Lexus LS Chronology

MILESTONES

Fall 1984 - The "F1" project is well underway. "F1" is Toyota's code for flagship luxury car of the highest order. Shoiji Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki head a large engineering team to develop this ultra-important new car.

May 1985 - Lexus conducts its first study of the American market with a team headed by Jimbo attending focus groups and interviewing dealers in major markets. A separate five-person team moves to Laguna Beach, Calif. to study lifestyles and integrate design concepts suited for American customers.

July 1985 - The first of 450 running prototypes is built, representing the work of 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians and 220 support workers.

May 1986 - Tests are conducted on the Autobahn in Germany.

September 1986 - Ten months of extensive evaluation on American roads begins, resulting in numerous improvements in line with the U.S. environment and customer needs.

May 1987 - The final design of the F1 is approved after eight previous presentations to management - far more than customary.

August 1988 - Roger Penske, the renowned racing team owner and soon-to-be Lexus dealer, goes to Japan to test-drive the F1.

November 1988 - The F1 is designated Lexus LS 400, "LS" meaning Luxury Sedan, and "400" for the 4.0-liter V8 engine.

January 1989 - Lexus LS 400 makes its American debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit and the Los Angeles Auto Show.

May 1989 - The first production LS 400 rolls off the assembly line at Lexus' Tahara plant in Japan.

September 1989 - Lexus LS 400 goes on sale to the public and is very well received. In the first month 2,919 LS 400s are sold.

December 1989 - Lexus initiates a special service campaign. Although aware of only one consumer contact regarding a cruise control malfunction and several complaints of stoplight housing distortion, Lexus elects to recall all 8,000 LS 400s sold to check items. Dealers contact owners individually and quickly make repairs. Rather than being viewed negatively, Lexus is credited with setting a new standard in personalized service.

September 1992 - A "freshened" LS 400 debuts with more than 50 changes, many as a direct response to dealer and customer requests.

November 1994 - Completely redesigned second generation 1995 Lexus LS 400 goes on sale.

March 1997 - Lexus and Coach, the renowned manufacturer of distinguished leather products, announce the production of a distinctive limited edition Lexus LS 400 sedan.

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