Redesigned Lexus ES and LS Sedans Saw Big Demand in First Half of 2013

MASSAPEQUA PARK, N.Y., July 16, 2013 — Lexus is working to redefine its brand image and stay relevant among younger drivers. In the past year, the luxury auto brand completely redesigned the popular Lexus ES and LS sedans, and those moves are paying off in the showroom. The 2013 Lexus ES sold more than 33,000 units during the first six months of 2013, an increase of 83 percent over the same time period last year. Meanwhile, the flagship 2013 Lexus LS moved 5,247 models in the first half of the year, resulting in a 73 percent gain year-over-year.

Sporting the brand's new spindle grille and a lower, wider stance, the exterior of the redesigned Lexus ES is sleeker and more aggressive than the prior model. A revamped suspension and a sturdier body structure improve the car's handling and responsiveness, while elegant touches like bird's-eye maple accents, contrast stitching and available leather upholstery help uphold Lexus' reputation for sophistication. Boosting the appeal of the Lexus ES among younger drivers, the available Lexus Enform with App Suite can connect drivers to Internet radio stations, navigation, dinner reservations and weather.

"The ES has always attracted drivers who value a smooth ride and a refined interior, and the redesigned model doesn't try to reinvent those things," said Lenny Cafarelli, general manager of Long Island Lexus dealer Lexus of Massapequa. "It does, however, spice things up with a bolder design and more responsive handling, and those qualities are appealing to new buyers who may not have considered Lexus before."

That move toward sportier design extends to the 2013 Lexus LS, which also wears the new family grille and a more athletic exterior. The luxury sedan's newly available F SPORT trim ups the ante on aggression with added style and performance features, including a black-mesh version of the spindle grille, a sport-tuned suspension, bolstered seats, high-performance Brembo front brakes and downshift rev-matching for quicker acceleration out of the corners.

Despite its edgier look, the 2013 Lexus LS is exhibiting the same signature reliability of its predecessors. The model recently topped the entire auto industry in the 2013 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, which surveys more than 83,000 owners and lessees of 2013-model-year vehicles. Averaging just 59 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), the Lexus LS led all models for the sixth year a row, scoring far above the industry average of 113 PP100.

"It's a testament to Lexus' engineers that they could make the LS more engaging on the road without sacrificing its incredible reliability," added Cafarelli. "That's a win-win proposition for buyers, and Lexus is following the same formula throughout its entire lineup, so we can expect strong sales for the second half of this year as well."

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.