Lexus Reports Best-Ever June Sales; Luxury Brand Ahead 17.1 Percent in First Half of 2001

    TORRANCE, Calif., July 3 Posting its 13th consecutive
best-ever month, Lexus today reported June sales of 19,117 passenger cars and
sport utility vehicles (SUV).  For the first half of 2001, Lexus is ahead of
last year's pace by 17.1 percent with 109,742 units sold.
    Passenger cars continued to be at the top of consumers' shopping lists
with June Lexus car sales of 11,690 units, up 42.3 percent from June 2000.
The LS 430 premium luxury sedan remained at the top of its segment with sales
of 2,724, up 213.1 percent, while the SC 430 hardtop convertible continued its
hot sales pace with 1,335 units sold.  Sales of the ES 300 entry-luxury sedan
were up 7.2 percent from last year with sales of 3,445.  The GS 300 high
performance luxury sedan posted sales of 1,986, an increase of 12.9 percent
from last June, while the GS 430 finished the month with sales of 366, down
21.0 percent.  The IS 300 sport sedan sales stayed nearly even with sales of
1,833, down a slight 1.1 percent from a year ago.
    Year-to-date passenger car sales of 67,439 were up 60.9 percent from the
same period last year.
    The RX 300 mid-sized luxury SUV posted June sales of 6,666, down
3.0 percent, while the LX 470 premium luxury sedan had sales of 761, down
32.1 percent from last June.
    "The first half of 2001 has been good to Lexus as we experience steady
growth in a slowing economy," says Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president
and general manager.  "Our emphasis for the remainder of the year will be to
make sure our dealers have the tools and ability to give our customers the
high level of service they deserve and have come to expect."
    In addition to outstanding new vehicle sales, Lexus also had a
record-setting pre-owned month with best-ever June sales of 5,372, up
40.8 percent from last year.  Of those sales, 3,100 were Certified Pre-Owned
vehicles, which represents a 42.1 percent increase from last year and an
all-time best-ever record.  Year-to-date total pre-owned sales of 28,183 were
up 19.8 percent.