103-770: Chesney Lee Hawkes (born 22 September 1971) is an English singer and occasional actor. He started his career at the age of 19 when he appeared in the film Buddy's Song , which featured his best-known single " The One and Only ", which topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks and reached the top 10 in the United States. Follow-up single " I'm a Man Not a Boy " peaked at 27 in the UK, with subsequent singles including "What's Wrong with This Picture?", "Stay Away Baby Jane" (a collaboration with Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne ) and "Another Fine Mess" also charting in
206-517: A Teddy boy pub to perform with the Hi-Tones where Terry meets a young woman named Dawn; then a fight breaks out after Terry unplugs the jukebox . Terry and the band, along with Dawn, leave in the van. In the morning, Buddy is angered to find Dawn in the caravan with Terry and walks off. Terry catches up with him, where they argue and Buddy tells him he is now in his own band. The Hurt perform at youth clubs . After seeing them perform, Terry meets with
309-603: A smart key entry and startup system, and multimedia features. Beginning with the 2010 RX and HS models, the Remote Touch system, featuring a computer mouse -like controller with haptic feedback , was introduced; other models have featured touchscreen controls (through the 2009 model year) as a navigation screen interface. 2014 saw the introduction of the next version of Lexus' remote-touch innovations—the Remote Touch Interface Touchpad in
412-699: A software update , one week after Consumer Reports issued a recommendation not to buy the SUV, citing a possible rollover risk following the slow stability control response to a high-speed emergency turn. Although the publication knew of no reported incidents, the GX 460 received updated stability control software. In late 2010 and early 2011, Lexus began sales of the CT 200h , a compact four-door hybrid hatchback designed for Europe, in multiple markets. Sales of lower-displacement regional models were also expanded, beginning with
515-436: A Lincoln or Cadillac. In December 1989, Lexus initiated a voluntary recall of all 8,000 LS 400s based upon two customer complaints over defective wiring and an overheated brake light . A 20-day operation to replace the parts on affected vehicles included technicians to pick up, repair and return cars to customers free of charge, and also flying personnel and renting garage space for owners in remote locations. This response
618-574: A V8 version putting out 467 horsepower. The LC 500h, a V6 hybrid variant, could potentially become available in late 2017 or early 2018. In April 2019, Lexus announced that a rebadged limousine version of the third-generation Toyota Alphard would be sold as the Lexus LM . It was also announced that Lexus would finally enter the market in Mexico in 2021 with some of the vehicles in their lineup. In October 2019, Lexus announced that it will be launching
721-464: A brand, but as a distribution channel". As a result of Toyoda's organizational changes, Lexus senior managers report directly to the chairman for the first time in the marque's history. In January 2012, the marque began sales of the fourth generation GS line, including GS 350 and GS 450h variants, as well as a lower-displacement GS 250 model for select markets. In April 2012, the sixth generation ES line, including ES 350 and ES 300h variants, debuted at
824-543: A designated, third party regional distributor ; for example, in the United Arab Emirates, sales operations are managed by Al-Futtaim Motors LLC, and in Costa Rica, Lexus vehicles are sold via regional distributor Purdy Motors S.A. Other officially sanctioned regional distributors have sold Lexus models prior to the launch of, or in absence of, a dedicated dealership network. The Lexus brand launched in
927-404: A factor of one hundred (e.g. 350 for a 3.5 L engine), except in the case of turbocharged and hybrid vehicles, for which the digits correspond to the displacement of a naturally aspirated engine with equivalent output (on hybrids, the three digits refer to the combined gasoline-electric output). A space is used between the letters and numbers. The same letter may be used differently depending on
1030-479: A flashmob dance group in the streets of Manchester to promote MyMate Loans. In addition, he recorded a version of the song with different lyrics for a MyMate commercial. In 2015, Hawkes competed in Celebrity MasterChef on BBC One . He was eliminated in the first of the semi-finals of the show. In 2016, Hawkes was a guest on ITV's Loose Women , with his parents in the audience. He spoke about
1133-527: A home in Laguna Beach, California , to observe the lifestyles and tastes of American upper class consumers. Meanwhile, F1 engineering teams conducted prototype testing on locations ranging from the German autobahn to U.S. roads. Toyota's market research concluded that a separate brand and sales channel were needed to present its new sedan, and plans were made to develop a new network of dealerships in
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#17327653000941236-526: A hybrid-only marque in Europe. By the end of the decade, Lexus ranked as the fourth-largest premium car make in the world by volume, and was the number one selling premium car marque in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years. In 2010, Lexus underwent a gradual sales recovery in North America and Asia as the marque focused on adding hybrids and new model derivatives. Sales in the U.S. held steady despite
1339-427: A keyboard for Buddy and a camcorder for himself, which gives him the idea of advertising in the local newspaper to film weddings. Terry resigns from his job at the bookmaker and starts working for Des King at his breakers yard . Terry then arranges to have Buddy play with a band of middle-aged men called the Hi-Tones who recently lost their singer. They perform gigs at the wedding receptions Terry films. Terry goes to
1442-483: A less-developed dealership network. In European markets, the Lexus LS has ranked behind BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Jaguar in flagship luxury car sales. Automotive analysts have suggested a possible rationale for the sales disparity, in that European buyers place less emphasis on vehicle reliability and have more brand loyalty to established domestic marques. In contrast, the Lexus LS has ranked second in sales to
1545-514: A lot but does not love her. On the tour the band discover that Terry has changed the name to the Wild Ones, as he never liked the Hurt. When they get back, Buddy goes to see his girlfriend Elaine, but is disgusted to find Glenn alone in the house with her. At band practice, Glenn apologises and Buddy forgives him, though he does not want Elaine back. At the breakers yard Terry films a music video for
1648-574: A musical, Can't Smile Without You (featuring songs of Barry Manilow ). National tour started at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on 15 September 2008, prior to performances in the West End . Hawkes appeared briefly in a cherry picker on Celebrity Big Brother (shown on 8 January 2009) on Channel 4 . "The One and Only" was used as a cue to have contestants worship at a Chesney Hawkes shrine. In January 2011, Hawkes performed at
1751-506: A party at Carol's office where he meets her boss. This leads to Buddy's parents having a row at home. When Terry tries to help Carol after she drops a milk bottle, she says she does not need him and he leaves. Terry moves into the caravan at the breakers yard where Buddy visits him. Meanwhile, Julius finds a band called the Hurt and Buddy plays with them at the milk depot. Buddy joins Glenn the milkman, along with Mike and Jason, and Julius becomes their manager and tambourine player. Buddy goes to
1854-475: A price premium compared with their discontinued Toyota counterparts. Sales for the first half-year were slower than expected, affected by the contraction of the domestic auto market and price increases, but improved in subsequent months with an expanded lineup. Through the mid-2000s, Lexus experienced sales successes in South Korea and Taiwan, becoming the top-selling import make in both markets in 2005;
1957-719: A total of 518,000. Sales decreased in subsequent years due to the effects of the 2008 recession and the Japanese tsunami of 2011. Following this, sales recovered and reached a new high of 523,000 in 2013. In 2014, the Lexus brand set a new global sales record after selling 582,000 vehicles. This made Lexus the fourth best selling luxury brand in the world, trailing BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Global sales of Lexus vehicles increased by 12 percent in 2015 to reach another annual sales record with 652,000 units sold worldwide. Global cumulative sales of Lexus brand hybrid electric cars reached
2060-788: A variant of the RC coupe. Lexus produces its highest-performance models under its F marque division. The name refers to Flagship and Fuji Speedway in Japan, whose first corner, 27R, inspired the shape of the " F " emblem. F marque models are developed by the Lexus Vehicle Performance Development Division. The first F marque model, the IS F, went on sale in 2007, followed by the LFA in 2009. A related F-Sport performance trim level and factory-sanctioned accessory line
2163-410: Is a 1991 British comedy-drama film starring Chesney Hawkes , Roger Daltrey , Sharon Duce and Michael Elphick , based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Nigel Hinton . The film follows a teenage boy, Buddy Clark (Hawkes), who is determined to make it as a pop star, aided by his father Terry (Daltrey). He struggles with young love, estranged parents and the problems associated with making it in
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#17327653000942266-479: Is available for standard Lexus models such as the IS 250 and IS 350. The F-Sport trim level commonly includes cosmetic upgrades to the exterior and interior, and in some vehicles, mechanical upgrades such as an adaptive variable suspension. F-Sport succeeded an earlier in-house tuning effort, the TRD -based L-Tuned, which had offered performance packages on the IS and GS sedans in the early 2000s (decade). Additions to
2369-656: Is currently a songwriter based in Los Angeles. He attended Charters School in Sunningdale . Jodie Hawkes, his brother, played drums in Chesney's band and is currently in The Tremeloes. Hawkes's career began at 19, when he appeared as the title character in the film Buddy's Song . In March 1991, he released from the film's soundtrack his biggest single " The One and Only ", on which his younger brother Jodie
2472-518: Is going to move his Vauxhall . Terry fears the police are going to look in Des's car first so he gets the briefcase, but the police catch him in the act and he goes to prison. Buddy spends his free time practising the guitar and polishing his father's car. Des King visits and offers Carol an envelope of cash but she refuses to take it. Buddy visits his father in prison after his mother convinces him. Whilst talking to his friend Julius, Buddy notices his mother
2575-500: Is seeing her boss Adrian Mandell a lot. Buddy records a tape of himself playing the guitar for his father, and he suggests going into music but Carol wants Buddy to concentrate on his school work. Terry is released on parole two weeks later and Des King gives them a lift home. They see that Des has Terry's house redecorated where he gives Terry the cash Carol refused. Terry gets Carol to move back in, but rows later arise between them. Terry gets an electric guitar and an amplifier along with
2678-539: Is singer and bassist Chip Hawkes of the 1960s band the Tremeloes . His mother is former actress/game-show hostess Carol Dilworth, who appeared in an episode of the 1960s version of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) called " For the Girl Who Has Everything ", as well as the 1969 horror film The Haunted House of Horror . Keely Hawkes, his sister, was the lead singer of 1990s band Transister , and
2781-561: Is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation . The Lexus brand is marketed in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide and is Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. It has ranked among the 10 largest Japanese global brands in market value. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya , Japan. Operational centers are located in Brussels , Belgium, and Plano, Texas , United States. Created at around
2884-490: Is used in the development process. Each vehicle is designed according to approximately 500 specific product standards, known as "Lexus Musts", on criteria such as leather seat stitching. Design elements from the marque's concept vehicle line, the LF series (including the 2003 LF-S and 2004 LF-C ), have been incorporated in production models. Vehicle cabins have incorporated electroluminescent Optitron gauges, SmartAccess,
2987-455: The 2009–2010 Toyota vehicle recalls , several of which included Lexus models. The ES 350 and certain IS models were affected by a recall for potentially jamming floor mats , while parent company Toyota bore the brunt of negative publicity amid investigations over its series of product recalls and problem rates per-vehicle. The redesigned GX 460 was also voluntarily recalled in April 2010 for
3090-472: The BBFC ) made to tone down the nudity and violence, for home video as the 12 certificate was not available on this format in the UK at the time. The film was released on VHS in late 1991 with a music video for "The One and Only" performed by Hawkes and an exclusive interview with Hawkes as special features. The film has, so far, never been officially released on DVD or any other modern home video format. However,
3193-521: The ITV programme Text Santa , with Ant & Dec . Hawkes was due to take part on ITV 's skating programme Dancing on Ice in 2012 but after fracturing his ankle, he had to pull out. He was replaced by Chico Slimani . In May, he played at Lakefest festival. In December, he appeared as an accident-prone version of himself in the ITV comedy drama Panto! . In 2014, Hawkes performed "The One and Only" with
Chesney Hawkes - Misplaced Pages Continue
3296-613: The Infiniti Q45 , which it launched in 1990. Mazda began selling the Luce as the Mazda 929 in North America in 1988 and later began plans to develop an upscale marque to be called Amati , but its plans did not come to fruition. Toyota researchers visited the U.S. in May 1985 to conduct focus groups and market research on luxury consumers. During that time, several F1 designers rented
3399-546: The New York International Auto Show . In April 2014, Lexus unveiled the five-seater NX crossover. The vehicle features a very first for a Lexus vehicle: a turbocharger. Its nomenclature is denoted as the 200t. In August 2014, Toyota announced it would be cutting its Lexus spare parts prices in China by up to 35 percent. The company admitted the move was in response to a probe foreshadowed earlier in
3502-558: The North American International Auto Show in Detroit and official sales of the vehicle began the following September at a network of 81 new Lexus dealerships in the U.S. The LS 400 was sold along with the smaller ES 250 , a rebadged version of the Japanese market Toyota Camry Prominent/Toyota Vista . The launch of Lexus was accompanied by a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign. The LS 400
3605-601: The RC and the LC . Former convertibles include the SC and IS C models. Sport-utility vehicles range in size from the subcompact UX , compact NX and mid-size RX crossovers, to the full-size GX and LX , the discontinued HS and GS , and variants of the IS, ES, LS, RC, LC, LBX, UX, NX, RX, TX and LM. The F marque line formerly produced a variant of the IS, GS and the LFA and currently produces
3708-580: The Sixties Gold Tour as part of the Tremeloes , becoming their singer for a series of dates around the UK. On 17 February 2024, Hawkes became the Unexpected Celebrity Star Star, of Michael McIntyre's Big Show Series 7, Episode 6, for BBC One . The elaborate stunt was set up with the help of his wife Kristina, that sees him perform his song, The One and Only to a live Theatre Royal, Drury Lane audience. Hawkes
3811-732: The UK Singles Chart . He has released eight singles including " I'm a Man Not a Boy " and " Secrets of the Heart ". In 1993, his single "What's Wrong with This Picture?" reached number 63 in the UK, and his 2002 collaboration with Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne , "Stay Away Baby Jane", reached number 74 in the UK Singles Chart. On 21 March 2001, Hawkes appeared on the second episode of ITV 's documentary series Holiday Airport , which followed British holidaymakers as they passed through Palma Airport , Majorca . The episode resurfaced more than 20 years later on 13 March 2022, when it
3914-618: The 500,000 mark in November 2012. The 1 million sales milestone was achieved in March 2016. The Lexus RX 400h/RX 450h ranks as the top selling Lexus hybrid with 335,000 units delivered worldwide as of March 2016 , followed by the Lexus CT 200h with 267,000 units. Lexus has not sold as well in Europe as it has in the rest of the world where it is marketed. This is allegedly due to suffering from smaller brand recognition, image, and
4017-482: The Crown not slated for export after a restyle in 1982. The F1 designers targeted their new sedan at international markets and began development on a new V8 engine. Japanese manufacturers exported more expensive models in the 1980s due to voluntary export restraints negotiated by the Japanese government and U.S. trade representatives that restricted mainstream car sales. In 1986, Honda launched its Acura marque in
4120-601: The ES 240 in China followed by the RX 270; Japan, Russia, and Taiwan were among markets which received model variants intended for reduced emissions or import taxes. In March 2011, the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami caused severe disruption to Lexus' Japan-based production lines, hindering the marque's near-term sales prospects. Lexus' U.S. executives stated that due to vehicle shortages amidst close competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi ,
4223-731: The Indian market in 2017, with the models RX450h , LX450d , LX570 , ES300h , NX , LS . Dealerships in Mumbai , Delhi , Gurgaon , and Bangalore became operational in March 2017, when the brand began sales in India with a second set of dealerships opening in Chandigarh , Kochi , and Chennai toward the end of 2017. This made Lexus the fifth luxury brand to be launched in India, after Mercedes-Benz, Porsche , BMW, and Audi. Global sales of Lexus vehicles reached an all-time high in 2007, with
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4326-626: The LS 400's base price had risen 18 percent. In 1993, Lexus launched the mid-size GS 300 sports sedan, based on the Toyota Aristo using the Toyota "S" platform from the Toyota Crown , which had sold for two years prior in Japan. The GS 300 was priced below the LS 400 in the marque's lineup. That same year, Lexus became one of the first marques to debut a certified pre-owned program, with
4429-646: The LX's off-road capability. It was particularly successful, eventually becoming the marque's top-selling model ahead of the ES sedan. The same year, Lexus made its debut in South America's most populous country when it launched sales in Brazil. In 1999, the IS was introduced, an entry-level sport sedan. Lexus also recorded its 1 millionth vehicle sold in the U.S. market, being ranked as the top-selling premium car maker in
4532-662: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (and ahead of rivals from BMW, Audi, and Jaguar) in markets outside Europe, such as South Africa. Currently all of Lexus's models for the US market are imported from Japan, with the exception of the RX and NX, which are also produced in Cambridge, Ontario , for North America, and the ES, which is also produced in Georgetown, Kentucky . The RX midsized crossover is Lexus's best selling model in
4635-532: The Philippines in 2009. In 2006, Lexus began sales of the GS 450h , a V6 hybrid performance sedan, and launched the fourth generation LS line , comprising both standard- and long- wheelbase V8 (LS 460 and LS 460 L) and hybrid (LS 600h and LS 600h L) versions. The fifth generation ES 350 also debuted in the same year. The LS 600h L subsequently went on sale as the most expensive sedan ever produced in Japan. By
4738-737: The SC 430, ending domestic sales of Toyota-branded models under the Celsior, Altezza, Windom, Aristo, Harrier, and Soarer nameplates, respectively. The Altezza and Aristo were previously exclusive to Japanese Toyota retail sales channels called Toyota Vista Store , the Windom was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store, the Celsior and Harrier were exclusive to Toyopet Store, and the Soarer was previously available at both Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations. Lexus models sold in Japan featured higher specifications and
4841-461: The Supra and Mark II were rear-wheel drive cars with a powerful 7M-GE or 7M-GTE inline-six engine. The largest sedan Toyota built at the time was the limited-production, 1960s-vintage Toyota Century , a domestic, hand-built limousine, and V8-powered model, followed by the inline-six-engined Toyota Crown premium sedan. The Century was conservatively styled for the Japanese market and along with
4944-501: The Top 100 Global Brands for the first time, with an estimated brand value of approximately $ 3 billion annually. In 2009, Interbrand ranked Lexus as Japan's seventh largest brand, between Panasonic and Nissan, based on revenue, earnings, and market value. The global Lexus lineup features sedans of different size classes, including the compact IS model, mid-size ES models, and the full-size LS . The 2-door coupe range consists of
5047-682: The Toyota marque and an equivalent model name. In 2005, a hybrid version of the RX crossover debuted and additional hybrid models later joined the division's lineup. Lexus launched its own F marque performance division in 2007 with the debut of the IS F sport sedan, followed by the LFA supercar in 2009. Lexus vehicles are largely produced in Japan, with manufacturing centered in the Chūbu and Kyūshū regions, and in particular at Toyota's Tahara , Aichi , Chūbu and Miyata , Fukuoka , Kyūshū plants. Assembly of
5150-560: The U.S. and Europe where deliveries fell by 21 percent and 27.5 percent, respectively. In 2009, the marque launched the HS 250h , a dedicated hybrid sedan for North America and Japan, the RX 450h , the second generation hybrid SUV replacing the earlier RX 400h, and later that year debuted the US$ 375,000 production LFA exotic coupe. In late 2009, citing higher sales of hybrid models over their petrol counterparts, Lexus announced plans to become
5253-483: The U.S. for the first time with the IS F, and announced its F-Sport performance trim level and factory-sanctioned accessory line. Increased emphasis on sporty models was an effort to target rivals from Mercedes-Benz's AMG and BMW's M divisions. Models such as the SC 400 and GS 400 had received favorable reactions from sport luxury buyers, most Lexus models had been characterized as favoring comfort over sporty road feel and handling, compared with European rivals. By
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#17327653000945356-547: The U.S. market, so it was more profitable for Japanese automakers to export more expensive cars to the U.S. In 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda issued a challenge to build the world's best car. The project, code-named F1 ("Flagship One") developed the Lexus LS 400 to expand Toyota's product line in the premium segment. The F1 project followed the Toyota Supra sports car and the premium Toyota Mark II models. Both
5459-422: The U.S. market. In 1986, Toyota's longtime advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi formed a specialized unit, Team One , to handle marketing for the new brand. Image consulting firm Lippincott & Margulies was hired to develop a list of 219 prospective names; Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were chosen as top candidates. While Alexis quickly became the front runner, concerns were raised that
5562-426: The U.S. overall. In July 2000, Lexus introduced the IS 300 in North America, following global launch in 1999 (as the IS 200) and the third generation LS 430. In 2001, the first convertible was introduced, as well as the SC 430 and a redesigned ES 300. The GX 470 mid-size SUV debuted in 2002, followed by the second generation RX 330 in 2003. The following year, Lexus recorded its 2 millionth U.S. vehicle sale, and
5665-445: The U.S." According to Team One interviews, the brand name has no specific meaning and simply evokes a luxurious and technological image. Prior to the release of the first vehicles, database service LexisNexis obtained a temporary injunction forbidding the name Lexus from being used because it might cause product confusion. The injunction threatened to delay the division's launch and marketing efforts. The U.S. appeals court lifted
5768-420: The U.S., influencing Toyota's plans for a luxury division. The initial Acura model was an export version of the Honda Legend , called the Acura Legend , itself launched in Japan in 1985 as a rival to the Toyota Crown , Nissan Cedric / Gloria and Mazda Luce . In 1987, Nissan unveiled its plans for a premium brand, Infiniti , and revised its Nissan President sedan in standard wheelbase form for export as
5871-531: The United States, as the film did not see a wide release there. Three singles from the album were released: " The One and Only ", " I'm a Man Not a Boy " and " Secrets of the Heart ". The songs Brain Train and Taking the Blame , which were not included in the original soundtrack release, have since been released, along with the other master mixes for the film and the demo track Peggy Sue , as part of Hawkes' 2022 compilation The Complete Picture: The Albums 1991–2012 . Lexus Lexus ( レクサス , Rekusasu )
5974-791: The United States, while the ES mid-sized car is the most popular sedan in the line-up. Financial data of Lexus operations are not disclosed publicly. However, automotive analysts estimate that the Lexus division contributes a disproportionate share of Toyota's profits, relative to its limited production and sales volume. Interviews with retired division officials indicate that depending on sales volume, vehicle product development cycles, and exchange rates , Lexus sales have accounted for as much as half of Toyota's annual U.S. profit in certain years. Division executives have employed pricing strategies aimed at sustaining profit margins rather than sales volume, with historically fewer price incentives than rival brands. In 2006, Lexus entered Interbrand's list of
6077-440: The addition of a sports coupe along with a redesigned ES sedan. In 1990, during its first full year of sales, Lexus sold 63,594 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the U.S., the majority being the LS model. That year, Lexus also began limited exports to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Australia. In 1991, Lexus launched its first sports coupe, the SC 400 , which shared the LS 400s V8 engine and rear-wheel drive design. This
6180-466: The aim of improving trade-in model values. The marque introduced the second generation LS 400 in 1994. In May 1995, sales were threatened by the U.S. government's proposal of 100 percent tariffs on upscale Japanese cars in response to the widening U.S.-Japan trade deficit . SUVs were exempt from the proposed sanctions. Normal sales operations resumed by late 1995 when the Japanese auto manufacturers collectively agreed to greater American investments and
6283-450: The band and they will have to go without Terry because he is inexperienced and has a criminal record. Buddy catches up with his father who advises him to go back and sign with them. The rest of the band comes along, and Terry tells them he is going to concentrate on the videos with Donald. Julius tells Terry that if he had them under a contract when he took over management he would have screwed money out of him for compensation. This gives Terry
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#17327653000946386-458: The band backstage. He advises them to make him the manager to help them get to the top, fearing that no record company will do a deal with someone of Jules' age. The band agree. On their first gig with Terry as their manager, they perform at the Manhattan Club where the sound system fails. Terry gets them a studio session and arranges a tour where they perform fourteen gigs in fourteen days. As they discuss it, Terry tells Buddy that he does like Dawn
6489-481: The band's song Nothing Serious and hands the tape to the video editor Donald to be dubbed and cut. Terry finds a note on the caravan door that reads 'Get stuffed' from Dawn then hears a howl of pain from the office. Terry finds two men attacking Des and manages to shift them off him but he gets stabbed. Buddy telephones his mother and she joins him at the hospital to see Terry. At band practice Julius who temporarily replaces Terry gets Kelly, who Buddy fancied, to help get
6592-399: The brand in markets such as China. Executives aimed to increase Lexus sales outside of its largest market in the U.S. To accompany this expansion, next generation Lexus vehicles were redesigned as "global models" for international release. In the European market, where Lexus had long faced struggling sales owing to low brand recognition, few dedicated dealerships, and 1990s import quotas ,
6695-515: The brand's Japan Sales and Marketing and global Product and Marketing Planning divisions. While organizationally separate from its parent company, Lexus International reports directly to Toyota chief executive officer Akio Toyoda. In the U.S., brand operations are managed by the U.S. Lexus division, which is headquartered in Plano, Texas . In Europe, Lexus operations are managed by Lexus Europe, located in Brussels. Companion design facilities are located in Southern California and central Japan, with
6798-423: The brand's first all-battery electric vehicle in 2020, which is the UX 300e . In June 2023, Lexus introduced its first vehicle in the B-segment, the LBX , which went on sale in Europe, Japan, Australia and Southeast Asia. Lexus International coordinates the worldwide operations of Toyota's luxury division from the brand's global headquarters, located in Nagoya , Aichi. Corporate entities further include
6901-429: The end of 2006, Lexus' annual sales had reached 475,000 vehicles worldwide. In January 2007, Lexus announced a new F marque performance division, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its performance models. The IS F, made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show , accompanied by a concept car, the LF-A . In October 2007, Lexus entered the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in
7004-430: The end of 2007, Lexus annual worldwide sales had surpassed 500,000 vehicles, and the marque ranked as the top-selling premium import in China for the first time. The largest sales markets in order of size for 2007 were the U.S., Japan, the UK, China, Canada, and Russia. In 2008, amidst the late-2000s recession and a weakened world car market, global sales fell 16 percent to 435,000, with declines in markets such as
7107-430: The first Japanese premium car marque to launch in its country of origin . The brand has since debuted in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe and other regions, and has introduced hybrid vehicles in many markets. The Lexus brand was created around the same time as Japanese rivals Nissan and Honda developed their Infiniti and Acura premium brands. The Japanese government imposed voluntary export restraints for
7210-407: The first Lexus produced outside the country, the Canadian-built RX 330, began in 2003. Following a corporate reorganization from 2001 to 2005, Lexus began operating its own design , engineering and manufacturing centers. Since the 2000s, Lexus has increased sales outside its largest market, the United States. The division inaugurated dealerships in the Japanese domestic market in 2005, becoming
7313-464: The first luxury-branded production hybrid SUV, the RX 400h . This vehicle used Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system that combined gasoline and electric motors. In 2005, Lexus completed an organizational separation from parent company Toyota, with dedicated design, engineering, training, and manufacturing centers working exclusively for the division. This effort coincided with Lexus' launch in its home market of Japan and an expanded global launch of
7416-476: The head design studio devoted entirely to Lexus models in Toyota City, Aichi. Lexus sales operations vary in structure by region. In many markets, such as the U.S., the dealership network is a distinct organization from corporate headquarters, with separately owned and operated Lexus showrooms . By contrast, in Japan all 143 dealerships in the country are owned and operated by Lexus. Several markets have
7519-423: The idea of getting money for a new video studio called Video King. At the opening ceremony of Video King, Buddy invites his parents to a meal for his birthday. Carol suggests a new Italian restaurant, and they go with Kelly. The film ends with Terry arriving at the restaurant in style. Eleven songs from the film, performed by Hawkes, were released on CD and vinyl in 1991. The album is known as The One and Only in
7622-440: The injunction, deciding that there was little likelihood of confusion between the two products. The original Lexus slogan, developed after Team One representatives visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted an obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection." Three firms were involved in the final phase of logo development: Saatchi & Saatchi, Molly Designs and Hunter/Korobkin, Inc. The finished logo
7725-618: The live finale of Louie Spence's Showbusiness . During February and March 2011, he took part in the BBC series Let's Dance for Comic Relief . He now performs a mixture of his own material and covers at University Freshers week. In May that year, Hawkes took part in the ITV series Sing If You Can . In September, he appeared as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . On 24 December 2011, he appeared on
7828-614: The marque also sold well in the Middle East, where it ranked first or second among rivals in multiple countries, and in Australia, where Lexus reached third in luxury car sales in 2006. Division executives in 2006 announced an expansion goal from 68 countries to 76 worldwide by 2010. By the end of the decade, this expansion resulted in official launches in Malaysia and South Africa in 2006, Indonesia in 2007, Chile in 2008, and
7931-460: The marque announced plans to introduce hybrid and diesel powertrains, increase the number of Lexus dealerships, and expand operations in emerging markets such as Russia. Lexus' arrival in the Japanese market in July 2005 marked the first introduction of a Japanese premium car marque in the domestic market. New generation LS, IS, ES, GS, and RX models subsequently became available in Japan along with
8034-406: The marque would not remain the country's top-selling premium car brand. Cumulative sales results for 2011 indicated a 14 percent sales drop in the U.S. market, along with sales increases of 40 percent and 27 percent in Europe and Japan respectively, for a global sales total of 410,000 units. Lexus' streak of 11 consecutive years as the best-selling luxury marque in the U.S. ended that year, with
8137-459: The model; 'S' can refer to 'sedan' or 'sport' (e.g. in LS and SC), while 'X' refers to ' luxury utility vehicle ' or SUV. For certain models, a lower case letter placed after the alphanumeric designation indicates powerplant type ('h' for hybrid, 'd' for diesel, 't' for turbocharged), while capital letter (s) placed at the end indicates a class subtype (e.g. 'L' for long-wheelbase, 'C' for coupe, 'AWD' for all-wheel drive ). On F marque models,
8240-482: The month by China's National Development and Reform Commission of Lexus spare parts policies, as part of an industry-wide investigation into what the Chinese regulator considers exorbitantly high prices being charged by automakers for spare parts and after-sales servicing. In March 2016, Lexus announced that it will be producing a new flagship vehicle: the two-door LC 500. The vehicle will be produced for late 2017 in
8343-619: The music business. The film was accompanied by a soundtrack album which featured Hawkes' song " The One and Only ". It was filmed in London and various towns in the Thames Valley. The long-running teddy boy Rockabilly group The Flying Saucers play the roles of themselves in the film. Playing the part of Terry's friends, they offer support by rehearsing with Buddy and becoming his backing band. Buddy contributes vocals and rhythm guitar while Sandy Ford handles lead guitar duties. The film
8446-493: The name applied to people more than cars (being associated with the Alexis Carrington character on the popular 1980s prime time drama Dynasty ). As a result, the first letter was removed and the "i" replaced with a "u" to morph the name to Lexus. Theories of the etymology of the Lexus name have suggested it is the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance", and that it is an acronym for "luxury exports to
8549-408: The new RC Coupe . In 1989, Lexus became among the first premium car marques to equip models with premium audio systems, in partnership with stereo firm Nakamichi . Since 2001, optional surround sound systems are offered via high-end audio purveyor Mark Levinson . For reduced cabin noise, the first LS 400 introduced sandwich steel plating, and later models added acoustic glass . In 2006,
8652-521: The performance F Sport marque include the Lexus RC F Sport and Lexus GS F Sport and Lexus LS F Sport. Lexus production models are named alphanumerically using two-letter designations followed by three digits. The first letter indicates relative status in the Lexus model range ( ranking ), and the second letter refers to car body style or type (e.g. LS for 'luxury sedan'). The three digits commonly indicate engine displacement in liters multiplied by
8755-522: The relief of his family, following a not guilty verdict of an alleged incident involving his father Chip, 48 years prior to Chip's Court appearance and charges dismissal. He also discussed his charitable work with The A21 Campaign . On 25 March 2022, Hawkes released the box set The Complete Picture: The Albums 1991–2012 , which consists of five CDs and one DVD. In addition, he released the digital single "The One and Only (2022 Nik Kershaw Remix)". In autumn 2022, he joined his father Chip and brother Jodie on
8858-532: The same time as Japanese rivals Honda and Nissan created their Acura and Infiniti luxury divisions respectively, Lexus originated from a corporate project to develop a new premium sedan, code-named F1, which began in 1983 and culminated in the launch of the Lexus LS in 1989. Subsequently, the division added sedan , coupé , convertible and SUV models. Lexus did not exist as a brand in its home market until 2005, and all vehicles marketed internationally as Lexus from 1989 to 2005 were released in Japan under
8961-615: The same title featured fifteen songs written by Hawkes. Hawkes was involved in a project called the Lexus Symphony Orchestra, a corporate promotion designed to showcase the quality of Lexus ' in-car audio systems. Hawkes composed two original pieces of music performed by the London Symphony Orchestra for these events held at Castle Howard and Crystal Palace , in August 2007. Hawkes appeared in
9064-410: The single of "Nothing Serious" in the shops and radio stations and request it on the radio. When Terry gets out of hospital, he gets in touch with Bobby Rosen at Mammoth Records. He likes the record and the music video so they go to the studio. After a recording session, Bobby speaks to the band in private in the booth but Terry hears on the speakers. Bobby tells them they will have to change the name of
9167-536: The tariffs were not enacted. In 1996, Lexus debuted its first sport utility vehicle, the LX 450 , followed by the third generation ES 300 sedan, and the second generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans in 1997. The marque's plans for developing an SUV model had accelerated during the U.S.-Japan tariff discussions of 1995. Lexus added the first luxury-branded crossover SUV , the RX 300 in 1998. The RX crossover targeted suburban buyers who desired an upmarket SUV but did not need
9270-513: The title going to BMW followed by Mercedes-Benz. While 45 percent of Lexus sales in the U.S. in 2011 relied upon the RX luxury crossover SUV, rival Mercedes-Benz's best-selling offering was the E-Class mid-luxury sedan, which commands considerably higher prices. Subsequently, Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda vowed to restore passion to the marque and further increase its organizational independence, admitting that "...back then we did not regard Lexus as
9373-489: The top 100. Aside from music, Hawkes appeared on Channel 4 's The Games in 2005, winning a Bronze Medal. Hawkes appeared on the shows Hit Me Baby One More Time , Let's Dance for Comic Relief , and Sing If You Can . Hawkes also appeared in the musical Can't Smile Without You in the role of Tony Lowiman. Hawkes was born in Windsor, Berkshire. He was named after the singer and comedian Chesney Allen . His father
9476-401: The two-letter designation and the letter 'F' are used with no numbers or hyphens (e.g. IS F). Lexus design has traditionally placed an emphasis on targeting specific vehicle development standards. Since the marque's inception, design targets have ranged from aerodynamics and ride quality to interior ergonomics. The backronym "IDEAL" ("Impressive, Dynamic, Elegant, Advanced, and Lasting")
9579-472: The whole film was posted uncut onto Hawkes' official YouTube channel on 22 June 2020. Buddy Clark and his father, Terry, go to see live rock 'n' roll at a hotel. Terry meets Des King in the car park who pays him to keep a briefcase in his car which Buddy is sure was stolen. Buddy's mother, Carol, arrives; then Buddy attempts to get his estranged parents to talk. Buddy moves the briefcase of jewellery back into Des's Jaguar , then tells Terry when he mentions he
9682-494: Was a combination of two firms' final designs: the Lexus logo typeface came from Saatchi & Saatchi and the "L" was Hunter/Korobkin, Inc.'s design. According to Toyota, the automaker made some refinements so the logo would be easier to manufacture, rendering it using a mathematical formula. The first teaser ads featuring the Lexus name and logo appeared at the Chicago, Los Angeles and New York auto shows in 1988. The F1 project
9785-415: Was a sequel to the 1986 BBC television series Buddy , which starred Daltrey in the same role (it featured Wayne Goddard as Buddy, however). Daltrey, Bill Curbishley and Roy Baird acted as producers for the film and Daltrey also served as musical director. The film was released with a 12 certificate in cinemas on 1 March 1991 and was re-rated PG with cuts (made by the distributor prior to submission to
9888-457: Was completed in 1989, involving 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, 220 support workers, approximately 450 prototypes and more than $ 1 billion in costs. The resulting car, the Lexus LS 400, had a design that shared no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 L V8 gasoline engine and rear-wheel drive . The car debuted in January 1989 at
9991-410: Was covered in media publications and helped establish the marque's early reputation for customer service . By the end of 1989, a total of 16,392 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans were sold in the four months following the U.S. launch. Although sales had begun at a slower pace than expected, the final tally matched the division's target of 16,000 units for that year. Following initial models, plans called for
10094-561: Was followed by the second generation ES 300 sedan, which succeeded the ES 250 and became Lexus' top seller. At the conclusion of 1991, Lexus had become the top-selling premium car import in the U.S., with sales reaching 71,206 vehicles. That year, Lexus ranked highest in J.D. Power and Associates ' studies on initial vehicle quality, customer satisfaction and sales satisfaction for the first time. The marque also began increasing U.S. model prices past those of comparable American premium makes, but still below high-end European models. By 1992,
10197-666: Was greeted on stage by his band, which also featured his guitar playing son. Hawkes married his American girlfriend, Kristina, on 4 July 1997. They have three children together and reside in Los Angeles , having previously lived in Chertsey . Hawkes is a supporter of West Ham United FC . Notable fans of Hawkes include entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne , who was surprised with a performance from Hawkes at his 60th birthday party in 2009, and Talk TV chief political commentator Peter Cardwell. Buddy%27s Song (film) Buddy's Song
10300-411: Was praised for its quietness, well-appointed and ergonomic interior, engine performance, build quality , aerodynamics , fuel economy and value. However, it was criticized by some automobile columnists for derivative styling and a suspension regarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort. In some markets it was priced against mid-size, six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz and BMW models. It
10403-605: Was rated by Car and Driver magazine as better than the higher-priced Mercedes-Benz 420 SEL and BMW 735i in terms of ride, handling and performance. The LS 400 also won motoring awards from automotive publications including Automobile Magazine and Wheels Magazine . Lexus quickly established customer loyalty and its debut was generally regarded as a shock to existing luxury marques. BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's U.S. sales figures dropped 29 percent and 19 percent, respectively, with BMW executives accusing Lexus of dumping in that market, while 35 percent of Lexus buyers traded in
10506-422: Was the drummer. Written by Nik Kershaw , the song was later featured in the opening credits of Doc Hollywood (1991), starring Michael J. Fox ; in the 2009 movie Moon , as the song Sam Rockwell wakes up to every morning; and again in the 2011 film Source Code (also directed by director Duncan Jones ) as the mobile phone ringtone of Michelle Monaghan 's character. The single spent five weeks at No. 1 in
10609-457: Was uploaded to YouTube by ITV Studios ' Our Stories channel. Hawkes returned to the media's attention with his involvement in Channel 4 's The Games in March 2005, in which he won a Bronze Medal. He also took part in the ITV programme Hit Me Baby One More Time in April that year. He released a single called "Another Fine Mess" in May 2005, it reached number 48. The following album of
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