J.D. Power quality study: Lexus tops, Jaguar leaps

Toyota's Lexus brand was No. 1, Jaguar was most-improved and General Motors was the top domestic automaker in the closely watched 2012 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study released today.

It was the second-consecutive year Lexus led the study as the brand with vehicles that had the fewest problems in the first 90 days of ownership. Owners reported 73 problems per 100 Lexus vehicles, well below the industry average of 102. Toyota -- including Lexus and Scion brands -- also had the most top finishers in the ranking of individual car and truck models by product category. It had five.

Like a giant hungry cat, Jaguar leaped from 20th place among 34 nameplates last year to a tie for second place with Porsche. The famous British nameplate, now controlled by India's Tata Motors, cut reported problems to an average of 75 per 100 vehicles, a reduction of 39 problems in a year.

CAPTION

By Robert Deutsch, USAT

"It's the third consecutive years of improvement," says Jaguar spokesman Stuart Schorr when reached for comment. "It has been a conscious effort by the company to get the quality right."

General Motors made the strongest overall showing among U.S. automakers with a third place finish for Cadillac, up from ninth place last year and now ahead of Honda. GMC and Chevrolet also had fewer problems than the industry average, while Buick was just off the pace. GM had four top-three finishers in the rankings of models, one fewer than Toyota and tied with Nissan for second most top models.

The closely watched study also shows the competition has gotten tougher, as overall vehicle quality continues to rise:

• The industry average improved 5% -- from 107 problems per 100 vehicles to 102 this year.
• Of 185 individual models ranked in both 2011 and 2012, 65% improved their scores.
• Of the 32 out of the 34 brands ranked in 2012 that also were ranked in 2011, 26 improved vs. five declines; one stayed the same.

Yet, some brands still drag at the bottom. Worst was Mercedes-Benz' Smart minicar brand and Fiat, tied with 151 problems per car. Then came BMW's Mini, with 139 problems per vehicle.

The result was not good news for Fiat's return to the U.S. after departing years ago under a quality cloud. But Chrysler Group's Dodge brand, dead last in 2011's study, improved to fifth from the bottom. While Chrysler and Jeep brands remained below the industry average in 2012, Ram trucks were ranked better than average.

The problems owners report in the study do not necessarily involve repairs. A problem can be something that works as designed, but disappoints the owner. Some makers have been dinged in recent years, for example, for new infotainment systems that owners find baffling, and for dual-clutch automatic transmissions that improve gas mileage but don't operate as smoothly as a conventional automatic.

Power said multimedia systems -- with their increasingly sophisticated audio, entertainment and navigation functions and more hands-free voice controls -- is now the top single category for problems. Reported issues are up 45% since 2006 for this category, even as other categories improved 24%, on average.

Power said smartphones have greatly raised what consumers expect from their cars. "Automakers and suppliers are working hard to meet those expectations with systems intended to make the driving experience safer, more convenient and more entertaining," said David Sargent, Power's vice president of global automotive. "However, the most innovative technology in the world will quickly create dissatisfaction if owners can't get it to work."

Such issues again bedeviled Ford, which dropped in the rankings to 28 out of the 34 brands. In 2010, Ford was the top-ranked non-luxury brand at fifth, then plummeted to 23rd last year, a drop Power attributed to owner dissatisfaction with the MyFord Touch infotainment system and a new dual-clutch automatic that owners found balky. Luxury stablemate Lincoln did better, but still ranked below the industry standard.

Ford officials blamed consumers still disappointed with MyFord Touch. Group Vice President Jim Farley said 89% of customers with the systems now have upgraded the systems with new software that Ford rolled out, and most are happy with the improvements, but he said the changes came after the J.D. Power survey period ended.

Volkswagen -- which has mounted a major effort to attack quality issues and raise its reputation as it strives to double U.S. sales by 2018 -- also took a hit for its dual-clutch automatic and a Bluetooth interface, among other issues. VW again was fourth from the bottom, although scoring seven fewer problems per hundred vehicles.

Marc Trahan, brought from Audi last year to be VW's new group vice president for quality, called that disappointing, particularly, he said, because VW's "internal data show a 17% to 20% reduction in warranty claims" so far in 2012. He said improvements are being rolled out, such as new transmission software. He also said VW's newest products, Passat and Beetle, just out as the study was being conducted "launched ahead of brand average and better than their predecessors."

 

Courtesy of USA Today

2013 Lexus ES300h is a game-changer

The new 2013 Lexus ES300h will be remembered as the car that was the tipping point for hybrid drivetrains in premium automobiles. From here forward the elements this car has perfected will become expected in all cars of its type.

Lexus ES Background
The 2013 Lexus ES300h has a long legacy. In 1989 Lexus was created to capture Toyota drivers and owners of other premium vehicles who desired a higher level of luxury and service than Toyota had offered in the past. In order to earn the business of these customers, Lexus started with a front-drive platform based on an existing model sold by Toyota. From there it developed a car so refined that it was better in most ways than the established luxury brands at any price point. Lexus followed the new trend in naming, giving the car the moniker ES250. The sixth generation, 2013 Lexus ES300h is just as much a game changer as that 1989 model was.

Overview of the 2013 Lexus ES300h
The new 2013 ES300h is a hybrid. If you drove this car back to back with other entry-luxury cars in the class you likely wouldn’t know this. In 1989 the Lexus ES came with a 2.5 liter engine that made exactly 156 horsepower. At the time, customers who were seriously considering this type of car did not think that was underpowered at all. In fact, the power would have seemed quite appropriate to a near-luxury car of its size and type. The 2013 Lexus ES300h comes with a 2.5 liter engine that generates exactly 156 horsepower. Today that number seems a little low when it appears on a specification page. In actual operation the gasoline engine in this car is just fine. When assisted by the electric motor it is close to being peppy. There is always enough power for daily driving and merging onto the highway and overtaking is never a concern. If you want a luxury rocket, and you want a Lexus, there are many to choose from. That is not what the ES class is designed to be. Its buyers know that. For the record, the total system horsepower is an even 200 when the electric assist is factored in.

ES300h Hybrid Drivetrain Details
The drivetrain in the 2013 Lexus ES300h starts with a 2.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine. Instead of the Otto cycle, the engine operates on the Atkinson cycle, which provides a shade more efficiency in most driving situations. At 156 horsepower the engine is just enough. Not what would be considered powerful, but it isn’t a slow-poke. The engine connects to the front drive system via a constantly variable transmission. A CVT offers a bit of a fuel efficiency gain when compared to, say a 6 speed automatic. Working with the gasoline engine in some cases, and sometimes working to propel the car on their own, are two motor generators. Diving deeper than this into the inner workings is not really practical. Let’s believe that this system works. When you drive it you will agree.

The ES300h driver has the ability to select from four modes of driving. “Normal” operates all of the systems automatically. Sometimes the car starts off in all-electric mode, and sometimes it starts off being moved by the gas engine. Sometimes both are working to hustle the car from a stoplight. Eco makes the “gas” pedal less responsive. It tries to keep the car in electric-only mode whenever it can and it makes the car less satisfying to drive in normal operation. In stop and go traffic it would be an ideal tool to help conserve fuel. Sport Mode makes the most use it can of the combined system power of the drivetrain’s many components. EV mode can be selected but it really is a mimic of the Eco mode. It will just try harder to hold off the gas engine.

If a nitpicker labored to sense the transitions the car makes from one mode of operation to another it is possible they could detect it. To the contrary, when one drives this car normally these transitions are never obvious, definitely not intrusive, and are nearly always imperceptible. This is the first of the many hybrids I have ever written about that includes that statement.

Fans of electric cars and hybrids always want to know about the batteries. Lexus employs nickel metal hydride batteries on this vehicle because they work. They are cost effective, reliable, have a good size to power ratio, and did we mention that they work? We know how much power they can store and deliver, but absolutely refuse to tell you because it is about as important as the volume of air the tires can hold. It is enough for the system to work well and Toyota and Lexus have absolutely proven that the technology lasts past 150,000 miles. One thing we will say is that the system is air cooled. Beware liquid cooled batteries in anything.

Driving Impressions of the 2013 Lexus ES300h
When we were invited to test this car we knew we would be drawing comparisons to the previous generation ES350, which we know quite well. That was, and is, a fine car that drives nicely. This ES300h is better than that car in every single way we can think to list except braking. Braking in hybrids seems to always have some kind of issue. Either the brakes are not there, and then grab too aggressively, or they are non-linear in some other way. This new 2013 Lexus ES300h seems to be 95% of the way to “normal.” The binders do have a bit of non-linearity just as you come to a slow stop, but they are safe. There is a great sound as the car decelerates. That is the sound of your wallet getting fatter as the battery recharges to offer the drivetrain free energy.

All car makers stiffen up the chassis, make revisions to the suspension, and lather on more effective sound deadening material when they come out with a new generation, and this new car is no different. Frankly, those changes don’t usually mean much. In this car they do. Up front Lexus changed the springs to opposite-wound coils. That equates to better straight ahead feel that we noticed. The ride is so silky smooth that when we drove an ES350 model with the optional 18” lower-profile tires we vowed to warn everyone we spoke to that they do not help the handling and reduce the pleasure of rolling over road imperfections with no noticeable effect. Skip those if they are ever offered on the hybrid.

The steering on the prior generation was good, but it did feel a little strange when the wheel was turned at a sharp angle such as at a stop light. The new car employs electric steering and it has a better feel. It also adds just a smidgeon of improved fuel economy.

Interior
The biggest change to the 2013 Lexus ES300h with regards to the interior is the dash and infotainment screen. The dash now has a dual level style with the driver’s most needed information up top to help keep eyes pointed to the road. The look is quite modern and features ambient lighting at night. Wood grain trim now includes bamboo. The infotainment screen is larger and recessed, since the touch screen design is now replaced with the Remote Touch, mouse style interface. This is a great system, ergonomically fantastic, and very intuitive. We did struggle to increase the navigation volume and we could not seem to find the speed limit for the road we were on in the display. Perhaps a glance at the manual might have helped? On the other hand, after this many years of navigation systems in cars should a driver have to look the manual to operate its basic functions? The audio quality is on par with the average in the class. Don’t try the Mark Levinson sound system unless you plan to buy it. Once you hear it, the standard system no longer sounds acceptable.

Seats in the new car are good. Comfortable, with excellent lumbar. The models we tested did not offer cooling, but did have heat of course. Rear seating space is so plentiful you will almost wonder if that space could have been put to better use. The steering wheel can now come with heat in the ES, which is the sort of option you didn’t know you needed until you have it. As you approach the vehicle it notes your specific key fob and it moves the seat to your fob’s position. However, be warned, if you and your spouse approach the driver’s door with both fobs, the seat will eject through the sunroof.

The trunk in this car is large. The conventional drivetrain version has a larger trunk, but you won’t miss the space. Due to the battery and other components being stored in the rear seatback there is no hockey stick/snowboard pass through, which is a deal breaker for some families. They will have to take their RX450h to the winter sports events. Under the trunk mat is a compact spare. A full size spare would have been better, but at least we are not insulted by a “repair-kit” pretending to suffice.

The dash displays are fantastic in the ES300h. The gauges look painted, but when you switch modes you have a tachometer if you are in sport, or an Eco display in that mode. It is very slick. The thumb toggle on the wheel gives the driver great trip computer information and now the TPMS system displays the tire pressure in each corner which is a welcome improvement. The AC system is tied into the mode selector switch. When the driver opts for Eco, the AC uses more recirculation mode to save a few drops of gas.

The safety content of the ES300h has been bumped up to the full luxury class level. Rear cross traffic, lane departure, and blind spot monitoring are all options that can be had at more than just the max trim level. One notable improvement is that these all have evolved to use less space behind the rear view mirror, so your EZ-Pass can return to that spot.

Exterior design was supposed to be the big story for the new ES series, but the spindle grill is now creeping through the line and isn’t news anymore. The car looks tougher as if the fenders were more muscular. The spindle grill is not as polarizing as the Acura grill change was and most seem to like it, including this writer.

Summary of the 2013 Lexus ES300h
The 2013 Lexus ES300h is a car that stands apart from its siblings. Drivers of Toyotas like to say that the Lexus model closest in size and shape to their car is simply a more expensive car just like theirs. They are wrong, but let’s not tell them. The level of love and care that goes into the Lexus models is simply more apparent. The recent J.D. Power and Associates top ranking of the ES in its category is very telling. The Camry did not win its class. It didn’t even come in second or third. Get the picture?

Throughout this review we have noted where 2013 Lexus ES300h saved a bit of gas here and there. The result of all those little sips being saved is enormous. The car gets 40 mpg city, 40 mpg combined, on regular unleaded. That is incredible in a vehicle this size. That is unprecedented in a car of this category. Many hybrid luxury cars don’t get great fuel mileage, and use premium unleaded, which can reduce fuel economy by 10 to 15%. This new 2013 Lexus ES300h will be remembered as the car that changed a lot of opinions about hybrids.

Lexus thinks 25% of buyers will choose the hybrid over the conventional engine. They are right. In year two we would expect hybrid ES300h to be closer to 40% of total ES sales, and continue to climb as the word gets out.

 

Courtesy of TorqueNews

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: What to Do If Your Car Overheats

There are many things that can go wrong when driving, overheating is a big one. Many factors can cause a car to overheat, typically low coolant during warm temperatures, long drives and congested traffic are to blame.

If your car overheats, do not drive more than a quarter mile. Have it towed to avoid further damage to the engine. However, if there is no experienced mechanic or tow truck nearby, follow these simple steps:

• Pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine.
• Do not open the hood until the car has completely cooled or the temperature gauge has moved from hot to cool.
• Check the coolant (also called antifreeze) level in the radiator. Look in the owner’s manual if you are unsure where the coolant reservoir tank is.
• Make sure the radiator cap is cool before opening it. Slowly twist it off with a towel and beware of any hot steam. If needed, fill coolant to the top of the radiator. Put the radiator cap back on.
• Be sure the upper or lower radiator hose and any of the heater hoses have not been blocked, disconnected or burst.
• Restart the engine.
• Carefully monitor the temperature gauge. If you see it crossing the optimal mark, pull over to a safe location and turn the engine off.

While your best bet is to get help from a mechanic, your safest bet is to be prepared. Store these essential items in you car: Coolant, tool kit, working flashlight, non-perishable foods and water.

 

Courtesy of The National Safety Council

First Test Run of the ISF CCS-R

Hear Brian Smith, VP Lexus Marketing, discuss the engine and modifications to the ISF CCS-R in preparation for Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on July 8. Listen to the powerful engine during its first test run in the U.S.

Lexus of Maplewood is an official vehicle partner for the 10th Anniversary of Cities97’s Oake on the Water!

We look forward to seeing everyone today at Lola's Lakehouse where Lucy Michelle & The Velvet Lapelles will be performing! Post your photos of you and your friends at Oake on the Water with our Lexus vehicles and be entered to win fabulous prizes throughout the Oake on the Water 10th Anniversary season. Random entries will be selected to win prizes like advanced screening passes to see the summer blockbuster movies before anyone else, tickets to the summer's biggest concert, Gift Cards, Detail Packages and more from Lexus of Maplewood.

 

Click here to see the event!

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: How To Change a Tire

Sooner or later, it's bound to happen to most everyone. You're driving along with your mind on the important meeting agenda, and suddenly your car pulls to one side and you hear that dreaded flapping sound of a flat tire.

Nowadays, many drivers have roadside assistance services that will come fix your flats, but it's always smart to know how to change a flat yourself. Because it's a fairly common occurrence, car manufacturers have tried to make the tire change process one that virtually anyone can do.

Before Starting Out

It's a good idea to get your car serviced before heading out on a road trip. Part of the checkup should include a look at the tires.

Look for any unevenly worn spots, or skimpy tread. If the tires are iffy, invest in new ones. You'll need them eventually anyway, and it's better to start out on a trip with new tires than have a blow-out in the middle of nowhere.

Even if you're not heading on a trip, you should familiarize yourself with the tools you'll use in the event of a flat tire. Most cars come equipped with a simple jack and lug wrench, as well as a spare tire. Check your owner's manual if you aren't sure how to access these items.

Pull out the jack and the tire, and make sure the tire is in good shape. If your spare is flat, get it fixed.

It only takes a few minutes to make sure you have all the tools, and you'll save yourself a big headache later if you find yourself on the side of the road with a flat.

Optional Items to Pack

Besides the crucial jack, wrench, and spare tire, you might also want to consider placing these tools in your trunk to make a tire change much easier and more comfortable:

• Flashlight (with extra batteries)

• Gloves

• Tarp or mat to kneel on

• Plastic rain poncho

• Fix-a-flat™ spray foam

• Tire gauge

• Tire blocks

Changing a Flat Tire

Follow these simple steps to fix the problem and be on your way in no time:

1. Find a safe spot to pull over. If you're on the freeway, getting off is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don't park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars can't see you. Also choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!
2. Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench, and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the tire that is flat. Use other tools or supplies if needed.
3. Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Don't remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try placing the wrench on the nut and standing on the wrench arm to use your full weight on it. You can also try hitting the wrench arm with a rock.
4. Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Different car models may have different places to put the jack; consult your owner's manual for specific locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.
5. Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire off the car. Make sure to place the lug nuts in a pile that won't get scattered, and pull the tire straight toward yourself to remove it from the wheel base.
6. Place the spare on the car. Line up the lug nut posts with the holes in the spare, and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can't go any farther.
7. Put on the lug nuts. Don't put them on tightly, just make sure they're on enough for the spare to stay on the car for a moment.
8. Lower the car back to the ground. Use the jack to bring the car back down to ground level. Remove the jack from underneath the car.
9. Make sure the lug nuts are tightened. With the car back on the ground, you can now tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening them one by one in order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut (across the circle) and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening opposite lug nuts gradually in turn until each lug nut is as tight as it can be.
10. Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk. Make sure you don't leave anything on the side of the road.

Quick Fixes

Once in a while, a tire isn't completely destroyed when it goes flat. If the flat is caused by a nail or other sharp object, and you can't or don't want to change your tire on the side of the road, you may be able to give yourself a few miles of leeway by using a flat-fix type spray.

Simply follow the manufacturer's directions. In ideal situations, the spray foam will allow you to at least find a close off-ramp and pull into a service station or a rest stop before you have to change your tire.

Courtesy of DMV.org

Lexus GS Climate Control System Named Interior Innovation of the Year

The 2013 Lexus GS climate control system has been named the Interior Innovation of the Year by the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards:

The Lexus GS features a Denso climate control system that moisturises those inside the vehicle! The industry has already had purified and scented air-con systems, but the Japanese OEM takes things to a new level by using nanotechnology that purifies the air coming out of the vents in order to moisturise the hair and skin of the occupants.

This air cleaning technology releases negatively charged water-wrapped ions into the cabin, which purify the air and eliminate odour in the cabin. They also deodorise the vehicle seats and roof lining, and have a moisturizing effect on skin and hair — definitely a technology well-deserving of an award.

This was the first ever Automotive Interiors Expo Awards, with a judging panel made up of leading European journalists.

Courtesy of Lexus Enthusiast

Lexus of Maplewood is an official vehicle partner for the 10th Anniversary of Cities97’s Oake on the Water!

Lexus of Maplewood is an official vehicle partner for the 10th Anniversary of Cities97’s Oake on the Water! Check it out today at Maynard's where Ed Sheeran & The Pierces will be performing! Post your photos of you and your friends at Oake on the Water with our Lexus vehicles and be entered to win fabulous prizes throughout the Oake on the Water 10th Anniversary season. Random entries will be selected to win prizes like advanced screening passes to see the summer blockbuster movies before anyone else, tickets to the summer's biggest concert, Gift Cards, Detail Packages and more from Lexus of Maplewood.

Best SUVs for the Bucks

2012 Lexus RX 350

The Lexus RX 350 is one of the most refined and luxurious vehicles on the market. It appeals to small families who want quiet comfort, as well as to empty nesters who like its ease of ingress and egress and the extra space for grandkids and their toys. The 3.5-liter V6 engine provides plenty of power. The RX 350 may be fairly pricey at $39,075, but owners will earn much of that back, as the RX 350 is among the best at holding its resale value, according to Kelley Blue Book. It's also the midsize premium crossover/SUV leader in J.D. Power's Dependability Study, so owners probably won't waste money on lots of repairs.

 

Courtesy of MSN Autos

Kelley Blue Book - Best Green Cars of 2012

Overview

Fuel economy is up, fuel consumption is down, and the road keeps getting a little bit greener each new model year. But world-class fuel efficiency alone is not enough to win a spot on our annual 10 Best Green Cars list. Click the arrow above to see the standouts offering mpg and more.

2012 Lexus CT

While exceptional fuel efficiency is a hybrid's primary objective, the Lexus CT 200h provides a fun-to-drive factor that few hybrids can equal. The CT 200h combines Lexus' award-winning quality with impressive fuel economy, dynamic handling and luxurious amenities at an enticing sub-$30,000 starting price.

 

Courtesy of Kelley Blue Book

Employee Spotlight – Stephanie Pot Enhances Customer Relationships at Lexus of Maplewood

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Stephanie Pot Enhances Customer Relationships at Lexus of Maplewood

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Lexus of Maplewood is dedicated to providing its customers not only dependable, luxury vehicles, but also dependable customer service. This dedication has earned Lexus of Maplewood the Elite of Lexus designation for 15 years in a row. Now Lexus of Maplewood is raising the bar again by creating a new dealership position that will further enhance the customer experience.

Stephanie Pot has recently transitioned to this new position. She is now one of two Vehicle Technology Specialist who are responsible for answering any customer inquiries about how to use the advanced technology in their vehicles, including the new Lexus Enform^™ telematics system.

“With the advent of more technology in luxury cars, customers often have questions about their navigation system, establishing a Bluetooth connection for their phone or managing other telematics systems,” stated Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president. “While we’re happy to answer their calls, we think it will be much more beneficial to have experts at our dealerships who can establish and maintain relationships with customers to answer any questions about their cars.”

Stephanie who has been with Lexus of Maplewood for over a year enjoys working with our guests to find out their comfort level with technology. Since she has been able to learn everything about the vehicles technology she knows how to explain it in a simple way. Our customers really appreciate her knowledge.

Stephanie was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and currently lives in Eagan but she has experienced living all across the U.S. from Georgia to California, moving around while she was growing up with her loving parents and two sisters. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and boyfriend and her amazing dog Joey a Pomerania, who is more like a brother in the family than just a pet.

Outside of work, Stephanie has many hobbies including horseback riding, cooking, music and she likes watching movies or playing video games. In between her busy work schedule and social activities, she is also attending St. Thomas University for Business Administration.

Through the hard work Stephanie is putting in as a Vehicle Technology Specialist, Lexus of Maplewood is bringing the customer experience to the next level and pushing the boundaries of what it means to drive a Lexus. Thank you Stephanie for all your hard work and dedication.

Please contact Stephanie with any questions you may have about your vehicle.