX 330 is the Highest Ranked Entry Luxury SUV in the U.S.
The LX 470 is the Highest Ranked Premium Luxury SUV in the U.S.
The GS 430 is the Highest Ranked Mid Luxury Car, two years in a row in the U.S.
¹ J.D.Power and Associates 2004 U.S Initial Quality Study^SM. Study based on a total of 51,208 U.S. consumer responses indicating owner reported problems during the first 90 days of ownership. www.jdpower.com.