Press Release

Lexus Sells Well in Midwest

09/18/96

Robust Sales for Lexus in the Midwest

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Sept. 16 -- Lexus today announced
strong summer sales results for the 13-state Lexus Central Area,
including the best-ever August retail sales in the Central Area's
history.

Retail sales for June through August increased 13 percent over the
same period last year, while sales of the flagship LS400 series jumped
50 percent.

"Lexus enjoyed one of the best summer selling seasons ever in the
Midwest because of low lease rates and very attractive financing
opportunities available across the entire Lexus series," said Bruce
C. Ertmann, Area Manager for the Lexus Central Area. "In addition, our
continued high resale value and multiple lease options made the summer
of '96 an outstanding time to get a Lexus vehicle."

August retail sales of 1,354 units established a best-ever August
sales record for Lexus in the Midwest, with the Lexus ES300 leading
the way at 701 units. In its final sell-down phase before the launch
of the all-new 1997 ES300 this month, the 1996 ES300 chalked up record
sales of 1,600 units over the three-month summer selling period,
despite limited availability.

Based in Naperville, Illinois, the Lexus Central Area distributes
Lexus automobiles and provides sales, service, parts and customer
support to 35 dealers in the Midwest.