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!

LIVING THE LEXUS LIFE WITH HOT SPRING TRENDS

HOT SPRING TRENDS

For Spring/ Summer 2012 designers created lots of wonderful collections from which we have traced a number of fashion trends for the season. These trends aren’t limited to a certain style. They are very diverse and reflect the state of modern fashion. And we say - we can't wait to try them!

                             

                                                                 Watches

Watches have become a very trendy fashion accessory -- you'll be seeing a variety of styles, colors, and shapes this coming season. STAMPS brand has been a big hit in Europe and can now be found at select US locations. This brand is very fashion forward and fun - allowing the wearer an easy and very affordable style 'change' with a variety of bands and hundreds of watch faces....HOT HOT HOT...a must have for 2012.

Handbags

The absence of which accessory will make even the well-thought-out image incomplete? Of course, it’s a handbag – stylish and fashionable, luxurious or simple, elegant or slouchy, each will perfectly finish your bright and unique look. Deep and varying shades of orange/tangerine, green/lime, purples, blue/turquoise and yellow/gold are the big fashion hits for spring and summer 2012.

This coming season, you'll be seeing unique novelty bags, as well as handbags with exotic shell and beadwork embellishments.

Handbags are the perfect affordable accessory to modernize your wardrobe from spring and summer. 

Other trends: To help you decide what pieces to keep and what to shelve for the coming spring and summer season, here are a few pieces that trended on the fall 2011 runways, possibly made their way into your wardrobe, and are still hot for spring.

 

                                              

 

   
Animal prints

Designers love exotic, and animal prints remain hot. Just pair your fall and winter zebra prints with summer white, or your leopard print with tan -- a perfect and trendy look for both spring and summer!

Bling

Bling is here to say as long as its done with restraint. A girl can't go wrong when she adds sparkle to her wardrobe, regardless of the season. Swarovski crystals are the choice of top designers, and add more sparkle than real diamonds. Embellished on bags, watches, bracelets belts, and caps, they are a hot item on runways from New York to Milan. Pair that bling accessory from the previous season with all the great bold colors for spring and summer, you will look terrific.

                                                                                     Wide leg pant

Of course heavy wool are not ideal for spring and summer, wide legged pants in lightweight fabrics or denim will easily make the transition to spring. Lighten up darker colored pants for the warmer months by pairing them with a white or light color top – and swap the boots for wedges or high heeled sandals.

Slit dress

While the runways for both seasons have seen plenty of evening wear and dress style options, you should work a casual slit into your wardrobe come spring. Pair a slit skirt with a cotton tank and casual jacket for an effortless spring look.

 

Hot New Hair Trends: from New York Fashion Week

Its quite apparent hairstyles are moving to 'easy elegance' for spring. The sporting life was a popular theme with styles that looked fresh from the ocean or outdoors. Classic American glamour had a big moment with polished ponytails, graceful braids, and bouncy blowouts. Still, nothing was too perfect or impeccable—deconstructed waves and undone knots and twists proved that having a bit of an edge is as chic as ever

Of course we think THIS is just about the hottest thing on the runway right now:)

Go Big - Go Green

When we see the color GREEN, we think of fresh cut grass, crisp cool limes and of course - ways to save the planet. Or at least, try to do our part in the initiative. But let's face it. We lead very busy lives and it is sometimes quite hard. How many times are you in the checkout line at the grocery store and notice the person in front of you pulling out their canvas bags and handing them to the cashier to bag their items? While we sheepishly stand back, smile and whisper "Plastic please." The obsessive use of paper towels to clean the kitchen? Forget about it. And how many of us are still getting paper utility statements in the mail?

Well, the time has come to start small (baby steps as the saying goes). And we thought we would share a few things with you that will make the process so much easier AND enjoyable.

1. EkoMiko Candle: Made from a repurposed wine bottle, the EkoMiko candle offers a smoke-free burn. ($70; shopekomiko.com).

2. Eco.Love wine: From vine to bottle, Eco.love Wines are made with earth-friendly practices. ($17; shopecolovewines.com).

3. A mini-septic system for Spot - the Doogie Dooley. (WHO KNEW?!) Completely harmless to your lawn! Genius...($40-$80)

4. These plastic-free food grade stainless steel popsicle molds are great for kids of all ages- fill them with juice, jello, tea, or even make frozen margaritas for your next outdoor BBQ! ($39.50; http://www.greenhome.com/)

5. And of course - our FAVORITE way to GO GREEN. How fun is THIS?