Sales of Lexus Sedans Gain Traction in February

LATHAM, N.Y. (03/08/2012)(readMedia)-- Japanese luxury auto brand Lexus enjoyed a strong sales month in February, posting a 58.8-percent increase in U.S. passenger-car sales compared to the same month in 2011. Helping push sales in particular were two Lexus sedans, the best-selling entry-level ES and the all-new 2013 GS that just arrived at Lexus dealerships.

Last month, Lexus' redesigned GS saw a 559.1-percent sales increase compared to February 2011, with 2,396 units sold. However, the Lexus sedan sales title still belongs to the 2012 Lexus ES, which was last refreshed in 2009. Lexus sold 2,997 ES sedans in February, resulting in a 10.7-percent increase that suggests that the car's sophisticated charms are still well intact.

"The Lexus ES is consistently a high seller because it offers all the luxuries of the Lexus brand at a lower price point," said Eric Rosen, general manager of New Country Lexus of Latham, an Upstate New York Lexus dealer. "ES drivers are those looking for a luxurious, comfortable and reliable car that they can enjoy without the intensive maintenance schedules of some of the competition."

Reliability is a strength of the Lexus ES, which recently took home a win in the Entry Premium Car category of the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study. The ES was one of three Lexus vehicles to earn accolades, helping Lexus take the overall title as the most dependable brand in the study.

J.D. Power and Associates surveyed more than 31,000 original owners of 2009 model-year vehicles, recording the number of problems they experienced during the previous 12 months. The survey recorded problems in eight major categories like engine and transmission, seats and exterior, assigning scores to brands and individual models on the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100). According to J.D. Power, a lower score indicates higher long-term dependability.

The average score in the study was 132 PP100, while Lexus scored an 86 PP100, well ahead of second-place Porsche, which had 98 PP100. Lexus had topped the charts in the Vehicle Dependability Study for 14 years straight before being dethroned in 2009, but now the brand is back in the lead. The Lexus ES 350 earned a score of 81 PP100, while Lexus' other two category winners, the Lexus RX 350 and LS 460, earned scores of 85 and 72, respectively.

"Nobody wants to spend the money on a luxury vehicle just to spend more time back at the dealership than actually driving it," Rosen noted. "With Lexus, New York drivers know they're getting a vehicle with impeccable build quality. The brand's recent accolades help prove that fact, but there is also a long history of reliability to back it up."

About New Country Lexus of Latham:

Elite of Lexus award-winner New Country Lexus of Latham is where New York Lexus shoppers find the hottest new Lexus models, like the CT 200h and the RX 350. At New Country Lexus of Latham, the joy of Lexus ownership goes beyond the buying experience, with skilled Lexus service technicians who help Lexus owners keep their vehicles in top condition. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group, New Country Lexus of Latham is located at 999 New Loudon Road (Route 9) in Latham, N.Y. Browse their Lexus inventory online at www.newcountrylexusoflatham.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryLexusLatham or reach them by phone at 888-230-5761.