Lexus GX 460 Recall Announcement

In response to last week’s Consumer Reports warning of the GX 460’s handling during a high-speed test, today Lexus announced a voluntary recall of all 9,400 2010 model year GX 460s sold to date. These models will receive a software update to the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system. Quoting from the press release:

The VSC system helps control a loss of traction in turns as a result of front or rear wheel slippage during cornering.

“Toyota’s objective is to provide a high level of safety and quality, while meeting or surpassing governmental regulations. Our engineers have conducted tests to confirm the VSC performance issue raised by Consumer Reports, and we are confident this VSC software update addresses the concern,” said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.

All Lexus dealers will have the VSC software update by the end of April. Once the software update is available at dealerships, vehicle owners are encouraged to bring their 2010 GX 460 to a dealer at their earliest convenience for the update at no cost. The update should take approximately one hour depending on the dealers’ work schedule.

Although no accidents have been reported resulting from this issue, the VSC update should improve the vehicle’s response to situations like the Consumer Reports test. If you are a GX 460 owner, the full press release from Lexus USA may be helpful.

Making of Lexus IS “Hangar” Commercial

Check out the making of the IS Commercial!

http://lexusenthusiast.com/2010/04/05/making-of-lexus-is-airport-hangar-commercial/

Are you curious about the Lexus 2010 Sales Report?

Lexus led all luxury brands for the month, posting a substantial 36.5% increase in overall sales by daily rate and a 42.0% increase by overall volume. On the car front, the ES and IS lines posted healthy gains, up 15.1% and 24.0% respectively. The refreshed LS line held steady, and the new GX and RX lines continued to show strong growth. Revised models and the improved economy are likely factors to the big sales increase, along with sweetened lease and financing deals.


Overall, it seems that Lexus sales are continuing their recovery from industry-wide difficulties in 2009, although the coming months will tell if Lexus can maintain its luxury market leadership for longer than a decade. Already BMW execs have claimed that they expect Lexus to maintain its lead this year, but that they hope to take the luxury sales crown in 2012 (after saying they would do so in 2009). Lexus spokeswoman Nancy Hubbell responded this month that being the top seller in the luxury segment “has never been our goal.” With the exchange rate affecting profitability, it’s quite likely that overall sales numbers are just part of the equation

View the chart @ http://lexusenthusiast.com/2010/04/01/lexus-march-2010-sales-report/
 

Lexus Wins KBB Brand Awards for Interior Design and Comfort

Lexus came away with twin victories for Best Comfort Brand and Best Interior Design Brand. Here’s how KBB described these awards:


Best Comfort Brand: Lexus
Known from the very beginning for their quiet, comfortable highway rides, Lexus vehicles continue to offer more and more occupant-coddling amenities. Combined with renowned reliability and consistently high dealership ratings, the Lexus brand delivers a relaxing ownership experience.

Best Interior Design Brand: Lexus
Lexus interiors aren’t extravagant, plush or boundary-pushing, but the fit, finish and attention to detail deliver long-term allure. Clean, comfortable and simple define the typical Lexus interior, which remains user-friendly even as it continues to host more and more technology.

Comment and tell us what you think!

 

Do you still have questions about the recent recalls? Read on!

FAQs About the 2010 Prius/2010 Lexus HS 250h/Camry Voluntary Recalls


1. What is the problem with the 2010 Prius? The anti-lock brake system (ABS) in the 2010 model-year Prius, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction.

2. How is Toyota responding to this Prius issue?  Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for the 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage. The recall will allow Toyota dealers to perform this software update in the anti-lock brake systems of 2010 Prius vehicles sold prior to this production change.

3. Why does this only impact 2010 Prius models? First- and second-generation Prius vehicles use a different ABS system and are not involved in this campaign.

4. What is the problem with the Lexus HS 250h?  The anti-lock brake system on the Lexus HS 250h shares similar component design to the 2010 Prius, so it has been included on this recall.

5. How is Toyota responding to this Lexus issue?  The software adjustment planned for the Lexus HS 250h production and dealer modification is being finalized and will be announced very soon.

6. How many vehicles are impacted?  This recall involves approximately 133,000 2010 model year Prius vehicles and 14,550 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles.

7. What should 2010 Prius and Lexus HS 250h customers do if they experience this braking issue?  If a Prius or Lexus HS 250h owner were to experience this condition, pressing hard on the brake pedal will stop the vehicle safely.

8. Are these vehicles safe to drive until they get their update?  The vehicles are safe to drive because pressing hard on the brake pedal will stop the vehicle.

9. When can I get my vehicle fixed?  Toyota will begin sending letters to Prius owners included in this recall by mail next week and Lexus HS 250h owners within the next few weeks to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall.

10. How long will it take for a dealer to repair my vehicle?  The software update should only take approximately 30 minutes to install, depending on technician workflow.

11. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will drivers have to pay any money out of pocket for this work?  Toyota will cover all repair costs associated with this work.

12. Is this recall related to the ongoing Toyota recalls associated with sudden unintended acceleration?  No, this recall is unrelated to the ongoing recall of Toyota vehicles for sticking gas pedals and floor mat entrapment issues.

13. What is the problem with the Camry?  On certain early production 2010 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4-cylinder engine, a power steering pressure hose in the engine compartment may be the incorrect length. If this condition exists, a crimp on the power steering pressure hose may come in contact with the No. 7 front brake tube. Should this condition continue, a hole may wear in the brake tube and deplete the brake fluid in the vehicle. As a result, the brake pedal stroke will increase and lead to greater vehicle stopping distance.

14. Which and how many vehicles are involved? Approximately 7,300 Camry vehicles in the U.S. are involved.

15. Are there any warnings that this condition exists? No, there are no specific warnings that this condition exists.

16. What is Toyota going to do? Any Toyota dealer will inspect and, if necessary, adjust the space between the brake tube and the power steering pressure hose crimp. Based upon the inspection results, the dealership may need to replace the brake tube. The inspection/adjustment and, if necessary, the brake tube replacement, will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner.

17. When will Camry owners be notified? Toyota will notify owners by mail starting in mid-February 2010.

18. Where can I get more information on this recall? Information for Toyota customers can be found at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Information for Lexus customers can be found at lexus.com and at the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987.

This was found at https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/magazine/content.do#:/pub-share/magazine/html/Lexus-News/index.html

Have nothing to do with your weekend?

If you have nothing to this weekend and if you like basketball, please read on!

While listening to the radio, a volunteer opportunity caught my attention.  This weekend will be a year that two young athletes were murdered in their Raytown home.  Amir Clemons, 10, and Gerard Clemons,7 were exceptional basketball players and students. In remembrance of these two young boys, Clemons Memorial Basketball Classic was established in 2010. 

The Clemons Memorial Basketball Classic was established in 2010 by the Clemons family in memory of their 10-year-old son Amir and 7-year-old son Gerard, who were tragically killed in a quadruple murder on March 16, 2009. The Clemons Memorial Basketball Classic is dedicated to promoting programs that provide recreational and educational activities for our youth. By doing so, it will help build their self-esteem and provide a safe haven to help them develop their basketball skills in a structured environment, and then to provide positive activities for our youth to keep them off the streets.

This weekend offers a fun and competitive time while it being for a good cause!

If you're interested in competing in this tournament, contact JAMES PRICE AT (816) 309-9257 or kcthundercats@sbcglobal.net.

View the official Clemons Memorial Basketball Classic Website @ http://www.theclemonsclassic.org/index.htm

Lexus Benefits and Events

Did you know?

Lexus Owners are eligible to receive room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive offers courtesy of the Lexus owner benefits program. Where can you find more information?

https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/benefits/partner/home.do