2013 Lexus GS Lanch Event At Lexus Santa Monica
There are only a few hours left to RSVP for the 2013 Lexus GS Launch Event being held at Lexus Santa Monica on Thursday February 2nd from 6:30PM until 9:30PM.
There will be Valet Parking, Appetizers, Wine and Soft Drinks, plus Live Music!
Make sure that you RSVP to lexusevents@LAcarGUY.com
Lexus Santa Monica is located at 1501 Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica. We look forward to seeing you here!
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!
Join LAcarGUY At The AltCar Expo Friday And Saturday
Join LAcarGUY at the 6th Annual AltCar Expo & Conference Friday September 30th and Saturday October 1st from 10am until 5pm at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
This event provides one of the most extensive presentations of Alternative technology vehicles and transportation, infrastructure, renewable energies, energy efficiency and urban planning found worldwide.
There will also be world renowned experts speaking to consumers and professionals about what is possible in todays world and the differences we all can make.
LAcarGUY will be out in force, we will have Volkswagen Santa Monica bringing the Golf TDI, Touareg TDI and the all new 2012 Passat TDI, Lexus Santa Monica will be bringing the Lexus HS 250h and the CT 200h, Toyota Santa Monica is bringing two Prius Hybrid and 5 Prius plug-ins for the ride and drive as well as the 2012 Camry and 2012 Rav 4 and Rav EV on Display. Fisker Santa Monica will have a booth with the Karma on display.
Admission is free, we hope to see you there.
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.
Lexus Santa Monica Joins In For “Truth Be Told-Stories of Hope, Healing & Courage”
Tickets are now on sale at www.truthbetold2011.org for “Truth Be Told-Stories of Hope, Healing & Courage” — the first fundraising event of its kind benefiting the Premiere Oncology Foundation.
The evening begins with a silent auction with more than 60 items, cocktail reception featuring Justin Timberlake’s 901 Tequila and catering by Citron, art and jewelry boutique. The show, hosted by Emmy Award winner Bradley Whitford of West Wing and The Mentalist fame, will include more than a dozen compelling and inspirational stories told by current patients, survivors, caregivers and health care providers. Musical, theatrical and comedic performances will also be woven throughout the evening. The vignettes will be uplifting, funny and moving. A sampling of those planning to share their stories include cancer survivor and Emmy award-winning comedy writer and comedian Monica Piper, Julie Carruthers, cancer survivor, motivational speaker and one-legged surfer; and performance artist and three-time cancer survivor Jonna Tamases. The evening’s performances also include a wide range of inspirational music from soul, to opera, jazz and even a knockout gospel choir.
Located in Santa Monica, the Premiere Oncology Foundation is a research and treatment center founded in 2004 by Dr. Lee Rosen, a world-renowned researcher and medical oncologist. Rosen sees this as “a poignant way to honor those who have fought and continue to fight with such courage” and notes “I am often asked how I cope daily with the lives and treatment of cancer patients and I feel the answer lies in these inspiring stories. It’s now time to share them.”
The gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17th at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, located at 1310 11th Street. Parking is free.
The silent auction will feature one-of-a-kind items including a brand new Lexus from Lexus of Santa Monica, tickets to the 2012 Masters Final Round, a taping of 2 ½ Men on the Warner Brothers lot, Fighter Pilot For A Day, Astronaut For A Day, fun vacation getaways as local as Santa Monica and as far as New York and New Orleans, Indy Car Driver for A Day, golf at Pebble Beach, dinner for two at many of the best Santa Monica and West LA eateries and much more.
General Admission tickets cost $150 and reserved seating is $300. Proceeds from this event will make a difference in the lives of cancer patients through supportive services, integrative medicine, education and oncology research. To purchase tickets and get additional information, visit www.truthbetold2011.org or call 800-595-4849 to purchase your tickets by phone. For more information about the Premiere Oncology Foundation visit http://www.premiereoncology.com.
Silent Auction: In Support of the Premiere Oncology Foundation
On Saturday, September 17th starting at 7pm, Lexus Santa Monica is honored to be part of the silent auction to be held in benefit of the Premier Oncology Foundation. The spirit of the event is THE TRUTH BE TOLD – Stories of Hope, Healing & Courage Benefit for Cancer Research. The auction will feature a new 2011 Lexus and the entire event will be held at the Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, California, 90401. For tickets visit Premiereoncology.org or call (800) 595-4849 (4TIX).
The new Lexus will be offered on a “Special One-Pay lease Program” and the starting bid, which is to be announced, includes a donation to the auction. Any additional funds raised by the auction, which will be in incremental bids of $250, will also be redirected to Premier Oncology Research Foundation as a charitable donation by Lexus Santa Monica or the bidding winner. These figures are based on an Approved Tier One Credit Score of 720+, 24 months, and 15,000 miles per year. Final selection, terms, color, and equipment will be at the winner’s discretion.
The Premiere Oncology Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the care of patients and caregivers through psychosocial support, research, education, and integrative medicine. In additional to attending the event and participating in the silent auction, there are three ways to donate: online by visiting www.premiereoncology.org, by phone using your credit card at 310.570.1474 or by mail by sending a check to the Premier Oncology Foundation, 2020 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 600, Santa Monica, CA 90404.
Please contact Neal Greene of Lexus Santa Monica at 310.453.9900 if you have any further questions or would like more information.
LAcarGUY Sponsors the Santa Monica Pier Twilight Dance Series
For the ninth consecutive year, LAcarGUY will be sponsoring the Twilight Dance Series, a production of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation, will again present ten free concerts on the deck of the Santa Monica Pier this year, beginning July 7, 2011. The concert will feature high-profile artists from all over the world, every Thursday night from 7 pm to 10 pm, bringing Southern California a treasured weekly live music experience.
Each Thursday night, this highly-attended concert series will showcase a different musical theme: The SaMo Mambo: Salsa, ‘80s Pop, Australia Rocks the Pier!, Reggae/Ska, La Monica Ballroom Then & Now, Making Waves: A Night of Surf Guitar, Tango on the Timbers, Americana, and New Orleans Funk and Blues. The Twilight Dance Series is co-produced by Los Angeles-based Rum & Humble, known for presenting both established and homegrown talent in venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre.
LAcarGUY is a presenting sponsor so come by to see us on stage and visit our booth in the concert area. Teams from our various dealerships will be present on different days and each will be bringing a special vehicle for you to checkout.
Visit us for your chance to win an iPad.
July 14: Lexus Santa Monica
Come by and checkout one of our Lexus vehicles.
July 28: Volkswagen Santa Monica
Come by and checkout the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
August 4: Toyota Santa Monica
Come by and checkout one of our hybrid vehicles.
August 11: Lexus of Santa Monica
Come by and checkout one of our Lexus vehicles.
September 1: LAcarGUY team and Volkswagen of Santa Monica
Come by to see us on stage and checkout the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Contact us if you have any question and check out the event website for further details. See you then!
LAcarGUY Wins Sustainable Quality Awards Grand Prize
LAcarGUY is proud to announce that they will be honored with the grand prize at the 2011 Sustainable Quality Awards (SQA) at the Sheraton Santa Monica from 11am – 2pm on Wednesday, April 27th. The SQAs, a partnership between the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, Sustainable Works and the City of Santa Monica, celebrates local business achievement in economic development, social responsibility, and stewardship of the environment.
LAcarGUY is the first automotive dealership to win an SQA grand prize reinforcing the company’s leadership in an industry not known for its earth friendly practices. The grand prize was based on a number of factors including:
• LAcarGUY is #1 Hybrid dealer in the world, and Toyota Santa Monica is the #1 Prius dealership in the world.
• LAcarGUY offers vehicles at varied price points that utilize different energy sources (gasoline, hybrid, electric) lending itself to all economic conditions and customer choice.
• Toyota Santa Monica won the coveted Environmental Sustainability Award presented by Senator Pavley’s office.
• LAcarGUY was the first automotive dealership in the country to install the “Level 2” SAE J-1772 EV chargers for the new plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles.
• LAcarGUY is providing open access to the chargers at no cost in order to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles.
• Lexus Santa Monica is the #1 Lexus Hybrid Dealer in the U.S.
• LAcarGUY spent close to $15 million renovating the Lexus Santa Monica dealership instead of tearing it down.
• In January 2011, a major LED retrofit was executed at Lexus Santa Monica.
• LAcarGUY created the position of Manager of the Environment, a Green Team and a Green Newsletter that includes tips for employees on how to conserve energy in the office and at home.
• LAcarGUY has a long history of giving back to the community, and in 2010 employees volunteered at 15 events for a total of 650+ pro-bono hours.
• In 2010 LAcarGUY donated $200k to a side range of environmental charities including Heal the Bay, Environmental Media Association, Global Green, Tree People and Sustainable Works.
The 16th Annual Sustainable Quality Awards are Santa Monica’s most prestigious environmental event, and will be presented by LACarGUY and Morley Builders at the Sheraton Santa Monica on April 27th, 2011. Sarah Backhouse, host of Discovery’s “Planet 100″ show is the emcee, and Evan Kleiman, host of Good Food on KCRW will give the luncheon keynote.
Please take a few minutes and enjoy some of the photos from a few of our events:
Lexus CT200H Launch Event
Heal The Bay Coast Cleanup
Toyota Santa Monica celebrates unveiling of EV Charging Stations
Arbor Day 2011
Lexus Santa Monica Unveils All-New Lexus CT 200h
More than 300 exclusive guests attended the launch of the all-new Lexus CT 200h premium compact Hybrid yesterday at Lexus Santa Monica—the first dedicated Hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment and the most affordable of the Lexus Hybrid fleet.
Drivers had the opportunity to step behind the wheel of the new sporty, cleanest luxury model, while noshing on tray passed hors d’oeuvres, a make-your-own chinese chicken salad and taco station, and beverages courtesy of HOPE Wine, VeeV Acai Liquer and O.N.E. Coconut Water. Ninety percent of the waste from the sustainable event was diverted from the landfill with the help of composting and recycling stations. All service wares and utensils were plant-based and composted after use, with Sustainable Works on hand to educate guests on reducing their waste. Exhale Spa at the Fairmont Miramar also treated ladies to complimentary manicures at their pop-up salon, with live music by DJ Mateo.
To wrap up the evening, Lexus representatives presented Lexus Santa Monica with the coveted Hybrid Sales Leadership award, which recognizes the number one Hybrid dealer in the country. This is the second consecutive year the dealership has been honored with the award. In 2010 alone, Lexus Santa Monica sold more than 560 hybrids helping push Los Angeles toward cleaner fuels.
Lexus HS250h Reception with Mike Sullivan
The Cultural Diplomat interviews Mike Sullivan on the Lexus HS250h at Lexus Santa Monica.
Visit us at http://www.lexussantamonica.com
