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Lexus Sets New All-Time Sales Record and Becomes Best-Selling Luxury Brand For the First Time

3 January 2001

Lexus Sets New All-Time Sales Record and Becomes Best-Selling Luxury Brand For the First Time

    TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 3 Amid record low temperatures
across the country, Lexus heated up the sales thermometer to a sizzling
206,037 units for the year 2000, an all-time sales record for the luxury
automaker.  Lexus' record-setting sales represents an increase of 10.8 percent
from 1999.  In a very competitive and tight market, Lexus became the
top-selling luxury brand edging out Mercedes-Benz by a mere 423 units.
    "Since our launch in 1989, the Lexus philosophy has been to engineer the
highest quality vehicles, provide unparalleled customer service and link the
two with an outstanding dealer network," commented Denny Clements, Lexus group
vice president and general manager.  "We remain committed to this ethic and
although we didn't set out to be No. 1 in sales, we're thrilled to see our
efforts propel us to the top spot in the luxury market."
    With the introduction of the LS 430 premium luxury sedan and the IS 300
compact sport sedan, Lexus saw passenger car sales climb to 101,441, a
4.9 percent increase over 1999.  Lexus' sport utility sales also remained
strong with sales of 104,596 units, up 17.2 percent from 1999.  The RX 300
remained the top-selling Lexus vehicle with 2000 sales of 89,864, an increase
of 22.3 from the previous year.
    Lexus also posted the best-ever December in its 11-year history with sales
of 21,168 units, a 30.5 percent increase over December 1999. December sales of
the RX 300 reached a new best-ever month at 9,248 units, a 22.8 percent
increase over December 1999.
    Lexus pre-owned business also experienced a record-setting year. Calendar
year-to-date pre-owned sales of 48,157 represents an increase of 4.0 percent
over 1999.  Lexus pre-owned sales for December marked a best-ever month in the
company's history with 4,666 units sold, up 23 percent from the previous
December.

                                    December 2000       Year-End 2000
    ES 300:                             3,531              41,320
    LS 400/430:                         2,940              15,871
    SC 300:                                 8                 450
    SC 400:                                 2                 181
    GS 300:                             1,908              21,921
    GS 430:                               499               6,158
    IS 300:                             2,147              15,540
    LX 470:                               885              14,732
    RX 300:                             9,248              89,864
    Total Lexus:                       21,168             206,037
    (figures include Hawaii)