Posting its 13th consecutive best-ever month, Lexus on July 3 reported June sales of 19,117 passenger cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). For the first half of 2001, Lexus is ahead of last year's pace by 17.1 percent with 109,742 units sold. Passenger cars continued to be at the top of consumers' shopping lists with June Lexus car sales of 11,690 units, up 42.3 percent from June 2000. The LS 430 premium luxury sedan remained at the top of its segment with sales of 2,724, up 213.1 percent, while the SC 430 hardtop convertible continued its hot sales pace with 1,335 units sold. Sales of the ES 300 entry-luxury sedan were up 7.2 percent from last year with sales of 3,445. The GS 300 high performance luxury sedan posted sales of 1,986, an increase of 12.9 percent from last June, while the GS 430 finished the month with sales of 366, down 21.0 percent. The IS 300 sport sedan sales stayed nearly even with sales of 1,833, down a slight 1.1 percent from a year ago. Year-to-date passenger car sales of 67,439 were up 60.9 percent from the same period last year. The RX 300 mid-sized luxury SUV posted June sales of 6,666, down 3.0 percent, while the LX 470 premium luxury sedan had sales of 761, down 32.1 percent from last June. "The first half of 2001 has been good to Lexus as we experience steady growth in a slowing economy," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "Our emphasis for the remainder of the year will be to make sure our dealers have the tools and ability to give our customers the high level of service they deserve and have come to expect." In addition to increased new vehicle sales, Lexus says it also had a record-setting pre-owned month with best-ever June sales of 5,372, up 40.8 percent from last year. Of those sales, 3,100 were Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, which represents a 42.1 percent increase from last year and an all-time best-ever record. Year-to-date total pre-owned sales of 28,183 were up 19.8 percent.