Lexus Reports Record First-Quarter Sales

TORRANCE, Calif., April 2 -- Lexus closed out the first quarter of 2002 with record sales of 55,147, an increase of 8.4 percent over the same period in 2001. With its strong sales, Lexus continues to be the top-selling luxury manufacturer in the United States. Leading the way for Lexus in March was the ES 300 luxury sedan which posted sales of 6,440, a 99.6 percent increase over the same month last year. The popularity of the RX 300 luxury sport utility vehicles continued with 6,723 vehicles sold, an increase of 5.3 percent from March 2001. ``There's no doubt that our customers aren't thinking about a recession,'' said Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager Denny Clements. ``Purchasing a Lexus is their vote of confidence in the future, as well as a vote of confidence in our brand. People are looking for high quality and outstanding customer service, both of which they find at their local Lexus dealership.'' For the month of March, sales of the LS 430 prestige luxury sedan were 2,548 while sales of the GS 430/300 luxury sport sedan were 1,538. There were 1,810 IS 300 compact sport sedans and 1,459 SC 430 hardtop convertibles sold. The LX 470 premium luxury SUV had sales of 743. Lexus Certified Pre-Owned Sales also had its best March, as well as its best first quarter. Sales of 3,402 were 48.0 percent ahead of the first quarter in 2001.