FOUR LEXUS VEHICLES AND CANADIAN LEXUS PLANT EARN TOP AWARDS IN J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES INITIAL QUALITY STUDY

· Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Lexus Plant ties for Global Platinum Plant Quality Award
· Lexus Highest Ranked Nameplate in Study 
· Toyota moves Up 14 Positions in Overall Nameplate Ranking

 

(TORONTO) – June 23, 2011 – The J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) has ranked Lexus models highest in four segments, Lexus ranks highest among all nameplates, while Toyota moved up 14 positions to place seventh overall. This while Canadian manufacturing was ranked highest when J.D. Power and Associates announced the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) Lexus plant has earned the Platinum Plant Quality Award in a tie among global automotive manufacturing facilities. 

Lexus LS Places First for the Fourth Straight Year

Lexus captured four segment awards in this year’s study:

“We are honoured to receive these important awards,” said Larry Hutchinson, Director, Lexus inCanada. “ We believe Lexus offers high quality luxury vehicles and an unparalleled ownership experience, and the J.D. Power and Associates IQS 90-day feedback, along with strong resale values, long-term durability and guest loyalty, are strong indicators of the exceptional quality and customer experience that make the Lexus brand.”

TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CANADA CELEBRATES PLATINUM QUALITY AWARD

 

Following a Gold Plant Quality Award for TMMC in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates IQS  for North/South America, TMMC’s South Lexus plant is part of a tie for the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Platinum Plant Quality Award for manufacturing.  This is the first time that aToyota plant outside of Japan has been awarded with a Platinum award.

 

The TMMC South Lexus plant opened in Cambridgein 2003 and remains the only Lexus plant outside of Japan.  TMMC President, Brian Krinock commented, “We’re honoured to receive this award because it comes from our customers.  It directly confirms that the skill, dedication and craftsmanship of our Team Members is recognized and appreciated”.

 

Toyota Takes Major Leap Forward 
Toyota made substantial advancements with marked improvement for the Corolla, Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza, RAV4 and Sequoia all earning double-digit score improvements in this year’s study.  Toyota recorded 16 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, enabling the brand to return to the top 10 among all nameplates.

 

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Scion cars, SUVs and trucks.Toyota is the first full-line manufacturer to make all of the elements of the Star Safety System standard on every 2011 vehicle. The Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). TCI’s head office is inToronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver.

 

Toyota employs over 18,000 team members at its Canadian corporate operations, including two assembly plants in Southwestern Ontario, an aluminum wheel manufacturing plant in Delta, B.C., a cold weather research facility in Northern Ontario and over 300 Toyota, Lexus and Dealerships. A consistent award winner for product quality and ownership satisfaction, Toyotahas sold over four million vehicles in Canada. More information about Toyotais available at media.toyota.ca or www.toyota.ca.

 

Lexus in Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 34 dealers across Canada. Delivering more perfect moments of advanced motoring, the best-selling Lexus RX 350 SUV – fusing intuitive technology and L-finesse luxury – is built for the North American market in Cambridge, Ontario, the first and only Lexus manufacturing facility located outside of Japan. For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus’ pursuit of perfection, visit www.media.lexus.ca.