LEXUS HISTORY

BRAND INNOVATIONS

1983 August 1983. At a secret meeting More than 400 prototype Over 1,400 engineers and 2,300 in , ’s Chairman Dr vehicles are built, 100 are crash technicians rise to Toyoda-san’s sets a challenge to a tested and more than 4.3 million challenge. team of strategists, engineers and test kilometres are driven in Japan, designers: “Can we create a the USA and Europe. Sixty designers, 24 engineering luxury to challenge the very teams, and 220 support workers best?” are engaged on the “F1” project. Every detail was exhaustively thought through – build tolerances were at least twice as accurate as competitors.

1987 In May 1987, four years of development time and many full- sized clay models later, executives sign off on the final LS design.

1988 The brand name ‘Lexus’ is chosen to represent luxury and high-end technology. (Early suggestions included Alexis and Lexis.)

1989 The Lexus brand is born The first LS 400 is launched, At the Lexus Tahara plant in incorporating hundreds of new Japan, the welding process for the patents and setting new standards LS 400 is fully automated, making for quality and value. Almost welds 1.5 times stronger than 3,000 are sold in the first month those on conventionally welded after launch. vehicles.

1990 Lexus is launched in Europe with a On the LS 400, aerodynamic single model range: the LS 400. considerations lead to the underside of the vehicle having a smooth floorpan and a number of special fairings to direct airflow. This gives the LS 400 class- leading underbody aerodynamics.

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BRAND CARS INNOVATIONS

1991 Lexus starts its dominance in JD A new coupé, the SC 400, is Power customer satisfaction launched for the American surveys in USA, becoming the first market. Its design is the work of brand to win the ‘triple crown’ of the CALTY centre in California. sales satisfaction, initial quality and being rated overall top brand for customer satisfaction. Lexus becomes the USA’s number one luxury import brand, outselling BMW and Mercedes- Benz.

1993 The new Lexus GS 300 is launched in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

1995 The second-generation LS 400 is The second-generation Lexus LS launched. The philosophy of 400 is also the first production car steady evolution of Lexus cars was to feature a collapsible steering evident in its design. column. This patented innovation features a corrugated shaft coupling to absorb primary and secondary impacts in the event of a collision.

1997 A V8 4.0-litre with VVT-i is used in the HPS . This intelligent valve technology revolutionises efficient yet high- performance driving.

1998 Lexus becomes the USA’s top- The RX 300 is launched creating The RX 300 4x4 is fitted with a selling luxury brand for the first a completely new market segment V6 3.0 litre VVT-i engine and an time, outperforming domestic – the luxury SUV automatic with manufacturers and Power, Normal and Snow modes. Lincoln. The European-specification LS 400 becomes the first car in the world to have satellite navigation fitted as standard.

1999 . The IS 200 compact sports IS 200 features the best of Lexus is introduced; the first Lexus innovation and engineering, model to be specifically including aluminium driving pedals developed for the European and chronometer-style market. instruments and the first use of LED rear lights.

2000 . The first generation RX 300 goes debuts on the new on sale in Europe LS 430, in a system that maintained vehicle ride height regardless of the number of passengers or load level. It can be raised by 20 mm for uneven roads and automatically lowered at high speeds to improve aerodynamics.

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BRAND CARS INNOVATIONS

2001 Lexus receives its first JD Power & Lexus’ European model range The SC 430 is equipped with an Associates gold award in the UK. expands to five cars with the elegant, all-weather aluminium launch of the SC 430 coupé- that can be retracted in . Its sleek lines and 25 seconds. classic styling were created by the Lexus European Design Centre (ED²) in the South of France

2002 In Germany, the IS sedan achieves Without the support of Akio a customer satisfaction index of Toyoda, President and Member of 86%, the highest score of all cars the Board of the Toyota Motor listed in the JD Power survey. Corporation, the legendary Lexus LFA may never have This year sees Steven Spielberg been built. Approached for ask Lexus to help design a car for support in 2002 by the vehicle’s Tom Cruise to drive in his creators, Chief Engineer blockbuster movie, Minority Haruhiko Tanahashi and the late Report, a film set in 2054. master driver Hiromu Naruse, Toyoda-san quickly became the LFA’s primary champion

2003 An all-new RX 300 goes on sale Technology highlights on the in Europe. second-generation RX 300 include air suspension, intelligent By June 2003, , Adaptive Front Lighting, an Chief Engineer Haruhiko automatic tailgate and Park Assist. Tanahashi and the late master driver Hiromu Naruse, were already test driving LFA prototypes.

2004 Lexus’ L-finesse design direction is The LF-C concept makes its debut The RX 400h is launched – the unveiled, inspired by traditional at the New York Motor Show, world’s first luxury hybrid SUV. Its Japanese aesthetic values. establishing the hallmarks of the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain new Lexus design direction, gives it the fuel consumption and incisive simplicity and advanced emission levels of a much smaller, technology. compact vehicle.

2005 This year the Lexus brand Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy The second-generation Lexus IS launched in Japan and becomes is applied to new production becomes the world’s first car to be an instant success. In its home vehicles – the second-generation fitted with a twin-chamber front market, Lexus successfully IS and third-generation GS passenger , designed to developed a network of 143 new sedans. deliver greater protection to the dealerships and trained2,000 neck and shoulders in an impact. high performing employees, from sales people on the shop floor to engineers.

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BRAND CARS INNOVATIONS 2006 The LS 460, the fourth- The world’s first high-performance generation of the Lexus flagship luxury hybrid sedan is launched. sedan, is launched and features The GS 450h offers a unique the world’s first eight-speed combination of performance, . economy and low emissions. The new RX 350, replacing the Four world firsts in advanced RX 300 offers greater fuel safety technology are introduced economy, acceleration and with the new LS: Advanced improved driving dynamics. Obstacle Detection System, Emergency Steering Assist, Rear Pre-Crash Safety system and .

2007 The LS 460 is voted “ The new IS F, the first of Lexus’ ‘F’- The LS 600h and LS 600h L take of the Year 2007”. marque cars is launched in Europe V8-powered Lexus Hybrid Drive at the . technology into the super- premium market.

2009 Lexus presents its LF-Ch hybrid The LFA team takes their V10 concept car at the Frankfurt supercar prototype to the Motor Show, signalling its interest Nürburgring in Germany and in launching its first model to compete in the legendary 24- compete in the European C- hour endurance race “to get more premium market. feedback on the production car,” as Akio Toyoda says. The LFA, Lexus introduces the third- which finishes an impressive 18th generation RX 350 and RX in the race, turning heads 450h, reinventing the vehicle that immediately, and prompting created the luxury SUV market. universal acclaim. The all-new IS 250C hard-top convertible and the all-new third- generation GS 460 go on sale.

2010 . World premiere of the CT 200h hybrid luxury compact at the Geneva Motor Show.

2011 A unique Lexus full hybrid LS The first LFA V10-powered Lightweight, balanced, powerful 600h L featuring a production car arrives in Europe, and amazing to drive, the Lexus one-piece, transparent one of only 500 hand-built LFA supercar features advanced polycarbonate roof serves as the that are planned for Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic official Royal Wedding car on the production. (CFRP) construction for its occasion of the marriage of His and bodywork to deliver a light, Serene Highness Prince Albert II The CT 200h, the world’s first full incredibly strong and impact- of Monaco. hybrid luxury compact, becomes resistant structure. Lexus fifth hybrid to go on sale in Europe.

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BRAND CARS INNOVATIONS 2012 The final Lexus LFA is completed World premiere of LF-LC on December 14, 2012, ending concept vehicle in Detroit which is the supercar’s production run of named best concept car in the 500 units. annual EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International in Detroit. A hallmark of Lexus design innovation, the sporty mesh of the Lexus signature grille is a daring visual statement that is now a brand-defining element on every Lexus. The feature is first introduced on the GS sedan establishing a new, stylish and provocative identity for Lexus.

2013 Located in Tokyo’s fashionable The third-generation IS sedan is Aoyama district, INTERSECT BY launched. LEXUS opens, looking beyond the traditional car showroom to give visitors a chance to experience the lifestyle around the Lexus brand without having to get behind the wheel.

2014 Lexus collaborates with the multi- The Lexus NX and RC The Lexus Torque Vectoring facetted and highly talented F high-performance coupé are Differential (TVD) is the world’s .i.am for the Striking Angles launched. first torque transfer-type torque- campaign for the new NX vectoring system to be installed in crossover. The musician-artist At the Geneva Motor Show, a front-engined, rear-wheel drive designs a one-off version of the Lexus also showcases the sports coupé. TVD enhances car that is unveiled during Paris iridescent, rainbow-adorned RC F traction and control for Fashion Week. GT 3 race car. extraordinary levels of handling and performance. In the UK, Lexus is ranked first in the What Car?/ J D Power customer satisfaction for a 12th year.

2015 Lexus partners with experts in The fourth generation RX is Lexus introduces the Lexus Safety superconductor technology to launched. System + package of advanced create one of the most advanced active safety features, designed to hoverboards ever developed. The help prevent accidents happening project forms part of its ‘Amazing and lessen the consequences if an in Motion’ international brand impact does occur. Features campaign. include a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert and an Lexus becomes the first vehicle Adaptive High-beam System. manufacturer to win the "Best Entertaining" honour in the Milano The visionary Lexus LF-FC (Lexus Design Awards for its "Lexus – A Future-Flagship Car/) Journey of the Senses" exhibit at Concept offers a glimpse of the Milan Design Week. design and technology under consideration for a future flagship sedan that could reach the market around the end of the decade.

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BRAND CARS INNOVATIONS 2016 Lexus forms a creative The production version of the LF- Lexus develops its Multi Stage collaboration with the actor Jude LC, the Lexus LC, is unveiled. Hybrid System for the LC 500h Law to launch the “The Life RX”. coupé and LS 500h flagship The international promotional sedan, a next-generation campaign is designed to amplify drivetrain technology designed the qualities and appeal of the new specifically for high-performance luxury SUV, the 2016 Lexus RX. vehicles.

2017 The Lexus Sport Yacht concept is The all-new Lexus LS embraces Imaginative new technologies launched in Miami Beach, USA, Japanese ‘Takumi’ craft forms such as the new Multi-Stage and is followed shortly afterwards such as Kiriko cut glass for interior Hybrid system and the advanced by a futuristic Lexus Skyjet in trim and Origami handwork for Lexus Safety System + A are “Valerian and the City of a the hand-pleated door panels. launched with the all-new Lexus Thousand Planets”, a science Exquisite laser-cut marquetry is LS flagship sedan. The safety fiction film set in the 28th century. perfected for the ‘Art Wood’ elements include Pre-Collision decoration on the new flagship System with Pedestrian Alert and . sedan. Active Steering Assist, Lexus Co- Drive (Lane Tracing Assist with the Dynamic Cruise Control) and Front Cross Traffic Alert. 2018 Lexus breaks new ground with its Inspired by the design of the LS The UX 250h and ES 300h are ‘Driven by Intuition’ commercial flagship sedan and LC luxury launched with fourth generation for the new ES, the world’s first coupé, the provocative yet elegant Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid advert written entirely by artificial new ES executive sedan is the first powertrains. Both hybrids feature intelligence (AI). ES to be introduced to Western an incredibly efficient petrol and Central Europe. engine, new hybrid , new THE LOFT by Lexus and Brussels compact battery and new power Airliners opens at Brussels Especially designed for European control unit. Both are also capable Airport, marking the next urbanites, the new UX compact of running in zero emissions mode milestone for the Lexus luxury crossover displays a fresh yet for up to 50% of the time. lifestyle brand. dynamic approach to contemporary luxury, while the LF-1 Limitless concept explores the future of Lexus luxury SUV design and innovation.

2019 Marking thirty years of amazing The new RC F Track Edition The pioneering new RX luxury experiences, in February Lexus coupé is 55 kilos lighter than the SUV offers segment-leading announces its 10 millionth vehicle standard RC –and features levels of safety provided by the sale. Key to this growth is the exclusive motorsport-inspired world’s first BladeScan-type world’s widest range of electrified carbon fibre styling. It makes its Adaptive High-beam System luxury hybrid cars. More than 1.6 European debut at the Geneva (AHS) and latest Lexus Safety million Lexus Self-Charging Motor Show alongside the new System +. Hybrids have been sold since LC Convertible Concept. 2005.

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