E-Mission Controlled
Prestigious corporate and entertainment events require prestigious cars to convey VIP guests between venues, notes Sat Bal. By their nature, luxury cars use the kind of power that periodically resurrects the green war on emissions. However, organisers of high-profile events can now make an informed choice about fleet hire according to the findings of The Chauffeur magazine. (20 June '08)
This April, the magazine awarded its "Chauffeur Car of the Year" accolade to prestige marque Lexus, for its LS 600h L model, in the hard fought £50,000 to £100,000 category. Key factors behind the judges’ decision included the Lexus hybrid system which allowed for lower emission and competitive fuel economy, build quality, and the reclining and massaging rear seats which can adapt for shiatsu back and shoulder massages with varying intensity. The ‘L’ model signifies long wheel base over the standard LS 600h saloon and provides extra rear legroom for even more comfort (pictured above).
Judged closely against the German flagship saloons from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, Lexus won the top spot in the toughest category for the most popular vehicles chosen by the chauffeuring industry.
London-based company Chauffeur-First is a leading supplier of executive cars to the corporate and events sector and is now planning to phase out BMW, Mercedes and Audi from its 60-plus vehicle fleet in favour of the new Lexus hybrids. “The Lexus cars are very stylish and sleek, and passengers think they’re fantastic," said Chauffeur-First's spokesperson. "The power is there but they’re so economical
– we‘re getting on average 40 mpg, with the best results on city streets. And because of the electronically-controlled Continuous Variable Transmission, the ride is as smooth as you could ever imagine. It’s as if there are no gear changes at all!” Chauffeur-First is contract-hiring its cars through Lexus Financial Services, and they are supplied and maintained by business centre, Lexus Woodford.
Also contributing to The Chauffeur magazine award was the Lexus Chauffeur programme which includes unique finance packages and designated staff within the Lexus Centre network for sales and service.
Editor of The Chauffeur,Paul Gibson, commented: “I am delighted to present this prestigious award to Lexus for its excellent LS 600h L, which easily fought off its rivals in this sector of the competition. The vehicle represents true luxury and gives the chauffeur everything he needs to carry out his job successfully.”
Andy Simpson, Lexus Manager for National, Corporate and Remarketing said, “We are delighted to win this award in such a competitive category. This helps to reinforce the significant benefits of Lexus hybrid drive for the business user whether as an individual car or vehicle fleet.”
Substantiating this, Harrow-based BlueSky Chauffeurs recently launched into the executive hire market with an order for five Lexus hybrid cars. "Working closely with a dedicated account manager at Lexus, our aim is to grow our fleet by incorporating the Lexus LS 600h and the RX 400h hybrids, " said Leroy Barr, BlueSky Chauffeurs' MD. "Executives are getting younger and like to be seen in cars that reflect their status, but equally in this economic climate they don't want to be over-ostentatious."
BlueSky team and Lexus' Jim McKechnie (far right)
BlueSky Chauffeurs sourced its vehicles on contract hire through Lombard on a three-year/90,000 mile replacement cycle and they were supplied by Lexus Leicester.
"Lexus Leicester was proud to supply BlueSky Chauffeurs with our eco-friendly fleet of vehicles," said spokesman Richard Rhodes "and The Chauffeur magazine's Chauffeur Car of the Year Award testifies to the appeal of our brand's unique blend of luxury and environmental credentials.
"The BlueSky deal further cements Lexus Leicester's place at the forefront of corporate sales among the Lexus GB network, across industries ranging from banking to corporate hospitality. This success has been spurred on by Jim McKechnie, our Head of Lexus National Corporate Sales for the past seven years."