Toyota Mark II most of all, its reliability; the Cressida was quickly gaining a reputation for outstanding ownership. In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1 vehicle"; alternatively called the "Circle-F" project), a clandestine effort aimed at producing a world-class luxury sedan for international markets. This led to the creation of an all new, full size luxury sedan designed for export markets and was called the Lexus LS. The US-market 1981 Cressida was the first car to come with motorized automatic shoulder harnesses which wrapped around front seat occupants when the door was closed and the
Toyota Mark II the Toyota Mark X which is still very popular in Japan and select international markets. The Corona Mark II, first offered for sale in Japan, September 1968, at "Toyopet Store" dealerships, was intended as an largest alternative model to the more established luxury sedan, the Crown, sold at "Toyota Store" dealerships, and the smaller Corona, also available at "Toyopet Stores". It was a slightly larger vehicle than the Corona with a higher level of equipment offered at the time, sharing some of the features of the larger Crown, but taking the top position at "Toyopet Store" locations. At its introduction,