ENVIRONMENT
At Lexus, we have a deep commitment to the environment and to the world we are creating for future generations. As scientific reports point to further increases in the earth's temperature and the disastrous effects this can cause, Lexus is vigorously working to improve outcomes on many fronts
A vision for the future
Rising global temperatures are caused by rapidly increasing
levels of gases like CO2 in the atmosphere. Yet this
is caused by more than simply motor vehicle emissions. Energy
consumption and the waste that is generated during manufacturing
also have a significant impact.
Lexus has always looked further ahead, not simply in designing
better vehicles to drive, but in helping to create a better world
in which to live. We have been thinking green for many years. The
development of hybrid technology is central to our commitment to
develop better solutions not only for Lexus drivers, but also for
the planet.
Cleaner processes for a cleaner future
We are continually finding ways to make our manufacturing
processes cleaner. We have made dramatic reductions to water
usage, and the production of waste and scrap material in our
plants in recent years.
Our recycling technology is continually being improved and we are
on target to achieve a 95% recovery rate of our vehicles by 2015.
That means all but a tiny 5% of materials will be recovered and
recycled, to be later reused in helping create even better Lexus
vehicles in the future.
Lexus dealers also play a significant role in this
commitment, by reducing their waste through returning components
for rebuilding or recycling.
All of this results in vehicles which deliver more driving
enjoyment, with less impact on the environment.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive solution
Through Lexus Hybrid Drive, we are creating vehicles which
deliver guilt-free performance. We have invested many millions of
dollars developing Lexus Hybrid Drive into an engine system that
delivers increased power with decreased fuel consumption and
emissions.
Lexus Hybrid Drive is also smoother, quieter, and delivers
instant response that defies its status as an 'economy'
solution.
In addition, the energy which is normally wasted while slowing
down or braking is conserved as electricity which is stored in
the battery. When stopped at traffic lights, the vehicle actually
switches off to conserve fuel. When brisk acceleration is needed,
the petrol engine and high output electric motors combine to
deliver dramatic acceleration rivalling far thirstier
conventional vehicles.
Hybrid and beyond
Our commitment also extends well beyond hybrid technology. The
development of innovations like VVT-i, direct injection,
lightweight alloy engines and advanced transmissions have
dramatically improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Body
designs honed in wind tunnels minimise power-sapping wind
drag.
Computer modelling before actual manufacture allows bodies to be
designed which are lighter in weight without compromising
strength, by eliminating unnecessary excess material in
non-critical areas.
Advanced plastics like Toyota Super Olefin Polymer used in
interiors are able to be recycled, while the amount of lead and
mercury have been reduced by substituting them for
environmentally friendlier materials in many cases.