Lexus announced that it has informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of its intention to file a Defect Information Report (DIR) regarding approximately 138,000 Lexus vehicles, powered by 4.6 and 5.0 liter V8 and 3.5 liter V6 engines in certain 2006, 2007 and 2008 GS, IS and LS models in the U.S. The formal report will be filed the week of July 5.

In the covered vehicles, due to slight variations during the manufacturing process, some foreign material may have contaminated a small number of the valve springs. If a vehicle is affected, there is a remote possibility that abnormal engine noise or idling may occur. In extremely rare instances, the engine may stop while the vehicle is in operation.

Lexus estimates that the likelihood of a customer vehicle experiencing this condition is two-tenths of one percent (0.2 %). Lexus has received no reports of accidents or injuries related to this condition. No vehicles from the current 2010 model year nor 2009 are affected.

Lexus will send owners of the involved vehicles a recall notification via first class mail. Owners are requested to contact their local Lexus dealer for diagnosis and repair after receiving their notification. The repair will involve replacement of the engine’s valve springs at no charge.

Owners can continue to drive their vehicles. If symptoms are noticed, such as vibration, rough idling, unusual engine sounds or poor performance, the vehicle should be brought to a Lexus dealer for service.

Certain Lexus vehicles produced among the following models and years are covered:

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported June sales of 140,604 units. With equal selling days in June 2009 and June 2010, sales were up 6.8 percent over the year-ago month on a daily selling rate (DSR) and unadjusted raw volume basis.

The Toyota Division posted June sales of 123,272 units, an increase of 7.4 percent over the same period last year. The Lexus Division reported June sales of 17,332 units, an increase of 2.7 percent over the year-ago month.

For the first-half of the year, TMS reported sales of 846,542 units. With 151 selling days in the first-half of 2010, compared to 152 selling days during the first-half of 2009, sales were up 10.6 percent on a DSR basis over the same period last year. On a raw volume basis, unadjusted for one extra selling day in 2009, sales were up 9.9 percent during the first-half of the year.

"Toyota performed well during the first half of the year, despite a difficult economic environment," said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Although the entire automotive industry struggled in June as weakening consumer confidence weighed on sales, Toyota maintains its leadership position as the number one retail brand in the industry year-to-date."

Toyota Division

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded June sales of 73,811 units, a decrease of 2.2 percent from the year-ago month. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid which posted combined June sales of 28,435 units, up 7.7 percent over June 2009. Corolla recorded sales of 21,876 units, up 9.7 percent over the same period last year. The Prius mid-size gas-electric hybrid reported sales of 10,998 units. The new Avalon sedan posted monthly sales of 2,833 units, up 32.8 percent over the year-ago month.

Toyota Division light trucks posted sales of 49,461 units in June, up 25.9 percent over June 2009. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact SUV, which recorded monthly sales of 12,573 units, up 25.1 percent over the same period last year. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined sales of 5,962 units for the month. The Tundra full-size pickup recorded sales of 7,717 units, up 48.8 percent over the same period last year. The Tacoma mid-size pickup posted sales of 8,247 units for the month. The all-new Sienna minivan reported sales of 9,357, up 71.9 percent over June 2009.

Scion posted June sales of 3,745 units. The xB urban utility vehicle led the way with sales of 1,775 units. The tC sports coupe posted June sales of 1,137 units. The xD reported sales of 833 units for the month.

Lexus Division

Lexus reported passenger car sales of 8,149 units, down 6.6 percent from the year-ago month. Lexus passenger car sales were led by the ES entry luxury sedan which posted sales of 3,366 units. The IS line-up reported combined sales of 2,863 units.

Lexus light trucks recorded sales of 9,183 units, up 12.7 percent over last June. Lexus Division sales were led by the RX 350 and RX 450h, which reported combined June sales of 7,796 units, up 6.0 percent over the year-ago month. With June sales of 1,120 units, GX luxury SUV posted a gain of 111.7 percent over the same period last year.

TMS Hybrids

TMS posted June sales of 14,639 hybrid vehicles. Toyota Division posted sales of 12,706 hybrids for the month. Lexus Division reported sales 1,933 hybrids in June.

There were 25 selling days this month and last June.

Toyota Motor Sales filed a Noncompliance Information Report (NCIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), informing the agency of the company’s intent to conduct a voluntary safety recall of potentially 17,000 2010 model year Lexus HS 250h vehicles to address a compliance issue with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 301.

As part of its annual compliance testing program, the NHTSA recently conducted a test of the 2010 model year HS 250h. The test involved striking the vehicle with a deformable barrier from the rear at approximately 50 mph. The vehicle is struck by a moving deformable barrier with a 70 percent overlap. As part of the test, the vehicle was then rotated on its longitudinal axis incrementally to each successive increment of 90 degrees. During the rotation, the vehicle exhibited fuel spillage that exceeded the requirement in the standard.

During vehicle development, Lexus tested the HS 250h using the same protocol and found the vehicles to comply fully with the FMVSS 301. Lexus is currently working to identify the reason for the different test results and the cause of this noncompliance.

“Even though our own testing of the Lexus HS 250h shows full compliance with federal fuel system integrity standards, we are working intensely to duplicate the noncompliance issue that the NHTSA identified and to determine the reason behind the different test results,” said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America.

At the present time, Lexus has not identified a remedy to address this issue, but it is working hard to do so promptly and will notify owners as soon as one is developed. Until then, as required by federal law, dealers will not deliver any new vehicles in their inventory that are covered by this NCIR until remedied.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. is highlighting its Star Safety System™, which combines five safety technologies as standard equipment on all new Toyota models, as part of a new national advertising campaign.

The campaign features Toyota owners and engineers talking about safety and quality via television, print, digital (www.toyota.com/safety), radio and outdoor advertising platforms.

The Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

“From Yaris to Land Cruiser, Toyota is the first full-line manufacturer to combine these five key accident-avoidance technologies as standard equipment on every model,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “Toyota customers tell us they want to know more about the Toyota safety story, and the Star Safety System is just one of the features that reassure them about the safety and quality of our vehicles.”

All five Star Safety System components feature advanced accident-avoidance technologies, including the following:

• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), which helps prevent wheel slip and loss of traction by reducing engine power and applying brake force to the wheels that need it. Toyota VSC monitors steering angle and the direction a vehicle is traveling, and it senses when the front or rear wheels begin to slip. When VSC senses this loss of traction or slip, the system reduces engine power and applies braking to the individual wheels that need it, in order to help correct the slip and keep the vehicle on its intended path.

• Traction Control (TRAC) helps maintain traction on wet, icy, loose or uneven surfaces by applying brake force to the spinning wheel or wheels. TRAC sensors are activated when one or more wheels start to slip. The system is designed to limit engine output, applies the brakes to the spinning wheel(s), and transfers power to the wheels that still have traction.

• The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) helps prevent brakes from locking up by "pulsing" brake pressure to each wheel in order to help the driver maintain control in emergency-braking situations. Without ABS, emergency braking can cause brakes to lock up and cause a vehicle to skid. Toyota's ABS sensors detect which wheels are locking up and prevent the lockup by "pulsing" the brakes at each wheel independently. Pulsing releases brake pressure repeatedly for fractions of a second – a reaction time not possible for humans. This keeps the wheels rotating and helps the driver to avoid going into a skid.

• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is incorporated in Toyota’s ABS technology. EBD helps keep a vehicle more stable and balanced when braking. During an abrupt stop, momentum can cause a vehicle to tilt forward, reducing the brake force of the rear tires. EBD responds by redistributing brake force. Wheels with more braking effectiveness receive more brake force and wheels with less effectiveness receive less brake force, helping to prevent brake lockup. EBD is especially helpful when carrying cargo. Sensors recognize the extra load the cargo puts on the rear axle, so brake pressure on the rear wheels is increased because the extra weight improves braking effectiveness.

• Brake Assist is designed to detect sudden or “panic” braking and add the full pressure needed to help prevent a collision. If a driver fails to apply enough pressure to the brake, the Brake Assist sensors will detect this sudden or “panic” braking and add pressure. This additional pressure can help the driver avoid hitting the object.

Another feature commonly known as brake-override technology will be added to all Toyota, Lexus and Scion models by the end of 2010. This braking-system enhancement will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions. Many of the vehicles currently at Toyota dealership already include brake override as standard equipment. The 2011 models already on sale featuring brake override including Camry, Sienna, Avalon and Scion xB, in addition to some 2010 models. Brake-override technology has always been and will continue to be standard on all Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles as part of the hybrid system control logic.

Toyota has stopped selling its flagship Lexus, the plush LS sedan, while it waits for parts to reach dealers so the recalled cars can be fixed.

A recall notice was issued on the LS on Friday to fix a steering deficiency. If a driver makes a sharp turn in the LS, the steering wheel may not return to its original position.

Though the stoppage won't mean much to Toyota in terms of the number of LS cars it sells — Lexus sold only about 4,000 in the first four months of the year — the move is another blow to its pride. The LS is the pinnacle of the Lexus brand, a big car with every feature that Toyota could dream up. The current version was the first with an eight-speed transmission and was first with a feature to parallel park itself. Prices range up to $108,800 for the hybrid version.

The recall notice issued Friday covered 3,800 LS models in the U.S. and a total of about 11,500 cars worldwide. The decision to stop selling the LS "is normal procedure if a (recall) remedy is not immediately available for a recall," Toyota spokesman Mike Michels said.

Last month, Toyota halted sales of another Lexus model, the GX 460, while a recall was underway to fix a defect that made it more susceptible to rollovers. In January, Toyota stopped selling eight models while it launched a giant recall to fix sticky gas pedals.

Added to Toyota's troubles, a Los Angeles Times story Sunday alleged that Toyota balked at repairing transmissions in 2002 to 2006 Lexus ES cars, a glitch that would result in hundreds of complaints and 49 injuries.

The car, the newspaper says in an investigative report, had a tendency to jerk forward.

In a statement, Toyota dismissed the findings of the Times story. It said that the issues involved customer preferences in terms of how the car drove, or "drivability," not safety issues.

Toyota recently paid a record $16.4 million fine for not being more aggressive in initiating a recall for sticky accelerator pedals.

Source: USAToday

“Get in, buckle up and start talking.” Lexus customers will be calling the shots in a high-definition interactive film entitled “Dark Ride.” The film features Lexus’ newest hybrid, the CT 200h premium compact car, piloted by actor Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints franchise). Reedus is behind the wheel in this 12:30 action film, but he is following the directions of the person riding shotgun…the consumer.

“With ‘Dark Ride’ we are creating a unique virtual test drive opportunity so consumers can experience this hybrid, that is like no other, months before it is available at dealerships in early 2011,” said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. “In it, consumers play a co-starring role as the fun-to-drive Lexus CT 200h is put through its paces. By guiding the driver and the CT through a series of adventures, customers will be exposed to ‘The Darker Side of Green,’ which is completely different than the way hybrids are usually portrayed.”

The film releases online at www.lexusdarkride.com today along with the trailer for the film, which will appear in select movie theaters across the country. Visitors to the www.lexusdarkride.com site will get to insert themselves into the film, sitting beside “Tony” (Reedus), and navigating while he drives the CT 200h from the Nevada desert to a Los Angeles safehouse and protects it from a variety of enemies who wish to get their hands on the new prototype.

Consumers will use an array of interactive features in the film—allowing them to insert their own likeness (via a Webcam or profile pic), record their own dialogue lines, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the film so new situations arise each time.

The “Dark Ride” film is the next step in the launch of the Lexus CT 200h and demonstrates Lexus’ marketing theme, “The Darker Side of Green.” This theme, which shines a different light on this new breed of a fun-to-drive hybrid, debuted at a star-studded event prior to the CT 200h’s North American debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. This initiative will continue through the launch period with in-market custom events and a VIP marketing program that will give tech-savvy influencers access to an edited “Dark Ride” list of restaurants, clubs, bars and lifestyle brands. Brand partners include Duncan Quinn bespoke suits, VeeV Açaí Spirit, The James Hotel and Grand Hospitality for The Soho and Tribeca Grand Hotels.

Lexus announced that Consumer Reports is lifting the Don’t Buy: Safety Risk designation from the 2010 Lexus GX 460 after the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) update addressed their prior concern.

“CR said they made an appointment to have the update performed at the Lexus dealership from which they had anonymously bought the vehicle. Following that, CR stated that their engineers again put the updated 2010 GX 460 through the full series of emergency handling tests. CR said they did not experience any safety concerns with the updated GX 460 in their handling tests.

“Lexus dealers began contacting customers as soon as details for the VSC update were available. Virtually all of them were contacted by their dealers within a few days and an estimated 75 percent of GX vehicles have already been updated. In the process, they’re providing free loaner vehicles, remote repairs, pick-up and delivery service, and fueling and washing customer cars.

“Since it was launched more than 20 years ago, Lexus has built its reputation on customer respect and concern for safety. When Consumer Reports announced on April 13 that the 2010 GX 460 did not pass their ‘Throttle Lift-Off’ test, we immediately stopped selling the vehicle and commenced a vigorous investigation. Thanks to the quick response and hard work by our engineers, we were able to identify and address the issue in just about two weeks. This is our assurance to Lexus customers that their safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.

“As previously announced, we will continue to provide a courtesy vehicle to anyone who has purchased a 2010 GX 460 and has concerns about driving it until the recall work has been completed.

“Customers who have any questions or concerns should contact their local Lexus dealer or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987."

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it has expanded the number of Event Data Recorder (EDR) readout devices in North America and the U.S. territories to 150 and is actively training internal and field staff on their use.

An EDR records specific vehicle information in the event of air bag deployment or sufficient impact, and this data is intended to help understand how a vehicle's various systems functioned in a crash. The new readout units, along with other vehicle diagnostic tools, will be used to assist in accident investigations and, where appropriate, the evaluation of reports of unintended acceleration where there was impact or vehicle damage.

“By increasing the number of Event Data Recorder readout devices and training more staff across the country, Toyota is better prepared to respond to customer concerns quickly and address their needs more effectively,” said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota Chief Quality Officer for North America. “We have delivered on this pledge to our customers and to Congress as we continue working to set a new standard of customer care for Toyota.”

Toyota has delivered 10 of these devices to NHTSA and four EDR readout units and supporting software to Transport Canada, which will allow these respective regulatory agencies to conduct their own data retrieval from EDRs in Toyota and Lexus vehicles during investigations. Until recently, Toyota had only one prototype tool to extract EDR data in the U.S.

Additionally, Toyota is developing new policies and procedures for responding to direct customer requests for EDR readouts and data hand-off to help ensure a smoother, more informed process for all parties involved. The company plans to provide additional information to customers on how to make these requests, as well as the process itself, on the Toyota website in the near future.

Toyota also is actively developing plans to transition to a commercially available EDR readout device and software package, and remains on track to have this in place ahead of the 2012 federal deadline for automakers regarding EDR data capture and data accessibility.

Well all the good news about how the economy is turning around goes down the drain as soon as we see this picture - Lexus Pizza Delivery Vehicle.

We are not sure whether this was the owner of the pizza joint or an employee delivering pizzas but one thing is for sure - someone is using a Lexus as a pizza delivery vehicle.

Question is how do you show up at someone's house in a lexus and ask for a tip? Sir please make sure you tip me good so I can make my payments? Enjoy!

“Since it was launched more than 20 years ago, Lexus has built its reputation on customer respect and concern for safety. With the news from Consumer Reports that our 2010 GX 460 did not pass its “Throttle Lift-Off” test, we immediately stopped selling the vehicle and commenced vigorous testing to identify and correct the issue.

Today, I’m happy to announce that we have developed a remedy that will be quickly implemented to help address customer concerns. We will be voluntarily recalling all 2010 GX 460s that have been sold in order to update the Vehicle Stability Control system. We will begin implementing this program in the next two weeks and our dealers will be reaching out to customers shortly to set up appointments to make this modification.

Lexus is confident that the update will make the performance of the GX even better for our customers.

As announced earlier, we will provide a courtesy vehicle to anyone who has purchased a 2010 GX 460 and has concerns about driving it until the recall work has been completed.

Customers who have any questions or concerns should contact their local Lexus dealer or Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987.”