KEY LEXUS MILESTONES Since the Lexus nameplate was established in 1987, the luxury division of Toyota has strived to establish itself as a leader in the prestigious automotive market. The achievement of this status is a result of years of research and development, and takes its roots from the tradition established more than 50 years ago by its parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation. The story of how Lexus evolved from an idea proposed at a secret meeting in 1983 to the premier luxury nameplate in the world is an impressive one, with several key milestones and the top of the automotive world. Aug. 1983 -- Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda, keenly aware of Toyota's long and outstanding history, decides the time had come for the logical next step. At a top-level, top-secret meeting of Toyota management, strategists and engineers, the question is posed, "Can we create a luxury car to challenge the very best?" The answer was not only a resounding "yes," but the conviction that this challenge must be undertaken. Fall 1984 -- The "F1" project is well underway. The project is designated "F1" to denote F as "flagship" and 1 as a luxury sedan of the highest order. Chief engineers Shoiji Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki and a full team of general managers and engineers supervised the development of all aspects of the automobile, from handling, brakes, traction control, engine, electronics, and corrosion. May 1985 -- Lexus conducts its first tests of the American waters. A study team headed by Jimbo attended focus groups and interviewed dealers in San Francisco, Houston, Miami and New York in an effort to "get to know the American customer." A separate five-person design team moved to Laguna Beach, Calif., to study lifestyles and integrate design concepts suited for the American luxury car buyer. This team spent the entire summer in Southern California and worked closely with designers at Calty Design, Toyota's American design studio. July 1985 -- The first of 450 running prototypes is built. It represents the work of 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, and 220 support workers. May 1986 -- Tests are performed on the Autobahn in Germany. Sept 1986 -- Ten months of extensive evaluation on American roads begin. This testing resulted in improvements in F1's handling and suspension. Other evaluations during the next several months include traction control testing in Sweden, audio system testing and long distance road testing in America. May 1987 -- The final design of the F1 is approved, after eight previous presentations to management, far more than customary. Nov 1987 -- Saatchi and Saatchi, Toyota's advertising agency, creates a separate entity to handle Lexus' advertising. Team One is officially established November 10. Jan 1988 -- Lexus and the "L" logo are introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Feb 1988 -- Lexus makes its Midwest debut at the Chicago Auto Show with artist's renderings of the cars, a teaser videotape and general product information. The Southern debut at the Atlanta Auto Show and the Eastern debut at the New York Auto Show followed. April 1988 -- Lexis, a legal information network, files suit in New York challenging the use of the Lexus name. May 1988 -- After a demanding selection process, the first 80 Lexus dealerships are named. Aug 1988 -- Roger Penske, race-car driver, team owner and soon-to-be Lexus dealer goes to Japan to test drive the F1. Aug 1988 -- Clinics in New York and Los Angeles are held inviting current luxury car owners to view the F1 along with competitive models from Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Lincoln. Design plans for Lexus dealerships are unveiled. Lexus of Columbus in Ohio is the first Lexus dealership to break ground. The use of the satellite communications network is introduced. Nov 1988 -- The F1 is designated the LS 400, "LS" meaning luxury sedan, and "400" for the 4.0-liter V8 engine. The smaller Lexus sedan is  named ES 250, for executive sedan, 2.5-liter engine. Dec 1988 -- Lexus teams with Nakamichi and Pioneer to produce the sound systems in the LS 400. Dec 1988 -- Friday, Dec. 28 -- New York lower appellate court rules Lexus does not have right to name. Monday, Dec. 31 -- Lexus earns a stay and can proceed until further notice. Jan 1989 -- The LS 400 and ES 250 debut at Detroit Auto Show. One day later, a similar debut takes place at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Jan 1989 -- J. Davis (Dave) Illingworth is named Lexus Group vice president and General Manager. He had been with the Lexus division since its inception. Mar 1989 -- Lawsuit with Lexis is resolved in favour of the auto manufacturer. May 1989 -- First production LS 400 rolls off the assembly line at Lexus' Tahara plant, amid much celebration. Sept 1989 -- The LS 400 and ES 250 go on sale to the public and are very well received. In the first month 2,919 LS 400s are sold and 1,216 ES 250s. Fall 1989 -- Lexus begins its tradition of sponsoring fine events including the Champions for Charity Golf Tournament, the San Francisco Opera, the Concours d'Elegance, Phantom of the Opera, and the Dallas Opera. Dec 1989 -- Lexus initiates a special service campaign. Although aware of only one consumer contact regarding a cruise control malfunction and several complaints of stop light housing distortion, Lexus elects to recall all 8,000 LS 400s sold to check items. Dealers contact owners individually and quickly make repairs. Rather than being viewed negatively, Lexus is credited with setting a new standard in personalized service. Jan 1990 -- The LS finishes first in all categories, including overall satisfaction, in Car & Driver's 1990 New Car Buyer's Study. Feb 1990 -- Motoring Press Association names LS 400 "Best Imported Car of the Year." Mar 1990 -- The LS 400 is awarded the "Best Luxury" car title in Motor Week's Drivers' Choice Awards. July 1990 -- Lexus nameplate tops the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. The LS 400 in its first eligible survey, ranked fourth overall and second in it's segment. The ES 300 ranked 12th overall. Oct 1990 -- Lexus exceeds its first 12-month sales goals of 60,000 cars by more than 3,000. Mar 1991 -- Lexus is ranked first in J.D. Power's Dealer Attitude Survey. April 1991 -- In an effort to ensure all Lexus associates understand the Lexus mission of complete customer satisfaction, a comprehensive certification program, the industry's first, is introduced. May 1991 -- Lexus unveils its first addition to its product line, the SC 400 sport coupe. Designed at Calty Design in Newport Beach, Calif., the stunning SC tradition of Lexus luxury. The first coupes go on sale in June. Aug 1991 -- Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index, completing a sweep of the three major studies conducted by Power. Lexus had already been named the top nameplate in the Customer Satisfaction Index and in the Initial Quality Study. Aug 1991 -- The SC 300 sport coupe joins the Lexus family. Sept 1991 -- Lexus unveils another addition to its line, the ES 300 sedan, replacing the successful ES 250. Nov 1991 -- The SC 400 makes the honour rolls of Car and Driver, Automobile, Popular Science, and Playboy. Dec 1991 -- Lexus becomes the No. 1 luxury import by selling 71,206 cars, more than Mercedes Benz or BMW. Feb 1992 -- The SC 400 is named "Import Car of the Year" by Motor Trend and by the Motoring Press Association. May 1992 -- LS 400 named model with fewest problems after three months in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study. June 1992 -- LS 400 and ES 250 finish one-two in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index, which gauges satisfaction after one year of ownership. July 1992 -- Lexus named top nameplate in J.D. Power and Associates' Sales Satisfaction Index. Sept 1992 -- "Freshened" LS 400 debut with more than 50 changes, many as a direct response to dealer and customer requests. Dec 1992 -- SC 300 is named to the Car and Driver 10 Best List and Automobile's All-Star List. Dec 1992 -- SC 400 and ES 300 are named two of Motor Trend's Best Buys. Personal Finance lists the LS 400 as the best buy in the $30,000+ category and the ES 300 a best buy in the $20,000-$30,000 category. Jan 1993 -- The Lexus GS 300 luxury performance sedan makes its debut at the Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows. Jan 1993 -- George Borst becomes Lexus group vice president and general manager. Mar 1993 -- American Automobile Association (AAA) names the SC 300 and LS 400 as the best 1993 models in their price ranges. Mar 1993 -- Consumer Reports calls the LS 400 "Benchmark of Quality. The ES 300 is also listed as best in the mid-sized class. May 1993 -- Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study with the LS 400 and SC 400/300 finishing 1-2 with the fewest reported problems. Lexus was once again the top nameplate in the study. June 1993 -- Robb Report names LS 400 the Best Import Car for 1993. July 1993 -- Lexus ranks first in J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index for the third year in a row. Dec 1993 -- SC 300 is named to the Car and Driver 10 Best List and Automobile's All-Star List for the second year in a row. Feb 1994 -- Lexus is ranked first in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Performance Index reflecting satisfaction of customers with three-year-old cars. Feb 1994 -- Intelli Choice, a national automobile product information company, names the LS 400 "Best Overall Value of the Year" in the over $40,000 luxury class and ES 300 "Best Overall Value" in the under $40,000 luxury class. May 1994 -- Lexus sweeps the J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey (IQS) by having all four models place in the top 10 in overall car rankings. The LS 400, GS 300 and SC 400/300 finished 1-2-3 respectively, while the ES 300 tied for 10th place. Although no longer reported by J.D. Power and Associates, the Lexus nameplate finished first overall with a score of 54 with an industry average of 110. The LS 400 tops itself after setting an industry record low of 54 problems per 100 last year, it received an astounding 32 problems per 100 this year. June 1994 -- Lexus takes the top ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates' Sales Satisfaction Index study. Having captured the title three of the last four years, Lexus scored 157 points, resulting in the highest score ever achieved by any nameplate -- 35 points above the industry average. July 1994 -- Lexus is ranked as the No. 1 car brand for customer satisfaction for the fourth consecutive year as reported by J.D. Power and Associates' Customer Satisfaction Index study. While improving on last year's top-ranked score, Lexus captured all major J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction studies for which the division is eligible. Nov 1994 -- Completely redesigned second generation 1995 LS 400 goes on sale. Dec 1994 -- The all-new Lexus LS 400 is designated "The Best of What's New" by Popular Science. Jan 1995 -- Lexus closes 1994 as the number-one import luxury nameplate for the third consecutive year. Jan 1995 -- Lexus LS 400 receives Popular Mechanic's 1995 Design & Engineering Award. Jan 1995 -- Car and Driver names SC 300 one of 1995's 10 Best Cars. Jan 1995 -- Lexus is recognized as the automotive industry's 1995 "Best of the Best" in customer management by Arthur D. Little, the leading international management consulting firm. Feb 1995 -- SC 300 is designated one of Automobile Magazine's All-Stars. Feb 1995 -- Intelli Choice ranks the Lexus ES 300 "A Best Value" in the under $40,000 luxury car category. Mar 1995 -- In its first year of eligibility, Lexus tops all makes with highest J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) score in the study's history. Among individual models, LS 400 registered fewest problems during the last 12 months after five years of ownership. April 1995 -- James E. Press becomes senior vice president and general manager of the Lexus Division. April 1995 -- Lexus announces plans to enter the sport utility market in early 1996. May 1995 -- Strategic Vision, a consulting and research firm measuring how consumers rate their cars in terms of least troublesome and most pleasurable ownership experiences found Lexus LS 400 the "Best of the Best" in the import luxury car category. May 1995 -- U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor threatens 100 percent tariffs on selected Japanese luxury vehicles, including the entire Lexus line, in an effort to settle a long-standing U.S./Japan trade dispute. Proposed tariffs threaten more than 7500 American Lexus jobs with minimal potential impact on Toyota's Japanese operations. June 1995 -- 11th hour agreement is reached between the United States and Japan averting a potentially disastrous trade war. July 1995 -- For an unprecedented fifth consecutive year Lexus tops J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index. The five-year winning streak is the longest in the study's history. July 1995 -- Lexus premieres an innovative "infomercial" to showcase its industry-leading Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles program. Aug 1995 -- Lexus sales rebound after trade dispute uncertainty with the division enjoying the best August in its history. Jan 1996 -- Lexus total sales since its inception reach 500,000 units. Jan 1996 -- The LX 450 Sport Utility Vehicle goes on sale, launching Lexus into the popular sport-utility market. Mar 1996 -- Lexus announces the launch of the Lexus Centre of Performance Art, the luxury automakers Internet world wide web site. The new web site offers consumers a personal library of information about Lexus and is the first to offer direct links to dealership and Certified Pre-Owned vehicle web sites. Mar 1996 -- Two months after its debut, the Lexus LX 450 climbs to the top of the luxury sport utility vehicle segment, surpassing Range Rover in units sold. April 1996 -- Lexus and Coach, the renowned manufacturer of distinguished leather products, announce a partnership to produce a distinctive limited edition ES 300. June 1996 -- Lexus finishes 1-2-3 in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS). The SC 300 and SC 400 Coupes scored a noteworthy 45 problems per 100 cars, the best single vehicle model in the study, followed by the Lexus LS 400. The ES 300 ranked first in the entry-luxury segment. June 1996 -- Toyota Motor Corporations Tahara plant, home of the Lexus LS 400 and GS 300 sedans, captures the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Award among Asian manufacturing facilities. June 1996 -- Lexus posts its best-ever retail sales for the month of May and fifth best-selling month in division history. Sales were led by the ES 300, up 21.4% over May 1995, despite being in the fifth year of its current generation. June 1996 -- Lexus shares the top ranking as Best Overall Nameplate for Sales Satisfaction (SSI) in the 1996 J.D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index. Lexus also ranks first in the Vehicle Dependability Index for the second year in a row. Since the Lexus brand was established in 1989, the marquee has captured 17 out of 22 major J.D. Power and Associates awards for which it has been eligible. Aug 1996 -- Lexus introduces its companion dealership program, an alternative means to providing a Lexus dealership in markets which would otherwise be too small to support a separate dealership. Lexus of Maplewood (Maplewood, Minn.) is established as a companion to Lexus of Wayzata (Wayzata, Minn.). Sept 1996 -- Lexus introduces its next-generation ES 300 entry-luxury sedan. The totally redesigned ES receives a sleeker appearance by adopting more sharp and solid forms and an increase in overall length of 2.4 inches. Value is strengthened with a reduced price over its predecessor despite the addition of many luxury features normally reserved for more expensive luxury segments. Dec 1996 -- The all-new ES 300 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $25,000 to $30,000 price category. Lexus has been a AAA "Top Car" recipient in every year of the awards existence. Jan. 1997 -- Lexus introduces the HPS (High Performance Sedan) concept vehicle at the 1997 Detroit International Auto Show. The HPS is a dramatic hint of the all-new GS 400/300 performance sedan to be launched as part of the Lexus model line up for 1998. Feb 1997 -- Lexus reveals its latest concept project, the Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) at the 1997 Chicago Auto Show. The SLV is the luxury carmakers vision of a new blend of mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) characteristics combined with more luxury-sedan comfort and on-road performance than seen before in SUVs. Feb 1997 -- The all-new ES 300 is named the Best Overall Value of the Year in the under-$30,000 category by the research firm Intelli Choice¨. In addition to the ES 300, the LS 400 and GS 300 sedans were named Best Overall Values in the Luxury car class and the LX 450 sport utility vehicle (SUV) was awarded Best Overall Value for large SUVs. Mar 1997 -- Lexus and Coach, the renowned manufacturer of distinguished leather products, announce the continuation of their partnership with the production of a distinctive limited edition LS 400 sedan. The partnership began one year earlier with the successful limited edition ES 300 sedan. Mar 1997 -- Lexus announces the official production name of its new luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). Based on the Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) concept unveiled one month earlier, the mid-sized luxury SUV will be called the RX 300. The RX 300 is slated for production in the first half of 1998. Mar 1997 -- For the third consecutive year Lexus tops the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI) as the No. 1 Nameplate in Long-Term Dependability among all car and truck brands. Lexus has won the VDI award every year it has been eligible. April 1997 -- The LS 400 sedan is ranked No.1 one in the luxury segment of the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey (IQS). The LS also records the highest score among all cars and trucks in the study. The LX 450 sport utility vehicle ranks No.1 in the large SUV segment. July 1997 -- For the sixth time in its seven years of eligibility, Lexus ranked as the No. 1 Car and Truck Line in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index Study (CSI). Since introducing its first model in 1989, Lexus has ranked at the top in 30 of the 40 major J.D. Power and Associates surveys for which the brand has been eligible. Aug 1997 -- Lexus sets a division sales record for the month of July. Sales were led by the all-new ES 300 which recorded is best sales month ever. Sept 1997 -- Lexus reports the best sales month in its history with total August sales of 11,117, a 41.1 percent increase over the same period in 1996. Sept 1997 -- Lexus introduces its next-generation GS 400/300 luxury performance sedan. New powertrains featuring Variable Valve Timing/intelligence (VVT-i) and five- and four-speed automatic transmissions, produce 300 horsepower in the V8 5-speed GS 400 and 225 horsepower for the 4-speed six cylinder GS 300. "Something Wicked This Way Comes" advertising campaign is acclaimed for its dramatic impact. Sept 1997 -- Lexus introduces a redesigned LS 400 featuring VVTi engine for higher performance, dozens of additional features and freshened styling. Despite the numerous upgrades the LS price remains the same as the previous year, enhancing its overall value. Sept 1997 -- The classic SC 400/300 sport coupes receive improved performance for the 1998 model year. This is accomplished with the addition of Variable Valve Timing/intelligence (VVT-i) in both six- and eight-cylinder engines and a five-speed automatic transmission in the SC 400 and a four-speed automatic transmission in the SC 300. Sept 1997 -- Lexus is named a total value leader in the luxury and near-luxury car segments by the research firm Strategic Vision in their 1997 Total Value IndexTM. Oct 1997 -- The all-new GS 400/300 high performance sport sedan is named a "Best Buy" in the luxury car category by Consumers Digest. The GS 400 is given "Best of Whats New" status by Popular Science. Nov 1997 -- The GS 400 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $40,000 to $50,000 category. Dec 1997 -- The GS 400/300 high performance sedan series is named Motor Trends "Import Car of the Year." Motor Trend editors noted "the â98 Lexus GS series surely will surprise a lot of buyers -- not only with its pur sang performance but with the seamless manner in which its muscular acceleration and sports car handling meld into a soothing travel cocoon." Dec 1997 -- Lexus introduces the all-new redesigned LX 470 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The new LX features a powerful new V8 engine, roomier size and sophisticated adjustable-height hydroneumatic suspension. Dec 1997 -- Lexus debuted its one-of-a-kind Street Rod at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Based on a 32 roadster, the Lexus Street Rod was created to showcase a specially modified Lexus GS 400 V8, producing more than 400 horsepower. Dec 1997 Lexus set a new all-time sales record with 97,593 units in 1997 -- a 20 percent increase over 1996 calendar year sales. Jan 1998 -- Lexus unveils its second entry in the sport utility market, the 1999 RX 300, at the North American International Auto Show. This new breed of SUV combines the most desirable aspects of both luxury sedans and 4x4s. It provides off-road ground clearance and available full-time four-wheel-drive for poor weather and road conditions, yet step-in height is lower than other SUVs for more convenient entry and exit. Jan 1998 -- The GS 400/300 is honoured as one of Car & Drivers 10 Best. Mar 1998 -- The LX 470 and RX 300 go on sale at Lexus 174 dealers nationwide. Mar 1998 -- Lexus announces its participation as presenting sponsor of Eric Claptons 1998 U.S. Tour. The sponsorship offered Lexus unique opportunities for innovative and effective marketing, as well as the opportunity to contemporise the Lexus brand and generate excitement both at the national and local dealer levels. April 1998 -- Bryan Bergsteinsson is named Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. April 1998 -- Lexus was named the number-one nameplate in long-term dependability after five years of ownership by J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Index (VDI). Lexus has earned this honour every year it has been eligible. April 1998 -- Lexus sets a new division record in the month of April with sales of 12,364. Some of this increase can be attributed to new hot-selling RX 300 mid-sized SUV. May 1998 -- For the second consecutive month, Lexus sets a division record with May sales of 14,620, an improvement of 100 percent over the same period last year. June 1998 -- The LS 400 and ES 300 swept the Luxury Car segments for Premium Luxury car and Entry Luxury Car in J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). In addition, the LS 400 earned the best score of any vehicle in the study, an honour it has achieved five out of six years. July 1998 -- Lexus ranked number-one in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index Study (CSI) for the seventh time in eight years of eligibility. July 1998 -- Lexus again reported its best-ever month with July sales of 14,673, a 57.9 percent increase over July 1997. Year-to-date sales totalled 83,041, up 55 percent over the period last year. Lexus was the best-selling luxury brand in the United States for the first time in its nine-year history, outselling Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac and Lincoln. Aug 1998 -- Lexus sets another all-time monthly sales record of 16,949, an improvement of 52,2 percent over the same period last year. 1998 calendar year-to-date sales of 100,000 surpassed total 1997 sales of 97,593. This represents a 54.6 percent increase from last year. Sept 1998 -- The RX 300 is named Most Appealing Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle, and the LS 400 earns the title of Most Appealing Premium Luxury Car in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study. Oct 1998 -- The RX 300 is named the inaugural Sport/Utility of the Year by Motor Trend magazine. This marked the first time the magazine separated its Truck of the Year award into two categories, truck and sport utility vehicle (SUV). This change reflects the continued popularity of SUVs. Dec 1998 -- The GS 400/300 and ES 300 are named "Best Buys" by Consumer Digest, and the GS 400 wins the American Automobile Association (AAA) "Top Car" award as the best all-around car in the $40,000 to $50,000 category. Dec 1998 -- Lexus posts best-ever annual sales of 156,260 units, representing a 60 percent increase over 1997 and a 90 percent increase over 1996. Jan 1999 -- The GS 400/300 is honoured as one of Car & Drivers 10 Best. Jan 1999 -- The Lexus IS compact sport sedan is shown at the Detroit Auto Show, and it is announced that it will debut in the United States in mid-2000. Jan 1999 -- Automobile Magazine names the LX 470 the "All Star" in the large sport utility vehicle category. Mar 1999 -- Lexus ranked first in J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDI) for the fifth consecutive year. Mar 1999 -- For the first time ever, Lexus finished the first quarter of 1999 as the top-selling luxury nameplate outpacing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lincoln and Cadillac. May 1999 -- The LS 400 and LX 470 received top honours in their respective segments in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study 2 (IQS2). Additionally, the LS 400 had the fewest problems of any vehicle for the sixth time in seven years. May 1999 -- Lexus set an all-time new record with May sales of 18,110 units. June 1999 -- Lexus finished the first half of 1999 as the No. 1 selling nameplate in the luxury arena. July 1999 -- Lexus ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study (CSI). This marks the eighth time in nine years that Lexus has received the top ranking. Sept 1999 -- Lexus celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its first vehicle going on sale in the United States. Sept 1999 -- The LX 470 was ranked the most appealing luxury SUV in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study. Additionally, the RX 300 finished second to the LX 470 in the same category. Sept 1999 -- Lexus remained the No. 1 selling luxury nameplate through the first three-quarters of 1999. Oct 1999 -- Lexus unveiled the Lexus Sport Coupe concept vehicle at the Tokyo International Motor Show. Nov 1999 -- In early November, Lexus surpassed its 1998 sales record of 156,260 units. Nov 1999 -- Lexus sold its millionth vehicle in the United States. Dec 1999 -- For the fourth consecutive year, Lexus posted best-ever annual sales. 1999 sales 185,890 units represented a 19 percent increase from 1998 and a 90 percent increase from 1997. Jan 2000 -- Lexus debuted the 2001 IS 300 compact sport sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Jan 2000 -- Lexus unveiled the 2001 LS 430 flagship sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Jan 2000 -- Lexus 1999 sales set a new all-time record with 185,890 luxury cars and sport utility vehicles sold.