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Archive for the ‘Public Interest’ Category
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
New campaign designed to reflect Lexus unconventional and dynamic new CT 200h
As part of its multifaceted advertising and media campaign for the new CT 200h, Lexus is debuting the CT Remix program, designed to introduce the CT to people who are inspired by music in their daily lives. As the most fuel efficient luxury vehicle, the CT 200h defies preconceived notions of what a hybrid can be. With its sleek design, dynamic handing, and four power modes, the CT is a unique luxury vehicle that appeals to a new audience.
One of the key goals was to reach young consumers with a soundtrack that would resonate with their musical tastes, said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. We reached out to the top writers, producers and remixers in the industry and asked them for music that reflects what is happening in today’s musical scene.
The goal of the CT Remix program is to allow consumers to embrace the music of the CT campaign with ringtones and music downloads from some of the nation’s most notable DJs and/or producers such as GRAMMY award winning producer Alex Da Kid Eminem, LA Riots Lady Gaga, Dave Aude Rihanna, Bones Domingo, DJ Nesty Don Omar and Derek Bramble David Bowie.
This was the first time a company has ever reached out to me to create something unique that would support their advertising, and I wanted to produce something that was a bit more in your face, more aggressive, said Bramble of the direction he took with his remix. I really wanted the track to pop and jump off the screen.
At the foundation of the CT Remix initiative lives the music that is featured in each of the four campaign commercials titled, Challenge Alex Da Kid, Forge Bones Domingo, Escape Derek Bramble and Details DJ Nesty.
I was excited to be a part of the project, because I felt like Lexus was undergoing a transformation, explained Nesty. I thought to myself, I need to be a part of this revolution. And, when they offered me the chance to be a part of the remix project, I knew this was the icing on the cake. I’m in
Each piece of original music was created by relevant DJs/producers for Lexus’ audience, while bringing to life the CT’s unconventional and uncompromising qualities. In keeping with this strategy, the CT Remix called for these original tracks to then be remixed by the likes of LA Riots, Dave Aude, Dummy Boy Rick and Bones Domingo, who created a track featuring lyrics by rapper Najee.
There are so many talented people on this project, and I really applaud Lexus for taking such big risks it obviously paid off, said famed producer Bones Domingo. I don’t think I had ever thought of Lexus in that way before this campaign.
The CT Remix program is as fully integrated as the entire marketing campaign itself. Each remixed track will be distributed to world renowned Dance DJs to further reach the CT audience where they live; these DJs will be serviced via specially designed USB sticks, hand to hand promotion and MP3s. In addition to this element, there will be experiential, digital, social and PR extensions to the CT Remix program. All of the tracks will be packaged and made available on iTunes, Amazon mp3, Zoon, emusic, thumbplay and Nokia, among others.
2011 is the biggest year for dance music, said Aude, a veteran DJ and Remixer for the likes of Lady Gaga. It’s great to see a luxury brand that is tapping into the very pulse of what is going on in America right now. I’m proud to have worked on such a breakthrough project.
For more information on the CT Remix program visit www.lexusctremix.com
Tags: CT 200h, hybrid, lexus CT, music, New Lexus, Used Lexus
Posted in New Product Info, Public Interest, Uncategorized | 5 Comments »
Thursday, March 31st, 2011
Six World-Renowned Chefs to Partner with Luxury Automaker
In a first of its kind, Lexus is teaming up with six of the worlds most distinguished chefs as it unveils its Lexus Culinary Masters team. The team will partner with Lexus on multiple initiatives, including Lexus customer appreciation programs, charitable outreach, and multimedia productions. Details on future programs will be announced later this year.
The Lexus Culinary Masters debut lineup includes
Chef Daniel Boulud – Chef/Owner of several restaurants, including DANIEL
Chef Michael Chiarello – Chef/Owner, Bottega
Chef Dean Fearing – Chef/Partner, Fearing’s Restaurant
Chef Christopher Kostow – Executive Chef, The Restaurant at Meadowood, Meadowood Resort Napa Valley
Chef Masaharu Morimoto – Chef/Owner of Morimoto restaurants
Chef Michael Symon – Chef/Owner of several restaurants, including Lola Bistro
We know epicurean pursuits are a passion point for our customers, and we have a well-established history of aligning with premier food and wine events, auctions, associations and institutions, said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. However, partnering with this extraordinary group of chefs is an entirely fresh approach. We will ask our culinary team members to advise us and help create highly innovative programs—from owner benefits, to entertainment, to philanthropic endeavors.
I’m honored to be part of such an elite culinary team, working with a company who shares our passion for perfection, said Michael Chiarello, acclaimed founder of Bottega, culinary entrepreneur, cookbook author, winemaker and Emmy award-winning television personality. I’m looking forward to helping shape future programs as part of the team, as well as lend my lifestyle expertise to various programs and charitable opportunities.
Masaharu Morimoto, Iron Chef and international restaurateur added, As a chef, my life mission is to create a memorable dining experience for my guests. I’m thrilled to be working with the Lexus Culinary Masters to collectively partner with Lexus in creating similar memorable experiences for their customers.
Debut Appearance
The Lexus Culinary Masters team will convene next month for their first joint appearance at the prestigious Fourth Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine festival, April 28 – May 1, 2011, where Lexus is returning as a Sponsor. Boulud, Chiarello, Fearing, Kostow, Morimoto and Symon will entertain event attendees at Lexus Presents—Taste Perfection with Louis Roederer Cristal, at 10 a.m. PT, Friday, April 29. The chefs will each prepare small bites inspired by one of six tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy and umami.
As a premier Pebble Beach Wine & Food sponsor, Lexus is known for hosting some of the festival’s most highly coveted, sold-out events. This year follows suit as the automaker hosts the inaugural Lexus Presents–REMIX: A New Spin on Haute Cuisine with Champagne Krug. Fine dining will converge with pop culture as guests savor Lexus Culinary Masters-prepared fare with Krug’s finest champagne pairings and music from DJ Mom Jeans aka Danny Masterson.
Other Lexus-sponsored Pebble Beach Food & Wine events include the Lexus Chef’s Table Lunch Featuring Michael Chiarello and Graham Elliot, as well as two famed Lexus Grand Tasting Events—a must-eat, must-see gathering of gourmands where guests enjoy unparalleled access to 25 world-renowned chefs serving samples of their cuisine along with 200 premium wineries pouring more than 500 vintages.
About Lexus
Lexus is the leading luxury automaker in the United States. With its reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 229 dealers, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury automaker for eleven years in a row. In addition, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, offering five hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When Lexus was established in 1989, it offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 10 vehicles, from the sporty CT 200h hybrid to the V10 supercar, the LFA.
About Pebble Beach Food & Wine
In its first year, Pebble Beach Food & Wine became the largest luxury food and wine event on the West Coast. Created by Coastal Luxury Management, based in Carmel, Calif., This four-day celebration will bring together more than 70 prominent chefs and 250 acclaimed wineries and distinguished winemakers from around the world to the iconic Pebble Beach Resorts for a first-class display of epicurean splendor and unrivaled access. In addition to cooking demonstrations led by the most talented chefs from around the globe and vertical tastings from the world’s top wine producers, unique experiences added each year make this a must-see annual event for culinary enthusiasts and wine aficionados the world over.
Ticket prices per person range from $100 for a single event pass to $4,750 for a VIP four-day pass, with access to all events and exclusive after-hour parties with the chefs and winemakers, as well as Lexus transportation to and from events. To purchase tickets to Pebble Beach Food & Wine, or for more information on ticket packages, visit www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com or call 1-866-907-FOOD (3663).
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Culinary, Food & Wine, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Pebble Beach, Used Lexus
Posted in Public Interest, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
The CT 200h is the fifth hybrid model to join the Lexus lineup and is scheduled to arrive at McGrath Lexus of Chicago mid March 2011. With the arrival of the all-new CT 200h premium hybrid compact, Lexus introduces a vehicle that breaks the mold of conventional hybrids. It delivers what many thought was impossible, a hybrid with sporty, sexy styling, dynamic handling, best in class mileage and all the luxury of a Lexus.
To launch the CT, Lexus is embarking on one of the largest marketing campaigns in the brand’s history. The multi-faceted campaign, which breaks today, features pioneering computer-generated (CG) creative and unconventional media executions. The CT is unlike any vehicle Lexus has ever launched. The marketing campaign’s media extensions were designed to follow suit.
In addition to traditional elements, Lexus has entered into several unique partnerships, including an alignment with YouTube to sponsor “Girl Walks Into a Bar,” the world’s first feature film developed exclusively for online distribution. The automaker has also joined forces with Microsoft to develop a custom branded entertainment series entitled, “Fresh Perspectives.” The documentary style series features six artists, each commissioned to create three original pieces of work within 24 hours and inspired by the themes of Enrich, Escape and Empower.
The campaign also includes sole sponsorship of USA Network’s Characters Film Series, premier sponsor of the MOG @ SXSW 2011 event, and a Lexus X Monocle custom CT keepsake insert.To reach tech savvy customers, Lexus is utilizing the iPad to extend high profile sponsorships across digital, print and broadcast partners. Partnerships include exclusive launch sponsorship of Gear Patrol and IndustryAndCollective.com, ABC full episode player, Interview April Issue, Wired May issue and ESPN The Magazine. In addition to iPad sponsorships, Lexus has secured syndication rights with key media partners such as Vogue, Complex, MSN, USA Network, Current TV, Rolling Stone and Urban Daddy, which will allow Lexus to feature co-branded and publisher produced content on the dedicated CT iPad application. Lexus will run print ads within publications such as Monocle, Wired, Details, Rolling Stone, Interview, Fader and Flaunt. Some of the ads will provide opportunities for readers to download exclusive music by some of the most cutting-edge DJs and music producers. There will also be out-of-home perm boards in 11 markets and eco-friendly custom outdoor murals in five urban markets, in addition to homepage takeovers on ESPN, Urban Daddy, Pandora and Daily Beast. Lexus will also deploy social media strategies in support of several of the campaign extensions.The broadcast commercials begin airing tonight during prime, late night, cable and sports, with Lexus airing in animation on FOX for the first time ever. Additionally, the commercials will run during NCAA Basketball, NHL Hockey and the NFL Draft pre show, as well as on full episode players on Hulu, NBC, CBS, FOX and ABC. The spots can also be viewed on www.YouTube.com/lexusvehicles.
Tags: Chicago Lexus, CT 200h, hybrid, Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, New Lexus
Posted in New Product Info, Public Interest, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Thursday, February 10th, 2011
Toyota Leads All Brands With Seven Awards Lexus Leads All Luxury Makes Taking Four Trophies
SAN FRANCISCO, February 5, 2011–Seven Toyota vehicles and four Lexus models today took the top spot in IntelliChoice’s 2011 Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) Awards at the 2011 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention here. With 21 total awards handed out, Toyota and Lexus combined garnered over half of the trophies presented with 11 top honors.
“Dominating the IntelliChoice’s 2011 Best Overall Value Awards is another example of how Toyota and Lexus continue to produce vehicles that retain their outstanding value,” said Don Esmond, senior vice president of Automotive Operations for Toyota Motor Sales, USA. “In a tough economy, finding a dependable vehicle that also holds its value over an extended period is one of the most important aspects of buying a new car.”
IntelliChoice determines the winners of the BOVY Awards based on the top vehicles in 21 categories that represent the best overall value. Each winner is determined by analysis of ownership costs, including depreciation, maintenance, repairs, fuel, fees, financing and insurance.
Tags: Lexus, Lexus Chicago, lexus service, Lexus used, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, New Lexus
Posted in Lexus Awards, Public Interest, Review | No Comments »
Friday, December 10th, 2010
The process for having a vehicle repaired with original Lexus parts starts with your insurance policy. You may be provided a list of “approved repair” facilities, which have relationships with the insurance provider to give discounts, but you have the final say in where you will have your vehicle repaired.
Insurance Request For OEM Lexus Parts:
Look at your policy, read it carefully, it will describe the type of coverage you are subscribing to. You may have the ultimate decision of where your Lexus is repaired, but be sure to confirm whether you can request that only Lexus factory parts are used.
Warranty Coverage After Repairs:
You will want to contact your Lexus Dealer to ensure that the warranty will remain after service and repairs are made without the repair work performed at your Lexus Dealership.
Insurance Request For OEM Lexus Parts:
When you speak with your insurance agent or claims adjuster, be sure to request that you would like OEM Lexus Parts only. Lexus suggests that only Genuine Lexus Parts are used to ensure the vehicle can be returned to a pre-loss condition.
Select An Insurance Company Will Authorize OEM Parts:
A reputable insurance company will comply with that request, and here is a document you may reference if needed from Lexus regarding the use of original equipment Lexus parts.
Download this PDF Document: Lexus Requesting Original Lexus Parts
The use of Alternative Parts:
Due to the sensitive nature of the safety and performance systems and lack of testing to determine their effect on vehicle crashworthiness, Lexus does not recommend the use of alternative parts for the repair of Lexus vehicles.
This includes:
Aftermarket Parts: Parts manufactured and branded by a company other than Lexus ␣ Rebuilt Parts: Exterior sheet metal parts (including bumpers and wheels) removed from a damaged Lexus vehicle and refurbished for re-sale.
Salvage/Recycled Parts: Parts removed from a previously damaged vehicle, cleaned up and then installed on a different vehicle.
Posted in New Product Info, Public Interest, Service, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Thursday, November 18th, 2010
Toyota, Scion, Lexus Post Sharp Increases in Online Consumer Interest
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) reports that Toyota brand vehicles account for 3 of the top 5 increases in consumer online lookups in recent data. Scion ranked 1st, up 249%; Toyota ranked 4th, up 103%; and Lexus ranked 5th, up 99%. Jeep and Smart ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively. The data is drawn from NADAguides.com unique lookups and indicate trends in consumer interest.
Posted in Public Interest, Review | No Comments »
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
Despite recent safety recalls, Toyota models, including those from Scion and Lexus, remained among the most reliable and earned top scores in five vehicle categories. Findings are based on responses about 1.3 million vehicles owned or leased by subscribers to Consumer Reports or its Web site. Here at Lexus, our top priority is you: your safety, your confidence in our products and providing you with the highest level of service.
Read more on the Consumer Reports findings by visiting: http://yhoo.it/aLKTt3
Posted in Public Interest, Review | No Comments »
Friday, October 29th, 2010
Lexus marks its return to the 2010 SEMA Show with another impressive selection of exciting custom build cars following its official debut at the 2007 show. As the only luxury maker to offer five hybrid vehicles, Lexus is celebrating the launch of the all-new 2011 CT 200h. This year, Lexus will feature six electrifying hybrid vehicles at its exhibit. McGrath Lexus of Chicago customer Paul Tolson takes Lexus’ most popular luxury hybrid model, the RX450h, and gives it an aggressive and clean look with its VIP-styled theme. With a Hired Gun Paint Werk wide body conversion and Leon Hardiritt Vertu wheels, this isn’t your typical suburban family ride.
Vehicle Highlights: Leon Hardiritt Vertu wheels, 21×10-inch front with-4offset, 21×12-inch rear with +9 offset, Air Runner Integrated suspension systems, Hired Gun Paint Werks wide body conversion, Rotora RFK Series 6-piston custom color caliper, 355mm x32mm 2-piece drilled and slotted rotors.
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/lexus/2010-sema-show-lexus-rx-450h-paul-177641.aspx
Posted in Public Interest, RX | No Comments »
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010
By ROGER HART
Hankook CEO Seung Hwa Suh says tire makers have a responsibility to educate consumers about the dangers of under-inflated tires.Anyone driving a car today has certainly heard about the dangers of drinking and driving, and the use of a cell phone and texting while driving. Seung Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook tires, is hoping more drivers will pay attention to the dangers of low tire pressure and driving.
At The Tire Society’s 29th Annual Meeting and Conference on Tire Science and Technology, Suh proposed that all tire manufacturers “jointly develop a global campaign for educating consumers about air pressure and the overwhelming benefits that we can all enjoy if we simply maintain proper inflation,” he said.
Suh, who came from his home in Korea to Akron, Ohio, to deliver the keynote address to the tire group, quoted a June survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association showing that millions of drivers in the United States alone waste gas and risk tire failures by failing to properly inflate their tires.
“The survey reported that only one in six vehicles had properly inflated tires and 55 percent of all vehicles had at least one under-inflated tire,” Suh said.
“I believe that tire manufacturers share a crucial responsibility in educating consumers about proper care and maintenance of their tires. Low air pressure degrades performance endangers vehicle occupants and harms the environment.”
In a press conference following his address, Suh noted that in Korea, Hankook offers a free service of checking tire pressure and inflating low tires at various places around the country around holidays, where people are taking to the roads in large numbers.
“Proper inflation looks very simple,” he said. “And it is very important for everyone’s safety.”
Suh said his company spends 5 percent of its total revenue on research and development annually, a figure that remained even during the economic downturn. “Our ability to grow has been driven by our continuous investment in the research and development. Performance and quality are the ultimate demonstration of technical competence,” he said.
Hankook Tires, founded in 1941, is the seventh-largest tire manufacturer in the world producing about 80 million tires annually from five factories, employing 15,000 people. The tires are sold in 186 countries worldwide.
Suh has been with Hankook since 1973. He became CEO in 2007 and added the title of vice chairman two years later.
Read more: Click here
Posted in Public Interest, Service | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
The New York Times reports that the number of deaths attributed to distracted drivers fell 6 percent in 2009 from the previous year, the Transportation Department said in a report released Monday. Ray LaHood, the transportation secretary, said some police departments do not report if distraction played a role in accidents. The report said 5,474 people died in 4,898 crashes linked to distraction last year, down from 5,838 deaths in 5,307 crashes in 2008. Distracted drivers were listed as a contributing factor in 16 percent of crashes and deaths in both years, as the total number of traffic crashes in the United States declined slightly. The number of people injured in distracted-driving crashes fell 4 percent, to 448,000, representing 20 percent of all crash-related injuries. The number of fatalities tied to distracted driving was 22 percent higher last year than in 2005, even though 2009 had 22 percent fewer traffic deaths over all. Just 10 percent of crashes and deaths in 2005 were linked to distractions. “We are not talking about numbers, but about lives being broken and people being killed in crashes that are 100 percent preventable,” the transportation secretary, Ray LaHood, wrote on the agency’s blog. Click here to read his post. Click here for the New York Times’ report on the incidence of distracted driving in the U.S.
Posted in Public Interest | No Comments »
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