Lexus Tops Annual J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study

TORRANCE, Calif., May 30 -- For the third year in a row Lexus has the most problem-free vehicle as reported today in J.D. Power and Associates' 2002 Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS). The annual study measures vehicle owner reported problems during the first three months of ownership.

The Lexus LS 430 premium luxury sedan was the highest ranked vehicle overall as well as first in its segment for the sixth consecutive year. The GS 430/300 was the best mid-luxury car and the LX 470 topped the full-size luxury sport utility vehicle category. In fact, Lexus was the only luxury nameplate to rank first in any IQS segment.

In addition to the vehicle awards, three Lexus manufacturing plants received top honors from J.D. Power and Associates, including the worldwide Platinum Plant Award. For the fourth consecutive year, The Platinum Plant Award for the best automotive manufacturing plant in the world was given to a Lexus facility (tied in 1999). This year's honor went to the Tahara plant in Japan where the LS 430 and GS 430/300 sedans are built.

"The results of this year's Initial Quality Study are a huge reflection of how dedicated Lexus is to building the highest-quality automobiles in the world," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The manufacturing plant awards also prove that our commitment to quality begins from the ground up and is unmatched in the industry."

In addition to receiving the Platinum Plant Award, the Araco plant in Japan, which produces the Lexus LX 470 sport utility vehicle, was honored with the Asia Pacific Silver award. The Asia Pacific Bronze plant award went to the Kyushu truck plant where the popular RX 300 is built.