Lexus Europe: CT production starts December 22, 2010

December 21, 2010 – It’s official, Lexus Europe announces the start of CT 200h production, tomorrow December 22, 2010. The CT will be built exclusively at the first dedicated hybrid manufacturing plant in the world at TMC Kyushu’s Kokura Plant. Since this car is targeted for European markets, they will get first dibs at the first units. The CT will eventually arrive in the U.S. on March 2011.

CT 200h ENTERS PRODUCTION ON DECEMBER 22ND 2010

•CT 200h Enters Production on December 22nd 2010 at Kyushu plant (Japan)

• Kyushu plant received several quality awards since opening, most recently in 2010

• Highest quality assured through unique, Lexus MUST development standards for design,engineering and manufacture

• Positive reception amongst prospective customers and high initial European order levels

The Lexus CT 200h will go into production at Toyota Motor Kyushu (TMK) on December 22nd 2010.

Bringing Lexus and its hybrid technology to a wider, younger audience, the CT 200h marks the

introduction of the first, and only, full hybrid vehicle at the heart of the premium compact segment.

Created with the European market in mind, its size, packaging, full hybrid technology and ultra-low CO2

emissions of 87g/km perfectly meet the requirements of a young, highly discerning, environmentallyconscientious customer base.

The CT 200h will be built alongside other Lexus products, including the RX 450h, in Kyushu where, in

2008, the Kokura plant started operations as the world’s first factory dedicated to hybrid production.

The plant maintains the highest possible standards of manufacturing quality through the high-level fusionof innovative production technology and the skills of Lexus master craftsmen. It has received several major quality awards since opening, most recently in 2010.

The full hybrid CT 200h has been developed in accordance with an extremely rigorous set of development standards known as the Lexus MUSTs. These unique standards include more than 500 items that set strict guidelines for design, engineering and every stage of the manufacturing process from parts stamping and bodyshell welding through to assembly and painting.

The Lexus MUSTs also set NVH standards to achieve the levels of quietness and durability expected of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and the Lexus brand, and even apply to static factors such as the appearance, tactile quality, sound quality and the performance and sensitivity of controls.

During the meticulous, 1700 point inspection process, Lexus combines state-of-the-art digital measuring technology for gaps and surface consistency with the sensory skills of master craftsmen to ensure the highest levels of vehicle quality and appearance.

Legendary customer service, superior quality, and an award-winning dealer network remain the cornerstones of the Lexus brand. The CT 200h will enable premium compact customers to experience the full benefits of these multiple award-winning standards of customer care for the first time. The levels of interest for CT 200h are unprecedented, and Lexus Europe is looking forward to receiving its first customer cars

‘

”We’re delighted at how well the CT 200h has been received by prospective customers and our retailer network. “ says Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President of Lexus Europe., “Our levels of enquiry and order intake are running at a level higher than expected, and we are quietly confident that CT 200h is going to make a big positive impact on the Lexus business in Europe.”

About Lexus

Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding quality and sophisticated hightechnology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer service. Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, interior luxury and state-of-the-art technology, the L-finesse design philosophy represents a highly significant factor in positioning Lexus as a uniquely desirable global brand. Today, Lexus remains the first – and only – premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive full-hybrid model range comprising the RX 450h, the GS 450h, the LS 600h and the new CT 200h. In Europe, models featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive account for over 60% of all Lexus sales.

Source: Lexus Europe