• Bramalea, ON  (October 5, 2000)

For the first time in Canada since the marque was launched in 1990, ground was broken today for a new Lexus dealership to be built in Bramalea, Ontario. The ceremony, presided over by Brampton's mayor, His Worship Peter Robertson, and Warren Orton, national manager of the Lexus Division of Toyota Canada, is at the forefront of an expansion of the Lexus dealer body that will see six new stand-alone dealerships added to the Lexus network over the next 18 months, bringing the total number to 28.

The new dealership, when it opens for business in spring, 2001, is not only the first new operation of the extended sales and service network, it is the first to be designed and built, from inception, using the new Lexus facilities standards. The new standards, also being phased in at existing dealers across Canada, are designed to enhance the classic, timeless atmosphere that customers anticipate from a luxury marque. They will also provide the setting for an exceptional dealership experience that mirrors the brand's reputation for quality, service and owner satisfaction.

"This begins the most important phase of Lexus development since the original 21 dealers opened in Canada a decade ago," said Warren Orton, national manager of the Lexus Division of Toyota Canada Inc. "Our customers know they can depend on Lexus luxury and quality. As a direct result of our dealers' commitment, our levels of customer satisfaction are the envy of the industry. These new dedicated facilities are the next step in our determination to meet and surpass the very high expectations that customers and owners have of Lexus."

The other new Lexus outlets are planned for North Vancouver and Coquitlam, British Columbia; Richmond Hill and Oakville, Ontario; and Brossard, Québec. The new Lexus facility in Bramalea will operate under the leadership of dealer principal Tony Policaro, who also owns Bramalea Toyota and two other franchises with his business partners - and brothers - Basil and Paul Policaro.

When Lexus was launched in Canada in October, 1990, the original 21 dealers sold a total of 607 LS 400 and ES 250 luxury sedans in the last quarter of that year. Sales during 1991, with 22 dealers in operation, grew to 2,719. By 1999 sales had reached an annual total of 5,329 and the Lexus lineup had expanded to include the flagship LS 400, the sporty luxurious GS 300 and GS 400 sedans, executive sport ES 300 and the marque's innovative LX 470 and RX 300 luxury sport utility vehicles. For the 2000 model year, the lineup also saw the addition of the all-new IS 300.

In its first decade, Lexus has won consistent praise from automotive journalists and consumers alike for industry-leading quality, handsome styling, exceptional safety and outstanding value. Lexus consistently takes top marks in vehicle owner surveys, and Lexus is repeatedly cited when quality, customer satisfaction, dealer service and automotive performance are the criteria.