Autoblog

Toyota to pay $17.35M federal fine for delayed Lexus RX recall

George Kennedy — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

This summer, we brought you news that Lexus was recalling over 150,000 RX and RX hybrid crossovers tied to its massive pedal entrapment issue. An update to that story included word from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it was considering launching a federal investigation into potential delays by the automaker in notifying owners about the problem. Now comes news that parent company Toyota will pay a hefty $17.35 million in fines for delaying its recall of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h. According to The Detroit News, the Japanese automaker is being forced to pay the maximum fine for delaying recalls - and this isn't the first time. In fact, this is the fourth time since 2010 that Toyota has been required to do so, including paying $48.8M in civil penalties in 2010 for failing to recall vehicles in a timely manner - in three separate campaigns.

In addition to the fines, Toyota has agreed to restructure the way it handles quality control and review "safety-related issues." Though the Japanese automaker has not admitted any wrongdoing, Toyota has agreed to meet with NHTSA for six months on the matter and may extend the meetings another six months.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he is counting on Toyota to improve its ability to address such safety issues: "With today's announcement, I expect Toyota to rigorously reinforce its commitment to adhering to the United States safety regulations," he said in a statement.

According to the report, Toyota has recalled more vehicles than any other automaker so far this year - 5.3 million in 13 separate campaigns - putting it about two million units ahead of second-place Honda.

This latest fine is a drop in the bucket compared to Toyota's expected global profits of $9.7 billion by the end of March, 2013. That said, Congress has already agreed to a new fine that will push the maximum penalty for delayed recalls up to $35 million. This increase will take effect in 2013.

Toyota to pay $17.35M federal fine for delayed Lexus RX recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota looking to shift some Lexus RX production from Japan to Canada

Chris Tutor — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:15:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Lexus, Toyota, Canada, Luxury

In an effort to reduce the Yen's impact on its bottom line, Toyota says it will invest $100 million in its Cambridge, Ontario plant to increase output of the Lexus RX CUV. The Ontario factory is Toyota's only Lexus producer outside of Japan.

"This is a big and ambitious project with new technology, exacting standards and tight timelines," Brian Krinock, president of Toyota's Canada manufacturing unit, said in a press release. "Our team members have demonstrated time and time again that they thrive on these kinds of challenges."

The expansion will take the plant's Lexus capacity from 74,000 units a year to 104,000, including 15,000 RX 450h hybrids. By the time production begins in early 2014, the plant is expected to have added about 400 new jobs and take overall employment to 6,900 workers.

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Toyota looking to shift some Lexus RX production from Japan to Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus adding over 150,000 RX crossovers to pedal entrapment recall, may face NHTSA investigation [UPDATE]

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

Remember the giant Toyota pedal entrapment recalls that all started in late 2009? Well, it's not over yet. No, we aren't just talking about the various lawsuits that the automaker still faces in connection with the recalls, we're talking about yet another set of vehicles that are being added to the list. Welcome to the gang, 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h.

Toyota states that the duo of Lexus crossovers are being recalled for "unsecured or incompatible floor mat entrapment of the accelerator pedal." In total, 154,000 RX models are affected by this latest addendum to the recall - 131,800 RX 350 and 22,200 RX 450h vehicles.

Between the two different pedal entrapment cases, Toyota has now recalled around 7.8 million vehicles.

The automaker will notify customers via first class mail beginning in August. Concerned owners can contact the manufacturer directly at 1.800.255.3987 or visit lexus.com/recall for more information. Scroll down to read the official press release.

UPDATE: According to the International Business Times, the National Highway Traffic Safety administration may consider launching an investigation on Toyota "regarding delays in notifying the agency about the problem." The government agency released a statement saying, "NHTSA is requesting additional documentation from the manufacturer and is considering opening an investigation into whether Toyota met its obligation to notify the agency and conduct a recall in a timely manner."

Continue reading Lexus adding over 150,000 RX crossovers to pedal entrapment recall, may face NHTSA investigation [UPDATE]

Lexus adding over 150,000 RX crossovers to pedal entrapment recall, may face NHTSA investigation [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus prices updated RX among other models

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

So a new front-drive Lexus RX 350 will now set you back $40,185, but that's really not the most interesting pricing news from Lexus. That would be the RX 350 F Sport, which debuts for the 2013 model year in July, carrying a base sticker of $47,875.

While all versions of the RX get the new spindle grille, the F Sport packs Lexus' eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a performance-tuned suspension that employs Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, akin to what's available on the GS line. Cosmetic enhancements include a mesh grille and F Sport badges, aluminum pedals and black leather seats with contrasting white stitching. A unique set of 19-inch wheels completes the package, which we look forward to getting our hands on.

Lexus has also announced the base price of its hybrid RX, which will start at $46,805, and the hybrid GS. When the 2013 GS 450h goes on sale in May, it will be priced from $59,845. Additionally, the 2012 Lexus IS will see the price bumped $200 across the board. Scroll down to read the full press release.

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Lexus prices updated RX among other models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus RX dons its family's new face

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:15:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

It certainly isn't the sexiest car to debut here at the Geneva Motor Show, but let's be honest: the Lexus RX crossover is hugely important, especially in the U.S. market. And while the 2013 model you see here isn't an all-new model, it gets a host of upgrades that will make it a fresher, more attractive offering in the luxury CUV segment.

Up front, the 2013 RX now wears its own version of Lexus' new corporate face, including the spindle grille that we now see on the GS, LX and CT, complete with LED running lamps. On top of that, there's a new F Sport model for 2013, incorporating smoked out headlamps and taillamps, darker wheels, and a bolder, sportier front fascia.

The RX 350 and RX 450h models will carry over with largely unchanged powertrains, the former available with a 270-horsepower V6 and the latter with a 295-hp electrically assisted V6. Both models can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Inside, there's a modestly updated interior with a new steering wheel and IP cluster, as well as a refreshed center stack. Of course, there's a smattering of luxury options available including a Mark Levinson premium audio system, a HDD navigation unit and Lexus Enform. Hit the jump for the full details and click through our high-res image galleries to see the new RX for yourself.

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2013 Lexus RX dons its family's new face originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Lexus RX facelift leaked prior to Geneva debut

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Lexus, Luxury

While it's not a complete redesign, Lexus has quite a few tweaks planned for its 2013 RX range. We got an initial glimpse of the crossover's new face via a grouping of leaked brochure scans, and now, it appears that some semi-official stock shots have hit the Interwebs prior to the CUV's debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

We like the look of the RX's new front fascia, but that's probably because we already like it on the CT, GS and LX, not to mention the forthcoming ES; it's that same pinched spindle grille with LED running lamps flanking either side. What's most interesting about the 2013 RX, however, is that an F Sport model (pictured right) will be produced, offering a sportier appearance that includes things like a new front bumper, honeycomb grille, larger wheels and tinted front and rear lamps, among other things.

The 2013 RX's interior is slated to get a decent overhaul as well, with a new center stack with an infotainment screen that's now recessed into the top tier of the dash. Expect both RX 350 and RX 450h models to be offered with their powertrains likely untouched from the current models, save a slight massaging or two. We'll have the full scoop as part of next week's Geneva madness.

2013 Lexus RX facelift leaked prior to Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota issues recall for Highlander, Lexus RX 400h hybrids

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Lexus, Toyota

Lexus RX 400h - Click above for high-res image

There's a problem with some 2006 and 2007 model year Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h vehicles. Today, Toyota announced that it will voluntarily recall 45,500 Highlander Hybrid and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles that were sold in the States. What's the problem? Toyota says there is a control board with transistors inside the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) in the Hybrid System Inverter and that, "Certain transistors on the control boards in some of the subject vehicles were inadequately soldered and could be damaged from heat caused by a large current flow during high-load driving." Whoops.

Toyota says that the worst-case scenario is that the vehicles will either go into a fail-safe mode or the fuse will blow and the vehicle will coast to a stop. In order to fix the problem, Toyota needs to get the required replacement parts and will notify owners by mid-July when and how they can get the vehicles repaired for free. If you're curious about your own vehicle, you can call Toyota or Lexus directly. Phone numbers and more details are available in the press release after the jump. Information about other Toyota company recalls can be found in the archives.

Continue reading Toyota issues recall for Highlander, Lexus RX 400h hybrids

Toyota issues recall for Highlander, Lexus RX 400h hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How much is that hybrid in the window? Lexus displays at Harrods for the holidays

Noah Joseph — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus, UK, Luxury

Lexus at Harrods - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looks like the Aston Martin Cygnet isn't the only luxed-up Toyota to go on display in the window at Harrod's this season. The Cygnet made its production debut there last month, and now Lexus is following suite with a holiday display of their own.

The ground-level display takes up four windows of storefront. One features the new CT 200h, another the RX 450h, a third highlighting the Mark Levinson sound systems found in many a Lexus, and the fourth a Lexus Lounge, whatever the heck that means.

The display will give holiday shoppers at "the world's most famous luxury store" a chance to check out the vehicles, sign up for a test drive or even place an order on site.

Gallery: Lexus at Harrods

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading How much is that hybrid in the window? Lexus displays at Harrods for the holidays

How much is that hybrid in the window? Lexus displays at Harrods for the holidays originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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