Toyota President Apologizes For Recent Troubles

During a speech to the Japan National Press Club on Friday, new Toyota president Akio Toyoda was frankly apologetic over the company’s recent troubles: He expressed grief over a fatal crash that led to a recall of 3.8 million cars, regrets about an expected second consecutive annual loss and sorrow over the decision to close …

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Kevin · October 4th, 2009

Lexus wants YOUR car for SEMA 2009

If you own a modded Lexus, Lexus USA could be looking to feature your car as part of their display at SEMA this year! The company is holding a contest to find the best and brightest—to enter you have to submit three photos, a list of modifications, and your contact details to (JavaScript must be …

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Kevin · October 1st, 2009

2010 Lexus ES 350 now on Lexus USA Website

The Lexus USA website has been updated to include the 2010 Lexus ES 350, with plenty of photos of the updated sedan—I especially like this image: Available packages & pricing have also been updated, and I don’t picture it being much longer before the model is available at dealerships. [Source: Lexus USA Website]
Kevin · October 1st, 2009

Lexus USA September 2009 Sales Report

In a very nice turn of events, Lexus USA saw their first sales increase of this year—here are the full details: September Year to Date 2009 2008 % CHG 2009 2008 % CHG IS 3,346 3,044 5.5 27,911 40,372 -30.6 HS 1,242 0 1,785 0 ES 3,046 4,042 -27.7 33,431 50,642 -33.7 GS 501 977 …

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Kevin · October 1st, 2009

Photos of the Lexus Booth at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show

The Frankfurt auto show may be over, but I had to post these photos of the Lexus booth at the event: These were taken by Lexus Europe and uploaded to Flickr—there’s a few more over there as well, so be sure to check them out.
Kevin · September 30th, 2009

2010 Lexus LS to Feature Self-Restoring Clear Coat

For 2010, the Lexus LS will be sporting an additional layer of clear coat paint that has the ability to heal itself: Unlike a conventional clear coat, TMC’s newly developed coat is not easily damaged and can even restore* itself even if it is deformed.  Moreover, it requires no special maintenance, prevents luster degradation caused …

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Kevin · September 29th, 2009

Lexus ES & IS to be Recalled over Floor Mats

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recommendation that 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350 & 2006-2010 Lexus IS 250/IS350 owners remove their drivers side floor mat, which may cause the accelerator to become stuck open under certain conditions: “This is an urgent matter,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “For everyone’s sake, we strongly …

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Kevin · September 29th, 2009

Fox Marketing Prepares Lexus IS 350c for SEMA

We first saw a rendering of the Fox Marketing Lexus IS 350c back in May—and it looks like that computer image was in very close proximity to the real thing: There’s also a buildlog photo set on Flickr, and for good measure, a video closeup: The IS-F front bumper and side vents look nicely done—I …

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Kevin · September 28th, 2009