Lexus Powers Into The Millennium

RECORD SALES FOR LEXUS IN THE UK AS THE LUXURY MARQUE INCREASES ITS GLOBAL PRESENCE

1998 has seen Lexus sales in the UK break all previous records since the luxury car marque was established in 1990.

With the introduction of a brand new Lexus GS300 model and heavily revised LS400 model in January 1998, the Lexus marque achieved 3269 sales last year (62.8 percent up on 1997) proving that the brand is gaining greater popularity and is making significant in-roads into the luxury car sector.

1999 is likely to be the most significant year in the Lexus success story however, as May will see the introduction of the exciting new IS200 compact sports saloon.

Aggressively styled, luxuriously equipped and priced to make established competitors like the BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-class wince, the IS200 will also satisfy demanding drivers with its rear-wheel drive chassis and advanced 2.0-litre, six cylinder 24v engine.

With a three model line-up from May, Lexus (GB) is forecasting sales of 8150 vehicles in 1999 and will present its products through a network of 55 Lexus dealerships offering an exciting new retailing concept and the industry standard in customer service.

The UK remained the second largest world market for Lexus cars in 1998 while sales in North America continued to break all previous records. Buoyant on the introduction of the new Lexus RX300 mid-size luxury sport utility model, American Lexus sales hit 156,260 in 1998 – a 60.1 percent increase over 1997.

Lexus sells eight models in the American market: The ES300 sedan, LS400 sedan, SC300 coupe, SC400 coupe, GS300 sedan, GS400 sedan, RX300 mid-size luxury sport utility and the LX470 full-size luxury sport utility.

At the recent Detroit Motor Show, Lexus announced it will also sell the new IS compact sports saloon in America from mid-2000.

ENDS