PRESS RELEASE
Toyota Announces J.D. Power Dependability Survey Results for Lexus
26 March 1997
Lexus Tops J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Survey for 3rd Straight Year
TORRANCE, Calif., March 25 -- J.D. Power and Associates today
announced that Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.,
ranked as the No. 1 Nameplate in Long-Term Dependability in 1997 among all car
and truck brands. The J.D. Power and Associates' Vehicle Dependability Study
reports the number of problems experienced by owners of four to five-year-old
vehicles during the past year of ownership. This marks the third consecutive
year which Lexus has captured this honor, which will be presented to James
Press, senior vice president and general manager, Lexus Division, at a dinner
this evening in conjunction with the New York Auto Show.
"When the Lexus Division was established, our goal was to improve upon the
industry standards at the time and set new benchmarks," said Press. "Lexus
has been ranked as the Most Dependable Carline in the Vehicle Dependability
Study for all three years we have been eligible. This shows that not only are
we committed to excellence when the vehicle rolls off the assembly line, but
we design our automobiles to retain exceptional quality through the duration
of the ownership experience."
Lexus earned the top honor with a rating of 217 problems per 100 vehicles
(PP100), well below the industry average of 393 PP100. The LS 400, Lexus'
flagship sedan, rated 147 PP100, which is seven PP100 better than 1996 and the
highest mark of the car models studied. The average rating of car models in
the study was 359 PP100.
To date, Lexus has garnered 18 of the 25 J.D. Power and Associates overall
carline/nameplate awards for which it has been eligible since its inception in
1989. In 1996, Lexus was ranked the Best Overall Carline in Vehicle
Dependability at Five Years of Ownership and tied for Best Overall Carline in
Sales Satisfaction. Individual Lexus models earned accolades as well. The LS
400 ranked as the Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car in J.D. Power and
Associates' 1996 APEAL award competition. In the 1996 Initial Quality Study,
the ES 300 ranked as the Best Entry Luxury Car while the SC 300 and SC 400
ranked as the Best Premium Luxury Car.
Lexus designs its automobiles to provide the highest level of owner
satisfaction possible, from the moment an owner takes delivery at their
dealership throughout the life of their vehicle, resulting in a remarkable
level of customer commitment to Lexus. A Lexus owner in Florida recently
marked 200,000 miles on her 1990 LS 400. Wanting to share the milestone with
her dealership, JM Lexus, she made sure to drive her sedan to the dealer at
199,999 miles. She then witnessed the 200,000 mile mark on a drive with the
service manager and service consultant.
Long-term dependability is becoming yet another Lexus trademark after only
eight years of manufacturing and distributing quality luxury vehicles. This
characteristic, in addition to Lexus' legendary commitment to customer
satisfaction, has enabled the automaker to launch its Certified Pre-Owned
vehicle program. A Certified Pre-Owned Lexus earns its certification after a
comprehensive inspection of more than 100 components and/or operations.
A pre-owned Lexus can only be certified by Lexus and a Lexus dealer, who
administers one of the most comprehensive pre-owned certification procedures
in the automotive industry. A Certified Pre-Owned Lexus owner attains many of
the same amenities as a new Lexus owner, including a comprehensive
manufacturer's warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance.
The J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study measures the
problems reported by owners of four to five-year-old vehicles during the past
year of ownership. The study tracks 89 problem areas and 12 problem
categories. Results are reported as problems per 100 vehicles to measure
overall vehicle dependability.
SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc.
CONTACT: Mike Michels, 310-781-3282, Sam Butto, 310-781-3279 or Jennifer Floryan,
310-781-2381, Lexus Public Relations
