Lexus LS has won the award for Best Luxury Car in the 2007
Fleet World Honours. The trophy was presented at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on Thursday 17th May.
The
Fleet World
Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers and service
companies who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest
possible level of excellence in their sector. The judging panel is
chaired by industry professional, George Emmerson, who has managed
fleets at IBM, NHBC and Black Horse Agencies. Members of the judging
panel include Ken Rogers, John Kendall, Natalie Wallis and Ross Durkin
from
Fleet World’s editorial team, Alan Cole of
Glass’s Guide
and fleet manager Jackie Pomfrett. Residual value, maintenance cost and
reliability data is also provided by ALD Automotive, Hitachi Capital
Vehicle Solutions and ING Car Lease.
Commenting on the
award, Chairman of Judges George Emmerson said: ‘First and foremost any
candidate for the best luxury car must be impressive and impressive is
a word that perfectly sums up why the judges awarded this sector to the
Lexus LS. Everything about this car oozes quality – the design, the
ride and the overall excellence – everything about this car. It looks
luxurious and is indeed worthy of the word – luxurious.’
Fleet World
editor Ken Rogers commented: ‘This is a particularly difficult category
to judge – partly because “luxury” is such a subjective thing to
assess. The Lexus LS stands above its very worthy – primarily German -
segment-competitors simply because it is such a quality product,
manufactured to the highest standards in the industry. Once the new
kid-on-the-block, Lexus no longer has to prove anything. The products
speak for themselves.’
Alan Cole of
Glass’s Guide
added: ‘With an enormously strong reputation for quality and
dependability the merits of the LS have been a well kept secret.
Eventually, however, the continual accolades of the J.D. Power survey,
where the brand has always done well, are beginning to pay off. The
relatively low supply of used examples coupled with growing demand has
led to residual value stability making it a favourite with fleet
operators.’
Andy Simpson,
Manager National Corporate & Remarketing for Lexus (GB) said, “We
are delighted to be receiving this award which confirms not only the
build quality of Lexus but also as an increasingly popular choice in
the corporate Market.”