Lexus Canada thanks AutoNerve and the many Canadians who voted for the Lexus RX 450h in the 2010 awards.

AutoNerve magazine serves more than 1.5 million Chinese-Canadians across Canada, the first and only Canadian automotive publication in the Chinese language. AutoNerve readers were invited to vote for the best model in eight categories.

The 2010 Chinese-Canadian Consumers Car Choice Awards winners are featured in the May/June issue of AutoNerve Magazine.

Rapid changes in the value of the Canadian dollar mean that consumers are experiencing market conditions that are almost unprecedented in Canadian history. This uncertainty also impacts Canadian manufacturers and retailers – and those in the auto industry are no exception.

Lexus in Canada is addressing this issue in a responsible manner – one we believe will continue to provide real value to our new and current guests and the Canadians we employ both directly and indirectly.

As we make adjustments to meet current market conditions, we continue to return to a basic tenet: Value. Each vehicle made for sale in Canada is specifically equipped for the Canadian marketplace. We carefully select certain options and features, on a model-by-model basis, that we believe are best suited for Canada’s challenging climate and driving conditions and the tastes of our guests. These may differ from equipment and options selected for vehicles distributed and sold in the U.S. market. Guests might believe that the only real difference between Canadian and U.S. vehicles relates to vehicle gauges (which are in kilometres on vehicles made for Canada and in miles on those destined for the United States). Depending on the model, however, Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles may include any of the following features:

* Heavy-duty heaters, batteries, and alternators;
* High capacity window washer fluid reservoirs;
* More robust weather stripping and seals;
* Added paint chip protection;
* Mudguards;
* Block heaters;
* All-season tires;
* An outside temperature gauge;
* Heated mirrors;
* Towing packages (for SUVs).

Flexible, open and valuable incentives

Lexus in Canada is also committed to providing flexible, open and valuable incentives to Canadian drivers. What’s more, we have structured our current programs and incentives on a wide variety of vehicles to provide as much value as possible to everyone who purchases, leases or finances any qualifying vehicle through their local Lexus Dealer – not just those few who can buy a vehicle outright.

Price respositioning

Pricing on the 2008 Lexus GS-series has been carefully repositioned by a combination of the introduction of lower Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail pricing (MSRP) and/or the addition of upgraded value in the form of new standard features and specifications as compared to comparable 2007 models. For instance, Lexus guests benefit from the introduction of a lower MSRP and the inclusion of a host of upgraded new standard features and equipment valued at over $8,700 on the base model GS 350 AWD as compared to the comparable 2007 model.

Additional incentives

In addition to price repositioning, Lexus in Canada is offering our guests great cash credit incentives on many of our most popular 2007 and 2008 Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles. Please visit our promotions page for a current list of incentives available in Canada or see your local Lexus dealer for details.

All Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles are also automatically covered by the Lexus enhanced Alternate Transportation Program.

A streamlined financing or leasing process

Beyond this, Made-for-Canada vehicles are eligible for available new vehicle promotions, programs, and incentives offered by Lexus Financial Services in Canada. Lexus Financial Services has committed to offering very aggressive leasing and financing rate reductions on popular Lexus vehicles – not only current 2008 models, but also many from the 2007 model year. Lexus Financial Services has also waived the security deposits on all 2007 and 2008 models leased in December.

Add it up

Best of all, these incentives – the price repositioning, programs, and attractive finance and lease rates – are designed to provide our cash, lease and finance guests with as much value as possible. We feel it’s unfair to ask Canadians to choose between incentives and low rates, so many of our vehicles are available with both. In this way, Canadians realize genuine value when purchasing, leasing or financing a new Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicle.

Tax/government considerations

But there’s more: New Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles may be eligible for certain incentives provided by the Canadian Federal and/or certain provincial governments. These include:

* The Federal ecoAUTO rebate for fuel-efficient vehicles; and
* Provincial sales tax breaks and rebates for hybrid vehicles.

Vehicles purchased in the U.S. will not qualify for the Federal ecoAUTO rebate, although some provincial rebates still apply. However, once imported into this country, a vehicle may still be subject to the following:

* The Green Levy (an Excise Tax) on fuel-inefficient vehicles;
* GST and provincial sales tax;
* Import duties of 6.1% on vehicles built outside North America;
* Any cost to modify or retrofit a vehicle to ensure it complies with Canadian regulations. These may include the installation of daytime running lights, seat belt anchorages, child restraint tether anchorages and modifications to comply with unique bumper requirements;
* As of September 1, 2007 a new Federal government regulation was introduced requiring every vehicle in Canada to include a robust vehicle immobilization system. All Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2007 are equipped with the Canada-specific immobilizer system.

Warranty/servicing benefits

Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles may enjoy certain warranty and servicing benefits not necessarily available for vehicles intended for other markets. These include:

* Special warranty policy adjustments and extensions from Lexus in Canada that are specific to Made-for-Canada Lexus vehicles. These may include no-cost or reduced-cost replacements of components to ensure owner satisfaction;
* A streamlined warranty process: When a Canadian Dealer works on a vehicle covered by a U.S. warranty, it may take longer to confirm coverage, secure approvals and process the repairs.
* Access to Replacement Part and Components: Lexus in Canada stocks replacement parts and components for Canadian-specified vehicles so that repairs can be completed in a timely manner. Lexus vehicles distributed in the U.S. may have equipment or components unique to the U.S. market, which may require additional lead time to secure replacement parts. This may result in additional time to carry out any necessary repairs or servicing.
* Lexus in Canada offers optional extended coverage for servicing and repairs (ECP – Extra Care Protection). This coverage is only available for Made-for-Canada vehicles.
* Special Service Campaigns: Owners of Lexus vehicles purchased in the United States may not receive timely notification of safety-related service campaigns. In addition, where a safety recall is specific to a U.S. vehicle, a Canadian dealer may not be able to carry out any necessary repairs quickly if replacement parts are not readily available in Canada. Securing replacement parts from U.S. sources may require additional lead-time, resulting in delays in carrying out any necessary repairs or servicing.

A trusted relationship

Lexus has been a part of Canadians’ lives for almost two decades and in that time we’ve experienced economic swings. Through all of this, Lexus’ presence in Canada has steadily grown. Lexus in Canada now supports more than 30 independently owned Lexus Dealers who serve our guests from coast to coast.

Buying or leasing a Made-for-Canada Lexus establishes a trusted relationship that will last throughout the ownership experience:

* Guests gain access to Canadian Lexus Dealers’ expertise on Made-for-Canada vehicle specifications;
* Guests benefit from Canadian Lexus Dealers’ knowledge of Canadian support and service programs.
* Guests are automatically enrolled in Club Lexus for online tracking of a vehicle’s service history, participation in Dealer and Nationally sponsored events, guest financial information and warranty information.

Lexus’ investment in Canada

Lexus in Canada has also expanded in this country beyond sales and service by building Canadian-based operations responsible for vehicle parts and distribution, employee and Lexus Dealer staff training, warranty and guest service, wholesale and retail vehicle financing and vehicle and part manufacturing.

* In Cambridge, Ontario, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) employs some 4,600 Canadians directly to produce some of the most popular vehicles in Canada and the United States, including the Lexus RX 350.
* In addition to direct employment, Lexus’s operations indirectly generate thousands of jobs for Canadians working at components suppliers, logistics companies, and other partners.

The story continues…

As Lexus has grown in Canada, Lexus in Canada has consistently monitored the health of the economy and has adjusted its products and services accordingly to help ensure Canadians receive genuine value for their dollar – regardless of its strength in currency markets.

The Canadian dollar’s recent strength has set new modern day records, reaching and surpassing parity with the U.S. dollar. As we move forward in these uncertain economic times, Lexus in Canada will stay attuned to market conditions and respond as quickly as possible, and in a responsible manner, to continue to deliver value to Canadians.

At a press conference in Detroit on June 4, 2008, the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) cited Lexus quality once again as two Lexus models lead their respective segments for 2008. The LS 460 and LS 600h L ranked first among this year in the Large Premium Car segment, and the RX 350 and RX 400h took top spot in the Premium Multi Activity Vehicle segment.

In the Assembly Plant Quality Award recipients, the Tahara plant was awarded with bronze for the lowest number of defects per 100 vehicles in plants across North America and Asia. The Tahara plant is located in Japan and builds several Lexus models such as GS 350, GS 460, GS 450h, GX 470, IS Series, LS 460 and LS 600h.

Expected to arrive in Canada in late spring 2009, the widely anticipated IS 250C and IS 350C retractable hard-top convertibles made their world debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The sporty new four-seat IS convertibles feature a seamlessly integrated three-panel roof that fully retracts in approximately 21 seconds and folds away tightly to provide compact packaging and convenient luggage space.

Lexus engineers have also made innovative modifications to the IS body structure and suspension to ensure exceptional top-down handling and ride comfort, as well as minimal noise and vibration when the top is up. The IS 250C and the IS 350C offer the same powertrains as their IS sedan counterparts, with all the style and fun of open air cruising.

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has declared the 2008 Lexus IS F the winner in the Best New Sports/Performance Car Over $50k category following its 2009 Canadian Car of the Year TestFest. The powerful IS F features a high performance 5.0-litre 416-hp V8 engine, the world’s first 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, and variable driver-selected handling dynamics.

Every fall, more than 70 AJAC members put hundreds of vehicles through four days of thorough “real world” testing and evaluation at the annual TestFest. This year’s 14 category winners were announced in October following member voting. AJAC will announce its choice for 2009 Canadian Car of the Year from the category winners at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

The next generation RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid made their world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November and will go sale in Canada early next year. Completely redesigned inside and out, the all-new 2010 RX series features enhanced powertrains, new suspensions and advanced Lexus-first technology to set new benchmarks for performance, style, utility and comfort.

The third generation RX 350, built in Cambridge, Ontario, is driven by a 275-horsepower V6 engine mated to an electronically controlled, sequential-shift six- speed transaxle. The new all-wheel-drive RX 350 features an Active Torque Control AWD system that responds to changing driving conditions by optimizing torque for improved performance and efficiency.

The new RX 450h, the only luxury hybrid crossover in its class, features an enhanced Lexus Hybrid Drive system that delivers advanced power and performance as well as outstanding efficiency. The RX 450h’s innovative hybrid technology combines an efficient 3.5-litre V6 gas engine with a powerful electric motor, producing 295 net horsepower### and up to 70% fewer smog forming emissions.**

All 2010 RX models offer several new Lexus interior and safety features, like the available Heads-up Display, intuitive Remote Touch and navigation system, and standard class-leading 10 airbag system. The all-new 2010 RX 350 arrives at Canadian Lexus dealerships in February 2009, and the 2010 RX 450h next spring.

### View site disclaimers
** Zero emissions when HV battery charge and the engine temperature are at sufficient levels.

2008 Lexus IS F Voted Best New Sports/Performance Car Over $50k

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has declared the 2008 Lexus IS F the winner in the Best New Sports/Performance Car Over $50k category following its 2009 Canadian Car of the Year TestFest. The powerful IS F features a high performance 5.0-litre 416-hp V8 engine, the world’s first 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, and variable driver-selected handling dynamics.

Every fall, more than 70 AJAC members put hundreds of vehicles through four days of thorough “real world” testing and evaluation at the annual TestFest. This year’s 14 category winners were announced in October following member voting. AJAC will announce its choice for 2009 Canadian Car of the Year from the category winners at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

“Expected to arrive in Canada in late spring 2009, the widely anticipated IS 250C and IS 350C retractable hard-top convertibles made their world debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show in October. The sporty new four-seat IS convertibles feature a seamlessly integrated three-panel roof that fully retracts in approximately 21 seconds and folds away tightly to provide compact packaging and convenient luggage space.

Lexus engineers have also made innovative modifications to the IS body structure and suspension to ensure exceptional top-down handling and ride comfort, as well as minimal noise and vibration when the top is up. The IS 250C and the IS 350C offer the same powertrains as their IS sedan counterparts, with all the style and fun of open air cruising.”

By: Myron Love (Updated: August 1 at 02:25 PM CDT)

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/autos/story/4206947p-4799299c.html

The Birchwood Auto Group’s nine dealerships have become Winnipeg’s newest Wi-Fi hot spots.

“MTS normally focuses on places such as restaurants and libraries for its Wi-Fi service,” says Kevin McNeill, director of information systems for the Birchwood Group. “We are the first auto dealers to offer the service.”

McNeill reports that there was some demand for the Internet service, particularly from customers from luxury vehicle stores (such as Birchwood BMW MINI, Woodhaven Lexus Toyota and the combination Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover store all at the Pointe West AutoPark in Headingley). “We decided to roll out the program at all of our stores,” McNeill says.

Birchwood customers are now able to bring their laptops with them when they bring their vehicles in for servicing, get the access code and go online for up to 60 minutes at a time while waiting for their vehicles.