WORLDWIDE SALES 2015 - Lexus ends the year with sales 12% up on the previous year, 2016 will be bigger.

Lexus International today announced it sold approximately 652,000 vehicles globally in 2015, up 12 percent from 2014. A full year of the all new RC and NX sales, and the introductions of redesigned ES, RX, and LX models, furthered market share increases in many global markets including Japan, U.S.A., and Europe. 

Sales in Europe increased 20 percent to approximately 64,000 vehicles, the most for a major market in percentage terms; including a 31 percent gain in Western Europe.  Sales in China increased to approximately 88,500 vehicles, a 14 percent increase; and North America sales increased to approximately 368,000 vehicles, a 12 percent gain. 

Accentuating its luxury hybrid leadership, with almost 1 million hybrid Lexus vehicles sold to date, hybrid sales globally were approximately 149,000 vehicles and accounted for 23 percent of sales.

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President at Lexus International said: “2015 was an amazing year for Lexus International.  In addition to the new and redesigned models in our stable, we began rolling out our most advanced vehicle safety portfolio – Lexus Safety System +, and began ES production in North America.  

Our entire vehicle line-up design has evolved to be more bold and emotional, and our brand initiatives are resonating as an extension of the Lexus ownership experience.  We appreciate luxury consumers taking notice and honoring us with a fourth straight year of double digit percentage growth.” 

At Lexus, we believe growth is the product of doing the right things for our customers and building brand advocacy.  The following are just some of the activities we undertook and industry honors received in 2015.

Initiatives

The first INTERSECT BY LEXUS luxury brand experience space outside Japan opened in Dubai, UAE.  This new two story space is located in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC). 

Lexus named the first automaker winner of the Milano Design Award for Best Entertaining for its "Lexus – A Journey of the Senses" exhibit at Milan Design Week, the world's largest design exhibition.  Additionally, the first-ever Lexus Design Award Grand Prix winner was announced.

The third Lexus Short Films Series winners announced at the Napa Valley Film Festival.  In 2013, Lexus Short Films was launched with the goal of supporting and nurturing a new generation of emerging filmmakers. 

The ninth annual Lexus Eco Challenge registration opened with a chance to win $500,000 in grants and scholarships.  Through the Lexus Eco Challenge, students will learn about the environment, team work and how they can take steps to make their communities better.

Lexus partnered with leading super conductive technology experts to create one of the most advanced Hoverboards ever.  The Lexus Hoverboard is part of the global ‘Amazing in Motion’ campaign. 

Lexus established “The Lexus Endowment” of $100,000 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), one of 19 schools that offer a PGA Golf Management program that covers a broad range of aspects of the golf enterprise, and the only historically black institution to offer such a program. 

Honors

Lexus named the Luxury Brand with the Best Resale Value in Kelley Blue Book’s 2016 Best Resale Value Awards. This is the fifth year in a row Lexus has been named the luxury brand with the best projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership.  Six 2016 Lexus models were honored with Best Resale Value for their perspective vehicle categories: RC 200t/RC 300/RC 350, ES 300h, GS 200t/GS 350, RX 450h, GX 460, and LX 570. 

The NX 200t was awarded ‘Best Compact Premium SUV’ at the 2015 Middle East Car of the Year Awards (MECOTY). 

CT was the overall winner in the Car Environmental List, an annual evaluation by the Traffic Association Germany (VCD). 

Lexus topped the largest car satisfaction surveys, Autoindex, in Sweden and Norway, for the fourth time. 

Lexus dominated the Auto Express Driver Power 2015 survey, receiving six awards including those for best manufacturer and – for the IS saloon – best car. The IS also took the top spot in the best compact executive car category and was the highest­ rated model for ease of driving. The NX was named best car for build quality within its first six months on the road in the UK. 

The independent German institute for environmental research ‘Ökotrend’ (Ecological Trend) and the car magazine ‘Auto Test’ recognized the GS 300h as the most ecological car in the premium middle class.  The evaluation of the vehicle’s environmental performance was conducted based on its fuel consumption and emissions for its entire life cycle, including production, logistics and recycling. 

RX achieved the best-ever pedestrian protection score out of all large SUVs ever tested by Euro NCAP and achieves a 5 –Star rating.

CT , ES, RC, and NX, earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+, IIHS’s highest recognition for crashworthiness and front crash prevention.  

Lexus ranked highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a fourth consecutive year in the 2015 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The ES ranked highest in the Compact Premium Car segment and the GX was awarded among Midsize Premium SUVs.  The ES was the highest ranked model among all vehicles in the study.  

Product Highlights

Lexus Safety System +, a portfolio of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of vehicle speeds package began rolling out in Japan, North America and Europe.

ES 350 production began in Georgetown Kentucky.  

Regional Highlights

Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Lexus in the UAE, officially inaugurated a new facility in Ras Al Khaimah, making it the first Lexus 3S Centre in the UAE (sales, service and spare parts) and bringing to 17 the total number of Lexus facilities in the UAE. 

2015 was the first full year of sales in Vietnam, after opening our first dealership in Ho Chi Minh City followed by Hanoi in 2014

Approved in July 2015, Lexus’ first dealership in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, opened its doors at a temporary location in November.  A newly constructed Lexus showroom and service facility will open later this year.

Sales by Region

North America:  Approximately 368,000 vehicles, 12 percent increase

China:  Approximately 88,500 vehicles, 14 percent increase

Europe:  Approximately 64,000 vehicles, 20 percent increase

Japan:  Approximately 48,000 vehicles, 9 percent increase

Middle East:  Approximately 44,400 vehicles, 5 percent increase

East Asia and Oceania: Approximately 30,000 vehicles, 10 percent increase

Other markets combined:  Approximately 9,400 vehicles, 26 percent increase

USA - Mitsubishi unveils the visually refreshed 16 Model year Lancer Compact Saloon, looks better than ever.

• The 2016 Lancer showcases a new design while boasting enhanced features and technology
• With a starting MSRP of $17,595, the ES trim marks the most comprehensive standard equipment package ever included on an entry-level Lancer

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced the fun-to-drive 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, featuring a new design and a standard features list more impressive than before. With a starting MSRP of $17,595, the Lancer is strongly positioned as a value leader in the compact sedan segment.

"The 2016 Lancer not only looks good with its updated styling, but it drives and performs at a level well beyond its value-oriented price point," said MMNA executive vice president, Don Swearingen. 

"The new 2016 Lancer builds upon the legacy of challenging what a compact car can be in terms of design, technology and performance, all at an affordable price."

Beyond its new design, the 2016 Lancer boasts an updated list of standard features at the ES trim level such as FUSE Hands-free Link System®, automatic air condition climate control, fog lights, alloy wheels and new LED daytime running lights, further enhancing the compact sedan's value story. 

The SE trim level features all-wheel control, heated front seats, rearview camera and display audio with HD radio, while the new SEL trim level adds leather seats, rain sensing wipers with auto on/off headlights, auto-dimming mirror and more. 

The GT trim level is even more fun-to-drive with sport-tuned suspension, larger disc brakes, 18 inch two-tone alloy wheels, sunroof and rear spoiler, and is available as a 5-speed manual or with the new generation CVT8. Sportronic Steering wheel paddle shifters are available for the GT trim.

Other additions for the 2016 Lancer include new seat fabrics, a newly designed center console with built-in USB port, and two new colors—Diamond White Pearl and Alloy Silver. 

Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control system is now more readily available at the lower ES trim level, and a new generation CVT8 transmission improves performance and fuel economy.

Known for its commitment to safety, the Mitsubishi Lancer has been named an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" for seven years running in 2015, and continues its record of excellence with a comprehensive list of safety features/technologies in each Lancer model, such as Mitsubishi Motors advanced Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety body construction system. 

Additional piece of mind is offered by the brand's industry-leading warranty that includes a fully transferable 5-year/60,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty; 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance.

USA SALES AUGUST - TOYOTA/LEXUS - The auto giants woes continue with a big drop in monthly sales.

• Highlander and Tacoma Post Best August Sales Since 2003
• Lexus posts Best-Ever August Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported August 2015 sales of 224,381 units, a decrease of 8.8 percent from August 2014 on a volume basis.  With one less selling day in August 2015 than in August 2014, sales were down 5.3 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. 

Toyota Division posted August 2015 sales of 190,894 units, down 10.5 percent on a volume and 7.1 percent on a DSR basis. 

"Consumer confidence is at its highest level since January, despite predicted slower August industry sales,” said Bill Fay, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “For the Toyota Division, Tacoma and Highlander had their best sales month since 2003. In September, we are excited for the launch of the all-new Scion iM, iA and the 2016 Tacoma.”

Lexus reported August sales of 33,487 units, up 2.1 percent from August 2014 on a volume basis and 6.0 percent on a DSR basis. 

"The luxury market continued its hot streak last month," said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "In August, Lexus had a best-ever sales month, led by the all-new NX and RC."

August 2015 Highlights:

• Corolla posted sales of 31,726 units
• Camry August sales were 37,592 units
• Total TMS light trucks posted sales of 93,575 units
• Highlander up more than 16 percent
• 4Runner up over 15 percent
• RAV4 posted sales of 30,534 units
• Sequoia posted sales of 1,048 units
• Combined Tacoma and Tundra pickup sales up 0.4 percent
• Lexus luxury utility vehicles up 15.2 percent
• All-new NX posted sales of 4,448 units
• All-new RC posted sales of 1,337 units
• GX posted sales of 2,221 units

*Note:  Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume

USA - Lexus ES 300h, Compellingly efficient and more alluring for 2016.

Lexus did not become the luxury hybrid leader overnight, but rather as a result of a focused strategy begun more than a decade ago. Today, the 2016 ES 300h is one of a family of six Lexus hybrid models, which recently grew with the new NX 200h hybrid crossover.

Compellingly efficient, the Lexus ES 300h becomes more alluring for 2016 thanks to a design makeover that touches much of the exterior and interior. New safety, multimedia and connectivity technology uphold the brand’s penchant for catering to its customers’ lifestyles.

The current-generation ES 300h was already wearing the Lexus spindle grille, the brand’s signature design feature, and for 2016 it gets an even bolder, one-piece version framed by elegant satin chrome trim. New standard LED headlights give the ES 300h a more distinctive face, day or night. A fully redesigned front fascia puts the fog lights at the corners to accentuate the wide stance.

At the rear, the ES 300h now shows a closer kinship to the flagship LS sedan with distinctive

L-themed taillights. The freshened design extends to new and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and four new exterior colors. (It’s worth noting that all of the ES 300h’s available paint colors use self-healing clear coat technology.) As before, the ES 300h conveys its hybrid identity through subtle cues, including a trunk lip spoiler, hidden exhaust pipe and blue hybrid badges.

See How It Runs

The beauty of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system comes through in its transparent operation. The system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with an electric motor to generate

200 total system horsepower. It will run on electric motor or gas engine alone, or a combination of both, based on the driving situation. The Hybrid System Indicator shows use of energy and encourages efficient driving habits.

The electronic continuously variable transmission is a further contributor to the car’s smooth demeanor. There’s driving spirit here, too, and the driver can tailor that by choosing from among four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and EV.

Normal mode could be called “everyday mode.” Select it when you want an ideal blend of performance and efficiency for, well, everyday driving situations.

Switching into Sport mode puts an edge on performance response that you not only feel, but also see: selecting Sport mode changes the gauge cluster lighting to a fiery red and replaces the Hybrid System Indicator with a tachometer.

Eco mode favors fuel economy, and in EV mode, the ES 300h can be driven short distances at reduced speed on battery power alone.

The ES 300h also has excellent EPA fuel economy ratings of 40 mpg city / 39 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined, along with, of course, the ability to refuel at any gasoline station.

New Lexus Safety System+

Starting with 10 standard airbags, the 2016 Lexus ES 300h offers exemplary safety through its robust structure and a wide array of driver-assist technologies. For 2016, the new optional Lexus Safety System+ Package combines the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control works at speeds over 25 mph. It tracks the speed of the vehicle traveling ahead and can adjust the speed setting accordingly to help maintain a preset distance. PCS can detect vehicles -- and in some circumstances, pedestrians – by using a combination of millimeter-wave radar and a front-facing camera. The

system can warn the driver of a possible collision and can initiate automatic braking with Brake Assist if necessary.

Using a camera to monitor visible lane markings, Lane Departure Alert is designed to warn the driver if the vehicle is drifting so the driver can steer back into the lane. Lane Departure Alert, with Steering Assist enabled, can help the vehicle stay in the center of its lane by smoothly increasing steering torque a small amount to assist in maintaining course.

IHB combines technology, safety and driving courtesy: it can sense headlights from oncoming traffic, and also the taillights of the vehicle traveling in front, and automatically adjusts high- and low-beam illumination.

The optional Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles in side blind spots and alert the driver to rear cross traffic when backing out of a parking space.

Entry Luxury Defined – and Defied

New interior colors and color coordination, soft-touch materials and silver-trimmed piano black door switch plates are among the details that give the 2016 ES 300h interior a richer appearance and feel. New trims are for 2016 are Linear Dark Mocha, Illustrious Piano Black (replaces Piano Black) and Bamboo with a matte finish (replaces gloss finish).

The new steering wheel has a sportier look and feel, and allows the driver to easily view the large multi-information display that links to multimedia functions. A new shift knob with a leather boot echoes the shifter design in the Lexus IS.

The 2016 Lexus ES 300h defies the “entry” part of entry luxury, thanks to standard 10-way adjustable power front seats; automatic climate control; NuLuxe perforated upholstery; a power tilt-and-slide moonroof; power-adjustable outside mirrors with turn signals and defoggers; remote-linked power window and moonroof opening and Lexus Personalized Settings to customize select electronic functions.

Premium, Luxury and Ultra Luxury Packages present a sensible tiered approach to adding optional amenities. For 2016, the latter two packages add wood trim on the center console and an improved “emboss” pattern on the seats.

Great Connections

Smartphones and tablets have made getting information and entertainment from the same source a given. The standard Display Audio system in the 2016 ES 300h follows suit, reinforced by the brand’s expanded Lexus Enform family of information and connectivity services for 2016.

Display Audio features a seven-inch screen and includes HD RadioTM, Bluetooth® audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio. You never need miss an old favorite on the radio with the cache feature – just pause it for up to 15-minutes, say, when you need to when you need to discuss your next destination with your rear passengers.

With Lexus Enform Remote (one-year trial subscription included), the customer can remotely view and control certain aspects of the vehicle using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Once registered, the app can operate remote door lock/unlock; remote stop/start for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more.

With Lexus Enform Service Connect, new for 2016, the ES 300h can tell you what it needs, and when. Use the MyLexusandBeyond mobile app (for iOS devices) or LexusDrivers.com website to set push-reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues – including, for example, required maintenance warning light will alert you and your dealer of a specific factory recommended maintenance for a specific maintenance interval.

Lexus Enform Safety Connect is standard on all 2016 Lexus vehicles, with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365.

With the navigation option comes the Lexus Enform App Suite, a veritable in-car personal concierge service. Use voice-enabled apps to search the Internet through Destination Services, make restaurant reservations through

OpenTable®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.comTM, listen to Internet radio, (including Pandora®, iHeartRadio and Slacker), search business reviews on Yelp®, and check in on Facebook PlacesTM. Lexus Enform Destination Services, eDestination and Destination Assist, comes with the optional navigation system (one-year trial subscription included).

Three’s not a crowd on the eight-inch Display Audio screen that comes with the Navigation option: it can be divided into up to three sections to show different functions simultaneously. You can view navigation/map while also having a window for audio or another system. The Lexus Navigation system acts as a co-pilot, providing 3D map with bird’s eye views, predictive traffic information, detour preview, ETA calculation and fuel station locations. Putting numerous vehicle system controls at your fingertips, the available second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) is the easiest way to access multimedia in the ES 300h. The computer mouse-like controller on the center console can operate the climate control, audio system, phone, optional navigation system and more. Menus show in the Display Audio screen.

For 2016, the RTI controller gets new, easier to use “enter” buttons on both sides.

iPhone® users have yet another control option -- Siri® Eyes Free Mode. Make calls, select songs from iTunes®, get turn-by-turn navigation through Apple Maps, and much more, all by asking Siri.

Premium Sound, a Lexus Tradition

Whether you’ve gone all digital with an iPod® or smartphone for music, or still tote around your CD collection, the standard eight-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System plays along. It gives you the choice of using an in-dash CD player, USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth® audio streaming, HD RadioTM with iTunes® tagging, and an integrated SiriusXM® Satellite Radio receiver (with all-access 90-day trial subscription).

Pinnacle audio performance in the Lexus ES 300h comes from the optional Mark Levinson® Premium Sound system. New for 2016, it’s available with any option package. Powering 15 speakers with 835-watts, the system turns the car into a private rolling listening room. Borrowing from high-end home audio, Clari-Fi technology can enhance the sound of compressed digital audio (satellite radio, mobile streaming, mp3, etc.).

What’s New for 2016

Restyled with bolder, chrome-trimmed spindle grille, LED headlights, new front fascia and L-themed taillights. Numerous exterior detail upgrades, including a new 17-inch wheel design and exterior colors (Autumn Shimmer, Nightfall Mica, Caviar and Eminent White Pearl).

Lexus Safety System+ combining Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

New connectivity with Lexus Enform Remote; Lexus Enform Service Connect through mobile app or website for vehicle information and alerts.

New interior luxury features and finishes, including Flaxen interior; Linear Dark Mocha wood, Illustrious Piano Black wood (replaces Piano Black) and Bamboo with a matte finish (replaces gloss finish).

Mark Levinson Premium Sound available with all option packages.

Lexus Hybrid Drive

The low friction 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine uses a sophisticated power management system and high compression ratio (12.5:1) to increase overall efficiency.

Equipped with an electric water pump, electric power steering and an integrated hybrid electric motor/generator, this engine does not require any accessory belts. The beltless design helps improve fuel economy and overall reliability.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

Front suspension employs opposite-wound coil springs to help enhance straight-line stability.

High body rigidity achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and more spot welds

High body rigidity achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and more spot welds then previous generation model.

Airflow is smoothed beneath the vehicle, enhancing driver control and fuel economy.

Standard 215/55R17 low-rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels; 18-inch alloy wheels available.

Safety/Security Features

10 airbags as standard equipment, including driver and front passenger knee airbags, driver and front passenger front and seat-mounted side airbags, rear outboard seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.

Available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear-end collisions, helping to decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries.