Environment
Our vision for a better world
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.
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 cars to drive, but in helping to create a better world in which to live. We have been thinking green for many years, a fact acknowledged by global environmental campaigner Al Gore during his recent visit to this country.
The development of hybrid technology is central to our commitment to developing better solutions not only for Lexus drivers, but also for the planet.
The Lexus Hybrid Drive solution
Through Lexus Hybrid Drive, 'The Pursuit Of Perfection' also means 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. Yet there are other bonuses; Lexus Hybrid Drive is smoother, quieter, and delivers instant response that defies its status as an 'economy' solution. The market is eagerly embracing this technology as evidenced by our recent milestone of having sold 1,000 hybrid powered luxury vehicles in Australia. This achievement occurred much earlier than even we at Lexus anticipated, reflecting just how swiftly attitudes are changing.
Studies suggest that the hybrid powered LS 600hL can reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to 140,000 1-litre PET bottles per year*. Further down the track, once the car has driven 150,000 km it will have saved CO2 emissions by 4.1 tonnes.
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, it actually switches off to conserve fuel. Yet when you need brisk acceleration, the petrol engine and high output electric motors combine to deliver dramatic acceleration rivalling far thirstier conventional vehicles.
Greater efficiency in so many ways.
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 has been reduced by substituting them for environmentally friendlier materials in many cases.
We are continually finding ways to make our manufacturing processes cleaner. Lexus has made dramatic reductions to water usage, and the production of waste and scrap material in our plants in recent years. Lexus is continually improving recycling technology and are on target to achieve a rate of 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 cars which deliver more driving enjoyment, with less impact on the environment. At Lexus, we believe our owners wouldn't have it any other way.