The rise of Lexus in North America is one of the great business success stories of recent car history. Since its launch in 1989, Americans have associated the brand with peerless engineering and build quality, faultless reliability and superior customer service. Always at the forefront of technology, the latest Lexus hybrid models are the result of over 15 years of research and development. Lexus are regarded as the industry leader in hybrid technology being the first manufacturer to offer hybrid vehicles as realistic and desirable everyday transport. Lexus has benefited from its owners (Toyota) offering significant investment and now owns thousands of patents in the hybrid technology field. The SUV range from Lexus is composed of the GX, RX and LX models. The RX is the best seller being the more compact SUV and more in tune with current sensibilities. The RX400 hybrid is the best seller, with lower emissions along with impressive power and performance - this is an SUV that offers guilt free luxury motoring. Despite being a relatively new arrival in North America, Lexus currently outsells rivals such as BMW, Cadillac, and Mercedes. In 2008, J.D. Power and Associates (the consumer ratings firm) named Lexus as the most reliable brand in the U.S. for the fourteenth year running!