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Lexus Sets All-Time Sales Record in July 1998

4 August 1998

Lexus Sets All-Time Sales Record in July 1998 Sales Up 55 Percent

    TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 3 -- Continuing 1998's torrid sales
growth into the summer, Lexus monthly sales hit an all-time single-month
record of 14,673 in July, an increase of 57.9 percent over July 1997.
Calendar-year-to-date sales of 83,041 show an increase of 55 percent, compared
to the first seven months of '97.
    All model lines saw strong sales in July, led by the new RX 300 and
LX 470 sport utility vehicles (SUV) and the GS 400 and GS 300 sport sedans,
all of which enjoyed their best-ever months.  The RX 300 led all Lexus models
with 4,833 sold.  The premium luxury LX 470 sport utility added 1,319 to the
Lexus total SUV tally of 6,152.  The GS performance sedan series sold 2,537
for the month, with a mix of 803 GS 400 V8s and 1,734 six-cylinder GS 300s.
    The LS 400 premium luxury sedan sold 1,709 units in July and is up 13.4
percent for calendar year '98, thanks to a new, more powerful engine and
performance-enhancing 5-speed automatic transmission.  The ES 300 entry-luxury
sedan remained the second-best selling Lexus model with 4,001 units retailed
in July.  SC 400 and SC 300 sport coupes combined for 274.
    "The emotional appeal of innovative new models like the RX and GS are
bringing completely new customers into the Lexus franchise," said Lexus Group
Vice President and General Manager Bryan Bergsteinsson, explaining the brand's
sales explosion.  "At the same time, the well-established LS 400 and
ES 300 remain luxury sedan benchmarks, and our dealers provide the industry's
highest customer satisfaction.  It's the ideal combination for growth."