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Tesla Sedans Regain Consumer Reports Recommended Status

DETROIT (Reuters) – Tesla Inc’s <TSLA> Model 3 and S sedans both regained “recommended” status in Consumer Reports magazine’s annual reliability survey, allowing the electric carmaker’s overall standing to rise slightly.

Tesla’s ranking improved four spots to No. 23 out of 30 brands in the U.S. market as it worked to resolve production problems with the Model 3, said Jake Fisher, senior director of auto testing at Consumer Reports. Both the Model 3 and S raised their reliability ratings to “average.”

“People really like their cars,” he said of Tesla owners. “Hopefully, if that frantic rate of change can slow down a bit, they can maintain reliability.”

Tesla has touted the popularity of the Model S, listed in the top ranks of a different Consumer Reports survey, on owner satisfaction, every year since 2013 when the carmaker was first included.

Fisher cautioned he expected Tesla’s reliability to remain fluid given its inconsistent track record.

Tesla’s Model X SUV still ranks among the least reliable models, according to the annual survey released on Thursday.

The poll predicts which new cars will give owners fewer or more problems, based on data collected for more than 400,000 vehicles. Its scorecard is influential among consumers and industry executives.

Reliability rankings tend to suffer when automakers offer new or redesigned models, which dragged down Volkswagen AG’s <VWAGY> namesake and Audi brands. The VW brand slid nine spots to No. 27, while Audi fell seven spots to No. 14.

Brands with no major changes to their lineups, such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ <FCAU> Dodge and Chrysler, made significant gains. Dodge was the highest ranked U.S. brand at No. 8, making the biggest gain of 13 spots. Chrysler rose seven spots to No. 19, while Jeep finished at No. 26.

Ford Motor Co’s <F> Lincoln and Ford brands were No. 15 and 16, while General Motors Co’s <GM> Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac brands ranked No. 18, 22, 25 and last at 30, respectively.

The reliability of full-sized pickups, the most popular vehicles in the U.S. market, was weak. Ford’s F-150 and FCA’s Ram trucks were rated “well below average,” while GM’s pickups – the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra – both had “below average” reliability.

Toyota Motor Corp’s <TM> Lexus luxury brand finished atop the survey, followed by Mazda Motor Corp <MZDAY> and the Toyota brand.

(Reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit; Editing by Richard Chang)

Lexus Premieres New Luxury Yacht

  • New embodiment of Lexus’ commitment to deliver innovative and amazing experiences
  • Expressing the Lexus design language a new in the form of a 65‑foot yacht
  • Exceptional performance and quietness befitting a maritime flagship
  • An extraordinary user experience created by advanced technology
  • High-quality craftsmanship and Toyota Production System built-in quality

Boca Raton, Fla. (September 19, 2019)— In its continuing challenge to deliver innovative and amazing experiences to its customers, Lexus held the world premiere of its first luxury yacht, the Lexus LY 650, today in Boca Raton.

The LY 650 is a new embodiment of Lexus’ challenge to go beyond the automobile to deliver innovative and amazing experiences. Based on the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept first shown in January 2017, the LY 650 features unique styling and superb cruising performance. Lexus – which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand – has fused advanced technology and craftsmanship to provide an irreplaceable experience that stimulates the senses and exceeds owner expectations, even at sea. This LY 650 flagship yacht is the new embodiment of the Lexus “CRAFTED” philosophy, to which exquisite attention to detail and anticipatory hospitality are applied in every possible aspect.

The shape of the hull, the abundant volume of the stern, and other elements, in addition to beautiful curved lines, give the LY 650 unprecedented and distinctive exterior styling. Collaboration with Italian yacht design studio Nuvolari Lenard*1 has resulted in an advanced design and a comfortable interior living space that exemplifies high quality in every detail. Furthermore, in pursuit of cruising that achieves the exhilarating performance of a Lexus, the yacht rides on a light and highly rigid composite hull that combines CFRP (carbon fiber-reinforced plastic) and GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced plastic), and was jointly developed with Marquis Yachts LLC*2. Additionally, the LY 650 is equipped with LY-Link, an advanced connectivity technology for boating that shares timely information and provides control of various yacht functions.

The LY 650 is built in collaboration with the craftspeople of Marquis Yachts in Pulaski, Wisconsin, USA. With the start of LY 650 manufacturing, Marquis Yachts has applied the famous Toyota Production System in its production processes to improve production efficiencies and quality. The new yacht will appear at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida Oct. 30 – Nov. 3, 2019.

President Akio Toyoda commented: “The LY 650 symbolizes the challenge taken by Lexus, which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand, to venture beyond the automobile. A collaborative team between Toyota and Marquis Yachts introduced the Toyota Production System to the boat manufacturing facility to improve productivity and quality. This allowed the Lexus “CRAFTED” philosophy of anticipatory hospitality and meticulous attention to detail to become a reality in the form of a luxury yacht. I am truly looking forward to seeing the advanced, high quality LY650 display its beauty on the oceans across the globe. As a mobility company, we are pursuing new possibilities for mobility even on the sea.”

Click the link for the full story! https://pressroom.lexus.com/lexus-premieres-new-luxury-yacht-new-embodiment-of-lexus-commitment-to-deliver-innovative-and-amazing-experiences/

2020 LEXUS LC 500 PAIRS COLOR PALETTE WITH CUTTING EDGE DESIGN

  • Exclusive Nori Green exterior color
  • Two-tone interior in Bespoke Saddle Tan/Black Amber
  • Aniline leather-trimmed seats with Alcantara® door inserts

PLANO, Texas (August 14, 2019) – A style icon since its introduction three years ago, the Lexus LC 500 adds another layer of sophistication this year with the introduction of the limited-edition 2020 Inspiration Series.

Blending the sensational lines of the LC 500 with a classic color palette, this new limited-production LC aims to evoke a more refined, mature coupe without giving up any of the modern performance, technology and style that makes it so desirable.

The transformation starts with its distinctive Nori Green Pearl paint, an exclusive Inspiration Series color for the LC. Subtle in its depth of color, yet eye catching at a glance, the distinctive shade of green complements every angle of the LC’s stunning design. A set of 21 -inch, two-tone wheels complete the look that elevates the LC’s style profile to another level.

The interior of the LC Inspiration Series is equally striking thanks to a two-tone color scheme that highlights the exceptional design and craftsmanship found in every LC. The 10-way power adjustable seats are trimmed in aniline leather, the softest, highest-grade leather available in the Lexus lineup. The rich Bespoke Saddle Tan color is unique to the Inspiration Series and is complemented by a slightly darker shade of Alcantara® trim on the door panels that adds a soft, inviting feel to the cabin.

In contrast with the tan seats, dark Black Amber leather trim is used on the steering wheel, dashboard, center console and doors. Brown stitching ties the darker leather trim together with the seats in addition to highlighting the fanatical precision of each stitch.

The finishing touch for each 2020 LC 500 Inspiration Series is a custom sill plate that marks the limited-edition nature of each car. Drawing from the geometric shapes found in the rear brake lights, the laser cut plates function as a subtle reminder of this car’s rarity every time you open the door.

There are no mechanical changes to this LC 500, so its naturally aspirated, 5.0-liter V8 delivers the same 471 horsepower as every LC that has come before it. The 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels through a standard limited slip differential that allows for a 0-to-60mph time of just 4.4 seconds.

Limited to just 100 units in the U.S., the 2020 LC 500 Inspiration Series goes on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

The New Lexus Flagship LY 650 Yacht

The Lexus heritage of innovation and excellence is going beyond the road. Introducing the LY 650 – not merely the first-ever Lexus production yacht, but a new era of Lexus luxury. Through an exclusive collaboration with the Marquis-Larson Boat Group, the impressive 65-foot premium performance yacht will feature signature Lexus design cues, evolved to a maritime interpretation, along with advanced technology, three lavish staterooms, and several multi-purpose entertainment and lounge areas. The Lexus LY 650 arrives late 2019.

Read the complete press release at the link below:

Lexus press release

Image from http://lexus.com