LEXUS debut in Malaysia provides UMW Toyota Motor with a strong position to penetrate into the domestic luxury market. “At UMW Toyota Motor, we believe that with LEXUS, we will raise the bar of luxury vehicles offered in the country,” said David Chen, UMW Toyota Motor Managing Director. “The introduction of the two new models will bring new levels of performance, luxury-refinement and safety to the luxury segment.”

LEXUS, a brand synonymous with ultra-luxury and superior refinement in automobile engineering was initiated by then Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, Eiji Toyoda whose vision was to build a luxury car that was better than the best. It took six years of development, 1,400 engineers, 450 prototypes, 2.7 million miles of test- driving and about one billion US dollars in investment before the first LEXUS flagship LS 400 made its maiden appearance in North America in 1989.

Selling close to 260,000 vehicles in 2003, LEXUS became the top-selling luxury brand in North America and today it continues to dominate the luxury market. Apart from North America, LEXUS has advanced into Asia specifically in countries like Japan, Singapore and Thailand, and is the top-selling luxury brand in Taiwan, Korea and Brunei in 2005.

Malaysia marks its latest Asian destination in which LEXUS aims to build its presence and offer the market a range of luxury sedans. “Through a market survey, we have learnt that there are a rising number of affluent Malaysians who, like us, are in pursuit of perfection, both in their career achievement as well as their lifestyle. To this upper echelon of the luxury market, we are confident we will offer unrivalled, world-acclaimed LEXUS ownership experience,” said Chen.

As part of its strategy to position itself in the luxury market, UMW Toyota Motor will roll out the LEXUS flagship LS 460L and the high-performance GS300 at the soon-to-be-launched LEXUS 3S facility. “We are targeting a total sales of 150 units of these two models by end of 2007,” he added.

Ultra-luxury driving experience
The LS 460L and GS 300 - adopted LEXUS’ new styling philosophy called L-finesse, which combines simplicity, in form and function and elegance in prioritizing understated luxury that is intriguing, subtle and seamless.

The all new LS 460L is the fourth generation LS line of models and has undergone almost two decades of evolution, setting new levels of accuracy, refinement, precision and craftsmanship. This latest luxury saloon reflects LEXUS’ core values and represents a new pinnacle in the LEXUS pursuit of perfection.

The LS 460L is powered by an all-new highly advanced 4.6-litre V8 engine combined with the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission. Other impressive features in the long-wheelbase LS 460L include a power 45-degree reclining rear Ottoman massager and power leg rest.

The GS 300 is a third generation GS that is designed to provide LEXUS with a sports sedan that could rival some of the top-end marques. The GS 300 comes with a 3.0 L V6 3GR-FSE engine and is the first LEXUS model to feature the marque's new L-Finesse design philosophy, characterized by swooping lines, a pulled-back cabin, and more muscular styling. The vehicle also premiered the latest generation of LEXUS' SmartAccess keyless system, adding a push-button start for the first time.

The all new LS 460L and GS 300 both feature state-of-the-art 19-speaker Mark Levinson? audio system that provides a true theatre-level entertainment experience. Apart from luxury and performance, the LS 460L & GS 300 also come equipped with unparallel safety features including 11 air bags for the LS 460L and 10 airbags for the GS 300.

Both these models will be available for pre-orders starting today and will roll out in January 2007 at the state-of-the-art 3S facility of LEXUS Malaysia, a division of UMW Toyota Motor, located in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya.