No Lexus GB Entry In 2002 BTCC

Lexus GB announced today that it would not be entering an official team in the 2002 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

The decision was made following an in depth study of the benefits and costs of taking part officially in the rejuvenated series. That study, undertaken by a third party on behalf of Lexus GB, showed that the BTCC was growing once again and is second only to F1 in terms of UK television audience for motor sport. Nevertheless, the management of Lexus GB felt that, at this point in the brand’s development, there were other priorities.

“There are many reasons to suggest that an official involvement in the BTCC would be good for the Lexus brand, particularly the IS200 model,” commented Stuart McCullough, Director of Lexus GB.

“However, all things considered we are still a young brand – just 10 years old – and our immediate priorities lie with supporting our dealers and customers to uphold our position as the brand which offers the best customer service in the industry. That is a less visible race, but a vital one which touches all of our customers, not just those with an interest in motor sport.”

Despite the decision not to enter officially, Lexus GB expect to see the IS200 raced in the hands of privateers.

“It is a measure of the inherent performance abilities of the IS200 that a privateer team has done so well against the more affluent works teams and we understand others have expressed an interest in running the IS200 next year. We wish them well,” said McCullough.

Notes To Editors:

• Lexus is the fastest growing premium brand in the UK. Sales in the month of September 2001 will exceed annual sales in 1997 (2000 cars). For the full year 2001 Lexus expects to sell around 11,000 cars.
• The UK is the second largest market for Lexus in the world behind the USA.
• Lexus came out top in the 2001 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Awards with its three eligible models finishing first, third and fifth (LS 400, GS 300 and IS 200 respectively).
• In 2001 Total Motor Sport Racing has run a privately developed IS200. Driven by Brazilian Thomas Erdos, the car has scored a number of fourth places.

ENDS