Lexus Quality Comes Shining Through in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study

    TORRANCE, Calif., May 17 Lexus once again dominated the
J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.  The LS 430 was ranked as the
best Premium Luxury car in Initial Quality, the ES 300 as best Entry-Luxury
car and the RX 300 as best Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle.  Additionally, three
Lexus manufacturing plants took top honors, including the worldwide Platinum
Plant Award for the Kyushu plant in Japan where the ES 300 is built.
    IQS measures owner-reported problems during the first three months of
ownership.
    With an unprecedented score for fewest problems per 100 vehicles, the LS
sedan came out as the top performing vehicle in the study for the seventh time
in nine years.  The LS 430 is Lexus' flagship sedan that debuted as an all-new
model in October 2000.
    "Many manufacturers say they build quality vehicles, but we believe the
results of this Initial Quality Study show that Lexus' dedication to quality
is unmatched in the industry," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president
and general manager.  "Lexus' reputation for quality and outstanding customer
satisfaction are two of the reasons Lexus is currently the top-selling luxury
nameplate."
    In addition to receiving the Platinum Plant award, Kyushu received the
Asia Pacific Bronze award for its truck plant where the RX 300 is built.  The
Asia Pacific Silver plant award went to the Tahara plant where the Lexus LS
430 and GS 430/300 are built.

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