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Lexus' First-Quarter Sales Set New Record

13 April 2000

Lexus' First-Quarter Sales Set New Record - North American Production for RX 300 Announced

    TORRANCE, Calif., April 12 As the first quarter of 2000
comes to a close, Lexus continues its strong sales pace and looks forward to
upcoming North American production.
    Lexus posted record first-quarter sales of 44,503 units, an increase of
7 percent over the same period in 1999.  Supporting the first-quarter figures
are exceptional sales of Lexus sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and the Platinum
Series sedans.
    "The market is amazingly strong right now, and we're selling everything we
have, but we have only nine days in dealer stock," commented Bryan
Bergsteinsson, Lexus group vice president and general manager.  "Our sales
would be even higher if our dealers had more cars to move."
    First-quarter sales of the RX 300 mid-size SUV continue to surpass
previous sales records, reaching 20,738 units, an increase of 38 percent from
this time last year.  March sales alone were 7,644 units, up 30 percent from
1999.  To meet demand for this SUV, RX 300 production will be added in North
America.  By 2003, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. (TMMC) will build
the RX 300 at its Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, facility, making it the first
plant outside Japan to produce a Lexus model.
    The LX 470 premium luxury SUV also showed increased sales during the first
quarter, rising 14 percent over 1999 to 4,214 units.
    Lexus sedan sales also are on the rise.  March sales were up 14.2 percent
from February thanks to the Platinum Series ES 300, GS 300/400, and LS 400
sedans.  The Platinum Series offers exclusive vehicle upgrades and unique
colors.  Additionally, Platinum Series customers receive an American Express
Platinum Card for two years, compliments of Lexus.
    First-quarter Lexus pre-owned sales also rose 10.3 percent over last year
with Lexus Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales up 9.3 percent.  A Lexus
Certified Pre-Owned vehicle must pass 125 quality, maintenance and appearance
checks and comes with additional warranty and service programs.