4^th December, 2001

New 4-year warranty sets luxury market pace

Lexus has announced a four year warranty on all its vehicles, effective from October first.

Advancing Lexus past its primary rivals, it is the best warranty available among prestige and luxury car makes.

The four year warranty, limited to 100,000kms, is the longest offered in Australia where, within living memory, 12 months/20,000kms was once considered acceptable.

Warranties had gradually increased their protection, and Lexus established a new standard in 1990 when its original LS 400 was released with a three year, 100,000km warranty.

It forced a general market re-appraisal, and today many vehicles carry three year warranties, although Lexus coyly pointed out that one of its major German rivals still offers only two years.

“It is imperative that Lexus maintains its leadership in offering value for money, and that includes customer and vehicle care,” said Lexus Australia senior executive vice-president John Conomos.

“The recent launch of the Lexus Trilogy of cars – SC 430, IS 300 and ES 300 in such a short time span provided the logical opportunity to reassert our faith in the brand.

”A four year warranty sends a clear message of trust."

Further ExtraCare warranty extensions would be available from the 19 dealer Lexus network.

Lexus Encore benefits also include special provisions including road side service, loan vehicles and travel assistance in case of breakdown.