Al-Futtaim Motors celebrate triple Lexus win

Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Lexus in the UAE, has started 2011 on a positive note with news that the high performance Lexus IS F has received three important industry awards in less than three months since its initial launch. 

Three separate annual awards ceremonies hosted by UAE’s leading automotive publications, Car Middle East, Wheels and EVO, have all named the Lexus IS F, ‘Sports Saloon of 2010’, in recognition of its startling performance credentials and edgy styling. 

The Lexus IS F is particularly significant to the brand as it the signals the UAE birth of a range of Lexus F performance vehicles designed to bring a new level of performance and emotion to the Lexus range outside of its traditional luxury segment. 

Saud Abbasi, General Manager for Lexus, Al-Futtaim Motors explained: “These awards are a clear indication that our renewed focus on a more engaging performance is the right approach for Lexus in the UAE. Receiving one award is a fantastic achievement and three in as many months is simply phenomenal; we are very proud and extremely optimistic about the year ahead.  Lexus will see a growth in hybrid vehicles and performance-oriented products, driven by the likes of the Lexus IS F, the supercar, Lexus LFA and the Lexus hybrid LS 600hL.” 

The 2011 model range already demonstrates the brand’s shift from its traditional attributes of luxurious refinement to a real focus on power and performance with the addition of the Lexus LFA and the new ‘vogue’ interior styling across the range which is designed to enhance the brands emotional appeal. 

Mr Abbasi continued: “Our sales performance in 2010 reflects this upbeat mood with sales eight per cent up on last year despite the static growth across the luxury automotive market. Key Lexus performers were the flagship SUV Lexus LX570, the intelligent crossover RX350 and the IS series.” 

The Lexus LX570 model continues to dominate the luxury large SUV segment; since its launch in 2008, the vehicle has become synonymous with outstanding off road capability and delivering superior levels of ride comfort. Adding to its legendary status, 2011 year models receive a stunning two tone saddle tan and black leather interior, as well as a striking new exterior colour, ‘starlight black’. 

Renowned for its intelligent use of advanced technology, the crossover Lexus RX350 recorded excellent total 2010 year to date sales, up 31 per cent against last year. 2011 year models feature the new ‘vogue’ interior colour design combining a dual earth and red colour trim option with coordinated body trim colour throughout the vehicle. 

Within the luxury passenger car market, the IS family performed extremely well, continuing to dominate the luxury compact segment. A revised aggressive, sportier exterior styling has been introduced for 2011 to extend its appeal to a wider audience. In particular, the Lexus IS convertible outperformed all other luxury passenger vehicles in the Lexus range during 2010, recording total 2010 sales 64 per cent up on 2009. 

Mr Abbasi concluded: “It is an exciting period for Lexus and for our customers as we will be leveraging and building on the strength of this expanded model range by further developing and investing in Lexus’ network facilities throughout the UAE. This will ensure that we are in a strong position to evolve the excellence of our Lexus customer experience as well as our product range.”