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With domestic hygiene high on the agenda right now, it’s important to remember it’s not just your house that needs scrupulous cleaning, as your car is one of the most tactile items you’ll own, with multiple surfaces that need special attention too Although this article has been published by Toyota GB and features Toyota vehicles, the principles of keeping any car germ free are the similar and can be applied across a wide range of vehicles. During an average trip the driver and passengers are likely to be touching many surfaces that can attract dirt and germs, from opening the door to changing gear, or from adjusting the heating fan to switching the lights on. Ben Murphy, Toyota’s professional car detailer is responsible for keeping Toyota GB’s fleet of press vehicles cleaned and professionally maintained. On average, Ben cleans about 30 cars per week but in busy times this number can rise to 46. As well as ensuring high standards of vehicle hygiene, Ben has to bear in mind that meticulous car reviewers expect every vehicle they assess to look and feel as good as new. In a new short film from Toyota (Toyota tips on keeping the car germ free) Ben demonstrates 40 potential touch points around the car that need specific cleaning attention, using a RAV4 as an example. “I try to be as efficient as possible,” Ben explains. “Our cars return to our press fleet garage from all over the country and I have to think – ‘where have people touched?’. For example, a driver will probably approach the car with the key in their hand and pull on the door handle. Then there’s the steering wheel and horn, the gearstick and surprisingly the rear-view mirror, because most people adjust the rear-view mirror when they get in the car. The interior of the driver’s door is a common touch point, especially on our press fleet cars which are driven by many different people. Think about all the people who get in the car and use the controls to put the window down a bit.” Ben also has to think about other points that might get touched less frequently, such as the dust caps, the bonnet and then things like the head rests. He has a check sheet which he goes through on every vehicle to make sure he hasn’t missed any part of the vehicle before it leaves the press fleet garage. The seatbelt is a key area. Everyone has to wear one when they get into the car, and the number of times you adjust that seatbelt depends on the size of the person in the car, so there could be two to three touch points just on the seatbelt itself. Also, the belt sits across you, so if you were to cough or sneeze there’s a very good chance germs get on the seatbelt or the steering wheel. Keep your car germ free: which products to use Although Ben uses commercial products made specifically to clean cars without damaging leather or interior materials, bleach-free antibacterial wipes are the next best thing. Ben says: “They’re inexpensive and kill 99.9% of germs, so they’re as safe and inexpensive as you can get without going out and buying a really strong cleaner. With a pack of wipes, a pair of gloves and a dry microfibre cloth, you can give most of the touch points a clean. Don’t just give each area a quick wipe; make sure you wipe it at least twice in a forwards and backwards motion so you’ve cleaned it completely.’ Now wash your hands! “Every time I remove my gloves I always give my hands a good wash,” says Ben. “I wear gloves during my working day and advise people to wear gloves if they are in a vehicle such as a rental car or a taxi. You don’t know which areas of the car the previous occupants have touched and germs can stay on a spot for 72 hours. If kids are travel in your car then there’s every chance they’ve been wiping their hands on windows – we’ve all done it as children, drawing faces on the window!” 40 areas of the car to clean Toyota has put together the following list of 40 areas of the car that should be cleaned. For simplicity the seatbelts are counted as one item and if you carry others in your car, you might have to spend a little longer ensuring each of your passengers can enjoy a factory-fresh ride next time they get into your car. 1 Exterior door handles 2 Frame of door and roof 3 Interior door release 4 Window switches 5 Interior door handle 6 Door pocket 7 Seatbelts 8 Seatbelt clips 9 Seat adjust buttons 10 Steering wheel 11 Horn 12 Control stalks 13 Driver air vents 14 Dashboard 15 Power button 16 Gear shift 17 Multimedia screen 18 Central air vents 19 Heating controls 20 Glovebox 21 Log book 22 Central storage compartment 23 Cupholders 24 Rear-view mirror 25 Interior lights 26 Grab handle 27 Key 28 Head rests 29 Seat pockets 30 Rear central tab 31 Fuel cap 32 Wheel valves 33 Boot lid 34 Parcel shelf 35 Boot floor tab 36 Boot close button 37 Bonnet lid 38 Washer cap 39 Dipstick 40 Oil cap Original article source: Toyota Media https://media.toyota.co.uk/2020/03/toyota-tips-on-how-to-keep-your-car-germ-free/ (25/03/20)

Lexus is continuing its commitment to making advanced technologies available to its customers for even higher levels of safety and convenience with the introduction of Digital Side-view Monitor for its ES 300h luxury hybrid saloon. The new feature is available to order now in the UK as an option on the ES Takumi model Initially introduced in Japan in 2018 as a world-first for a high-volume production car, the system replaces conventional door mirrors with compact, external, high-resolution cameras linked to in-car monitors. These provide an enhanced view of the area behind and immediately alongside the vehicle in all driving conditions, reducing or eliminating the driver’s blind spots and adapting automatically to give an extended view when the car is turning or reversing. Ergonomic design The ergonomic design of the system allows the driver to check the view around the car with less left-right head movement, in line with Lexus’s aim of reducing the driver’s workload. The two five-inch colour monitors are positioned at the base of the front pillars, closely aligned to the door mirror height, so they fall within the driver’s intuitive line of sight. This means the driver doesn’t have to significantly change their natural mirror-checking action. The cameras are housed in slim, aerodynamic casings that complement the elegant lines of the ES and, being smaller than the door mirrors, reduce wind noise and intrude less in the driver’s forward diagonal view. The units have built-in heaters to avoid freezing or misting, and are located so they are not vulnerable to being obscured by raindrops or snow. If necessary, the driver can activate the demister using a dashboard switch to ensure clear view at any time. The system has a luminescence sensor which automatically reduces glare from the headlights of following vehicles during night-time driving, giving the driver a much clearer rearward view. Automatic extended view When the driver uses the turn indictors or selects reverse gear, the monitors automatically present an extended view of the area alongside and behind the car, eliminating the blind spot and helping safer manoeuvres. An icon in the corner of the screen alerts the driver to the change in aspect. When the turn, lane-change or parking action is completed, the system automatically returns to its standard setting. The driver can also switch to extended view manually, or turn the function off. The system can be adjusted using controls on the driver’s door panel, like those for conventional door mirrors. A menu function gives access to the system’s settings, including brightness and – a feature unique to the Lexus system – automatic retraction of the camera units when the car is parked. The system also incorporates a Blind Spot Monitor. Automatic reference lines The Digital Side-view Monitor system also helps the driver position the car safely when parking or driving, automatically adding reference guidelines to the images. When parking, the lines indicate 20 and 50cm distances from the rear bumper, and 50cm along each side of the car. These are shown on the live image and also in an icon on the display depicting the car’s position viewed from above. When highway driving, the driver is helped to judge safe distances from other traffic with reference lines indicating 5m, 10m and 15m on the road ahead when driving at speeds up to 44mph (70km/h). At higher speeds the distances are 5m, 10m, 15m and 30m. Customers can specify the Digital Side-view Monitor as an option on the ES 300h Takumi model, price £1,600 (including VAT).

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Lexus is hosting three European premieres at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, including soon-to-be-launched new products and a concept study expressing its design and technology vision for a future electrified car The LF-30 Electrified concept is a showcase for the advanced design and technology Lexus envisions for the future electrification of its brand and the unique opportunity that will present to transform the joy of driving. The ‘Lexus Electrified’ strategy aims to provide choice, convenience and excitement to consumers who are ready to move beyond conventional powertrains. The UX 300e is Lexus’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) and the first model to be produced under the ‘Lexus Electrified’ banner. It features the distinctive design and high functionality of the original UX urban compact SUV, together with refined yet dynamic driving performance and all the Lexus hallmark qualities of comfort, exceptional quality and reliability. The new Lexus LC 500 Convertible joins the LC Coupe as an aspirational halo model for the entire Lexus range. Designed on the theme of ‘Ultimate Beauty’ and with Lexus’s signature attention to detail, it commands the attention, top up or top down, and provides a driving experience that stimulates all the senses. The Lexus booth will be located on stand 4211 in Hall 4 of the Palexpo exhibition centre. The digital Lexus press conference presentation will be available at any time during the show’s press days (3 and 4 March). Media representatives are welcome to call at the Lexus booth at a time that suits them and discover the Lexus brand and product messages on an individual screen.

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Lexus has been a pioneer in vehicle electrification technology since introducing the RX 400h in 2005, taking an industry lead in creating vehicles that deliver both performance and environmental efficiency. At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, the company unveiled its global electrification strategy, Lexus Electrified, targeting a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment In particular, Lexus Electrified technology enables integrated control of powertrain, steering, suspension and brakes, realising the full potential of the motor control technology that has been nurtured in Lexus’s HVs (hybrid vehicles). With this technology, driving force can be controlled to provide the ideal vehicle posture in each driving situation. Lexus continues to strive to make vehicles that are safer and enjoyable to drive. As the first production model under the Lexus Electrified banner, the all-electric UX 300e has been developed for excellent on-road performance. Lexus engineers preserved the distinctive design and convenience characteristics of the UX compact SUV, while focusing on the opportunities to build on the performance advantages that are unique to EVs. The UX 300e’s high-output motor provides natural yet brisk acceleration and its high-capacity batteries, located directly beneath the cabin floor, secure a low centre of gravity and allow for an optimal driving range for a compact urban vehicle (249 miles/400km in the correlated NEDC cycle, corresponding to a more than 186-mile/300km target range in the WLTP cycle). Making use of the latest connectivity technology, the UX 300e maximises the advantages of an EV while at the same time delivering driving performance and convenience – true to the Lexus “yet” philosophy. The UX 300e is scheduled to go on sale in selected European markets from the second half of 2020 and in the UK from January 2021. Principal features Lexus has always focused on providing distinctive driving performance and that remains true in its development of its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Taking the signature refined driving performance of the UX as their starting point, engineers were able to leverage the qualities of the new electric drivetrain to further enhance the vehicle’s on-road performance. At the same time, the UX 300e has one of the quietest cabins in its class, building on Lexus’s excellent record of sound management. The Drive Mode Select function allows the driver to manage smooth acceleration and deceleration according the driving situation. They can feel the powerful acceleration and instant torque delivery of the EV powertrain as they press the throttle pedal and use the paddle shifts in a manner similar to engine braking, through four levels of deceleration regeneration – all the while experiencing a natural on-road feel. The vehicle’s low centre of gravity supports excellent dynamic performance, thanks to both the motor and battery being located beneath the vehicle body, and optimum front/rear weight distribution. The high performance of the GA-C platform is enhanced with additional bracing and optimisation of shock absorber damping force to the match the dynamic changes that come with electrification. While EVs are naturally quiet, the UX 300e goes further by adding insulation beyond just that for the battery, suppressing external noises such as wind or gravel that would otherwise be noticeable in the absence of an engine and transmission. This focus on sound management creates a comfortable and tranquil cabin environment. Lexus reliability and hybrid heritage In developing the UX 300e, Lexus made use of the knowledge it has gained in developing its industry-leading hybrid systems, applying the same level of quality and ease of operation it has achieved with all its vehicles in the past. The engineering team has delivered outstanding battery reliability and adopted the latest connectivity technology to maximise the car’s everyday usability and smartphone-based functionality. The efficiency of the motor, inverter, gears and high-capacity battery was maximised, again with the benefit of the experience Lexus gained in developing hybrid vehicles. The batteries are equipped with a temperature management system that operates at low and high ambient temperatures. Reliability is further increased through the use of multiple monitoring systems to regulate charging and prevent issues such as overcharging. The UX 300e offers the latest in connected car technology. By linking to a smartphone using the LexusLink app, drivers can check battery charge and driving range. Charging controls are included, such as a timer which indicates when a full charge will be reached, and a charging schedule according to when the vehicle is next expected to be driven or when energy prices are low. The app also allows the owner to remotely control the climate of the car. Motor specifications Location Front Model 4KM Max. output (kW) 150 Max. torque (Nm) 300 Battery specifications Type Lithium-ion Capacity (kWh) 54.3 Driving range (miles/km) Correlated NEDC cycle: 249/400 WLTP cycle: ˃186/300 (target) Standard (AC) charge (KW) Max. 6.6 Quick (DC) charge* (kW) Max. 50 Distinctive design and high functionality Lexus carried over the distinctive styling and high functionality of the UX compact SUV to the new UX 300e, developing new aerodynamic wheel designs and an underbody cover. Locating the shift-by-wire system on the centre console contributes to the simplicity and functionality of the interior. True to Lexus’s prioritisation of new, advanced safety technologies and quickly making them available to customers, the UX 300e is equipped with Lexus Safety System+, helping in the prevention of accidents, injuries and fatalities. At the same time, the development of driver assistance systems helps reduce driver stress and promote a more natural and safe driving experience. UX 300e key technical specifications DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT Overall length (mm) 4,495 Overall width (mm) 1,840 Overall height (mm) 1,545 Wheelbase (mm) 2,640 Loadspace volume (rear seats upright, to luggage cover, l) 367 Loadspace volume (rear seats upright, to roof, l) 486 PERFORMANCE Battery capacity (kWh) 54.3 Cruising range – NEDC correlated (miles/km) 249/400 Cruising range – WLTP (miles/km – target) 186/300 System output (kW) 150 System torque (Nm) 300 0-62mph acceleration (sec) 7.5 Max. speed (mph) 99.5 CHARGING Charging speed – AC (kW) 6.6 Charging speed – DC (kW) 50 Charging time – AC (hours) 7* (200V/30A, estimated value) Charging time – DC (0-80%, minutes) 50* (max. 125A, estimated value) * Dependent on battery temperature, usage history, charging stand (charger) and operating voltage.

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The Lexus 8 Day Event is coming. Receive a $5000 contribution towards select Lexus models across our SUV, sedan, coupe and hatch range. Starts January ...

Sister brands Toyota and Lexus received a record-breaking number of awards in 2019. The bumper honours haul reflects the quality of their model ranges – both new and established – the service provided to customers and the talents of the people working throughout the business, from their workshops and showrooms across the country to their national headquarters The independent approval given to the quality of the products and services provided to customers and to Toyota’s wider commitment to safeguarding the environment adds weight to the company’s global focus on building ever-better cars and working to provide everyone with the freedom of mobility. Its transition from traditional vehicle manufacturer to a mobility provider and enabler will be in sharp focus next year, as new projects and technologies are revealed and Toyota continues to fulfil its role as the official mobility partner to Olympic and Paralympic Games at Tokyo 2020. More than 20 awards added to Lexus’s unprecedented success in 2019, the 30th anniversary of the founding of the brand. Annual UK sales reached a record high of more than 15,000 units, several weeks before the end of the year, and a series of new models reached showrooms, including the new UX compact SUV, ES saloon and revised RX and RX L luxury SUVs. As in previous years, Lexus’s customer service has been rated the best in the automotive industry, while the reliability of its products has also been to the fore. Notably, the CT luxury hatchback posted a perfect 100 per cent score in the What Car? reliability survey, helping Lexus claim the title of most reliable manufacturer. Which? added its approval, rating Lexus as the most reliable, most trusted and best car brand in the country, while in the Driver Power survey Lexus topped the best dealership rankings for a third successive year, while its models collected seven individual awards. In 2020, Lexus will consolidate its luxury market-leading range of self-charging hybrid models and also launch a convertible version of its LC 500 flagship coupe. Its first battery-electric vehicle will also be introduced, the UX 300e. More information about Lexus’s awards success in 2019 is available here.