Lexus Emerges as Top Luxury Brand in KBB.com's 5-Year Cost to Own Awards

MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y., February 18, 2013 — Lexus vehicles have a reputation for delivering reliability and value along with their high levels of luxury, leading to impressive resale values. The automaker's customers now have even more reason to count on great returns for their trade-ins, with Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com recently honoring Lexus as the top luxury brand in its 2013 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. Citing the lineup's low maintenance fees and excellent fuel economy due in part to its large selection of hybrid models, KBB.com predicts that Lexus vehicles will cost luxury buyers less during the first five years of ownership.

In addition to its overall luxury brand award, Lexus also took home top honors in the Luxury Car segment for its GS midsize sedan. KBB.com editors lauded the bold style and high-tech features of the 2013 Lexus GS, estimating that it will run buyers $58,153 during five years, less than competitors like the Audi A5 and A6. The auto-research site based its findings on each vehicle's purchase price, projected depreciation and costs related to insurance, financing, fuel, repairs, scheduled maintenance and state fees.

"The Lexus GS is a great example of how the brand is appealing to younger buyers with attractive, daring designs," said William Finsilver, general manager of Lexus of Massapequa, a Lexus dealer in Nassau County, N.Y. "From its aggressive new styling and sportier performance to its modern in-car technology, the GS is practically custom-made for that up-and-coming demographic."

Redesigned for the 2013 model year, the Lexus GS features a new spindle grille, an athletic stance and dynamic design lines. A more responsive steering system and revised suspension give the sedan a more engaging ride, while standard leather upholstery, an available wood-trimmed steering wheel and optional heated front seats provide the interior comfort that Lexus customers expect. Meanwhile, standard Bluetooth compatibility, a 12-speaker surround-sound system and the available Lexus Enform infotainment system offer drivers intuitive ways to stay connected.

The redesigned GS has proven popular in showrooms, with U.S. sales of the model rising to 1,099 units in January. That growth helped Lexus post a year-over-year sales increase of 32 percent last month, bringing its overall tally to 16,211 units. The luxury brand continues to refresh its lineup with more aggressively styled models that follow the lead of the GS, hoping that the changes will broaden its customer base even further.

"As the Lexus lineup evolves with more hard-hitting design cues, buyers who may not have considered the brand before are taking notice," added Finsilver. "Our newer customers want a car that provides luxury amenities without blending into the background in the company parking lot, and the new Lexus GS certainly satisfies those requirements."

About Lexus of Massapequa:
From its friendly, knowledgeable sales staff to its expert, factory-trained technicians, Lexus of Massapequa is dedicated to creating a customer experience that matches the superior quality of Lexus vehicles. Suffolk and Nassau County Lexus fans have come to rely on the Long Island dealership's extensive inventory and state-of-the-art facility, whether they need a new or pre-owned Lexus, a comprehensive repair or quick maintenance work. Contact them at 888-219-5377 to schedule a test-drive from their location at 4950 Sunrise Highway in Massapequa Park, or find them online at www.lexusofmassapequa.com and www.facebook.com/LexusOfMassapequa.