In 1989 German car brands BMW and Mercedes-Benz dominated the luxury car market.
Overnight, their world was about to be changed with the launch of a brand new vehicle.
The car, the Lexus LS400, sent shockwaves through the world’s automotive industry.
Lexus was Toyota Motor Corporation’s first foray into the global luxury market.
Today, Lexus has won more J.D Power & Associates awards than any other automotive marque.
A decade and a half after its first release, Lexus became the number three luxury car brand in Australia. In the US, Lexus is firmly entrenched as the number one luxury import.
Lexus is committed to creating the best luxury cars ever made, but also to delivering value for money in a way not previously achieved.
Its pursuit of perfection in all areas of design, technology, style and sophistication, has resulted in Lexus being recognised as one of the world’s most exciting luxury car companies.
The program to create the first Lexus luxury vehicle, the flagship LS400, took over six years.
The final design for the LS400 was signed off in May 1987.
Over these six years, Lexus dedicated 2300 technicians, 1400 engineers, millions of test kilometres and years of consumer research at a cost of some US$1 billion to finalise the Lexus development program.
Within two years of its introduction, Lexus overtook Mercedes Benz to gain the title of best-selling luxury import brand in the United States.
In 2006, Lexus has 12 models available for sale, including world-first hybrid offerings, the GS450h, LS600h and RX400h.
Lexus is committed to creating cars that surpass traditional expectations of luxury vehicles.
It has ensured flawless leather, noise reduction, soundproofing and audio innovations, precision bodywork and superior quality are all standard in every Lexus model.
Its cars are renowned for their near-silent driving experience, as well as handling and stability.
Lexus has also introduced a design philosophy called L-Finesse.
This new Lexus design direction conveys elegance, refinement and a strong emotional appeal.
Not only does Lexus lead the way in terms of styling and sophistication, but its hybrid vehicles are a world-first in the luxury automotive market.
Lexus introduced its high-performance hybrid technology to the Australian market with the GS450h in May 2006.
Performance, styling and advanced technology are the core themes of the Lexus hybrid range.
The GS450h combines the performance of a 3.5-litre Quad Cam V6 petrol engine and a permanent-magnet electric motor to produce 254kW of power.
Lexus will also unveil the LS460, its own version of a ‘luxury limousine’, in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2006.
The flagship LS460 is designed for new levels of performance, sophistication, contemporary styling and luxury refinements.
With a length of 5150mm, the LS460 provides an even higher level of comfort and convenience features along with some of the most advanced technology ever offered in a production automobile.
The four-passenger compartment of the LS460 transports its rear-seat passengers in an environment whose luxury features closely resemble those of a private jet.
Lexus continues to be a dominant force in the luxury car market, challenging its traditional European rivals with world-first innovations and luxury technological advancements.
The future introduction of advanced hybrid technology delivering revolutionary performance and economy, will only continue to strengthen Lexus’ position in the global marketplace.
www.lexus.com
