Just another WordPress weblog
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Thursday, July 21st, 2011
Lexus Earns Four Segment Awards in J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Initial Quality Study
Lexus Leads All Nameplates in Study
Toyota Moves Up 14 Positions
Production Facilities Earn Two Platinum and One Silver Plant Quality Awards
Toyota Motor Sales TMS U.S.A. Inc. received a combined four segment awards in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study IQS. Lexus earned the honor as the highest ranking nameplate in the industry, while the Toyota Division moved up 14 positions to place seventh.
We are quite pleased with the quality improvements Toyota and Lexus have made over the last year and Lexus’ highest position overall in the 2011 IQS, said Jim Lentz, TMS president and chief operating officer. Lentz continued, “We are committed to the quality and dependability of our products.”
Lexus LS Places First for the Fourth Straight Year
Lexus ranked highest among all nameplates in the 2011 IQS with 73 problems per 100 vehicles PP100. Lexus has ranked highest in the IQS study in 13 of the last 22 years, beginning with the brand’s first model year in 1990.
Lexus captured four segment awards in this year’s study, more than any other premium brand. These awards include the Lexus ES 350 for Entry Premium car; the Lexus GS for Midsize Premium Car; the Lexus GX 460 for Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV; and the Lexus LS 460 for Large Premium Car. The Lexus GS and GX 460 rank highest in their respective segments for a third consecutive year. The Lexus LS earned the distinction of highest-performing model in the industry for a second consecutive year with fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 54 PP100.
Toyota Takes Major Leap Forward
The Toyota Division made significant advancements in this year’s study recording 16 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, enabling the brand to return to the top 10 among all nameplates. The marked improvement was a team effort with most models registering improved scores over last year. The Corolla, Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza, RAV4 and Sequoia all earned double-digit score improvements.
Production Facilities Earn Top Honors
Two Toyota production facilities took the most prestigious Platinum Plant Quality Awards tie while one facility received a Silver award tie. Both the Kyushu 2, Japan plant IS line, ES 350, RX line and Cambridge South, Ontario, Canada plant RX line were honored with the Platinum Award with 24 PP100 each. This is the first Platinum award for the Cambridge South, Ontario facility. The Kyushu 1 plant Highlander, RX line earned the Silver award with 27 PP100.
Toyota Segment Honors Chart
Model
IQS Segment
Problems per 100
Lexus LS 460
Large Premium Car
54
Lexus ES 350
Entry Premium Car
56
Lexus GS
Midsize Premium Car
67
Lexus GX 460
Midsize Premium Crossover.SUV
79
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
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 »
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 11th, 2010
November 10, 2010 — Lexus and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have collaborated to celebrate and support sustainable fashion design by establishing the Eco Fashion Challenge. With a goal of increasing sustainable practices in the fashion industry, Lexus and the CFDA have created the Challenge as a platform to support and recognize the industry’s leaders in sustainable design.
From ten finalists, three designers have been selected to receive support from Lexus for their Fall 2011 show or presentation in February 2011. The three receiving the Eco Fashion Challenge crown are:
Monique Péan
Costello Tagliapietra
Maria Cornejo
“It was hard to select only three winners from the ten amazing finalists,” says Andrea Lim, Lexus events marketing manager. “Lexus is proud to support the efforts of the selected designers as they work to bring sustainability into the fashion industry.”
The ten finalists included Alabama Chanin, Behnaz Sarafpour, Costello Tagliapietra, Libertine by Johnson Hartig, Marcia Patmos, Maria Cornejo, Monique Péan, Organic by John Patrick, Slow and Steady Wins the Race by Mary Ping, Subversive Jewelry by Justin Giunta.
To qualify as a finalist, each designer had to demonstrate a commitment to ecologically responsible design and production practices, with a minimum of 25% of their collection being produced in an environmentally friendly manner. The judges selected the three honorees based on design credibility, business acumen, and eco-commitment, with attention paid to eco fabrics, materials, processes, and packaging.
“The CFDA is thrilled with the response from designers to this Challenge,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA executive director. “The proposals that the ten finalists submitted were truly thoughtful and creative. We look forward to seeing the collections of the winning three designers.”
The honorees were announced at the Eco Fashion Challenge event on November 9, 2010 at Skylight West in NYC, a newly renovated event space located steps from Midtown, which provided the perfect venue to celebrate fashion, design, and sustainability.
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 228 dealers, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury automaker for ten years in a row. In addition, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader with five hybrid vehicles 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 11 vehicles, from the entry-level IS 250 to its first V10 supercar, the LFA.
About the CFDA
The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc, (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association that leads industry-wide initiatives and whose membership consists of more than 370 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, which recognize the top creative talent in the industry, the organization offers programs which support professional development and scholarships, including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the Geoffrey Beene Design Scholar Award, the Liz Claiborne Scholarship Award, and the CFDA/Teen Vogue Scholarship. Member support is provided through the Business Services Network, a high-profile group of companies offering designers strategic opportunities. The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate, not-for-profit organized to mobilize the membership to raise funds for charitable causes. Through the Foundation, the CFDA created and manages Fashion Targets Breast Cancer; raises funds for HIV/AIDS organizations with 7th on Sale; addresses the issue of model health with The CFDA Health Initiative; and is a key participant in other programs such as the annual Fashion’s Night Out. For more information, please visit www.CFDA.com.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
Lexus Ties for Most Segment Awards of Any Nameplate
Production Facilities Earn Top Honors in Asia and North America
TORRANCE, Calif., June 17, 2010 — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that its Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands received a combined six segment awards in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS), more than any other manufacturer.
“We are very pleased to have earned the six segment awards and by the strong showing of our Lexus brand in the 2010 IQS,” said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer, TMS. “However, the 2010 study was conducted at the height of intense media coverage of Toyota’s and Lexus’ recalls earlier this year, so we anticipated an impact on this specific ranking of these vehicles.”
Lentz continued: “The IQS 90-day feedback is one measurement – along with warranty claims, long-term durability, resale value and buyer loyalty – that helps us gauge the overall quality of our products. We stand behind our strong performance in these and other areas and remain firmly committed to ensuring the superior quality, safety and long-term value of our cars and trucks.”
Lexus LS Shows Fewest Quality Problems in the Industry
Lexus ranked fourth among all nameplates in the 2010 IQS with 88 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Among individual models, the Lexus LS earned the distinction of fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 55 PP100.
Lexus also captured three segment awards to tie for the most awards of any nameplate in this year’s study. These include the Lexus GS for Midsize Premium Car, the Lexus GX 460 for Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV, and the Lexus LS 460 for Large Premium Car. This is the third year in a row that the LS had placed first in its segment and the 10th time in 13 years that the LS has been at the top of its segment.
Production Facilities Earn Top Honors
Toyota production facilities once again took the top three honors in the Asia Pacific region for 2010. The Kyushu 2 plant (IS line, ES 350, RX line) earned the Gold Award with 32 PP100; the Tahara 3 plant (GS line, IS sedans, LS 460) earned the Silver Award with 33 PP100; and the Kyushu 1 plant (HS 250h, RX line) earned the bronze award with 37 PP100.
For the North and South America region, the Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, plant (RX 350) earned a Gold Award with 30 PP100.
Toyota Segment Awards Chart
Model IQS Segment Problems per 100
Lexus LS 460 Large Premium Car 55
Lexus GS Midsize Premium Car 75
Lexus GX 460 Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV 84
Tags: Chicago Lexus, GS, GX, JD Power and Associates, JD Power Initial Quality Study, JD Power IQS, Lexus Chicago, LS, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, RX
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Edmunds.com, the automotive information service, announced Wednesday that Toyota and Lexus have three vehicles on the Edmunds.com 2010 list of Consumers Top Rated Vehicles. These awards recognize the vehicles that actual owners rate the highest, Edmunds.com noted.
The vehicles honored are the Toyota Highlander and Lexus IS 350C and ES 350.
The Edmunds.com recognition came one day after the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named three Toyota vehicles – the 2011 Sienna and Avalon and the 2010 Lexus RX – as Top Safety Picks for 2010.
For more information on Edmunds.com’s Consumers’ Top Rated Awards, please visit http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/press/163527/article.html.
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Consumer Reports Best Car Overall, edmunds, edmunds.com, ES, ES 350, ES350, IS, IS 350 Convertible, IS 350C, IS350C, Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus of Chicago
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Friday, June 4th, 2010
In a feat reserved for virtuoso performers no CGI, no camera tricks, a new commercial shows the Lexus LFA supercar elegantly shattering a crystal champagne flute in glorious slow motion using nothing but the unique sound of its 552-horsepower engine.
The new commercial, titled Pitch, will remind viewers of the brands iconic 1989 ad that featured a pyramid of champagne glasses on the hood of a revving Lexus LS.
Where that memorable commercial highlighted the precision engineering of the LS, the new ad showcases the LFA’s signature engine sound. The champagne flute shatters when the unique frequency or pitch of the LFA’s revving engine precisely matches the pitch of the crystal flute.
In fact, the note is so unique that Lexus has created an LFA ringtone that can be downloaded for free at http://www.lexus-lfa.com (click “Digital Premium.”)
“Pitch” can be viewed at YouTube.com/lexusvehicles
To read the press release, please visit:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/lexus/in-pursuit-of-the-perfect-pitch-159422.aspx.
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Lexus Chicago, LFA, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Super Car
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
|
