Toyota of Hollywood partners with EMA on School Garden Project
Toyota of Hollywood (an LAcarGUY dealership) is proud to announce our sponsorship of Environmental Media Association’s (EMA) School Garden Program at Helen Bernstein High School. This program is an innovative initiative between the EMA and the LAUSD to support gardens and greenery in urban schools across Los Angeles.
Community and environmental causes have always been a priority for LAcarGUY dealerships so we were excited to provide a hands-on educational opportunity through the Helen Bernstein school garden. This “living classroom” will enrich the learning experience for all students at Helen Bernstein and will help develop healthier food choices and eating patterns that can last a lifetime.
EMA launched an ongoing partnership with LAUSD to support gardens and greenery in urban schools across Los Angeles. The school garden will be a great opportunity for the children take their learning beyond the four walls, in a more dynamic environment. Math, science, nutrition, health, and fitness can all be taught through the use of these gardens. In addition to the garden itself, EMA will also provide a celebrity mentoring program for students with a member of their Young Hollywood Board that includes Amy Smart, Nicole Richie, Maroon 5 and Rosario Dawson!
We will continue to bring you updates and pictures of our newly adopted garden. If you’re involved in growing your own fruits and vegetables in your backyard, tell us your story and send in pictures. We would love to see them! We’ll continue to bring you updates and pictures of our newly adopted garden. If you’re involved in growing your own fruits and vegetables in your backyard, tell us your story and send in pictures. We would love to see them!
Mike Sullivan Explains Why Fisker Santa Monica Is His Recycled Dealership
Rather than build an entire new building for our new Fisker Santa Monica store, we took an existing building that was our former Lexus Santa Monica store, remodeled it to be as green as we can be, and will be selling the first truly Eco-conscious luxury car, the Fisker Karma.
Let’s let Mike Sullivan tell you all about it.
LAcarGUY Leads The Way At The National Plugin Day EV Parade
Sunday was National Plug-in Day (October 16, 2011), with over 200 EV drivers taking part in a parade of electric vehicles in Santa Monica, California over the weekend and LAcarGUY was there with Mike Sullivan driving the Prius Plugin and Kelly Sullivan driving the Fisker Karma! Congresswoman Janice Hahn of California along with California state Senator Fran Pavley, Chris Paine and actor Ed Bedgley Jr. were just a few of the other well known people who drove their personal EV’s in the parade.
With 200+ vehicles participating this years event was the largest-ever plug-in vehicle parade and biggest grassroots EV event, the parade in Santa Monica was mirrored by similar displays in 20 cities across the US.
Organised by not-for-profit EV advocate group Plug-in America, the day saw new and legacy plug-in vehicles from the likes of GM, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, smart, Ford, Tesla and Coda take part in the flagship parade through downtown Santa Monica.
“Only a few years ago, major automakers were literally crushing electric cars. Today, virtually every auto company in the world is selling or developing a plug-in car, and consumers are snapping up each and every one, stimulating our economy while helping the environment,” said Plug In America co-founder Paul Scott.
You can see all of the pictures we took from the event on out Flickr page, just click this link to take you there.
LAcarGUY Joins In For National Plugin Day
On Sunday, October 16, Plug In America, Electric Auto Association and Sierra Club are celebrating National Plug In Day around the country, and in Santa Monica, LAcarGUY will be participating in the EV Parade with two cars. Read more 
Toyota Hollywood Provides Prius’ For Three Hollywood Starts To Attend 2011 EMA Awards
Toyota Hollywood will be providing three Black Prius’ for the 21st Annual Environmental Media Association awards October 15th at the Warner Brother’s lot. We will be driving Emmanuelle Chriqui, Perrey Reeves and Constance Zimmer.
Emmanuelle loves the Prius, as she has purchased two from Toyota Hollywood already!
Providing Prius’ is something we at Toyota Hollywood do every year! We love to drive celebrities to events like the EMA Awards, however we did not know who we were actually driving to the event this year until Wednesday night!
The annual EMA Awards honor film and television personalities, productions, musicians and musical tours that convey environmental messages in the most creative and influential ways. Since 1991, the EMA Awards has been the only program solely devoted to celebrating the entertainment industry’s environmental efforts. A pioneer in linking the power of celebrity to environmental awareness, it was EMA who invented the ‘green carpet,’ launching the concept of taking a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle, not a limo, to the annual Awards show.
LAcarGUY Takes Part In 6th AltCar Show And Showcases The Best In Technology
LAcarGUY was well represented at the 6th Alt Car Show, which took place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on September 30 and October 1, with vehicles from 4 of our dealerships. Inside the display area the new FISKER KARMA was featured and ended up being the hit of the show. Toyota Santa Monica did have the Prius V available for test drives during the well-attended weekend. Also available for test drives were the new CT 200h and the HS250h from Lexus Santa Monica as well as the new redesigned 2012 Passat TDI and the VW Golf TDI from Volkswagen Santa Monica. There was never a lull for test drives throughout the entire two days. Toyota future vehicles were also on display, with the 2012 RAV EV and Prius PHV receiving plenty of attention!
The Frankfurt Motor Show Introduces the All-New 2013 Lexus GS 450h
As a leader in hybrid technology, Lexus reinforces its commitment to furthering the technology with the all-new 2013 GS 450h. When it was first introduced in 2007, the GS 450h was the first hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan to hit the market. Today, it is the world’s first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system, in a front engine-rear wheel drive vehicle.
Equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, GS 450h engineers have aimed for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing exhilarating performance. As with all Lexus hybrid vehicles, the new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating the gas-only or electric-only modes, as well as a combination of both.
“The all-new GS 450h will provide our customers with an exciting blend of performance and precision in a new hybrid package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager in the U.S. “With its dynamic exterior styling, roomy interior and advanced technology features, the GS 450h further demonstrates Lexus’ mastery of the luxury hybrid.”
With total system output of 338 hp, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds is effortless. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 30 percent. The GS 450h is targeting certification as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II). The new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver is able to customize the driving experience using Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.
A newly redesigned suspension system guides the 2013 GS through corners with precision. The standard 17-inch alloy wheels are paired with 225/50R7 tires while the optional 18-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 235/45R18 tires. The Electronically Controlled Braking (ECB) system characteristics have been modified to provide greater responsiveness from the first touch of the pedal. Improvements in driving dynamics are accomplished through such advanced technologies as Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS). Other cutting-edge systems available on the GS 450h include the Lexus Dynamic Handling System which integrates AVS, DRS, variable gear-ratio steering and the latest iteration of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. Also offered are an advanced pre-crash safety system, Lane-Keep Assist (LKA), blind-spot monitor, Lexus’ Night View system and a head-up display.
On the outside, the 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. Exclusive to the hybrid model is a unique three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and Lexus-first high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row. In addition, the rear bumper covers the exhaust pipe apertures. The GS 450h can also be distinguished by Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.
On the inside, this hybrid will share the same luxuries and technologies as its gas counterpart, including next generation Remote Touch; analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot; and a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated. A few notable differences include a bamboo-finished steering wheel, which reinforces the sustainability of the GS 450h, and the hybrid monitor.
“There is no other mid-luxury hybrid like the new GS 450h,” said Templin. “The handling, acceleration, and design of this Lexus hybrid are impeccable. We can’t wait for customers to drive one.”
Make sure that you follow us on Facebook and Twitter so that you know when the all new GS arrives in our showroom!
Toyota Santa Monica Sponsors “The New World F.E.S.T.”
The New World F.E.S.T (Festival of Eco-Friendly Science and Technology), a large-scale, outdoor eco-festival and exposition that will take place October 7 – 9, 2011, just steps from the sand in Santa Monica.
Six-time national US Open sand sculpting champions Archisand will create a majestic sculpture – live – including an eco-mural featuring the first “Sand-Made Prius” courtesy of Toyota Santa Monica. The vehicle chosen is the new, larger Prius v. Sand sculpting has become a popular art form, and Archisand’s amazing work can be viewed at www.socalsandcastles.com. Toyota Santa Monica us the largest hybrid dealer in America and a longtime award-winning proponent and practitioner of sustainable living.
The New World F.E.S.T is a celebration of eco-friendliness and forward-thinking science. Its mission is to present educational content in a desirable (beachfront) setting and entertaining manner, so that important messages about “a smart future” and “the greening of the planet” are best retained. (www.theneworldfest.com) It features 150 exhibitors and 6 performance stages which offer live music, innovative demonstrations, guest speakers, panel discussions, natural cooking workshops, yoga classes, family entertainment, plus an eco-theater screening environmentally-focused films and documentaries, a ‘spiritual oasis’ with health and wellness products/techniques, futuristic technology, and a remarkable Sustainable Art exhibition with 30 artists showcasing their creative use of repurposed and recycled objects, including many live installations.
LAcarGUY Shows Its Support of Sustainable Works in More Ways Than One
LAcarGUY has shows its support of Sustainable Works is through participation in the annual fundraising event. For the past two years, Lexus Santa Monica has been a title sponsor for this event. For the event this year, we are donating the use of the gorgeous Lexus Showroom. Tickets are on sale now! General: $75 in Advance, $90 at the Door, Member: $60 in Advance, $75 at the Door and Students: $30 in Advance, $45 at the Door. At the silent auction, participants can bid on experiential items such as Marina Del Rey parasailing, Segway LA rentals, and Trapeze School New York training.
The event will also feature Toyota and Lexus’ current line up of 5 hybrid vehicles including the new sporty 2012 Lexus CT 200h. We also encourage you to be part of our Driving Green program. Purchase a hybrid from our LAcarGUY.com/green/driving-green sight and we will donate $100 to a local charity selected by you.
As part of LAcarGUY’s continued commitment to the environment, Lexus Santa Monica recently completed Sustainable Work’s recognized Business Greening Program. The goal of the program was the increase the dealership’s resource efficiency, reduce waste and improve the “green” bottom line.
Working together with Sustainable Works, who provided on-site assessment, substantial resources, and employee education over a 2-month period, Lexus Santa Monica was able to achieve the following significant results:
*Eco-procurement increase 100%
*Energy reduction 8%
*Waste reduction 50%
*Toxic chemical cleaning reduction 56%
The steps taken to complete the Business Greening Program included simple strategies like eliminating Styrofoam cups and plates in the staff room, to the more complex like reducing the number of toxic chemicals used in cleaning products from nine to four. Other measures included:
*Purchased 100% Post Consumer Recycled paper and notepads
*Switched to FSC certified paper towels
*Added a new Energy Star dishwasher to the employee break room
*Increase the number and variety of recycling bins throughout the dealership to separate cans, glass, mixed paper, plastic and cardboard
*Provided separate containers for batteries, CFLs, and other electronics containing hazardous materials
*Implemented the use of “Certified Green” hand soaps, glass cleaner, and multi-purpose cleaners
LAcarGUY strongly believes that these initiatives go farther beyond simply greening a business. The hope is to increase awareness that even small changes can improve the health of employees, the community, and the planet.
Stop by Lexus Santa Monica on Thursday, October 6th between 6-11pm and support a great cause.
200 Year Old History on the Floors at Fisker Santa Monica
Keeping inline with LAcarGUY’s commitment to the environment and championing sustainability initiatives. we have made every effort to minimize the carbon footprint of the Fisker Santa Monica dealership.
One particular feature we would like to tell you about is the showroom floor. LAcarGUY has partnered with DeadHead Lumber Company to reclaim the wood from two old launchways at the former Snow’s shipyard in Rockland, Maine. The shipyard dates back to the 1800s, but the site is no longer in use. As a result, the launchways were left in disrepair. The owner was concerned about the timbers breaking loose in a storm and potentially causing a navigational hazard. DeadHead Lumber was called in to help with the removal.
DeadHead Lumber Company focuses on reclaiming sunken logs from Maine lakes and rivers. DeadHead logs share a rich history with Maine’s legendary logging industry. Referred to as “deadheads,” these historically significant logs sank during the log drives across Maine’s lakes and rivers beginning in the early 1600s. Hardwood logs, which could not be floated downriver, were chained to buoyant softwoods and rafted to the mills for processing. Since the weather on northern Maine lakes changes quickly and dramatically, many rafts were lost or abandoned during storms.
Resting undisturbed, these logs were perfectly preserved by Maine’s fresh water and protected from timber’s worst enemies–direct sunlight, pests, and oxygen. Centuries later, these sunken treasures are finally being recovered.
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In these images, the long beams are hemlock and pine; and the cross beams are oak. The beams were brought back to DeadHead Lumber’s yard; and were denailed and despiked, and finally sawn into thick 6/4 planks. The unique color of the beams are a result of being submerged with large steel spikes in them. As the spikes eroded, that caused what is called ‘iron tannate’ stain which results in the darkening of the wood.
Once the beams are cut into lumber, they are sent to a factory in Quebec where they are sliced into very thick veneer. The factory then re-submerges the wood in large vats of water and heats them up in order to soften the wood fibers for slicing. The process of vatting and slicing takes about one week. After the veneers are sliced, they are immediately passed through a hot dryer to lower the moisture content to about 6-8% and then packaged for shipment back to Maine.
A company in Kennebunkport, Maine that specializes in custom cutting and laying up veneer on base panels trims, grades and glues the veneers to the base panels. After the layup process is complete, the raw panels are brought to a custom millwork shop in Massachusetts for face sanding and to mould the tongue and groove. The unfinished flooring planks are then brought back to DeadHead Lumber’s shop in Scarborough and the Bona Kemi Natural finish is applied. The planks are then wrapped and packaged for shipment.
We feel very fortunate to have been able to include the work of DeadHead Lumber Company in our dealership. Just thinking about how those trees were logged by people 200 years ago and how they’ve been sitting underwater for over 200 years, it seems almost magical that they are now available for people to appreciate today! We invite you to visit the dealership to walk on a piece of history and experience them for yourself.
