Lexus LS Receives Top J.D. Power APEAL Award; Five Toyotas Rank in Top 3 of Their Segments

LEXUS CANADA - The Lexus LS is the most appealing Large Premium Car in its segment, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2013 U.S. Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, Automotive News reports today. The GS and ES models also contributed positively to Lexus' score, with GS ranked in the top three of its segments. Lexus moved up one rank to fifth overall with a score of 847 – tied with Mercedes Benz.

Five Toyota models (Tacoma, Sequoia, Prius v, Sienna and RAV4) scored high, placing them in the top three of their segments. The redesigned Avalon is the highest scoring Toyota model and ranked among the Top 10 most appealing non-premium vehicles in the industry. Scion moved up two positions to rank 27 th overall. The tC is Scion's highest scoring model at 799 based on a 1,000-point scale.

Porsche maintains its No. 1 nameplate spot in the annual APEAL study. Audi moved up two positions from last year to rank second, followed by BMW.

J.D. Power and Associates surveyed 83,000 vehicle owners on what they like about their new vehicles after 90 days of ownership. This year's study focused on 10 categories: exterior, interior, storage/space, seats, HVAC, driving dynamics, audio/communications/entertainment/navigation, engine/transmission, visibility/safety and fuel economy.

For more detailed results from the APEAL Study, visit www.jdpower.com/performance.