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Friday, 29 July 2011
Isuzu i Series 290 2008 Review
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Isuzu i Series 290 2008 |
First is the 2008 Isuzu Pickup Extended Cab.
Isuzu D-Max Limited Edition II 2010 Review
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Isuzu D-Max Limited Edition II 2010 |
Australians love and walk Isuzu Utes popularity of the brand on the back of his reputation spread to the quality, reliability and durability - three key considerations for buyers of commercial and private joint venture.
Isuzu D-MAX Limited Edition II is celebrating the second anniversary of Isuzu is to go directly distribute its range of Ute in this market. For Isuzu Ute Australia, the strength of its products has enabled the company to deliver steady growth in sales over the last 24 months - despite the local launch operations at the height of the global financial crisis.
So for a ton SEI buyers looking for a vehicle with a high value for the price of silver, the simple instructions: with only 180 units of Isuzu D-MAX II Limited Edition on the way to our shores soon for a fast race in the Ute Isuzu dealer. Speaking of retailers - such is the success of the Isuzu Ute Australia, the company now has 65 dealers covering the metropolitan and rural markets, but according to the CEO, Mr. Hitoshi Kono, this number will increase to 80 in the coming months.
History of Isuzu Company
Company History:
One of the largest manufacturers of medium and heavy trucks worldwide, Isuzu Motors Ltd. also manufactures SUVs, pickup trucks and diesels. Isuzu ventured into the passenger car market in the 1980s, but withdrew in 1991 after his line of passengers joining the company to heavy losses. With the help of the part owner of General Motors (GM), Isuzu returned to profitability in the mid-1990s, mainly focusing on his truck and a strong expertise in diesel engines. Being something of a manufacturing authorization subsidiary of GM, Isuzu has completed its strong Asian sales by building small trucks and components for the distribution of General Motors.
However, the Asian economic crisis of late 1990, combined with falling auto sales in the United States, drove the company deep in debt, and the first years of the 21 century, Isuzu had to make a series of programs of structural change radical, the great hopes of re-establishing himself, and profitable, truck manufacturers in the global automotive market.
Early history
Isuzu Motors has come from the diversification in 1916 by the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company. The company was founded after the Meiji Restoration to build a heavy Ishikawajima Ship Island near Tokyo, are asked to isolate the economic crisis in the shipbuilding sector. Tokyo Ishikawajima started the venture with Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Company, which has been the experience necessary for the engineering design of vehicles. In fact, Tokyo Gas has produced its first car, truck type, in 1918, with engines from Tokyo Ishikawajima. The partnership has produced a variety of models under license from British company Wolseley, including the A9, the car model, which went into production in Japan in 1922. In 1929 the company was incorporated separately Ishikawajima Automotive Manufacturing, Ltd.
The company has developed an air-cooled diesel engine in 1934. His pioneering work in this area has established the Automotive Group as a leader in diesel technology in the 1930's. Through its partnership with Tokyo Ishikawajima and Tokyo Gas, the company became a supplier to the army. Under a system of mobilization of government in 1937, the interests of the Tokyo Motor Ishikawajima and Tokyo Gas have been officially merged into a new company called Tokyo Motor Show. Mass production of air-cooled diesel engine, started this year.
World War II and post-war recovery
In 1938, in Tokyo Motors, began production of a truck on a new board, Isuzu - Japanese For now, however, the military had taken control of the government and launched a war against China, "50 bells." . As a result, General Motors in Tokyo came as part of the production plans of the government and much of its production was assigned to the Army. In 1939, General Motors of Tokyo has developed a new diesel, the DA40, which represents another milestone in diesel technology company. But in 1942, the United States and Britain were at war with Japan. With the war engulfing the economy is operating under emergency conditions, the operations of General Motors in Tokyo were fragmented for greater rationalization of the automotive industry. Truck Company was split into a new company called Hino Heavy Industries (later Hino Motors). Tokyo engines continued to operate as a chassis builder, but resumed the production of engines in 1943.
A year later, Japan was exposed to the bombing. As a military asset is located in a large industrial center, Engines of Tokyo had been exposed to these incursions. The production is completely stopped, until the war ended in September 1945. Still, Tokyo Motors was quick to recover from the war and resumed production before the end of the year. In 1946, the company introduced a new diesel truck named TX80. This product has helped the Tokyo Motors large investments in funds, and has offered to expand their research products.
The company changed its name to Isuzu Motors Ltd. in 1949. Like many other Japanese companies, who were born in war Isuzu returned to the business of military supplies, but this time the customer was the U.S. Army. These large supply contracts were the key to stable capital growth and Isuzu. The company has become an important resource for Americans, especially at the end of 1950, when hostilities broke out on the Korean peninsula. Provided a range of Isuzu trucks and other industrial products are fighting the aggression of North Korea, to help promote the company's position in the market for diesel engines. When the armistice was signed in 1953, he returned Isuzu licensing agreements with the British. The company has signed a contract to build a machine designed by Rootes Group (later called the Talbot and the French company PSA). Under the agreement, Isuzu Hillman Minx has produced.
In 1959, Isuzu introduced a new two-ton N-series truck called Elf. This was followed in 1961 by an attempt to equip a car with a small Isuzu diesel engine. As the economy and reliable diesel engine Bellel car was ugly, noisy, and finally, a commercial failure. Consumers are clearly in favor of a more cosmopolitan, if the car less convenient. In 1962, Isuzu has opened a new plant in Fujisawa. With expanded capacity, the company launched in 1963 Bellet car, followed by the model of Florian in 1967. Next year, Isuzu rolled out the two-door sport coupe 117, a luxury model like the Ford Mustang. In 1970, Isuzu has introduced two new trucks, medium Forward (named after the forward control) and a diesel of 12 tonnes.
Alliance with General Motors in 1970
Although Isuzu has become a recognized leader in the truck market was the rapid development of new models left financially weakened. When it became bankers to the company that the market would be able to support new product line Isuzu, they began negotiations with its competitors, hoping to arrange a merger of Isuzu with a more stable society. Although companies such as Fuji Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Toyota Motor Corporation has probably been contacted, it was General Motors, which occurred with the greatest interest in Isuzu. The automotive giant was impressed with elevator Isuzu export markets in the U.S. and Asia, and hopes to include it in its own global strategies. In 1971 General Motors purchased a 34.2 percent share of Isuzu. As part of its marketing tie-up with General Motors, Isuzu KB pick-up truck was sold by GM dealers in the United States in 1972.
In 1974, General Motors Isuzu used for the production of the Kadett, a model developed by its German subsidiary Opel nameplate Isuzu Gemini as Bellet.
Isuzu has introduced a fuel-efficient diesel engines with direct injection in 1974 two new truck models, Forward Forward SBR and RBG. Rising fuel prices have made these models particularly popular with consumers tired of inflation in Japan. General Motors saw the fuel efficiency of Isuzu models as a clear competitive advantage in the U.S. market. In 1976 he began importing the Twins in the United States as the Buick Opel. Get consumers suspect that the German designs that are sold by dealers of a U.S. company that actually manufactured in Japan. But, as had been suspected Gemini GM / Opel an interesting alternative to gas hungry American models, particularly as a second household vehicle. In this role, automobile displaced competitors such as Toyota, Datsun and Volkswagen. Isuzu was new growth in the U.S. market with a pickup truck diesel sold in the United States as the Chevrolet Luv in 1977.
The energy crisis has had an increasing toll on GM models in the United States, including those built by Isuzu. A rebellion of the consumer against a small car low power such as Opel, Ford Pinto and the Gremlin Isuzu placed in a down market at the wrong time. Despite a temporary increase in fuel prices in 1979 fell Isuzu product line is increasingly out of step with American tastes. Shocked by the poor quality of many American models, consumers have been attracted by Toyota, Honda and Nissan Motor Co. in increasing numbers.
Isuzu, General Motors' production has declined steadily from 1979 to 1981. In response to what felt like the loss of interaction of GM, Isuzu established its dealer network in the United States by American Isuzu Motors Inc., which is technically in competition with GM at the wholesale level. Commensurate with the establishment of a new group, Isuzu has agreed to change its model of Luv truck. General Motors CEO Roger Smith has put a bomb Isuzu President T. Okamoto in a landmark 1981 meeting. Isuzu has announced that it had lost its potential as a global partner in favor of GM. But rather than give up the partnership, Okamoto has asked Smith to help the GM to buy the share of Honda, a leading Japanese car in the fastest growing.
Okamoto was surprised by the sudden change of events, but could not refuse the request of the shareholder Isuzu. Finally, Honda has expressed no interest in an alliance with General Motors, saw its own global growth prospects as excellent, even without such a partnership. General Motors set instead of a 5 per cent in Suzuki Motors - a small consolation. General Motors may have intended to use this new partnership to benefit from Isuzu Suzuki hopes that the two companies will compete for the right to supply GM. That was the case, General Motors had no choice but to develop its relationship with Isuzu. The company has established new contracts with GM to build a model called the storm in a entirely new nameplate, Geo. Again, part of General Motors' international strategy, Isuzu built new production facilities in the joint UK and Australia.
Isuzu also considered a long-term agreement with Suzuki and marketing Yanase & Company, which included the installation of parts Isuzu Suzuki.
In an effort to raise awareness and stimulate the name of Isuzu truck sales company in the U.S., Isuzu has launched an advertising campaign with actor David Leisure revolutionary. The interpreter introduced himself as a spokesman for the name of Joe Isuzu, outrageously false statements made about products Isuzu. A series of corrections provide subtitles and jokes for entertainment reporting. The campaign could easily have failed if it were not for the delivery of the caustic comedy and obviously artificial smile. In one ad, Joe Isuzu concludes: "What happens if lightning I think I'm lying." At this time the actor is incinerated by a blinding light, a cloud of smoke Seconds later the door. irrepressible voice in the air and falls into the bed of a Isuzu truck. The ads were very effective in promoting and launching the careers of entertainment Isuzu, but have had limited impact on sales of Isuzu. (The company recorded no growth in sales of passenger cars.
World of joint ventures in the 1980
To remove the effect of currency fluctuations and stabilize the expected demand for Isuzu has begun to explore the possibility of placing the plant in the United States. Other Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Honda, had already been established in American factories. But Isuzu, start-up costs were high and the company's sales volumes were too small to justify the desperate move. Fortunately, Isuzu, Subaru, a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries, car, suffered the same problem. Both companies operate in slightly different areas of the U.S. market, then a joint venture between them was credible. Isuzu and Subaru has agreed to build together factory in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1987. The plant was introduced two years later, with Isuzu providing a constant supply of American vehicles built in America through the distribution of the sales organization.
Isuzu export sales exceeding three million units in 1986, but again, much of this growth occurred in the Asian markets and was recorded in sales of trucks. This year, Isuzu had a joint venture with Kawasaki Heavy Industries named coach of indigenous knowledge, Ltd. for the manufacture of bus bodies. On the basis of its franchise in Asia, Isuzu has established a subsidiary in Thailand to manufacture engines and a joint venture with General Motors in Australia next year. These efforts have contributed to the world as a manufacturer Isuzu Truck (on a unit basis) in 1987. The company has made several technological advances this year, including the development of an adiabatic ceramic engine and transmission system NAVI electronically controlled, which was the first of its kind.
Isuzu completed a series of other joint business agreements in 1990, including the PT Gaya Motor Indonesia to build trucks in that country. This factory joined the Isuzu plant in other countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Egypt. The company has also entered into agreements to market Isuzu multi-purpose vehicles in Japan through the Jusco Company, Car Life, and to handle sales of GM's Opel and Volvo Trucks in Japan. This expansion has helped Isuzu maintain its position as the largest producer of trucks. But the company's financial statements indicated a high price for this leadership. The company has lost $ 500000000 in 1991 and was financially shaky.
Refocusing in the 1990s
This deep concern for General Motors, which was unable to give up its investment in Isuzu by market value down. Isuzu has been the main source of imports of light trucks and heavy trucks from GM and 37.5 percent of its shares were held by American society. Isuzu continued to lose money until 1992, prompting the board of the company to General Motors asking for help. As a condition, GM has requested that one of its experts in strategic planning, Donald T. Sullivan was installed as executive vice president of operations, responsible for the reorganization of the Isuzu business, engineering, and production schedules. It was an unprecedented move. No other non-Japanese manufacturer were a Japanese director who does not speak in such a position, or give a wide margin as an American re-write the business plan.
Sullivan first step was to increase production at its plant in Subaru-Isuzu Automotive in Indiana. It lightened online Isuzu commercial vehicles in the hope of improving the efficiency of production of fewer models and eliminate cannibalization within product line. A strategy of downsizing virtually unknown in Japan, in summary Sullivan reduced capital budgets by 12.5 percent, hoping to eliminate waste through cost savings induced budget. Short stop layoffs, a tactic that was seen to breed disloyalty of employees only in Japan, Sullivan ordered a reduction in temporary labor Isuzu.
Perhaps most dramatic was the conclusion of Sullivan that Isuzu was not a viable competitive market automotive. Instead of investing large sums in a tough market segment, Isuzu Sullivan advised to leave the automotive market and focus on what he did best. For Isuzu, which has dropped to just three products: trucks, recreational vehicles and engines. Since the production of GM appealed the Geo Storm Isuzu model, the response to GM was irregular. "Chevrolet marketing guys were disappointed," Sullivan quoted in Forbes in 1994. "But business people looking at the financial liability from GM Isuzu was a different feeling."
These efforts seemed to have a positive impact on the activities stemming from losses Isuzu again to reverse the gradual decline in sales. By the end of Isuzu in the fiscal year 1993, the company announced a loss of $ 39 million. Sullivan, however, was even greater hope for the company. "I am proud of the success of the Isuzu," said Forbes. "But we still managed to remove the identification of success." Although the 1994 fiscal year ended with even greater gains, Isuzu already done the heavy burden of debt at $ 7.4 billion.
The measures taken by Isuzu under the tutelage of new Isuzu Donald Sullivan carefully placed in the overall strategy of General Motors. Although GM has lost its Geo Storm provider, turned to the experience of the incorporation of Isuzu in other areas. For example, the division of General Motors Europe has started to buy more diesel engines Isuzu. Michael Nylin, Sullivan presented by General Motors to help guide strategic planning Isuzu, trying to match product development with the needs of GM Isuzu. One result of this effort was a joint venture between Isuzu and General Motors to produce light trucks. Started in 1994 in Janesville, Wisconsin, the company asked to supply Isuzu cab and chassis, shipping from Japan and General Motors to produce the gasoline engine, a GM technology that Isuzu had more experience. Isuzu Sullivan also hopes to fit into the overall strategy of GM in providing GM with an entry in the Asian markets.
GM hopes to take advantage of its passenger cars to heavy sales of Isuzu pick-up in Asia to convince Asian car dealers to sell together.
The future of the company had come to depend on its relationship with other automakers, General Motors, in general, and particularly his ability to score gains on sales of their products. Among them, the series F (Forward) medium-duty trucks, truck tractors C Series trucks and N series (Elf) microphones. Light trucks manufactured in China were planned in 1993 when Isuzu have agreed a joint venture with Jiangxi car plant and Itochu. The company has expanded its relationship with other manufacturers when it signed an agreement with Nissan in 1994 to cross the supply of commercial vehicles, especially trucks Isuzu Elf two and three tons Caravan and Nissan.
The success of the company in the United States, but was injured in 1996 when Consumer Reports rated the Isuzu Trooper "not acceptable". Consumers Union (CU), publisher of Consumer Reports magazine issued a security warning about a sport utility vehicle, saying the Trooper "has shown a pronounced tendency to turn in our avoidance maneuver tests." Isuzu has contested the findings report, noting that the Trooper met all federal safety standards and that the company had received no reports of rollover accidents involving the Trooper. He also condemned the test as unreliable Consumers Union. Union Consumer maintained its claim, but his request for investigation to the default National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been refused. The NHTSA said: "Because of gaps in the event of short duration CU and no other information considered by [NHTSA] indicates that the safety-related defects exist, there is no reasonable possibility that ...
safety-related defect in vehicles subject would be [found]. "In mid-1997 Isuzu failed lawsuit against Consumers Union, the defamation and denigration of the product. Although the company had purchased millions of dollars in damage, followed by Isuzu introduced a means of restoring the good name of the company.
Entering 1998, the company's future was in doubt because of the economic crisis in Asia. In November 1997, to slow sales in Japan and the limited market in Thailand has led to a close the Isuzu factory in Thailand, which had produced 120,000 vehicles in 1996. Asia-Isuzu truck sales backbone of the business, the company has had a significant threat to the economic problems of the region.
Entering the 21 st century
To survive in this difficult economic climate, Isuzu began looking for ways to strengthen ties with General Motors. From the company's operating manufacturing diesel engines that offer the greatest opportunity for long-term growth, Isuzu has entered a joint venture with GM in September 1998 to begin mass production of diesel engines in the U.S. . The new company, DMAX-Ltd., Are formed with a total investment of $ 300 million to carry out 100,000 engines a year in 2004. The new plant, production of 650,000 square feet in Moraine, Ohio, for the most state of the art facility of its kind in North America, Isuzu could benefit from its award-winning 4JX1-TC direct injection diesel engine. Although Isuzu produced more than 800,000 diesel engines in the world in 1998, that figure is expected to increase to 1.8 million in 2005, aiming to become the world's largest manufacturer of diesel engines.
In December 1998, GM has also invested an additional $ 456 million Isuzu, increasing its stake in Japanese automaker to 49 percent.
However, in the short term, the company was still in a serious recession and significant cost reduction has become inevitable. To this end, the company launched a series of restructuring plans in December 1998. The most complete was in May 2001 when the company announced its intention to reduce its workforce by about 10,000 employees in three years, plus the consolidation of several of its divisions and subsidiaries. The most radical, however, was the company's decision to transfer its manufacturing operations beginning in Thailand, where production costs were significantly lower than in Japan. Meanwhile, Isuzu has expanded its partnership with GM's to forge an agreement that will allow the company to begin supplying diesel engines for GM.
These radical rationalization efforts intended to reverse the company's recent poor financial performance, with the objective of making profits of ¥ 30 billion for 2004. Despite these measures, however, still suffered losses Isuzu ¥ 23.6 billion for the first half of 2001, compared with a loss of ¥ 22.1 billion for the same period last year, and in November 2001 the company was forced to cut 3300 additional jobs. During this difficult Isuzu has begun to contemplate the termination of truck manufacturing operations in Lafayette, Indiana. In January 2002, with the hope of further streamlining of its operations, Isuzu has merged its Japanese business manufacturing buses with Hino Motors.
Despite a continuing decline in sales during the first years of the 21st century, there were some signs of recovery. Although the company still lost 43000000000 yen in fiscal 2002, this represents a significant improvement in the losses of the previous year to ¥ 67 billion €. At the same time, an increase of 30 percent of domestic sales allowed the company to keep your plant running Kawasaki. However, losses were of great concern to General Motors, which began to reconsider its relations with the Japanese firm in difficulty. Although initially reluctant to invest more in the company in crisis, GM finally departed for the acquisition of some major companies Isuzu. In August 2002, GM announced its intention to acquire 60 percent in Poland and the values of Isuzu diesel engines, while increasing its stake in the company DMAX Ltd 40-60 percent.
Unfortunately, this new infusion of capital could not do anything to reverse the fortunes of the company in this, and losses for the fiscal year ending March 2003 were over $ 1 billion. In late 2002, Isuzu launched its fourth restructuring plan in five years, and even began to consider abandoning the activity of trucks in total. After seeing its sales in North America to 36 percent in one year, the company officially announced its intention to cease its U.S. manufacturing operations in late 2004. Despite these cuts, Isuzu remained hopeful he would be able to continue to play a role in the lucrative U.S. market by importing cheaper trucks from its plant in Thailand. Although still mired in debt in the summer of 2003, Isuzu had high hopes that its revised business strategy with a strong emphasis on promoting its diesel technology, which soon would return the company to profitability.
The parent company subsidiaries: Isuzu Motors Asia Ltd., Isuzu (China) Holding Co.; Quingling Motors Co. Ltd., Jiangling-Isuzu Motors Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Isuzu Bus Co., Isuzu (Shanghai) Co. Ltd Trade Tech, Beijing Beiling Special Automobile Co., Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Isuzu Autoparts Manufacturing Corporation, Isuzu Vietnam Co., Ltd. (IVC); PT Mesin Isuzu Indonesia (MII) PT Pantja motor (PM), PT Astra Isuzu Casting Company (AICC) , Isuzu Motors Co., (Thailand) Ltd. (IMCT) Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd. (TIS), Isuzu Engine Manufacturing Co. (Thailand) Ltd. (IEMT), Isuzu Technical Center of Asia Co., Ltd. (ITA), Thai International Die Making Co., Ltd. (TID), IT Forging (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (ITF), Isuzu (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Isuzu Operations (Thailand) Co. , Ltd., Malaysia, trucks and buses Sdn. Bhd., Anadolu Isuzu Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret AS, Isuzu Motors Europe Ltd., Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd., Isuzu Motors Germany GmbH (IMG), Isuzu Motors Polska Sp zo.o.
(Poland), General Motors Egypt SAE, American Isuzu Motors Inc. (USA), Isuzu Motors America Inc. (USA) Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. (SIA), DMAX, Ltd., General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck, LLC (GMICT)-Isuzu General Motors Australia Ltd. (IGM) International Auto Co., Ltd., Taiwan Isuzu Motors Co., Ltd.
Major competitors: Ford Motor Company, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation.
Also this year, Isuzu has plunged back into the diesel car market in Japan with a new sedan Florian.
) The situation was aggravated by the appreciation of the yen, in fact, artificially increase the price of Isuzu.
To achieve this goal, the company increased production capacity to its operations in Poland, which was already responsible for most of its production of diesel engines, from 100,000 to 200,000 units per year.
One of the largest manufacturers of medium and heavy trucks worldwide, Isuzu Motors Ltd. also manufactures SUVs, pickup trucks and diesels. Isuzu ventured into the passenger car market in the 1980s, but withdrew in 1991 after his line of passengers joining the company to heavy losses. With the help of the part owner of General Motors (GM), Isuzu returned to profitability in the mid-1990s, mainly focusing on his truck and a strong expertise in diesel engines. Being something of a manufacturing authorization subsidiary of GM, Isuzu has completed its strong Asian sales by building small trucks and components for the distribution of General Motors.
However, the Asian economic crisis of late 1990, combined with falling auto sales in the United States, drove the company deep in debt, and the first years of the 21 century, Isuzu had to make a series of programs of structural change radical, the great hopes of re-establishing himself, and profitable, truck manufacturers in the global automotive market.
Early history
Isuzu Motors has come from the diversification in 1916 by the Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding and Engineering Company. The company was founded after the Meiji Restoration to build a heavy Ishikawajima Ship Island near Tokyo, are asked to isolate the economic crisis in the shipbuilding sector. Tokyo Ishikawajima started the venture with Tokyo Gas and Electric Industrial Company, which has been the experience necessary for the engineering design of vehicles. In fact, Tokyo Gas has produced its first car, truck type, in 1918, with engines from Tokyo Ishikawajima. The partnership has produced a variety of models under license from British company Wolseley, including the A9, the car model, which went into production in Japan in 1922. In 1929 the company was incorporated separately Ishikawajima Automotive Manufacturing, Ltd.
The company has developed an air-cooled diesel engine in 1934. His pioneering work in this area has established the Automotive Group as a leader in diesel technology in the 1930's. Through its partnership with Tokyo Ishikawajima and Tokyo Gas, the company became a supplier to the army. Under a system of mobilization of government in 1937, the interests of the Tokyo Motor Ishikawajima and Tokyo Gas have been officially merged into a new company called Tokyo Motor Show. Mass production of air-cooled diesel engine, started this year.
World War II and post-war recovery
In 1938, in Tokyo Motors, began production of a truck on a new board, Isuzu - Japanese For now, however, the military had taken control of the government and launched a war against China, "50 bells." . As a result, General Motors in Tokyo came as part of the production plans of the government and much of its production was assigned to the Army. In 1939, General Motors of Tokyo has developed a new diesel, the DA40, which represents another milestone in diesel technology company. But in 1942, the United States and Britain were at war with Japan. With the war engulfing the economy is operating under emergency conditions, the operations of General Motors in Tokyo were fragmented for greater rationalization of the automotive industry. Truck Company was split into a new company called Hino Heavy Industries (later Hino Motors). Tokyo engines continued to operate as a chassis builder, but resumed the production of engines in 1943.
A year later, Japan was exposed to the bombing. As a military asset is located in a large industrial center, Engines of Tokyo had been exposed to these incursions. The production is completely stopped, until the war ended in September 1945. Still, Tokyo Motors was quick to recover from the war and resumed production before the end of the year. In 1946, the company introduced a new diesel truck named TX80. This product has helped the Tokyo Motors large investments in funds, and has offered to expand their research products.
The company changed its name to Isuzu Motors Ltd. in 1949. Like many other Japanese companies, who were born in war Isuzu returned to the business of military supplies, but this time the customer was the U.S. Army. These large supply contracts were the key to stable capital growth and Isuzu. The company has become an important resource for Americans, especially at the end of 1950, when hostilities broke out on the Korean peninsula. Provided a range of Isuzu trucks and other industrial products are fighting the aggression of North Korea, to help promote the company's position in the market for diesel engines. When the armistice was signed in 1953, he returned Isuzu licensing agreements with the British. The company has signed a contract to build a machine designed by Rootes Group (later called the Talbot and the French company PSA). Under the agreement, Isuzu Hillman Minx has produced.
In 1959, Isuzu introduced a new two-ton N-series truck called Elf. This was followed in 1961 by an attempt to equip a car with a small Isuzu diesel engine. As the economy and reliable diesel engine Bellel car was ugly, noisy, and finally, a commercial failure. Consumers are clearly in favor of a more cosmopolitan, if the car less convenient. In 1962, Isuzu has opened a new plant in Fujisawa. With expanded capacity, the company launched in 1963 Bellet car, followed by the model of Florian in 1967. Next year, Isuzu rolled out the two-door sport coupe 117, a luxury model like the Ford Mustang. In 1970, Isuzu has introduced two new trucks, medium Forward (named after the forward control) and a diesel of 12 tonnes.
Alliance with General Motors in 1970
Although Isuzu has become a recognized leader in the truck market was the rapid development of new models left financially weakened. When it became bankers to the company that the market would be able to support new product line Isuzu, they began negotiations with its competitors, hoping to arrange a merger of Isuzu with a more stable society. Although companies such as Fuji Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Toyota Motor Corporation has probably been contacted, it was General Motors, which occurred with the greatest interest in Isuzu. The automotive giant was impressed with elevator Isuzu export markets in the U.S. and Asia, and hopes to include it in its own global strategies. In 1971 General Motors purchased a 34.2 percent share of Isuzu. As part of its marketing tie-up with General Motors, Isuzu KB pick-up truck was sold by GM dealers in the United States in 1972.
In 1974, General Motors Isuzu used for the production of the Kadett, a model developed by its German subsidiary Opel nameplate Isuzu Gemini as Bellet.
Isuzu has introduced a fuel-efficient diesel engines with direct injection in 1974 two new truck models, Forward Forward SBR and RBG. Rising fuel prices have made these models particularly popular with consumers tired of inflation in Japan. General Motors saw the fuel efficiency of Isuzu models as a clear competitive advantage in the U.S. market. In 1976 he began importing the Twins in the United States as the Buick Opel. Get consumers suspect that the German designs that are sold by dealers of a U.S. company that actually manufactured in Japan. But, as had been suspected Gemini GM / Opel an interesting alternative to gas hungry American models, particularly as a second household vehicle. In this role, automobile displaced competitors such as Toyota, Datsun and Volkswagen. Isuzu was new growth in the U.S. market with a pickup truck diesel sold in the United States as the Chevrolet Luv in 1977.
The energy crisis has had an increasing toll on GM models in the United States, including those built by Isuzu. A rebellion of the consumer against a small car low power such as Opel, Ford Pinto and the Gremlin Isuzu placed in a down market at the wrong time. Despite a temporary increase in fuel prices in 1979 fell Isuzu product line is increasingly out of step with American tastes. Shocked by the poor quality of many American models, consumers have been attracted by Toyota, Honda and Nissan Motor Co. in increasing numbers.
Isuzu, General Motors' production has declined steadily from 1979 to 1981. In response to what felt like the loss of interaction of GM, Isuzu established its dealer network in the United States by American Isuzu Motors Inc., which is technically in competition with GM at the wholesale level. Commensurate with the establishment of a new group, Isuzu has agreed to change its model of Luv truck. General Motors CEO Roger Smith has put a bomb Isuzu President T. Okamoto in a landmark 1981 meeting. Isuzu has announced that it had lost its potential as a global partner in favor of GM. But rather than give up the partnership, Okamoto has asked Smith to help the GM to buy the share of Honda, a leading Japanese car in the fastest growing.
Okamoto was surprised by the sudden change of events, but could not refuse the request of the shareholder Isuzu. Finally, Honda has expressed no interest in an alliance with General Motors, saw its own global growth prospects as excellent, even without such a partnership. General Motors set instead of a 5 per cent in Suzuki Motors - a small consolation. General Motors may have intended to use this new partnership to benefit from Isuzu Suzuki hopes that the two companies will compete for the right to supply GM. That was the case, General Motors had no choice but to develop its relationship with Isuzu. The company has established new contracts with GM to build a model called the storm in a entirely new nameplate, Geo. Again, part of General Motors' international strategy, Isuzu built new production facilities in the joint UK and Australia.
Isuzu also considered a long-term agreement with Suzuki and marketing Yanase & Company, which included the installation of parts Isuzu Suzuki.
In an effort to raise awareness and stimulate the name of Isuzu truck sales company in the U.S., Isuzu has launched an advertising campaign with actor David Leisure revolutionary. The interpreter introduced himself as a spokesman for the name of Joe Isuzu, outrageously false statements made about products Isuzu. A series of corrections provide subtitles and jokes for entertainment reporting. The campaign could easily have failed if it were not for the delivery of the caustic comedy and obviously artificial smile. In one ad, Joe Isuzu concludes: "What happens if lightning I think I'm lying." At this time the actor is incinerated by a blinding light, a cloud of smoke Seconds later the door. irrepressible voice in the air and falls into the bed of a Isuzu truck. The ads were very effective in promoting and launching the careers of entertainment Isuzu, but have had limited impact on sales of Isuzu. (The company recorded no growth in sales of passenger cars.
World of joint ventures in the 1980
To remove the effect of currency fluctuations and stabilize the expected demand for Isuzu has begun to explore the possibility of placing the plant in the United States. Other Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Honda, had already been established in American factories. But Isuzu, start-up costs were high and the company's sales volumes were too small to justify the desperate move. Fortunately, Isuzu, Subaru, a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries, car, suffered the same problem. Both companies operate in slightly different areas of the U.S. market, then a joint venture between them was credible. Isuzu and Subaru has agreed to build together factory in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1987. The plant was introduced two years later, with Isuzu providing a constant supply of American vehicles built in America through the distribution of the sales organization.
Isuzu export sales exceeding three million units in 1986, but again, much of this growth occurred in the Asian markets and was recorded in sales of trucks. This year, Isuzu had a joint venture with Kawasaki Heavy Industries named coach of indigenous knowledge, Ltd. for the manufacture of bus bodies. On the basis of its franchise in Asia, Isuzu has established a subsidiary in Thailand to manufacture engines and a joint venture with General Motors in Australia next year. These efforts have contributed to the world as a manufacturer Isuzu Truck (on a unit basis) in 1987. The company has made several technological advances this year, including the development of an adiabatic ceramic engine and transmission system NAVI electronically controlled, which was the first of its kind.
Isuzu completed a series of other joint business agreements in 1990, including the PT Gaya Motor Indonesia to build trucks in that country. This factory joined the Isuzu plant in other countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Egypt. The company has also entered into agreements to market Isuzu multi-purpose vehicles in Japan through the Jusco Company, Car Life, and to handle sales of GM's Opel and Volvo Trucks in Japan. This expansion has helped Isuzu maintain its position as the largest producer of trucks. But the company's financial statements indicated a high price for this leadership. The company has lost $ 500000000 in 1991 and was financially shaky.
Refocusing in the 1990s
This deep concern for General Motors, which was unable to give up its investment in Isuzu by market value down. Isuzu has been the main source of imports of light trucks and heavy trucks from GM and 37.5 percent of its shares were held by American society. Isuzu continued to lose money until 1992, prompting the board of the company to General Motors asking for help. As a condition, GM has requested that one of its experts in strategic planning, Donald T. Sullivan was installed as executive vice president of operations, responsible for the reorganization of the Isuzu business, engineering, and production schedules. It was an unprecedented move. No other non-Japanese manufacturer were a Japanese director who does not speak in such a position, or give a wide margin as an American re-write the business plan.
Sullivan first step was to increase production at its plant in Subaru-Isuzu Automotive in Indiana. It lightened online Isuzu commercial vehicles in the hope of improving the efficiency of production of fewer models and eliminate cannibalization within product line. A strategy of downsizing virtually unknown in Japan, in summary Sullivan reduced capital budgets by 12.5 percent, hoping to eliminate waste through cost savings induced budget. Short stop layoffs, a tactic that was seen to breed disloyalty of employees only in Japan, Sullivan ordered a reduction in temporary labor Isuzu.
Perhaps most dramatic was the conclusion of Sullivan that Isuzu was not a viable competitive market automotive. Instead of investing large sums in a tough market segment, Isuzu Sullivan advised to leave the automotive market and focus on what he did best. For Isuzu, which has dropped to just three products: trucks, recreational vehicles and engines. Since the production of GM appealed the Geo Storm Isuzu model, the response to GM was irregular. "Chevrolet marketing guys were disappointed," Sullivan quoted in Forbes in 1994. "But business people looking at the financial liability from GM Isuzu was a different feeling."
These efforts seemed to have a positive impact on the activities stemming from losses Isuzu again to reverse the gradual decline in sales. By the end of Isuzu in the fiscal year 1993, the company announced a loss of $ 39 million. Sullivan, however, was even greater hope for the company. "I am proud of the success of the Isuzu," said Forbes. "But we still managed to remove the identification of success." Although the 1994 fiscal year ended with even greater gains, Isuzu already done the heavy burden of debt at $ 7.4 billion.
The measures taken by Isuzu under the tutelage of new Isuzu Donald Sullivan carefully placed in the overall strategy of General Motors. Although GM has lost its Geo Storm provider, turned to the experience of the incorporation of Isuzu in other areas. For example, the division of General Motors Europe has started to buy more diesel engines Isuzu. Michael Nylin, Sullivan presented by General Motors to help guide strategic planning Isuzu, trying to match product development with the needs of GM Isuzu. One result of this effort was a joint venture between Isuzu and General Motors to produce light trucks. Started in 1994 in Janesville, Wisconsin, the company asked to supply Isuzu cab and chassis, shipping from Japan and General Motors to produce the gasoline engine, a GM technology that Isuzu had more experience. Isuzu Sullivan also hopes to fit into the overall strategy of GM in providing GM with an entry in the Asian markets.
GM hopes to take advantage of its passenger cars to heavy sales of Isuzu pick-up in Asia to convince Asian car dealers to sell together.
The future of the company had come to depend on its relationship with other automakers, General Motors, in general, and particularly his ability to score gains on sales of their products. Among them, the series F (Forward) medium-duty trucks, truck tractors C Series trucks and N series (Elf) microphones. Light trucks manufactured in China were planned in 1993 when Isuzu have agreed a joint venture with Jiangxi car plant and Itochu. The company has expanded its relationship with other manufacturers when it signed an agreement with Nissan in 1994 to cross the supply of commercial vehicles, especially trucks Isuzu Elf two and three tons Caravan and Nissan.
The success of the company in the United States, but was injured in 1996 when Consumer Reports rated the Isuzu Trooper "not acceptable". Consumers Union (CU), publisher of Consumer Reports magazine issued a security warning about a sport utility vehicle, saying the Trooper "has shown a pronounced tendency to turn in our avoidance maneuver tests." Isuzu has contested the findings report, noting that the Trooper met all federal safety standards and that the company had received no reports of rollover accidents involving the Trooper. He also condemned the test as unreliable Consumers Union. Union Consumer maintained its claim, but his request for investigation to the default National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been refused. The NHTSA said: "Because of gaps in the event of short duration CU and no other information considered by [NHTSA] indicates that the safety-related defects exist, there is no reasonable possibility that ...
safety-related defect in vehicles subject would be [found]. "In mid-1997 Isuzu failed lawsuit against Consumers Union, the defamation and denigration of the product. Although the company had purchased millions of dollars in damage, followed by Isuzu introduced a means of restoring the good name of the company.
Entering 1998, the company's future was in doubt because of the economic crisis in Asia. In November 1997, to slow sales in Japan and the limited market in Thailand has led to a close the Isuzu factory in Thailand, which had produced 120,000 vehicles in 1996. Asia-Isuzu truck sales backbone of the business, the company has had a significant threat to the economic problems of the region.
Entering the 21 st century
To survive in this difficult economic climate, Isuzu began looking for ways to strengthen ties with General Motors. From the company's operating manufacturing diesel engines that offer the greatest opportunity for long-term growth, Isuzu has entered a joint venture with GM in September 1998 to begin mass production of diesel engines in the U.S. . The new company, DMAX-Ltd., Are formed with a total investment of $ 300 million to carry out 100,000 engines a year in 2004. The new plant, production of 650,000 square feet in Moraine, Ohio, for the most state of the art facility of its kind in North America, Isuzu could benefit from its award-winning 4JX1-TC direct injection diesel engine. Although Isuzu produced more than 800,000 diesel engines in the world in 1998, that figure is expected to increase to 1.8 million in 2005, aiming to become the world's largest manufacturer of diesel engines.
In December 1998, GM has also invested an additional $ 456 million Isuzu, increasing its stake in Japanese automaker to 49 percent.
However, in the short term, the company was still in a serious recession and significant cost reduction has become inevitable. To this end, the company launched a series of restructuring plans in December 1998. The most complete was in May 2001 when the company announced its intention to reduce its workforce by about 10,000 employees in three years, plus the consolidation of several of its divisions and subsidiaries. The most radical, however, was the company's decision to transfer its manufacturing operations beginning in Thailand, where production costs were significantly lower than in Japan. Meanwhile, Isuzu has expanded its partnership with GM's to forge an agreement that will allow the company to begin supplying diesel engines for GM.
These radical rationalization efforts intended to reverse the company's recent poor financial performance, with the objective of making profits of ¥ 30 billion for 2004. Despite these measures, however, still suffered losses Isuzu ¥ 23.6 billion for the first half of 2001, compared with a loss of ¥ 22.1 billion for the same period last year, and in November 2001 the company was forced to cut 3300 additional jobs. During this difficult Isuzu has begun to contemplate the termination of truck manufacturing operations in Lafayette, Indiana. In January 2002, with the hope of further streamlining of its operations, Isuzu has merged its Japanese business manufacturing buses with Hino Motors.
Despite a continuing decline in sales during the first years of the 21st century, there were some signs of recovery. Although the company still lost 43000000000 yen in fiscal 2002, this represents a significant improvement in the losses of the previous year to ¥ 67 billion €. At the same time, an increase of 30 percent of domestic sales allowed the company to keep your plant running Kawasaki. However, losses were of great concern to General Motors, which began to reconsider its relations with the Japanese firm in difficulty. Although initially reluctant to invest more in the company in crisis, GM finally departed for the acquisition of some major companies Isuzu. In August 2002, GM announced its intention to acquire 60 percent in Poland and the values of Isuzu diesel engines, while increasing its stake in the company DMAX Ltd 40-60 percent.
Unfortunately, this new infusion of capital could not do anything to reverse the fortunes of the company in this, and losses for the fiscal year ending March 2003 were over $ 1 billion. In late 2002, Isuzu launched its fourth restructuring plan in five years, and even began to consider abandoning the activity of trucks in total. After seeing its sales in North America to 36 percent in one year, the company officially announced its intention to cease its U.S. manufacturing operations in late 2004. Despite these cuts, Isuzu remained hopeful he would be able to continue to play a role in the lucrative U.S. market by importing cheaper trucks from its plant in Thailand. Although still mired in debt in the summer of 2003, Isuzu had high hopes that its revised business strategy with a strong emphasis on promoting its diesel technology, which soon would return the company to profitability.
The parent company subsidiaries: Isuzu Motors Asia Ltd., Isuzu (China) Holding Co.; Quingling Motors Co. Ltd., Jiangling-Isuzu Motors Co. Ltd., Guangzhou Isuzu Bus Co., Isuzu (Shanghai) Co. Ltd Trade Tech, Beijing Beiling Special Automobile Co., Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Isuzu Autoparts Manufacturing Corporation, Isuzu Vietnam Co., Ltd. (IVC); PT Mesin Isuzu Indonesia (MII) PT Pantja motor (PM), PT Astra Isuzu Casting Company (AICC) , Isuzu Motors Co., (Thailand) Ltd. (IMCT) Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd. (TIS), Isuzu Engine Manufacturing Co. (Thailand) Ltd. (IEMT), Isuzu Technical Center of Asia Co., Ltd. (ITA), Thai International Die Making Co., Ltd. (TID), IT Forging (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (ITF), Isuzu (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Isuzu Operations (Thailand) Co. , Ltd., Malaysia, trucks and buses Sdn. Bhd., Anadolu Isuzu Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret AS, Isuzu Motors Europe Ltd., Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd., Isuzu Motors Germany GmbH (IMG), Isuzu Motors Polska Sp zo.o.
(Poland), General Motors Egypt SAE, American Isuzu Motors Inc. (USA), Isuzu Motors America Inc. (USA) Subaru-Isuzu Automotive Inc. (SIA), DMAX, Ltd., General Motors Isuzu Commercial Truck, LLC (GMICT)-Isuzu General Motors Australia Ltd. (IGM) International Auto Co., Ltd., Taiwan Isuzu Motors Co., Ltd.
Major competitors: Ford Motor Company, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation.
Also this year, Isuzu has plunged back into the diesel car market in Japan with a new sedan Florian.
) The situation was aggravated by the appreciation of the yen, in fact, artificially increase the price of Isuzu.
To achieve this goal, the company increased production capacity to its operations in Poland, which was already responsible for most of its production of diesel engines, from 100,000 to 200,000 units per year.
Ford Transit Connect Wagon 2011 Review
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Ford Transit Connect Wagon 2011 |
After the introduction, two frames are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 136-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway. A 4-speed automatic overdrive is standard.
Transit Connect 2011 is a Portable Wagon from 2010.
Ford Shelby GT500 2011 Review
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Ford Shelby GT500 2011 |
In the introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 5.4-liter V8, 550 horsepower, supercharged engine that achieves 15 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.
In 2011 Shelby GT500 is a transfer from 2010.
Ford Mustang 2011 Review
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Ford Mustang 2011 |
After the introduction of the V6 Coupe is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter V6, 305 horsepower engine that achieves 19 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. GT Premium Convertible is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter V8, 412 horsepower engine that achieves 16 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both versions, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
In 2011, the Mustang is a transfer from 2010.
Ford Fusion 2011 Review
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Ford Fusion 2011 |
Upon introduction, the I-4 S FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 175 horsepower engine that achieves 22 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The Sport V6 AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 263 horsepower engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
In 2011, the merger is a transfer from 2010.
Ford Focus 2011 Review
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Ford Focus 2011 |
Upon introduction, the S is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 140-horsepower engine that achieves 25 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The SEL is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 140-horsepower engine that achieves 25 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2011 Focus is a carryover from 2010.
Ford Flex 2011 Review
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Ford Flex 2011 |
After the introduction, the SE FWD is equipped with a V6 3.5-liter, 262 horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Titanium AWD is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, 262 horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22 mpg highway. 6-speed automatic overdrive is standard on both trim.
2011 Flex is a piece of furniture from 2010.
Ford Fiesta 2011 Review
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Ford Fiesta 2011 |
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.6-liter, I4, 120-horsepower engine that achieves 28 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.
2011 Fiesta is a new brand for 2011
Ford Explorer 2012 Review
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Ford Explorer |
Upon introduction, the base front-wheel drive is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 290 horsepower engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Limited 4WD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 290 horsepower engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.
Explorer 2011 was revised in 2011.
Ford Expedition 2012 Review
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Ford Expedition 2012 |
After the introduction is XL 4X2 is equipped with a standard 5.4-liter V8, 310 horsepower, flexible fuel engine that achieves 14 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway. EL King Ranch 4X4 is equipped with a standard 5.4-liter V8, 310 horsepower, flexible fuel engine that achieves 13 mpg city and 18 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.
2011 Expedition is a carryover from 2010.
Ford Escape 2011 Review
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Ford Escape 2011 |
Upon introduction, the XLS FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 171 horsepower engine that achieves 23 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The Hybrid Limited 4WD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 153 horsepower, hybrid engine that gets 30 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
2011 Escape is a piece of furniture from 2010.
Ford Edge 2012 Review
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Ford Edge 2012 |
Upon introduction, the TA SE is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 285 horsepower engine that achieves 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Sport AWD is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter, V6, 305 horsepower engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.
The Edge 2011 is reskinned for 2011.
Ford E-Series Wagon 2012 Review
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Ford E-Series Wagon 2012 |
After the introduction, E-150 XL is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 225 horsepower, flexible fuel engine that achieves 13-mpg in the city and 16 mpg highway. E-350 XLT Super Duty Extended is equipped with a standard 5.4-liter, V8, 255 horsepower, flexible fuel engine that achieves 11-mpg in the city and 15 mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic overdrive is standard on both trim.
The 2011 E-Series Wagon is a carryover from 2010.
Ford Transit Connect Wagon 2012 Review
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Ford Transit Connect Wagon 2012 |
In the introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 136-horsepower engine that achieves 21 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The Transit Connect 2012 Wagon is a carryover from 2011.
Ford Taurus 2012 Review
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Ford Taurus 2012 |
After the introduction, the SE features a standard BEFORE 3.5-liter V6, 263 horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. The SHO AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter V6, 365 horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.
2012 Taurus is a piece of furniture in 2011.
Ford Shelby GT500 2012 Review
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Ford Shelby GT500 2012 |
After the introduction, two frames are equipped with a standard 5.4-liter, V8, 550 horsepower, supercharged engine that achieves 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg highway. A 6-speed transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2012 Shelby GT500 is a carryover from 2011.
Ford Mustang 2012 Review
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Ford Mustang 2012 |
After the introduction, the V6 Coupe is equipped with a standard 3.7-liter V6, 305 horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 29 mpg highway. A 6-speed transmission with overdrive is standard, and 6-speed overdrive automatic is optional. Boss 302 is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter, V8, 444-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway. A 6-speed transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2012 Mustang is a carryover from 2011.
Ford Fusion 2012 Review
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Ford Fusion 2012 |
After the introduction, the S equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 175 horsepower engine that reaches 22 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 156 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 41 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2012 Fusion is a carryover from 2011.
Ford Focus 2012 Review
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Ford Focus 2012 |
Upon introduction, the S is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 160-horsepower engine that achieves 26 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. Hatch Titanium features a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 160-horsepower engine that achieves 27 mpg city and 37 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
2012 S Mobile since 2011. Hatch, Titanium is a new 2012.
Ford Flex 2012 Review
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Ford Flex 2012 |
After the introduction, the SE FWD is equipped with a V6 3.5-liter, 262 horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Titanium AWD is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, 262 horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 22 mpg highway. 6-speed automatic overdrive is standard on both trim.
2012 Flex is a piece of furniture in 2011.
Ford Fiesta 2012 Review
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Ford Fiesta 2012 |
After the introduction, two frames are equipped with a standard 1.6-liter, I4, 120-horsepower engine that achieves 28-mpg in the city and 37 mpg highway. 5-speed transmission with overdrive is standard, and 6-speed overdrive automatic is optional.
La Fiesta 2012 is a carryover from 2011.
Ford Escape 2012 Review
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Ford Escape 2012 |
After the introduction XLS FWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 171 horsepower engine that reaches 23 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. Hybrid Limited 4WD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 153 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 30 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
2012-Escape is a transfer in 2011.
History of Ford Company
The history of Ford Motor Company;
Ford Motor Company is one of the largest automakers over the years. They started by Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan. Ford had a talent for business when he built an experimental car in 1896. It was a twin engine with a potential of 20 mph. In 1899 he quit his job to organize the Detroit Automobile Company. Ford's first production in 1903, the Model A, with an engine under the floor sells for $ 850. In the first season has sold 1708 cars.
After Ford became increasingly interested in speed. He built a race car called the 999 trial, which was 91.4 mph in 1904. He also produces a model of C, the same year, at a later stage using the Model B $ 2000. These models were improved in 1905, the Model D which sold for $ 2,500 In 1906 Ford introduced the Model N $ 500 to destroy the Oldsmobile business, while only leading to the introduction of the famous Model T in 1909.
The Model T or Tin Lizzie, has become extremely popular for the next 18 years due to its $ 850 price, fuel, engine size and speed around 40 mph. More than 15 million cars were made by Ford between 1908 and 1927. He became the all-American car. Production has increased rapidly in recent years while recalling his first million vehicles in 1922. Like Ford, which continued to occur widely in Britain, France and Germany. Ford car company has become a strong, but you need to change because they realized their only color was black. In 1927, the Model T left the market leader of new cars and create very innovative.
Model A has become popular in the car coming, but caused a transition period of three months, while production has occurred. The price of the Model A was $ 450, while 4.5 million were sold in the next four years. The car was also sold in a break with a change of style and form. In 1932, a 3.6-liter V8 car was mass produced for $ 460 to create a large demand for Ford cars. Many cars have been introduced in recent years with new styles. Model B and both have been sold with more powerful engines and greater amount of horsepower. As the hydraulic brakes, changing the column, and the suspensions have been introduced to enhance the benefits of the company.
After World War II halted production until early 1949 online. At this point, the power units are new with the automatic transmission in 1950. Big cars were manufactured in the years to come. The sporty Ford Thunderbird was introduced with the 5.1 liter and capacities of 113 mph. In 1958 he was a cab with five seats and a reinforced structure. Major restyling took place in the late 1950s with cars like the Falcon, a compact car, with the help of General Motors and Chrysler.
1960, competition intensified and Ford had to be innovative to remain one of the leading manufacturers. They put their minds together to create the Ford Mustang in 1964, a compact four-seater GT seeds, for $ 2,480. The car was the 4.7 liter V8 engine with a maximum of over 110 mph. The car was a great success and remained so until today sells more than 500,000 in the first year and a half on the market.
In the coming years, Ford has realized its potential. They created some great cars like the Thunderbird, the Model T, the Fair Laine, Galaxie, Falcon and Mustang. They also increased their production by far in the 1980's and continues to offer all-wheel drive pick-ups and off-road vehicles like the Bronco, Jeep, F-Series and Ranger. They became increasingly aware of the need for change, such as color, convertible, hardtop, and the number of ports. Increased production, innovative styles, low prices and customer satisfaction, Ford Motor Company has become the world leader in the production of cars.
Ford Motor Company is one of the largest automakers over the years. They started by Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan. Ford had a talent for business when he built an experimental car in 1896. It was a twin engine with a potential of 20 mph. In 1899 he quit his job to organize the Detroit Automobile Company. Ford's first production in 1903, the Model A, with an engine under the floor sells for $ 850. In the first season has sold 1708 cars.
After Ford became increasingly interested in speed. He built a race car called the 999 trial, which was 91.4 mph in 1904. He also produces a model of C, the same year, at a later stage using the Model B $ 2000. These models were improved in 1905, the Model D which sold for $ 2,500 In 1906 Ford introduced the Model N $ 500 to destroy the Oldsmobile business, while only leading to the introduction of the famous Model T in 1909.
The Model T or Tin Lizzie, has become extremely popular for the next 18 years due to its $ 850 price, fuel, engine size and speed around 40 mph. More than 15 million cars were made by Ford between 1908 and 1927. He became the all-American car. Production has increased rapidly in recent years while recalling his first million vehicles in 1922. Like Ford, which continued to occur widely in Britain, France and Germany. Ford car company has become a strong, but you need to change because they realized their only color was black. In 1927, the Model T left the market leader of new cars and create very innovative.
Model A has become popular in the car coming, but caused a transition period of three months, while production has occurred. The price of the Model A was $ 450, while 4.5 million were sold in the next four years. The car was also sold in a break with a change of style and form. In 1932, a 3.6-liter V8 car was mass produced for $ 460 to create a large demand for Ford cars. Many cars have been introduced in recent years with new styles. Model B and both have been sold with more powerful engines and greater amount of horsepower. As the hydraulic brakes, changing the column, and the suspensions have been introduced to enhance the benefits of the company.
After World War II halted production until early 1949 online. At this point, the power units are new with the automatic transmission in 1950. Big cars were manufactured in the years to come. The sporty Ford Thunderbird was introduced with the 5.1 liter and capacities of 113 mph. In 1958 he was a cab with five seats and a reinforced structure. Major restyling took place in the late 1950s with cars like the Falcon, a compact car, with the help of General Motors and Chrysler.
1960, competition intensified and Ford had to be innovative to remain one of the leading manufacturers. They put their minds together to create the Ford Mustang in 1964, a compact four-seater GT seeds, for $ 2,480. The car was the 4.7 liter V8 engine with a maximum of over 110 mph. The car was a great success and remained so until today sells more than 500,000 in the first year and a half on the market.
In the coming years, Ford has realized its potential. They created some great cars like the Thunderbird, the Model T, the Fair Laine, Galaxie, Falcon and Mustang. They also increased their production by far in the 1980's and continues to offer all-wheel drive pick-ups and off-road vehicles like the Bronco, Jeep, F-Series and Ranger. They became increasingly aware of the need for change, such as color, convertible, hardtop, and the number of ports. Increased production, innovative styles, low prices and customer satisfaction, Ford Motor Company has become the world leader in the production of cars.
Lexus RX Hybrid 2011 Review
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Lexus RX Hybrid 2011 |
After the introduction, 4X2 450h is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, 295 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 32-mpg in the city and 28 mpg highway. 4X4 450h is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6, 295 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 30 mpg in the city and 28 mpg highway. A variable speed automatic overdrive transmission is standard on both trim.
In 2011 RX Hybrid is a transfer from 2010.
Lexus RX 2011 Review
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Lexus RX 2011 |
After the introduction, the 4X2 is equipped with a 350 standard 3.5-liter V6, 275 horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. The 350 4x4 has a 3.5-liter V6, 275 horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.
The RX 2011 is a carryover from 2010.
Lexus LX 2011 Review
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Lexus LX 2011 |
By the introduction, the LX is equipped with a standard 5.7-liter V8, 383 horsepower engine that reaches 12 mpg city and 18 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The LX 2011 is a carryover from 2010.
Lexus LS Hybrid 2011 Review
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Lexus LS Hybrid 2011 |
By the introduction, the LS hybrid is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter V8, 438 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 19 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
In 2011 LS hybrid is a transfer from 2010.
Lexus LS 2011 Review
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Lexus LS 2011 |
After the introduction, the 460 RWD is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter V8, 380 horsepower engine that achieves 16 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. The 460 L AWD is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter V8, 357 horsepower engine that achieves 16 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both edges.
The LS 2011 is a carryover from 2010.
Lexus IS F 2011 Review
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Lexus IS F 2011 |
When Introduction, the IS F is equipped with a standard 5.0-liter, V8, 416-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 23 mpg highway. 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
In 2011, F is a transfer from 2010
Lexus IS C 2011 Review
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AdLexus IS C 2011 |
After the introduction, the manual is 250 equipped with a standard 2.5-liter V6, 204 horsepower engine that achieves 19 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 350 is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter V6, 306 horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
In 2011, C is a transfer from 2010.
Lexus IS 2011 Review
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ALexus IS 2011dd caption |
Upon introduction, the manual of 250 RWD is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter V6 engine 204 horsepower that achieves 19 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 350 AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 306 horsepower engine that achieves 18 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The 2011 is a carryover from 2010.
Lexus HS Hybrid 2011 Review
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Lexus HS Hybrid 2011 |
After the introduction, two frames are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 187-power, hybrid engine that achieves 35 mpg in the city and 34 mpg highway. A variable speed automatic overdrive is standard.
2011 HS Hybrid is the cabinet in 2010.
Lexus GX 2011 Review
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Lexus GX 2011 |
In the introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 4.6-liter V8, 301 horsepower engine that achieves 15 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
The GX 2011 is a carryover from 2010.
Lexus GS Hybrid 2011 Review
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Lexus GS Hybrid 2011 |
In the introduction, the hybrid GS is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 340 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 22 mpg city and 25 mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
In 2011 GS Hybrid is a transfer from 2010.
Lexus GS 2011 Review
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Lexus GS 2011 |
Upon introduction, the RWD 350 is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 303 horsepower engine that achieves 19 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway. 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The RWD 460 is equipped with a standard 4.6-liter, V8, 342 horsepower engine that achieves 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway. An eight-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
In 2011 GS is a transfer from 2010.
Lexus ES 2011 Review
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Lexus ES 2011 |
After the introduction ES is equipped with a V6 3.5-liter, 268 horsepower engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 27 mpg highway. 6-speed automatic overdrive is standard.
The ES 2011 is a carryover from 2010.
Lexus CT Hybrid 2011 Review
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Lexus CT Hybrid 2011 |
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 134 horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
In 2011, CT hybrid is new for 2011.
History of Lexus Company
History
In 1983, Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda called a secret meeting with company management, to whom he posed the question: "Can we create a luxury vehicle to challenge the best in the world?" This question led to Toyota embark on a top-secret project, codenamed F1 ("Flagship" + "No. 1 vehicle"). F1 project whose final product was finally Lexus LS 400, which aims to develop a luxury car that would expand Toyota's product line, which gives it a foothold in the premium segment and offers its customers long and two new exclusive product. F1 project followed the success of the Toyota Supra sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were rear wheel drive cars with an engine powerful 7M-GE/7M-GTE. The U.S. launch of the Acura brand in three years before Honda Toyota has also influenced his plans for a luxury division.
At the same time, Nissan would have revealed plans for its luxury division, Infiniti, Mazda, but it is also considered developing a luxury division, which will be called Amati.
Toyota researchers visited the U.S. in May 1985 to conduct focus groups and market research on consumers of luxury. This summer, several F1 designers rented a house in Laguna Beach, California, to observe the lifestyles and tastes of American upper-class consumers. Toyota's market research concluded that a separate brand and sales channel was needed to present its flagship property, and plans were made to develop a new network of dealerships in the U.S. market.
Brand development
In 1986, veteran of Toyota, the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi created a specialized unit, Team One, to handle the marketing of luxury brand. Image consulting firm Lippincott & Margulies was hired to develop a list of 219 possible names, Vectra, Verona, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were chosen as the best candidates. While Alexis quickly became the leading candidate (also associated with the character of Alexis Carrington in Dynasty's popular primetime drama 1980) and later turned to Lexus, the name has been attributed to a combination of words " luxury "and" elegance ", and one theory holds that it is an acronym for the export of luxury 'to the U.S." According to interviews of the team, the name has a precise meaning and is simply an image of luxury and technology.
Just before the release of the first vehicles, database service LexisNexis obtained an injunction forbidding the name Lexus is used, as it said it could cause confusion. On reflection, the court lifted the injunction, the decision had little chance of confusion between the two products.
The original Lexus slogan, developed after Team One representatives visited the Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, has become "relentless pursuit of perfection."
The Lexus logo was developed by Molly Hunter designs and communications. The final design of the Lexus logo presented in an "L" in an oval, and according to Toyota was done using a precise mathematical formula. The first teaser ads with the Lexus name and logo, designed by a team, appeared in the Chicago, Los Angeles and New York Auto Show in 1988.
Start
In 1989, after a long development process with 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, technicians, 2300, 220 support workers, around 450 prototypes, and over $ 1 billion in costs, the F1 project is completed. The lighthouse resulting Lexus LS 400, had a unique design that no major component sharing with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L V8 petrol engine and rear wheel drive. The test sites for the LS 400 included the German motorways.
The LS 400 was launched in January 1989 Show North American International Auto in Detroit. The following September, Lexus vehicles officially went on sale on a network of 81 dealers through the new Lexus SU The LS 400 was sold with a little brother, the Toyota Camry-based ES 250th launch of Lexus was announced an advertising campaign several million times on television and print media. Lexus then began exports to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Australia, in 1990.
The LS 400 is widely praised for its silence, well-appointed and ergonomic design, engine performance, build quality, aerodynamics, fuel economy and value, although it has been criticized by some commentators car for style and derived the suspension to be too compromising the comfort of handling. The LS 400 debuted at $ 38,000 U.S. (in some markets, it was priced against the average six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz and BMW models), and was estimated by Car and Driver magazine best of both $ 63,000 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL and $ 55,000 for the 735th BMW driving, handling and performance. It 'was generally regarded as a great shock for the European Marques, BMW and Mercedes-Benz U.S. sales data have decreased by 29% and 19%, respectively, the then President of BMW Eberhard von Kuenheim accused of dumping in this Lexus market. The LS 400 has won numerous major automotive awards when released.
In 1990, his first full year of sales, has sold 63 594 Lexus LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the United States the vast majority of the LS. In 1991, sales had grown to 71 206 cars in the U.S. market, which is the country's best-selling Lexus luxury imports. That same year, Lexus earned first place in JD Power studies, initial vehicle quality, customer satisfaction and sales.
Growth and expansion
Lexus has introduced two new models in June and September 1991, the SC 400 coupe and ES 300 sedan. SC 400 (designed next to the Japanese market Toyota Soarer) shared the LS 400's V8 engine and rear-wheel drive design, while the ES 300 replaced the ES 250 and became Lexus' best-selling sedan. The GS series came to America in 1993, which is based on the Toyota Aristo, which was sold two years ago in Japan. In 1994, Lexus has introduced the second generation LS 400, a complete redesign of the flagship model.
In 1996, Lexus has added its first luxury SUV, the LX 450th Two years later, the Lexus was launched on the first luxury crossover SUV, the RX 300, the second generation GS sedans 300/GS 400 and a new entry-level sedan, the 300th RX quickly became the best-selling Lexus model, moving ES, his previous best-seller. In 1999, Lexus has registered its one million cars sold in the U.S. and was ranked the most expensive car sold in the U.S. usually. In 2001, the first Infiniti convertible SC 430, and the third generation LS 430th
In 2005, Lexus expanded its range with the launch of the first luxury hybrid SUV, the RX 400h. The system of the car Lexus Hybrid Drive combined electric and gasoline engines for increased power, better fuel economy and emissions compared to traditional gas-powered equivalents. In 2006, introduced the Lexus GS 450h, a performance sedan with a V6 hybrid petrol / electric propulsion system and rear-wheel drive.
In 2006, Lexus has a preview of the fourth generation LS flagship series consists of standard and long wheelbase diesel (LS 460 and LS 460 L), and hybrid versions (the LS 600h and LS 600h L), and adding to a parallel / automatic function in reverse parking. In 2007, the LS 600h L is for sale the most expensive luxury vehicle ever produced in Japan, where the sticker price of about $ 125,000.
In January 2007, Lexus has announced a brand new performance division F, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury vehicles. The first of this line, the Lexus IS F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto accompanied by a super exotic concept, the LF-A.
In 2006, Lexus sold 475,000 vehicles around the world and has entered the Interbrand list of the top 100 global brands for the first time with a brand value estimated at approximately U.S. $ 3 billion annually. In 2007, the annual Lexus sales in the United States had increased to 329,177 vehicles. In 2008, amid the global financial crisis, sales dropped 21% in the United States, with an annual total of 260,087. In volume terms, the Lexus was the number one selling luxury brand in the largest car market in the last eight consecutive years and the fourth brand of luxury cars in the world by volume.
Global Development
In 2005, Lexus completed a full organizational separation from the parent company of Toyota, Lexus, specialized centers of design, engineering, training and production that works exclusively for the luxury division. This effort coincided with the launch of Lexus in Japan's domestic market and the launch of a brand's global expansion in key world markets. Managers to increase sales of Lexus outside the United States (U.S. sales represented approximately 63.5% of Lexus sales worldwide in 2007). Is the next generation, GS and LS sedan is seen then as a "global model" for markets around the world. Lexus launched in China in 2005, Malaysia in 2006, Indonesia in 2007, and the Philippines in 2008. In 2007, Lexus has sold in 57 countries around the world.
Total sales worldwide reached 500,000 Lexus vehicles in 2007. This year, the oldest of the Lexus sales markets (in order of size) were the United States, Japan, Britain, China, Canada and Russia. In 2008, sales growth was limited by a luxury car market weakened the world's major regions, including North America, Asia and Europe.
Japan
Lexus to enter the Japanese market July 26, 2005 became the first Japanese luxury brand introduction of the national market. Compact sedans, convertible SC and GS sedans medium became available in Japan in 2006 model year. Sales were initially lower but increased in 2007. In particular, the introduction of the LS 460 in September 2006 led to more than 12,000 orders for the first few months of expectations. Japanese network of 143 Lexus dealers new cars have been profitable in 2007. Debut of Lexus in Japan ended in the domestic market of the previous generation of Toyota-equivalent models, the right-hand-drive versions of the LS, SC, RX, IS and GS already sold in Japan under the (Toyota), Celsior, Soarer, Harrier, HEIGHT , Aristotle, and the names accordingly. With a new generation of models, Celsior, Aristo, Harrier, and the name Soarer HEIGHT is no longer used and had reorganized the Lexus is a Japanese store. The drastic increase in price (from $ 10,000 and up) models previously sold distinctive Toyota, Lexus and was transferred to the next generation has been considered the main reason for the initially slow sales in Japan as well as the general decline of the auto market National.
Europe
In the European market, Lexus has long struggled with less brand recognition, perceived lack of prestige compared to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Jaguar, the smallest market share, and the absence of a network independent dealers. In 2005, Lexus plans to introduce its first hybrid vehicles and diesel and to expand the number of dedicated dealers. In 2006, the new diesel engine 220D introduced primarily was responsible for the increase in sales in the UK, hybrids accounted for one quarter of total sales, and sold their gas counterparts. The toll in London has given a boost by the exclusion of hybrid cars. In 2006, 80% of all RX models sold in Europe by the hybrid model. Total sales of Lexus in Europe increased 72% in 2006 to more than 50,000 vehicles in 2007 and flat began releasing in 2008.
Russia and China
In 2007, Lexus vehicles seen in the emerging markets of Russia and China, high demand, with higher per dealer than any other market. This year, Lexus ranked fourth in sales of luxury and Russia also won the import sales leader in the emerging Chinese luxury car. The number of Lexus dealerships in China increased from 12 in 2005 to 23 in 2007, increased demand for luxury SUVs has contributed to sales growth in the Chinese market.
Asia and Oceania
In South Korea, with sales spearheaded efforts, Lexus was rated the best-selling import in 2005 in Taiwan, Lexus also became the best-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus experienced strong growth in sales and ranks third in sales in 2006 of the luxury imports, the model generates the greatest demand.
Corporate Affairs
From 2008 involves the coordination of the Division of Global Product Strategy Lexus Kiyotaka Ise, general manager of Lexus Development Centre in Japan. Ise, an officer of the management of the executive leadership of Toyota Motor Corporation has succeeded former director Takeshi Yoshida, who was promoted to general manager at Toyota Board of Directors in June 2007. Other leaders include Lexus in Japan Yoichiro Ichimaru (Senior Managing Director of Sales & Marketing Lexus in Japan) and Toshio Furutani, director of product planning and marketing division Lexus.
In the U.S., Lexus is directed by Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager of Lexus Division of the United States. Lexus Europe is directed by Andy Pfeiffenberger Vice President of Lexus Europe.
Lexus headquarters in Toyota City in Japan (Aichi, Japan). Design company located in Southern California Lexus and Toyota City, Japan.
Models
Current models
* IS: compact car RWD / AWD
o 2009 is 250/IS 250 AWD / IS 350/IS 220d/IS F / IS 350C 250C/IS
* ES: Midsize FWD
Or 350/ES ES Pebble Beach Edition 2009 (U.S. only)
* GS: Midsize RWD / AWD
o 350/GS 2009 GS 350 AWD / GS 460
OR 2009 GS 450h
* LS: full-size RWD / AWD
or 2009 LS 460 AWD 460/LS / LS 460 L / LS 460 L AWD
o 2009 LS 600h L 600h/LS / LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition (U.S. only)
* SC: Coupe / Convertible Coupe RWD
o 2009 SC 430
* RX: midsize crossover SUV
o 2009 RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition 350/RX (U.S. and Canada)
o 2008 RX 400h
* GX: midsize sport utility vehicles
O 2009 GX 470
* LX: full-size sport utility vehicle
O 2009 LX 570
The history of the production model
* IS: compact RWD / AWD
o 2000 is 200/IS 300
O 2006 is 250/IS 250 AWD / IS 220D 350/IS
OR 2008 F
or 2010 ES 350C 250C/IS
* HS: mid-size FWD
o 2010 HS 250h
* ES: Midsize FWD
o 1990 ES 250
or 1992 ES 300
o 1997 ES 300
o 2003 ES 330
o 2007 ES 350
* GS: Midsize RWD / AWD
o 1993 GS 300
or 1998 GS 400 300/GS
o 2001 GS 430
2006 GS 300 AWD 300/GS O / GS 450h 430/GS
2008 GS 350 AWD 350/GS O / GS 460
* BS: full-size RWD / AWD
o 1990 LS 400
o 2001 LS 430
2007 LS 460 L O 460/LS
Or 600h/LS 2008 LS 600h L
o 2009 LS 460 AWD / LS 460 L AWD
* SC coupe / convertible coupe rear-wheel drive
O 1992 SC 300/SC 400
or 2002 SC 430
* RX crossover SUV medium
or 1998 RX 300
O 2004 RX 330
O 2006 RX 400h
o 2007 RX 350
2010 RX 450h OR 350/RX
* GX-size SUV
o The GX 2003 470
* LX: full-size sport utility vehicle
o 1997 LX 450
o 1999 LX 470
O 2008 LX 570
Concept cars
* Concepts LF
O 2003 LF-X crossover
O 2003 LF-S luxury sedan
o 2004 LF-C Convertible
O 2005 LF-A Sports Coupe
o 2006 LF-Sh: hybrid luxury sedan
o 2007 LF-Xh: hybrid crossover
O 2008 Roadster LF-AR
* Past concept vehicles
o ItalDesign 1994 Lexus Landau: Hatchback
Or minivan 1995 Lexus FLV
o 1997 Lexus Street Rod: Roadster
or 1997 Lexus SLV: luxury sports car
OR HPS 1997 Lexus sports sedan
O 2003 Lexus IS 430 sport sedan
Design and Technology
Lexus design has traditionally focused on targeting specific standard of a luxury vehicle. Since the first Lexus LS, the design goals were the aerodynamics, performance, smooth ride, interior ergonomics, quiet cabins, fuel efficiency, safety and reliability. Abbreviation of "IDEAL" (Impressive, Dynamic, elegant, durable and Advanced) are used in the development process. Each Lexus vehicle must meet more than 500 product standards, known as the "must-Lexus', always in response to the steering wheel, leather seat stitching.
In the vehicle cabin, Lexus has incorporated touchscreen navigation interface, a smart key entry and start system, and SmartAccess Optitron electroluminescent gauges (the first time in the original LS). Lexus dealer adjusted the custom settings allow owners to customize the operation characteristics of the vehicle.
Lexus vehicles are among the first to offer surround sound audio systems high end, in cooperation with the firm in 1989 and Nakamichi stereo (since 2001) high-quality Mark Levinson audio supplier. Along with high-end audio, quiet cabin with the support of steel sandwich of glass plates and acoustic.
The fourth generation LS introduced the production of the first eight-speed automatic (later adapted for the GS 460 and IS F) and the first climate ceiling diffusers and infrared temperature sensors in the car body. The Lexus Hybrid Drive (used on the RX, GS and LS hybrid) include electric motors and regenerative braking.
Safety features have been incorporated into several Lexus vehicles in the range include the control of vehicle stability (VSC) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system / traction, Director of Relief , double chamber airbags, knee airbags, security cameras, rotating lights and sound warning systems. The Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) integrates multiple safety systems with emergency avoidance and collision detection capabilities.
In 2007, the world's first Lexus car safety systems with infrared detection capabilities and pedestrian pathways help keep surveillance systems for monitoring driver facial recognition of the driver's attention, and rear protection against whiplash Pre-Crash in the framework of the LS 460 Pre-Crash. In 2008 begins the Lexus LS 600h L, the first production vehicle to use LED headlights.
For security reasons, the Lexus navigation systems feature of the GPS block movement when the vehicle reaches the set speed (to prevent distraction, navigation inputs are limited, while the voice command button and some are still available). This safety feature has attracted criticism because passengers can not use certain features of the vehicle is in motion. Pre-2007 models are equipped with a hidden OEM override option.
L-finesse
Lexus introduced a new design language called "L-finesse" with its LF Series concepts and later with the 2006 Lexus GS. L-finesse is represented by three Japanese kanji characters: "The elegance fascinating" (纯), "incisive simplicity" (妙), and "the expectations of perfection" (予). Derived from Japanese cultural reasons, these figures refer to the goal of "elegance" simplicity, while anticipating the needs of the owner. The characters are also incorporated into the design of signals Kirikaeshi the term is used in the forms of the 2006 models of the arrow. Features L-finesse design also includes an airfoil, the grill set on low, and the use of both convex and concave surfaces. From the 2009 model year, the Lexus SC Lexus GX and are the only two Lexus models that do not deal L-finesse again. They are still designed using the old Lexus design language, not unlike the Toyota's design language. The 2009 Lexus RX L-finesse is, too, but the review of 2010 provides L- finesse of the RX.
Unlike some earlier models of Lexus, which have been criticized as remote and derivative style (and often confused with the under-car household), appearance of the L-finesse was described in the analysis of car design that the addition of a special nature and embrace of Japanese design, identity. Opinions varied on the 2006 GS. Sports Car International welcomed the analysis in-person appearance of the car, Automobile Magazine criticized the audacity of his style before, and later models like the Jaguar XF was compared to perceived similarities. Exhibitions of L-finesse work was presented at the Milan Design Week in 2005 to 08 in 2007 LS launch included art exhibitions in Beverly Hills, Chicago, Miami and New York.
Production
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured at the Toyota Tahara plant, a very sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant in Japan. In 2005, JD Power and Associates awarded the Platinum Award for the quality of the plants around the world at the Tahara plant, stating that it has the fewest defects of any manufacturing plant in the world. It was the fourth consecutive year that the Tahara plant captured this award. In 2006, JD Power named the Kanji (Iwate) plant, the site of the ES and IS model production, as the winner of the Platinum Award for the quality of the plants in the world.
Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the production of Lexus cars. Molds and new specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Lexus factory workers, technicians generally veteran, are identified by the repeated performance evaluations and ranked according to skill, just a select group of artisans are eligible to work on Lexus vehicles. In addition, welding processes, tolerances body panel fit, and quality requirements of the paint stricter for Lexus models. Wood inlays offset by wood from sustainable plantations.
Lexus engines are tested by stethoscope-equipped takumi (匠, Japanese for "master craftsman") engineers to ensure optimum performance. These engineers are responsible for maintaining production standards at key points in the assembly process. The production of Lexus vehicles are given a visual inspection for defects, extensive, personal initiative at high speed testing, and subjected to vibration testing.
The U.S. market RX 350 (since 2004) occurs in the city of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant outside Japan. In addition to the Tahara plant, Lexus vehicles were produced in Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha) Katashiki, and the Kyushu plant in Japan. In 2008, most sedans and SUV production takes place in Japan at the plant in Tahara, Aichi, Chubu Region, and Kyushu (Miyata), a plant in Fukuoka, Kyushu.
Service
Lexus has become known for efforts to project an image of luxury, even if the service after the sale. Waiting Room Service departments are full of amenities such as refreshment bar, internet access, indoor putting green and accessories store. Lexus Car Dealers typically borrow free of charge and free car washes, and some added on-site cafes and designer boutiques. The service bays are typically lined with large windows, allowing customers to watch the maintenance of their vehicles. Follow-up studies to Lexus owners can use to evaluate their experience.
To improve customer service, some Lexus dealerships have sent their employees for training in service-oriented establishments such as department stores Nordstrom and Ritz-Carlton. Lexus has also added an additional owners privilege ": the use of exclusive parking at major sporting venues, entertainment venues and shopping malls, reserved only for Lexus vehicles.
Since 2002, Lexus has scored consecutive top scores Auto Express and the 76 000 respondents, the Top Gear customer satisfaction surveys in the United Kingdom. Lexus has also repeatedly exceeded the 79,000-respondent, JD Power customer service index, and the Luxury Institute in New York, United States, studies on the strength of the standards of customer service and product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys a of the highest customer retention rates in the industry.
Lexus customer service efforts early days with the "Lexus Covenant," its founding promise which states that "Lexus treat each customer as we would a guest in our house." This commitment was tested in early 1989, when Lexus ordered the withdrawal of all 8,000 vehicles sold, according to two separate security issues with both cars for different customers. One trader said: "The company does not run and hide" and instead launched a sweeping operation. Instead of asking owners to visit dealers, Lexus sent technicians in the coming weeks to collect, repair and return the cars to customers in LS, even flying in personnel and rental shop owners in remote areas. The executive director of U.S. operations for Lexus, said, "We have seen this as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the client from the beginning."
In the U.S., Lexus offers a four-year or 50,000 million (80,000 km) of basic and six years or 70.000 million (110,000 km) powertrain / rust warranty. Lexus Certified Pre-Owned program, among the first in the automotive industry (begun in November 1993) are equipped with a 161 point inspection of vehicles and preowned one kilometer of three years or 100,000 (160,000 km) warranty. In 2005, Lexus Financial Savings Bank in collaboration with U.S. Bank launched the Lexus Pursuits Visa Card. Lexus Magazine features articles in the automotive and lifestyle and is published quarterly.
Motorsport
Lexus has entered the field of motorsport in 1999 when his unit running, Team Lexus, set of two GS 400 race vehicles in the Motorola Cup North American Championship Street Stock. In the 1999 season his team won the first Lexus its first victory with his sixth race at Road Atlanta. This year, Team Lexus also attained four podium finishes in nine races and held two antecedents. Led by SCCA and IMSA driver Chuck Goldsborough, Team Lexus led to another victory, two podium finishes and three top-five in 2000. Team Lexus ranked third in the Manufacturers' Championship this year, each GS 400 race achieving the top ten results.
In 2001, Team Lexus capitalized on the debut of the first generation Lexus IS by entering three 300S is in the famous Grand-Am Cup (now run by the Grand American Road Racing Association). In 2002, the team won the Lexus Championship Drivers and Team Championship with nine podium finishes, and a sweep of top three finishes at Le Circuit Mont Trebla in Quebec, Canada. In 2003, Team Lexus four pole positions, six podium finishes, two track records at Daytona 24 and Mosport, and a win at Homestead-Miami.
Lexus has also participated in the endurance race, including the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association. After entering the Rolex Sports Car Series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series races event. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up, and in 2006 won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past, was the first time that its luxury arm emerged victorious. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was the repeat winner of the event with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing ended the first Lexus-Riley prototype also won three of the top ten. In 2008, Lexus won its third straight victory at Daytona.
After the release of the Lexus brand in the Japanese domestic market in 2005, four cuts recorded in the SC 430 Super GT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the series in 2006, SC 430 took the checkered flag, and driver Juichi Wakisaka and Andre Lotterer run to capture the SC 430 GT500 championship for that year. In 2007, won one second in the race SC 430 GT500 first round. In 2006, led a hybrid Lexus for the first time in a GS 450h hybrid sedan, the performance in the Tokachi 24-hour race in Hokkaido, Japan. Lexus GS 450h in Canada in the 2007 Targa Newfoundland event.
Brand F
Main article: Lexus F
In December 2006, the Lexus brand new division F. "F" refers to the Fuji Speedway in Japan, where the first corner, 27R, inspired by the shape of "F" emblem. The first vehicle badged F, Lexus IS F, which then created the North American International Auto Show in January 2007. The media have suggested that the IS F sedan would be followed by a GS sedan and the Lexus IS F F coupe. A former internal adjustment efforts, the TRD-based L-Tuned, had offered performance packages on the GS sedan and is in the early 2000s.
The IS F is for rivals Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW's M division. Historically, earlier versions of CS and GS models have received positive feedback from buyers of luxury sport, while other Lexus models have been characterized as favoring comfort at the expense of sports performance. Reviewers of the car also have given some of the German brand to rival Lexus high road feel and handling, particularly when tested on the track. The F line of the brand was seen as an effort to further improve the performance of Lexus references.
In 2007, the Lexus IS F entered the Association of Specialty Market 2007 team (EMS), which offers a line of accessories factory sanctioned performance in conjunction with the launch of its brand division of F.
Strategy Division
Vehicle development
More info: Lexus LF
Lexus strategic intentions are implicit in its LF series concepts are elements that reflected in the form of production (including the 2003 LF-S and LF-C 2004). LF series concepts include advanced instrumentation, multiple driver selected vehicle configurations, hybrid / experimental powertrains, and unconventional interface design driver. Takeshi Yoshida Lexus management has also stated Lexus plans to produce future models of production platforms dedicated to using more than Lexus, as is the case for the flagship LS. The entry-level Lexus ES, in particular, had been reprimanded for being too similar to the Toyota Camry, its shared platform cousin, both in style and design of the propulsion system.
According to the head of division, Lexus plans to introduce Lexus Hybrid Drive Lexus line-up for each vehicle, catering to the needs and calculations of carbon pollution and oil dependency. The advent of Lexus Hybrid is touted by Lexus officials of a strategy to raise the profile of the Lexus in more general understanding of the competing Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar brands. The new Lexus models including the development of convertibles, crossovers, hybrids and dedicated. Lexus prototypes have been spotted testing on the Nürburgring test track in Germany.
Market position
Future position of the brand Lexus' reputation in the luxury market requires pricing strategies. Success Lexus in the United States because of perceived higher quality and lower prices than the competition, which has allowed Lexus to attract customers to upgrade mass-market car. More reliable than the Lexus reputation than its competitors has been seen as primarily the sales factor. However, a lot of luxury buyers (classified as more than U.S. $ 100,000), this could have implications for the Lexus brand grew up in an image business, which competes at the top of the luxury market, where competitors offer a graph- topping flagship vehicles. In response to the latest Lexus models are expected to rise in the price sticker in order to more accurately reflect their European competitors, with top models like the LS 600h L is the first to reach the ultra-luxury barrier.
In addition, analysts said Lexus relative newcomer status in the luxury market, compared to the legendary reputation of its European rivals, as a limiting factor for its initial sales acceptance in global markets. Rivals Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche have stressed their decades of heritage and genealogy in an effort to promote their products, while the reputation since its inception, "Lexus is mainly based on perceived product quality and history common its parent company, Toyota. The characteristics of the built heritage over many years, and pedigree, are regarded by some commentators as a challenge for Lexus, although their impact is debated. Finally, several analysts have suggested that Lexus will develop their own assets over time by investing in technological innovation and production of major products.
Popular culture
Several ideas on the future of Lexus car design have appeared on the film. In 2002, Lexus requested by Steven Spielberg, who owns a Lexus, to design a car that would meet the needs of the year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Designers working with Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle that ran on fuel cells and has many advanced security features, including a crash-proof structure and biometric security systems. (Lexus concept car also appears kinematics on the island, but it is colored blue, not red). A Lexus film tie-in site proposed a future Lexus would itself lead to dinner orders verbally, and select music to match occupant moods. The 2054 Lexus later appeared at several auto shows and public events.
The term "the Lexus of ..." has also entered the cultural lexicon as a description of a high-end product, or a premium brand manufactured by a vendor public. For example, in 2006 Dell announced a range of premium computer, calling it "the Lexus of our range." Another example of comparisons include "the Lexus of phones" or "the Lexus of space stations," among others . Late night comedian Jay Leno, the first time the term "Lexus-industrialized" for his columns in Popular Mechanics car, a term generally used to describe the approach of the Lexus luxury car. Despite the official plural form Lexus Lexus of fairness, the public has also made its own derivative (the derivative being the most popular "Lexi"). The New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman cited Lexus as an example of efforts for progress and development in his best-selling 1999 book, The Lexus and the olive tree.
In the UK, the flagship LS 430 was introduced in the BBC drama Spooks spy Lexus models have also been in Coronation Street ITV, the BBC's Judge John Deed, and other programs. Lexus GB models saw a sales increase after having been seen in ITV footballers 'wives'. In 2002, comedian Steve Coogan is Alan Partridge BBC fictional character replaced with a Rover 200, calling it the "Japanese Mercedes" and one of many "Lexi," the superficial character was seen as detrimental to the image of the brand. In 2004, several hip hop artists, including Jay-Z (on the song "Is not No Nigga") and Kanye West ("Jesus Walks") mentioned in the Lexus his songs, an endorsement which Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson suggested add street credibility of the brand.
The introduction of Lexus hybrids have gained more media attention thanks to celebrity RX 400h owners such as Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton, and Holly Hunter, who was among the early adopters of the Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. Politicians in Britain and Ireland Lexus hybrids, with public institutions. In Monaco, Prince Albert II purchased an LS 600h and advocated the adoption of hybrid tax credits.
Classifieds
Lexus has always used the reason of his television commercials in the United States. The ads are often told by the film and television actor James Sloyan (which has a voice, "said Lexus' since 1989) and there are vehicles that do tricks unusual on the screen. The first decade of ads (1989-1999) consisted mainly disjunctive narrative descriptions as "ruthless", "tracking" and "perfection", when vehicles have been used to claim superiority in braking, handling, minimum, and the inner peace and comfort of the camera. The new ads have become somewhat 'more descriptive, sometimes filled with descriptions of new features, or narration of events on the screen. Spot Lexus, but a consistent pattern, it is sometimes referred to as competitors Infiniti and Acura, which is also used as a celebrity dubbing (Jonathan Pryce, until 1997, and James Spader in 2005, respectively), but similar visual signals to the public on vehicle characteristics and crafts. In 2008, Lexus continues to advertise their leases, while other brands of focus more on long-term financing.
Sponsorship
Since 1989, the annual Lexus Champions for Charity golf has collected more than $ 100 million for charitable causes. Golf series begins with over 190 local golf tournaments in the United States, leading to a three-day championship tournament at Pebble Beach. Lexus was also the main sponsor of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, a Grand Slam event since 2005, giving a GS sedan (and later, the IS F), male and female winners of two games, and providing transport player. In January 2007, Lexus became the first automotive sponsor of the United States Golf Association, the U.S. Open, U.S. Women 's Open, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Amateur tournaments. Other Lexus sponsorship vary from region (see examples in the Lexus Cup in Singapore and Australia, and the Lexus Song Quest Song Contest in New Zealand). Lexus has also signed jojen with pro athletes Andy Roddick, Annika Sorenstam is Peter Jacobsen.
In 1983, Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda called a secret meeting with company management, to whom he posed the question: "Can we create a luxury vehicle to challenge the best in the world?" This question led to Toyota embark on a top-secret project, codenamed F1 ("Flagship" + "No. 1 vehicle"). F1 project whose final product was finally Lexus LS 400, which aims to develop a luxury car that would expand Toyota's product line, which gives it a foothold in the premium segment and offers its customers long and two new exclusive product. F1 project followed the success of the Toyota Supra sports car and the luxury Toyota Cressida models. Both the Supra and Cressida were rear wheel drive cars with an engine powerful 7M-GE/7M-GTE. The U.S. launch of the Acura brand in three years before Honda Toyota has also influenced his plans for a luxury division.
At the same time, Nissan would have revealed plans for its luxury division, Infiniti, Mazda, but it is also considered developing a luxury division, which will be called Amati.
Toyota researchers visited the U.S. in May 1985 to conduct focus groups and market research on consumers of luxury. This summer, several F1 designers rented a house in Laguna Beach, California, to observe the lifestyles and tastes of American upper-class consumers. Toyota's market research concluded that a separate brand and sales channel was needed to present its flagship property, and plans were made to develop a new network of dealerships in the U.S. market.
Brand development
In 1986, veteran of Toyota, the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi created a specialized unit, Team One, to handle the marketing of luxury brand. Image consulting firm Lippincott & Margulies was hired to develop a list of 219 possible names, Vectra, Verona, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were chosen as the best candidates. While Alexis quickly became the leading candidate (also associated with the character of Alexis Carrington in Dynasty's popular primetime drama 1980) and later turned to Lexus, the name has been attributed to a combination of words " luxury "and" elegance ", and one theory holds that it is an acronym for the export of luxury 'to the U.S." According to interviews of the team, the name has a precise meaning and is simply an image of luxury and technology.
Just before the release of the first vehicles, database service LexisNexis obtained an injunction forbidding the name Lexus is used, as it said it could cause confusion. On reflection, the court lifted the injunction, the decision had little chance of confusion between the two products.
The original Lexus slogan, developed after Team One representatives visited the Lexus designers in Japan and noted their obsessive attention to detail, has become "relentless pursuit of perfection."
The Lexus logo was developed by Molly Hunter designs and communications. The final design of the Lexus logo presented in an "L" in an oval, and according to Toyota was done using a precise mathematical formula. The first teaser ads with the Lexus name and logo, designed by a team, appeared in the Chicago, Los Angeles and New York Auto Show in 1988.
Start
In 1989, after a long development process with 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, technicians, 2300, 220 support workers, around 450 prototypes, and over $ 1 billion in costs, the F1 project is completed. The lighthouse resulting Lexus LS 400, had a unique design that no major component sharing with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L V8 petrol engine and rear wheel drive. The test sites for the LS 400 included the German motorways.
The LS 400 was launched in January 1989 Show North American International Auto in Detroit. The following September, Lexus vehicles officially went on sale on a network of 81 dealers through the new Lexus SU The LS 400 was sold with a little brother, the Toyota Camry-based ES 250th launch of Lexus was announced an advertising campaign several million times on television and print media. Lexus then began exports to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Australia, in 1990.
The LS 400 is widely praised for its silence, well-appointed and ergonomic design, engine performance, build quality, aerodynamics, fuel economy and value, although it has been criticized by some commentators car for style and derived the suspension to be too compromising the comfort of handling. The LS 400 debuted at $ 38,000 U.S. (in some markets, it was priced against the average six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz and BMW models), and was estimated by Car and Driver magazine best of both $ 63,000 Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL and $ 55,000 for the 735th BMW driving, handling and performance. It 'was generally regarded as a great shock for the European Marques, BMW and Mercedes-Benz U.S. sales data have decreased by 29% and 19%, respectively, the then President of BMW Eberhard von Kuenheim accused of dumping in this Lexus market. The LS 400 has won numerous major automotive awards when released.
In 1990, his first full year of sales, has sold 63 594 Lexus LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the United States the vast majority of the LS. In 1991, sales had grown to 71 206 cars in the U.S. market, which is the country's best-selling Lexus luxury imports. That same year, Lexus earned first place in JD Power studies, initial vehicle quality, customer satisfaction and sales.
Growth and expansion
Lexus has introduced two new models in June and September 1991, the SC 400 coupe and ES 300 sedan. SC 400 (designed next to the Japanese market Toyota Soarer) shared the LS 400's V8 engine and rear-wheel drive design, while the ES 300 replaced the ES 250 and became Lexus' best-selling sedan. The GS series came to America in 1993, which is based on the Toyota Aristo, which was sold two years ago in Japan. In 1994, Lexus has introduced the second generation LS 400, a complete redesign of the flagship model.
In 1996, Lexus has added its first luxury SUV, the LX 450th Two years later, the Lexus was launched on the first luxury crossover SUV, the RX 300, the second generation GS sedans 300/GS 400 and a new entry-level sedan, the 300th RX quickly became the best-selling Lexus model, moving ES, his previous best-seller. In 1999, Lexus has registered its one million cars sold in the U.S. and was ranked the most expensive car sold in the U.S. usually. In 2001, the first Infiniti convertible SC 430, and the third generation LS 430th
In 2005, Lexus expanded its range with the launch of the first luxury hybrid SUV, the RX 400h. The system of the car Lexus Hybrid Drive combined electric and gasoline engines for increased power, better fuel economy and emissions compared to traditional gas-powered equivalents. In 2006, introduced the Lexus GS 450h, a performance sedan with a V6 hybrid petrol / electric propulsion system and rear-wheel drive.
In 2006, Lexus has a preview of the fourth generation LS flagship series consists of standard and long wheelbase diesel (LS 460 and LS 460 L), and hybrid versions (the LS 600h and LS 600h L), and adding to a parallel / automatic function in reverse parking. In 2007, the LS 600h L is for sale the most expensive luxury vehicle ever produced in Japan, where the sticker price of about $ 125,000.
In January 2007, Lexus has announced a brand new performance division F, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its luxury vehicles. The first of this line, the Lexus IS F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto accompanied by a super exotic concept, the LF-A.
In 2006, Lexus sold 475,000 vehicles around the world and has entered the Interbrand list of the top 100 global brands for the first time with a brand value estimated at approximately U.S. $ 3 billion annually. In 2007, the annual Lexus sales in the United States had increased to 329,177 vehicles. In 2008, amid the global financial crisis, sales dropped 21% in the United States, with an annual total of 260,087. In volume terms, the Lexus was the number one selling luxury brand in the largest car market in the last eight consecutive years and the fourth brand of luxury cars in the world by volume.
Global Development
In 2005, Lexus completed a full organizational separation from the parent company of Toyota, Lexus, specialized centers of design, engineering, training and production that works exclusively for the luxury division. This effort coincided with the launch of Lexus in Japan's domestic market and the launch of a brand's global expansion in key world markets. Managers to increase sales of Lexus outside the United States (U.S. sales represented approximately 63.5% of Lexus sales worldwide in 2007). Is the next generation, GS and LS sedan is seen then as a "global model" for markets around the world. Lexus launched in China in 2005, Malaysia in 2006, Indonesia in 2007, and the Philippines in 2008. In 2007, Lexus has sold in 57 countries around the world.
Total sales worldwide reached 500,000 Lexus vehicles in 2007. This year, the oldest of the Lexus sales markets (in order of size) were the United States, Japan, Britain, China, Canada and Russia. In 2008, sales growth was limited by a luxury car market weakened the world's major regions, including North America, Asia and Europe.
Japan
Lexus to enter the Japanese market July 26, 2005 became the first Japanese luxury brand introduction of the national market. Compact sedans, convertible SC and GS sedans medium became available in Japan in 2006 model year. Sales were initially lower but increased in 2007. In particular, the introduction of the LS 460 in September 2006 led to more than 12,000 orders for the first few months of expectations. Japanese network of 143 Lexus dealers new cars have been profitable in 2007. Debut of Lexus in Japan ended in the domestic market of the previous generation of Toyota-equivalent models, the right-hand-drive versions of the LS, SC, RX, IS and GS already sold in Japan under the (Toyota), Celsior, Soarer, Harrier, HEIGHT , Aristotle, and the names accordingly. With a new generation of models, Celsior, Aristo, Harrier, and the name Soarer HEIGHT is no longer used and had reorganized the Lexus is a Japanese store. The drastic increase in price (from $ 10,000 and up) models previously sold distinctive Toyota, Lexus and was transferred to the next generation has been considered the main reason for the initially slow sales in Japan as well as the general decline of the auto market National.
Europe
In the European market, Lexus has long struggled with less brand recognition, perceived lack of prestige compared to Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche and Jaguar, the smallest market share, and the absence of a network independent dealers. In 2005, Lexus plans to introduce its first hybrid vehicles and diesel and to expand the number of dedicated dealers. In 2006, the new diesel engine 220D introduced primarily was responsible for the increase in sales in the UK, hybrids accounted for one quarter of total sales, and sold their gas counterparts. The toll in London has given a boost by the exclusion of hybrid cars. In 2006, 80% of all RX models sold in Europe by the hybrid model. Total sales of Lexus in Europe increased 72% in 2006 to more than 50,000 vehicles in 2007 and flat began releasing in 2008.
Russia and China
In 2007, Lexus vehicles seen in the emerging markets of Russia and China, high demand, with higher per dealer than any other market. This year, Lexus ranked fourth in sales of luxury and Russia also won the import sales leader in the emerging Chinese luxury car. The number of Lexus dealerships in China increased from 12 in 2005 to 23 in 2007, increased demand for luxury SUVs has contributed to sales growth in the Chinese market.
Asia and Oceania
In South Korea, with sales spearheaded efforts, Lexus was rated the best-selling import in 2005 in Taiwan, Lexus also became the best-selling luxury import in 2005. In Australia, Lexus experienced strong growth in sales and ranks third in sales in 2006 of the luxury imports, the model generates the greatest demand.
Corporate Affairs
From 2008 involves the coordination of the Division of Global Product Strategy Lexus Kiyotaka Ise, general manager of Lexus Development Centre in Japan. Ise, an officer of the management of the executive leadership of Toyota Motor Corporation has succeeded former director Takeshi Yoshida, who was promoted to general manager at Toyota Board of Directors in June 2007. Other leaders include Lexus in Japan Yoichiro Ichimaru (Senior Managing Director of Sales & Marketing Lexus in Japan) and Toshio Furutani, director of product planning and marketing division Lexus.
In the U.S., Lexus is directed by Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager of Lexus Division of the United States. Lexus Europe is directed by Andy Pfeiffenberger Vice President of Lexus Europe.
Lexus headquarters in Toyota City in Japan (Aichi, Japan). Design company located in Southern California Lexus and Toyota City, Japan.
Models
Current models
* IS: compact car RWD / AWD
o 2009 is 250/IS 250 AWD / IS 350/IS 220d/IS F / IS 350C 250C/IS
* ES: Midsize FWD
Or 350/ES ES Pebble Beach Edition 2009 (U.S. only)
* GS: Midsize RWD / AWD
o 350/GS 2009 GS 350 AWD / GS 460
OR 2009 GS 450h
* LS: full-size RWD / AWD
or 2009 LS 460 AWD 460/LS / LS 460 L / LS 460 L AWD
o 2009 LS 600h L 600h/LS / LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition (U.S. only)
* SC: Coupe / Convertible Coupe RWD
o 2009 SC 430
* RX: midsize crossover SUV
o 2009 RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition 350/RX (U.S. and Canada)
o 2008 RX 400h
* GX: midsize sport utility vehicles
O 2009 GX 470
* LX: full-size sport utility vehicle
O 2009 LX 570
The history of the production model
* IS: compact RWD / AWD
o 2000 is 200/IS 300
O 2006 is 250/IS 250 AWD / IS 220D 350/IS
OR 2008 F
or 2010 ES 350C 250C/IS
* HS: mid-size FWD
o 2010 HS 250h
* ES: Midsize FWD
o 1990 ES 250
or 1992 ES 300
o 1997 ES 300
o 2003 ES 330
o 2007 ES 350
* GS: Midsize RWD / AWD
o 1993 GS 300
or 1998 GS 400 300/GS
o 2001 GS 430
2006 GS 300 AWD 300/GS O / GS 450h 430/GS
2008 GS 350 AWD 350/GS O / GS 460
* BS: full-size RWD / AWD
o 1990 LS 400
o 2001 LS 430
2007 LS 460 L O 460/LS
Or 600h/LS 2008 LS 600h L
o 2009 LS 460 AWD / LS 460 L AWD
* SC coupe / convertible coupe rear-wheel drive
O 1992 SC 300/SC 400
or 2002 SC 430
* RX crossover SUV medium
or 1998 RX 300
O 2004 RX 330
O 2006 RX 400h
o 2007 RX 350
2010 RX 450h OR 350/RX
* GX-size SUV
o The GX 2003 470
* LX: full-size sport utility vehicle
o 1997 LX 450
o 1999 LX 470
O 2008 LX 570
Concept cars
* Concepts LF
O 2003 LF-X crossover
O 2003 LF-S luxury sedan
o 2004 LF-C Convertible
O 2005 LF-A Sports Coupe
o 2006 LF-Sh: hybrid luxury sedan
o 2007 LF-Xh: hybrid crossover
O 2008 Roadster LF-AR
* Past concept vehicles
o ItalDesign 1994 Lexus Landau: Hatchback
Or minivan 1995 Lexus FLV
o 1997 Lexus Street Rod: Roadster
or 1997 Lexus SLV: luxury sports car
OR HPS 1997 Lexus sports sedan
O 2003 Lexus IS 430 sport sedan
Design and Technology
Lexus design has traditionally focused on targeting specific standard of a luxury vehicle. Since the first Lexus LS, the design goals were the aerodynamics, performance, smooth ride, interior ergonomics, quiet cabins, fuel efficiency, safety and reliability. Abbreviation of "IDEAL" (Impressive, Dynamic, elegant, durable and Advanced) are used in the development process. Each Lexus vehicle must meet more than 500 product standards, known as the "must-Lexus', always in response to the steering wheel, leather seat stitching.
In the vehicle cabin, Lexus has incorporated touchscreen navigation interface, a smart key entry and start system, and SmartAccess Optitron electroluminescent gauges (the first time in the original LS). Lexus dealer adjusted the custom settings allow owners to customize the operation characteristics of the vehicle.
Lexus vehicles are among the first to offer surround sound audio systems high end, in cooperation with the firm in 1989 and Nakamichi stereo (since 2001) high-quality Mark Levinson audio supplier. Along with high-end audio, quiet cabin with the support of steel sandwich of glass plates and acoustic.
The fourth generation LS introduced the production of the first eight-speed automatic (later adapted for the GS 460 and IS F) and the first climate ceiling diffusers and infrared temperature sensors in the car body. The Lexus Hybrid Drive (used on the RX, GS and LS hybrid) include electric motors and regenerative braking.
Safety features have been incorporated into several Lexus vehicles in the range include the control of vehicle stability (VSC) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system / traction, Director of Relief , double chamber airbags, knee airbags, security cameras, rotating lights and sound warning systems. The Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) integrates multiple safety systems with emergency avoidance and collision detection capabilities.
In 2007, the world's first Lexus car safety systems with infrared detection capabilities and pedestrian pathways help keep surveillance systems for monitoring driver facial recognition of the driver's attention, and rear protection against whiplash Pre-Crash in the framework of the LS 460 Pre-Crash. In 2008 begins the Lexus LS 600h L, the first production vehicle to use LED headlights.
For security reasons, the Lexus navigation systems feature of the GPS block movement when the vehicle reaches the set speed (to prevent distraction, navigation inputs are limited, while the voice command button and some are still available). This safety feature has attracted criticism because passengers can not use certain features of the vehicle is in motion. Pre-2007 models are equipped with a hidden OEM override option.
L-finesse
Lexus introduced a new design language called "L-finesse" with its LF Series concepts and later with the 2006 Lexus GS. L-finesse is represented by three Japanese kanji characters: "The elegance fascinating" (纯), "incisive simplicity" (妙), and "the expectations of perfection" (予). Derived from Japanese cultural reasons, these figures refer to the goal of "elegance" simplicity, while anticipating the needs of the owner. The characters are also incorporated into the design of signals Kirikaeshi the term is used in the forms of the 2006 models of the arrow. Features L-finesse design also includes an airfoil, the grill set on low, and the use of both convex and concave surfaces. From the 2009 model year, the Lexus SC Lexus GX and are the only two Lexus models that do not deal L-finesse again. They are still designed using the old Lexus design language, not unlike the Toyota's design language. The 2009 Lexus RX L-finesse is, too, but the review of 2010 provides L- finesse of the RX.
Unlike some earlier models of Lexus, which have been criticized as remote and derivative style (and often confused with the under-car household), appearance of the L-finesse was described in the analysis of car design that the addition of a special nature and embrace of Japanese design, identity. Opinions varied on the 2006 GS. Sports Car International welcomed the analysis in-person appearance of the car, Automobile Magazine criticized the audacity of his style before, and later models like the Jaguar XF was compared to perceived similarities. Exhibitions of L-finesse work was presented at the Milan Design Week in 2005 to 08 in 2007 LS launch included art exhibitions in Beverly Hills, Chicago, Miami and New York.
Production
Many Lexus vehicles are manufactured at the Toyota Tahara plant, a very sophisticated, computerized manufacturing plant in Japan. In 2005, JD Power and Associates awarded the Platinum Award for the quality of the plants around the world at the Tahara plant, stating that it has the fewest defects of any manufacturing plant in the world. It was the fourth consecutive year that the Tahara plant captured this award. In 2006, JD Power named the Kanji (Iwate) plant, the site of the ES and IS model production, as the winner of the Platinum Award for the quality of the plants in the world.
Lexus manufacturing techniques include methods and standards of quality control that differ from Toyota. At the Tahara plant, separate assembly lines were developed for the production of Lexus cars. Molds and new specialized manufacturing equipment were also developed for the Lexus production process. Lexus factory workers, technicians generally veteran, are identified by the repeated performance evaluations and ranked according to skill, just a select group of artisans are eligible to work on Lexus vehicles. In addition, welding processes, tolerances body panel fit, and quality requirements of the paint stricter for Lexus models. Wood inlays offset by wood from sustainable plantations.
Lexus engines are tested by stethoscope-equipped takumi (匠, Japanese for "master craftsman") engineers to ensure optimum performance. These engineers are responsible for maintaining production standards at key points in the assembly process. The production of Lexus vehicles are given a visual inspection for defects, extensive, personal initiative at high speed testing, and subjected to vibration testing.
The U.S. market RX 350 (since 2004) occurs in the city of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, and is the first Lexus plant outside Japan. In addition to the Tahara plant, Lexus vehicles were produced in Araco, Kanji (Iwate), Kanji (Kanto Jidosha) Katashiki, and the Kyushu plant in Japan. In 2008, most sedans and SUV production takes place in Japan at the plant in Tahara, Aichi, Chubu Region, and Kyushu (Miyata), a plant in Fukuoka, Kyushu.
Service
Lexus has become known for efforts to project an image of luxury, even if the service after the sale. Waiting Room Service departments are full of amenities such as refreshment bar, internet access, indoor putting green and accessories store. Lexus Car Dealers typically borrow free of charge and free car washes, and some added on-site cafes and designer boutiques. The service bays are typically lined with large windows, allowing customers to watch the maintenance of their vehicles. Follow-up studies to Lexus owners can use to evaluate their experience.
To improve customer service, some Lexus dealerships have sent their employees for training in service-oriented establishments such as department stores Nordstrom and Ritz-Carlton. Lexus has also added an additional owners privilege ": the use of exclusive parking at major sporting venues, entertainment venues and shopping malls, reserved only for Lexus vehicles.
Since 2002, Lexus has scored consecutive top scores Auto Express and the 76 000 respondents, the Top Gear customer satisfaction surveys in the United Kingdom. Lexus has also repeatedly exceeded the 79,000-respondent, JD Power customer service index, and the Luxury Institute in New York, United States, studies on the strength of the standards of customer service and product satisfaction, Lexus enjoys a of the highest customer retention rates in the industry.
Lexus customer service efforts early days with the "Lexus Covenant," its founding promise which states that "Lexus treat each customer as we would a guest in our house." This commitment was tested in early 1989, when Lexus ordered the withdrawal of all 8,000 vehicles sold, according to two separate security issues with both cars for different customers. One trader said: "The company does not run and hide" and instead launched a sweeping operation. Instead of asking owners to visit dealers, Lexus sent technicians in the coming weeks to collect, repair and return the cars to customers in LS, even flying in personnel and rental shop owners in remote areas. The executive director of U.S. operations for Lexus, said, "We have seen this as an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the client from the beginning."
In the U.S., Lexus offers a four-year or 50,000 million (80,000 km) of basic and six years or 70.000 million (110,000 km) powertrain / rust warranty. Lexus Certified Pre-Owned program, among the first in the automotive industry (begun in November 1993) are equipped with a 161 point inspection of vehicles and preowned one kilometer of three years or 100,000 (160,000 km) warranty. In 2005, Lexus Financial Savings Bank in collaboration with U.S. Bank launched the Lexus Pursuits Visa Card. Lexus Magazine features articles in the automotive and lifestyle and is published quarterly.
Motorsport
Lexus has entered the field of motorsport in 1999 when his unit running, Team Lexus, set of two GS 400 race vehicles in the Motorola Cup North American Championship Street Stock. In the 1999 season his team won the first Lexus its first victory with his sixth race at Road Atlanta. This year, Team Lexus also attained four podium finishes in nine races and held two antecedents. Led by SCCA and IMSA driver Chuck Goldsborough, Team Lexus led to another victory, two podium finishes and three top-five in 2000. Team Lexus ranked third in the Manufacturers' Championship this year, each GS 400 race achieving the top ten results.
In 2001, Team Lexus capitalized on the debut of the first generation Lexus IS by entering three 300S is in the famous Grand-Am Cup (now run by the Grand American Road Racing Association). In 2002, the team won the Lexus Championship Drivers and Team Championship with nine podium finishes, and a sweep of top three finishes at Le Circuit Mont Trebla in Quebec, Canada. In 2003, Team Lexus four pole positions, six podium finishes, two track records at Daytona 24 and Mosport, and a win at Homestead-Miami.
Lexus has also participated in the endurance race, including the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association. After entering the Rolex Sports Car Series in 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series races event. In 2005, Lexus was runners-up, and in 2006 won the championship. Although Toyota has won this prestigious race in the past, was the first time that its luxury arm emerged victorious. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at Daytona International Speedway. Lexus was the repeat winner of the event with a Lexus-Riley prototype driven by Scott Pruett, Juan Pablo Montoya and Salvador Durán of Chip Ganassi Racing ended the first Lexus-Riley prototype also won three of the top ten. In 2008, Lexus won its third straight victory at Daytona.
After the release of the Lexus brand in the Japanese domestic market in 2005, four cuts recorded in the SC 430 Super GT series in the GT500 class. In the first race of the series in 2006, SC 430 took the checkered flag, and driver Juichi Wakisaka and Andre Lotterer run to capture the SC 430 GT500 championship for that year. In 2007, won one second in the race SC 430 GT500 first round. In 2006, led a hybrid Lexus for the first time in a GS 450h hybrid sedan, the performance in the Tokachi 24-hour race in Hokkaido, Japan. Lexus GS 450h in Canada in the 2007 Targa Newfoundland event.
Brand F
Main article: Lexus F
In December 2006, the Lexus brand new division F. "F" refers to the Fuji Speedway in Japan, where the first corner, 27R, inspired by the shape of "F" emblem. The first vehicle badged F, Lexus IS F, which then created the North American International Auto Show in January 2007. The media have suggested that the IS F sedan would be followed by a GS sedan and the Lexus IS F F coupe. A former internal adjustment efforts, the TRD-based L-Tuned, had offered performance packages on the GS sedan and is in the early 2000s.
The IS F is for rivals Mercedes-Benz AMG and BMW's M division. Historically, earlier versions of CS and GS models have received positive feedback from buyers of luxury sport, while other Lexus models have been characterized as favoring comfort at the expense of sports performance. Reviewers of the car also have given some of the German brand to rival Lexus high road feel and handling, particularly when tested on the track. The F line of the brand was seen as an effort to further improve the performance of Lexus references.
In 2007, the Lexus IS F entered the Association of Specialty Market 2007 team (EMS), which offers a line of accessories factory sanctioned performance in conjunction with the launch of its brand division of F.
Strategy Division
Vehicle development
More info: Lexus LF
Lexus strategic intentions are implicit in its LF series concepts are elements that reflected in the form of production (including the 2003 LF-S and LF-C 2004). LF series concepts include advanced instrumentation, multiple driver selected vehicle configurations, hybrid / experimental powertrains, and unconventional interface design driver. Takeshi Yoshida Lexus management has also stated Lexus plans to produce future models of production platforms dedicated to using more than Lexus, as is the case for the flagship LS. The entry-level Lexus ES, in particular, had been reprimanded for being too similar to the Toyota Camry, its shared platform cousin, both in style and design of the propulsion system.
According to the head of division, Lexus plans to introduce Lexus Hybrid Drive Lexus line-up for each vehicle, catering to the needs and calculations of carbon pollution and oil dependency. The advent of Lexus Hybrid is touted by Lexus officials of a strategy to raise the profile of the Lexus in more general understanding of the competing Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Jaguar brands. The new Lexus models including the development of convertibles, crossovers, hybrids and dedicated. Lexus prototypes have been spotted testing on the Nürburgring test track in Germany.
Market position
Future position of the brand Lexus' reputation in the luxury market requires pricing strategies. Success Lexus in the United States because of perceived higher quality and lower prices than the competition, which has allowed Lexus to attract customers to upgrade mass-market car. More reliable than the Lexus reputation than its competitors has been seen as primarily the sales factor. However, a lot of luxury buyers (classified as more than U.S. $ 100,000), this could have implications for the Lexus brand grew up in an image business, which competes at the top of the luxury market, where competitors offer a graph- topping flagship vehicles. In response to the latest Lexus models are expected to rise in the price sticker in order to more accurately reflect their European competitors, with top models like the LS 600h L is the first to reach the ultra-luxury barrier.
In addition, analysts said Lexus relative newcomer status in the luxury market, compared to the legendary reputation of its European rivals, as a limiting factor for its initial sales acceptance in global markets. Rivals Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche have stressed their decades of heritage and genealogy in an effort to promote their products, while the reputation since its inception, "Lexus is mainly based on perceived product quality and history common its parent company, Toyota. The characteristics of the built heritage over many years, and pedigree, are regarded by some commentators as a challenge for Lexus, although their impact is debated. Finally, several analysts have suggested that Lexus will develop their own assets over time by investing in technological innovation and production of major products.
Popular culture
Several ideas on the future of Lexus car design have appeared on the film. In 2002, Lexus requested by Steven Spielberg, who owns a Lexus, to design a car that would meet the needs of the year 2054 for his movie Minority Report. Designers working with Lexus came up with an advanced vehicle that ran on fuel cells and has many advanced security features, including a crash-proof structure and biometric security systems. (Lexus concept car also appears kinematics on the island, but it is colored blue, not red). A Lexus film tie-in site proposed a future Lexus would itself lead to dinner orders verbally, and select music to match occupant moods. The 2054 Lexus later appeared at several auto shows and public events.
The term "the Lexus of ..." has also entered the cultural lexicon as a description of a high-end product, or a premium brand manufactured by a vendor public. For example, in 2006 Dell announced a range of premium computer, calling it "the Lexus of our range." Another example of comparisons include "the Lexus of phones" or "the Lexus of space stations," among others . Late night comedian Jay Leno, the first time the term "Lexus-industrialized" for his columns in Popular Mechanics car, a term generally used to describe the approach of the Lexus luxury car. Despite the official plural form Lexus Lexus of fairness, the public has also made its own derivative (the derivative being the most popular "Lexi"). The New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman cited Lexus as an example of efforts for progress and development in his best-selling 1999 book, The Lexus and the olive tree.
In the UK, the flagship LS 430 was introduced in the BBC drama Spooks spy Lexus models have also been in Coronation Street ITV, the BBC's Judge John Deed, and other programs. Lexus GB models saw a sales increase after having been seen in ITV footballers 'wives'. In 2002, comedian Steve Coogan is Alan Partridge BBC fictional character replaced with a Rover 200, calling it the "Japanese Mercedes" and one of many "Lexi," the superficial character was seen as detrimental to the image of the brand. In 2004, several hip hop artists, including Jay-Z (on the song "Is not No Nigga") and Kanye West ("Jesus Walks") mentioned in the Lexus his songs, an endorsement which Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson suggested add street credibility of the brand.
The introduction of Lexus hybrids have gained more media attention thanks to celebrity RX 400h owners such as Dustin Hoffman, Diane Keaton, and Holly Hunter, who was among the early adopters of the Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. Politicians in Britain and Ireland Lexus hybrids, with public institutions. In Monaco, Prince Albert II purchased an LS 600h and advocated the adoption of hybrid tax credits.
Classifieds
Lexus has always used the reason of his television commercials in the United States. The ads are often told by the film and television actor James Sloyan (which has a voice, "said Lexus' since 1989) and there are vehicles that do tricks unusual on the screen. The first decade of ads (1989-1999) consisted mainly disjunctive narrative descriptions as "ruthless", "tracking" and "perfection", when vehicles have been used to claim superiority in braking, handling, minimum, and the inner peace and comfort of the camera. The new ads have become somewhat 'more descriptive, sometimes filled with descriptions of new features, or narration of events on the screen. Spot Lexus, but a consistent pattern, it is sometimes referred to as competitors Infiniti and Acura, which is also used as a celebrity dubbing (Jonathan Pryce, until 1997, and James Spader in 2005, respectively), but similar visual signals to the public on vehicle characteristics and crafts. In 2008, Lexus continues to advertise their leases, while other brands of focus more on long-term financing.
Sponsorship
Since 1989, the annual Lexus Champions for Charity golf has collected more than $ 100 million for charitable causes. Golf series begins with over 190 local golf tournaments in the United States, leading to a three-day championship tournament at Pebble Beach. Lexus was also the main sponsor of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, a Grand Slam event since 2005, giving a GS sedan (and later, the IS F), male and female winners of two games, and providing transport player. In January 2007, Lexus became the first automotive sponsor of the United States Golf Association, the U.S. Open, U.S. Women 's Open, U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Amateur tournaments. Other Lexus sponsorship vary from region (see examples in the Lexus Cup in Singapore and Australia, and the Lexus Song Quest Song Contest in New Zealand). Lexus has also signed jojen with pro athletes Andy Roddick, Annika Sorenstam is Peter Jacobsen.
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