August 15, 2013

Toyota Motor Sales Earns Three 2013 AutoPacific 'Ideal Vehicle Awards'

• Toyota Avalon Hybrid Named Top Hybrid/EV
• Lexus Recognized for Luxury Mid-size Car and Hybrid Crossover – ES 350 and RX 450h

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TORRANCE, Calif., August 15, 2013 - - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) demonstrated its ability to listen to its customers yet again. Three TMS vehicles were named in the annual AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA). The Toyota Avalon Hybrid flagship sedan was named the 2013 top Hybrid/EV while the Lexus ES was named ideal luxury mid-size car and the Lexus RX 450h was honored with ideal hybrid crossover.

The AutoPacific IVA “recognizes the cars that best meet their owner’s expectations and desires about their automotive purchases.”        

The first Avalon to offer Toyota’s legendary Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Avalon Hybrid generates 200 horsepower while delivering a city/highway combined 40 miles-per-gallon.  Avalon hybrid combines elegant and athletic styling with interior comfort and refinement.

Launched in early 2013, the fourth-generation Avalon is the most American Avalon yet as it was designed and developed in the U.S. and assembled exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Ky.

The 2013 model year marks the sixth generation of the Lexus ES and the introduction of the first-ever ES 300h with Lexus Hybrid Drive. The 2013 ES luxury sedan has a progressive new design and enhanced handling. The 2013 RX 450h features the signature Lexus spindle grille, an upgraded interior and EPA fuel economy estimates of 30 mpg combined for front-wheel drive models.

The IVA are based on a model-year survey of more than 52,000 vehicle owners across all manufacturers to reveal the vehicles that best meet the owners’ demands.  The award survey covers 15 key vehicle attributes including: exterior styling, exterior size, passenger roominess, cargo space, driver’s seat comfort, driver’s seat visibility, info/entertainment technology, interior lighting, power and acceleration, ease of getting in and out, interior storage compartments, ride, handling, safety features and tires and wheels.

ALL NEW 2013 LEXUS ES COMING SOON!

The all-new 2013 Lexus ES is much more than meets the eye. Here are eight videos showcasing some of the leading technologies that are making heads turn in the luxury vehicle market. 
 

                                          SNEAK PEEK AT THE ALL-NEW ES 350
 
 

                                          2013 LEXUS ES BODY AERODYNAMICS

 

                                          2013 LEXUS ES BODY RIDIGITY
 

                                          2013 LEXUS ES PRISTINE PRODUCTION DETAILS
 
 

                                          2013 LEXUS ES SAFETY: BLIND SPOT MONITOR
 
 

                                          2013 LEXUS ES SAFETY: LANE DEPARTURE ALERT
 
 

                                          2013 LEXUS ES SAFETY: VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL
 
 

                                          2013 LEXUS ES SAFETY: REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT

Lexus Once Again Leads Auto Brands in Perceived Quality

With a long-held reputation for superior vehicle quality, it may come as no surprise that Lexus was once again at the top of ALG’s recent Perceived Quality Study (PQS). However, the Spring 2012 PQS indicates that the luxury automaker is actually increasing its perception lead over competitors as it revamps its offerings at Lexus dealers.

Based off of surveys of more than 3,000 U.S. consumers, the semi-annual PQS rates the perceived quality of each auto brand on a scale of zero to 100. Lexus received a score of 85.4 in the Spring 2012 report, which was an improvement of 2.4 points from last spring’s report and enough to again top all auto brands in the study. The luxury make also increased its lead over its closest luxury competitor, Mercedes-Benz, by 2.2 points compared to the Spring 2011 PQS.






It is very impressive that Lexus is seeing a spike in perceived quality even as it introduces more daring designs across its lineup. The new 2013 GS 350 is great example of that - sales have completely exceeded our expectations. Customers love the new technology and it continues to bring in new customers that have never sat in the driver's seat of a Lexus.


Lexus is in the process of coming out with nine new or redesigned models, and the next car to take on its sportier family style will be the all-new 2013 Lexus ES coming in mid-August. Wearing the brand’s new signature spindle grille, the 2013 ES sedan receives a lower profile and sleeker design lines aimed at attracting younger buyers. Meanwhile, suspension revisions and a quicker steering-gear ratio allow for improved straight-line stability and ride comfort, as well as more responsive handling.






For its more eco-conscious buyers, Lexus will also be offering a hybrid ES for the first time. The 2013 Lexus ES 300h will feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated with two electric motors and a nickel-metal hydride battery to net a manufacturer-estimated 40 mpg in the city. Along with the strictly gas-powered 2013 ES 350, the ES 300h will let drivers tailor their ride between higher performance and better fuel efficiency with a Drive Mode selector.






Even with a new generation on the way, the current Lexus ES continues to be a popular item in the showroom. As Lexus’ best-selling car, the ES moved 2,937 units in the United States in May, a 22-percent increase compared to the same month last year. Still, it was sales of the new 2013 Lexus GS that saw the most impressive boost, rising 552 percent last month compared to May 2011.




We are very excited for the future!

5 WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR LEXUS NEEDS SERVICE

Small problems are easier to fix than big problems. However, most big problems start out as small problems that didn’t get the right attention and repair. Sometimes the small problems are intentionally (and unwisely) overlooked, but other times they simply go unnoticed until they reach “big problem” status.

To catch such problems while they are still minor and easy to fix, here are some warning signs that your Lexus should be brought in for service:




1.Low fluids. Your luxury vehicle runs on fluids; without them, nothing would work. The engine, transmission, brakes, steering, air conditioner, heater and even the battery become useless without the correct amount of the right fluids. If any of the levels are low, that means the fluids are leaking or being burned up somewhere. Once the levels get too low, major damage can result.


2.Unusual noises. If your Lexus has started playing a new tune—especially one that includes squeaks, squeals, rattles or roars—you should bring it in for a tune-up.


3.Changes in the gauges. It’s a good habit to occasionally glance at the gauges on the dashboard. Though they usually have a fairly wide “safe” operating range, you’ll notice that they tend to stay within a very narrow range under normal operating conditions. If they suddenly start to drift from that narrow band, a problem may be developing, even if they are still in the range considered “safe”.


4.Decreased performance. Luxury vehicles are built to high performance standards, whether that means acceleration, braking, handling or a smooth ride. As the regular driver, you are the person best suited to notice any decrease in performance and suspect that something must be wrong.


5.The vehicle is asking for it. Modern vehicles monitor themselves for any problems and ask for service when needed via warning lights, such as the “service engine soon” light. Too many people ignore such obvious warnings or put off doing anything about them.


So, if your Lexus is displaying any of these warning signs, please don't hesitate to bring it in to Superior Lexus Service Department - we will make sure to get you back on the road in no time:)

THE ALL NEW 2013 ES IS REVEALED! AND WE SAY - WOW!

TAKE A LOOK AT THIS GORGEOUS MACHINE! SHE WILL BE HERE

 VERY SOON! ARE YOU READY TO TAKE HER FOR A SPIN?

REAR VIEW - HOW SLEEK!

THE ESSENCE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY

CAN'T YOU JUST SMELL THAT BEAUTIFUL SCENT OF NEW CAR LEATHER?

YOUR MORNING COMMUTE JUST BECAME INCREDIBLY ENJOYABLE.

JUST WAITING FOR YOU TO TAKE HOME.

COME ON, YOU KNOW YOU DESERVE IT.

Check out the video introduction of the All-New Lexus ES from today to learn more about the enhancements featured in this new Lexus debut!

9 Problem Solvers

Here in Kansas City, Old Man Winter has a nasty way of creeping up on us. So we have identified 9 ways to help you breeze through these icy months ahead.  From slick sidewalks to highway safety, we’ve got you covered!

1. Thermal Stair Mats - No more slipping on the hard concrete! These easy to install, electronically heated mats are designed to prevent ice and snow accumulation on your stairs around your home.

2. Extra Long Boot Tray - Dragging nasty winter muck in the house from the garage? Problem solved! This easy to clean, boot tray is weather-resistant and collects dirt, mud and snow, keeping your beautiful wood floors spotless and shining.

3. Thermal Pet Throw -  Keep Sammy warm and cozy in your GX 460 with a plush thermal throw. Great for use and home or while traveling, this handy comforter is machine washable and includes a car adaptor!

4. Solar Emergency Radio - Travel can be tricky this time of year. Make sure you are safe and communication is readily available with this Fire Engine Red Solar Emergency Radio.

5. Polyester Auto Windshield Cover - There is nothing worse than having to scrape off your windshield after having a long day at the office. Keeping your windshield snow and ice free is a snap with this handy windshield cover. Made of a strong polyester, it can handle the toughest weather conditions.

6. Using Cooking Spray as an Ice Repellent - Cut your shovel time in half!? It sounds crazy - but it WORKS! If you don't have a snow blower, spraying your shovel with cooking spray helps the snow and ice easily slide off.

7. Lexus Car Cover - Whether you are heading out to a Jayhawks game or just very particular about your beautiful new ES 350, this light, silky, UV-resistant car cover has side-mirror pockets that keep it centered, a heat-resistant patch around the exhaust area, a license plate window and an integrated storage bag.

8. Auto Trash Bag - Water bottles, cereal bar wrappers, McDonald's napkins - all that trash quickly accumulates in your car. Now there is any easy way to keep it all in check with this handy Caselogic gem! With an easy-to-adjust universal hook and cord lock attachment system, it allows for attachment anywhere in your vehicle.

9. Deer Alerts - We live in the Midwest and that means you will see deer on the side of the highway. Deer are vehicle destroyers - point blank. Deer are erratic, unpredictable, and big enough to cause massive damage to your car - an quite possibly you or a passenger - if contact occurs. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), deer-related accidents cause an estimated $1.1 billion in vehicle damage every year. Don't be a statistic. A deer alert system can save your vehicle and your life.