LEXUS is one of the world's youngest automotive brands but it already ranks among the highest achievers in the industry when it comes to garnering awards for excellence. This week, two further accolades have been added to a collection that's the envy of every other premium manufacturer, reflecting both the strength of its current product line-up and the immense promise shown by a new model that has not even reached the showroom yet.

In the USA, Lexus has been named the number one manufacturer in the JD Power and Associates' APEAL (Automotive, Performance Execution and Layout) study for the fourth year running. As well as taking the overall top honour, Lexus claimed a category win with the RX330 as the Most Appealing Entry Luxury SUV for the second consecutive year, with the RX470 as runner-up. The LS430, SC430 and IS300 also performed strongly in their respective classes.

Meanwhile on the other side of the world the all-new Lexus GS has been awarded the 2004 Auto Trophy in Germany as the top imported luxury car, as voted for by readers of Auto Zeitung and TV Movie magazines. The result is particularly notable as the car is not due to go on sale in Europe until spring next year: public support for the GS was based purely on early motor show appearances, video footage and press reports.