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.
The 2013 Lexus GS climate control system has been named the Interior Innovation of the Year by the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards:
“The Lexus GS features a Denso climate control system that moisturises those inside the vehicle! The industry has already had purified and scented air-con systems, but the Japanese OEM takes things to a new level by using nanotechnology that purifies the air coming out of the vents in order to moisturise the hair and skin of the occupants.
”This air cleaning technology releases negatively charged water-wrapped ions into the cabin, which purify the air and eliminate odour in the cabin. They also deodorise the vehicle seats and roof lining, and have a moisturizing effect on skin and hair — definitely a technology well-deserving of an award.
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 Lexus GS Hybrid – Uses Bamboo For Eco-Friendly Steering Wheel
From the beginning, and even today – Lexus has been all about the details. From craftsmanship to performance, the passionate pursuit of perfection has always been a true motto for Lexus. But the pursuit doesn’t stop with engineering – it is shown in their innovative ways to utilize sustainable materials and processes, and keep the brand luxurious.
The new Lexus GS 450h is no exception, and being a hybrid, required some innovative ideas beyond the norm to make sure it was earth-friendly. One way Lexus Global was able to contribute to this effort was to create the steering wheel and interior trim areas from bamboo. Watch this video to learn more about they how and why behind this concerted effort.
