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Posts Tagged ‘Used Lexus’
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 »
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
Based on comments by BMWs global sales chief, 4WheelsNews.com says it expects BMW to fail to dethrone Lexus as the No. 1 selling luxury brand in the United States. It quoted BMWs Ian Robertson as saying that with the wind down of the current 5 Series and the new 5 Series not set to launch until June, BMW is anticipating only “a few digit points” of growth this year. While Robertson didn’t go so far as to concede the crown to Lexus this year, 4WheelsNews noted that the 5 Series represents 25 percent of BMW volume in the United States, making it difficult for the automaker to overtake Lexus this year.
To read the 4WheelsNews article, please click on
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/bmw-unlikely-to-grab-the-us-luxury-crown-this-year-from-lexus/
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Lexus, Lexus Certified Pre-Owned, Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Used Lexus
Posted in Lexus Awards, Public Interest | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
Police who investigated the crash of a Toyota Prius in the New York suburbs said Monday they agreed with federal regulators that driver error caused it. According to USA Today, the investigation found that the driver, Gloria Rosel, never braked before she crashed into a wall, Harrison police Capt. Anthony Marraccini said. The vehicle accelerator in this case was depressed 100 percent at the time of collision, and there was absolutely no indication of any brake application, Marraccini said. The finding concurs with that of U.S. safety regulators, who said last week that the car’s computers showed the throttle was open and the brakes not applied. Toyota spokesman Wade Hoyt said the investigation showed that the company’s cars are safe, and that if you step on the brake they’ll stop, even if the accelerator is glued to the floor. Technicians from Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as the police department’s own consultants, examined the wreck outside police headquarters in Harrison on Wednesday. The Prius is equipped with an event data recorder, or “black box,” designed to record the state of the car at the moment of an impact.
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Recall, Toyota, Toyota Campaign, Toyota Recall, Used Lexus
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Best Car Overall
Lexus LS 460L
The LS scored an outstanding 99 out of 100 in our road test, making it our highest-rated vehicle. This large cruiser pampers its passengers with a comfortable ride and luxurious driving environment, including a roomy, well-crafted, and exceptionally quiet interior. It offers a plethora of electronic amenities, including an optional self-parking system. Yet, its controls are easy to use. Although the LS isn’t exactly fun to drive, its efficient 380-hp V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver smooth, brisk acceleration and a relatively good 21 mpg overall, the same as a Honda Accord V6. All-wheel drive and a hybrid version are available. Price: $76,572.
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Consumer Reports, Consumer Reports Best Car Overall, Lexus Certified Pre-Owned, Lexus Chicago, Lexus LS 460, Lexus LS 460 L, McGrath Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Pre-Owned Lexus, Used Lexus
Posted in Public Interest | No Comments »
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
By CHERYL JENSEN, NY TIMES
In spite of all the recalls, Toyota was ranked third in the annual spring auto issue of Consumer Reports, the same rank the carmaker had last year.
The magazine rankings are based on the performance, comfort, utility and reliability of more than 280 vehicles.
Toyota builds extremely good, reliable cars, said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. “I think once they get through all the recalls,” he said, “you’ll see that they are a very, very reliable manufacturer.”
Honda (which includes Acura models) and Subaru were tied for first place, the fourth year that Honda was the leading manufacturer. They were followed by Toyota, and Hyundai (including Kia) was ranked fourth, up from ninth last year.
American manufacturers fared poorly. Ford was ranked 11th, moving up one place from last year. General Motors and Chrysler occupied the bottom two slots, respectively.
But the big surprise was Toyota (including Lexus and Scion), though it was not all good news. The magazine ended up dropping a couple of Toyota models from the Top Picks after the company suspended sales because of the recall.
Mr. Champion said that “it was a little bit of a stretch to say we recommend you go out and buy a Highlander when you couldn’t actually go out and buy one.”
There was another surprise. Although Honda was ranked the best manufacturer, the brand did not receive a single top pick, the first time that’s happened to the company since 1998.
Top Picks are chosen from among more than 280 vehicles that Consumer Reports evaluates. They must perform well in road tests, have average or better predicted reliability and perform adequately in safety tests. They must offer electronic stability control as standard equipment or as a readily available option.
There were six new vehicles on the list, marking a shift from Japanese automakers dominating the top spots. Newcomers are the Chevrolet Silverado and Traverse, Mazda 5, Nissan Altima, Subaru Forester and Volkswagen GTI. The other Top Picks are the Hyundai Elantra SE, Infiniti G37, Lexus LS 460L and the Toyota Prius.
The Nissan Altima replaces the Honda Accord as the best Family Sedan and is one example of changes taking place in a very competitive industry.
“Honda is starting to get passed over in many categories,” said Jake Fisher, the magazine’s senior automotive engineer, even though they rank tops in the “report card.”
“Honda over all does well, they don’t have many bad vehicles. Honda used to be known for great powertrains and great fuel efficiency, and now they are behind most of the top vehicles in terms of fuel economy. That’s unheard of from Honda.”
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Lexus Chicago, Lexus LS 460 L, McGrath Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Recall, Toyota, Toyota Campaign, Toyota Recall, Used Lexus
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Friday, February 19th, 2010
That vague screeching noise you hear in D.C., the slight odor of burning rubber? That’s the government trying to brake its anti-Toyota campaign. It may be a little late, according to Kimberley A. Strassel at the Wall Street Journal. The Toyota spectacle has become slightly surreal, as a few uncertain questions about “sudden acceleration” morphed into a media and political firestorm over the safety of its entire fleet. It is also proving an interesting case study in the treacherous politics that accompany government ownership of U.S. industry. Washington’s initial enthusiasm in bashing Toyota is beginning to backfire. The results of this campaign are now making pols queasy. It was inevitable that such a loud attack would lead to questions as to whether the administration was carrying water for the domestic industry. The White House is today fielding as many queries about its role as owner and regulator as Toyota is fielding about recalls. Toyota has not yet laid off a single one of its 34,000 U.S. workers, but that may change. Only a year ago, lawmakers made noise about economic damage if GM or Chrysler went bust. They forestalled that with government ownership. They, and Toyota, are now dealing with the all-too-easy-to-predict political behavior that followed such meddling in the private economy.
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Pre-Owned Lexus, Recall, Toyota, Toyota Campaign, Toyota Recall, Used Cars, Used Lexus
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Saturday, January 30th, 2010
Jan. 30–Toyota this week issued a “stop sales order” to address a safety-related defect associated with a significant percentage of its new-vehicle fleet. Click here for the company’s Jan. 26 message to its dealers. No Lexus Division vehicles are effected.
Dealers of all makes have voiced concern about the action. Important, the suspension of sales is confined to certain new Toyota models; used Toyotas are not involved. Also, no Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by the stop sale.
Toyota dealers should carefully review the link above. Following is some information on the relevant provisions of the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act (the “Safety Act”) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations that govern safety-related vehicle defect recalls.
1. The federal Safety Act prohibits the sale and delivery of new vehicles subject to orders such as the one Toyota issued yesterday unless and until the defect is corrected. 49 USC 30120(i)(1). (It is our understanding that Toyota does not yet have a remedy for the defect that can be applied to the new vehicles in dealer inventory.) This prohibition does not prohibit dealers from offering such vehicles for sale, as long as the dealer does not sell or lease the vehicles. 49 USC 30120(i)(2); 49 CFR Part 573.11(b).
2. While there is no recall remedy yet available for in-use (used) vehicles, the resale of such vehicles is not prohibited by the federal Safety Act. 49 USC 30112(b). However, other laws, including state product liability laws, may impose liability in this situation if (1) a dealer chooses to sell a used vehicle containing the safety-related defect, especially in the face of Toyota’s instructions that new vehicles should not be sold, and (2) that used vehicle is in an accident involving the defect.
3. The federal Safety Act contains provisions to ensure dealers receive compensation when a “stop sales order” is issued. These include:
· an obligation either to repurchase vehicles subject to defect recalls or to provide a remedy for dealers to implement immediately. Regardless, manufacturers must also compensate dealers with an additional 1% of the price they paid for such vehicles, per month, prorated from the receipt of the “stop sales” notice until the vehicle is repurchased or the remedy is implemented. 49 USC 30116(a) and (b); and
· compensation for parts and labor associated with the remedy. 49 USC 30116(b) and 30120(f).
4. In contrast to a safety recall to address a non-compliance with the federal motor vehicle safety standards, the federal Safety Act does not directly prohibit a manufacturer from selling to a dealer a vehicle that contains a known safety-related defect. However, as noted in point 3. above, the federal Safety Act would immediately require the manufacturer either to repurchase such a vehicle once it was sold to the dealer or to provide an immediate remedy to the dealer free of charge. And, as also noted above, it is our understanding that Toyota does not have a remedy for the defect that can be applied to the new vehicles in dealer inventory or which are in transit to dealerships.
Tags: Campaign, Chicago Lexus, Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Pre-Owned Lexus, Recall, Toyota, Toyota Campaign, Toyota Recall, Toyota stop sale, Used Lexus
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
The auto industry stepped up efforts this week to help with relief work in Haiti, where death toll estimates now run as high as 200,000 after last Tuesday’s earthquake. According to Automotive News, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. said today its North American companies are donating more than $300,000 to the Red Cross. The company also said it is contributing portable generators, water pumps, and other Honda products. The largest automotive contributor to the effort so far has been Toyota Motor North America Inc. Toyota said Friday that it is donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross, Save the Children, and Doctors Without Borders. Hyundai Motor Co., pledged yesterday to give $100,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Nissan donated $30,000 to the Red Cross last Thursday. It says it eventually will provide more than $100,000 for the Haitian earthquake relief effort. Nissan’s program includes a $25,000 cash donation from Nissan North America and a $5,000 cash donation from Nissan Canada Inc. The automaker also will match the first $25,000 in employee donations, for a combined employee-company contribution of up to $50,000, and will give $52,000 to Habitat for Humanity International to construct 13 houses in Haiti as rebuilding programs get under way.
Tags: Chicago Lexus, Earthquake, Haiti, Haitian, Haitian Relief, Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Pre-Owned Lexus, Used Lexus
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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
Late Surge in Car Sales Raises Hopes for 2010!
A December recovery in car sales is starting to ease fears that the historic plunge in the U.S. auto market in 2009 would repeat itself this year. According to the Wall Street Journal, in recent days, sales have been brisk as auto makers stepped up incentive programs and took advantage of customers willing to buy without the aid of government rebates that spiked sales last summer. “We are seeing an increase across the board,” said Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst at Edmunds.com, a car-buying Web site. She cited higher-than-expected gains at BMW AG, Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., Toyota Motor Co.’s Lexus, and General Motor Co.’s soon-to-be-shuttered Saturn and Pontiac brands. Auto makers are set to release December sales data on Tuesday. Many industry analysts now expect the seasonally adjusted annualized selling rate in December to be more than 11 million cars and trucks. Such a figure would mark the second-best month of 2009 after August, which received a major jolt from the “Cash for Clunkers” government rebate program. According to an analysis of the car industry last week by Credit Suisse, a bright spot is that good products can still break through.
Tags: Chicago Lexus, GX460, Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus, McGrath Lexus Chicago, McGrath Lexus of Chicago, Used Lexus
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