LUXURY car manufacturer Lexus has scooped a 'Best in Class' award at this year's PHH Motor Manufacturers Awards.

The Lexus GS300 and LS400 and their supporting dealer network beat off illustrious competition from Rolls Royce and Mercedes-Benz to take the prize in the 'Boardroom class' (£30,000 plus).

Now in its 12th year, the PHH Motor Manufacturers Awards recognise the achievements of motor manufacturers in improving the quality of their products and the service provided to corporate customers.

Winners are selected according to the views of fleet operators from over 1000 UK organisations to provide an accurate reflection of how a manufacturer and its products are perceived in the corporate car park.

Comments from respondents noted that the Lexus brand had 'come from nowhere and cornered the market' and that the legendary Lexus ride comfort was 'like driving on air.'

General Manager of Lexus (GB) Ltd, Kevin Flynn commented: "We are delighted that Lexus has received such a significant award. We pride ourselves on both the quality of our products and customer service that the Lexus dealer network provides. That the award is a direct reflection of the opinions of our corporate customers and the end user is particularly satisfying."

Lexus will be defending its PHH award next year with new versions of the GS300 performance luxury saloon and the ultimate luxury saloon, the LS400. Both new cars will go on sale in January 1998.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.