Archive for the ‘Lexus’ Category

Is a hybrid the right car for you? We’ve got your answer…

Hybrid vehicles are ideal for people who mainly drive in the city but want a vehicle that can take them on the occasional weekend getaway. Hybrids offer owners the power and performance to do it all with less gas and fewer emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles.

Hybrids produce up to 90 percent fewer pollutants than non-hybrid vehicles. However, hybrids aren’t just for the environmentally-conscious driver. They’re perfect for budget-conscious consumers, as well. Hybrids have lower depreciation rates than gasoline cars and are eligible for tax credits between $2,000 and $3,500.

Which hybrid vehicle is right for you depends on your lifestyle and driving habits. Ford, Honda, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Volkswagen all make hybrids to fit a variety of people. These vehicles are listed below.

Hybrid Cars

• Ford Fusion
• Honda Civic
• Honda CR-Z Sport
• Honda Insight
• Lexus 600h L
• Lexus CT 200h
• Lexus GS 450h
• Lexus HS 250h
• Mercedes-Benz S400
• Toyota Camry
• Toyota Prius

Hybrid SUVs & Crossovers

• Ford Escape
• Lexus RX 450h
• Mercedes-Benz ML450
• Volkswagen Tiguan

Distracted driving has become a serious problem in our country, particularly due to the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute reports that in 2008, more than 20 percent of all car crashes occurred because of some type of driver distraction.  Furthermore, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety says that drivers who use hand held devices are four times more likely to get into accidents serious enough to injure themselves.

With such staggering statistics, we must do whatever we can to eliminate distractions so drivers can physically and mentally focus on the road.  When drivers engage in distracted driving behaviors, they not only endanger themselves, but they put everyone around them at risk too.  We have always had a moral obligation to put the phones down, but now it’s the law.  Nebraska and Iowa recently passed laws banning texting while driving.

Vehicle manufacturers are also doing what they can to help eliminate driving distractions. 

• Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles feature the UConnect system.  UConnect is an in-vehicle, hands free communication system that allows you to talk on your Bluetooth enabled phone while keeping your hands on the wheel. 
•  Lexus vehicles also give drivers the capability to wirelessly connect their Bluetooth phones to the car via the navigation or audio system. 
• Ford cars feature the Ford Sync system, which allows drivers to make hands-free calls and control music and other functions with simple voice commands.  

While these features drastically reduce visual and manual driving distractions, they can still take your mind off the road.  To eliminate cognitive distractions as well, avoid using cell phones except in case of an emergency.

Many drivers simply do not recognize the dangers faced when they take their eyes and minds off the road and their hands off the wheel.  We are all part of the solution to distracted driving.  When teaching your own children to drive, we cannot expect them to put the phones down unless we do the same.  Set an example for your children and other drivers by putting the phone away while you drive and eliminate distractions behind the wheel.

Lexus’ environmental efforts have grown out of respect and concern for the environment. Lexus has gone to great efforts to make sure that all aspects of their production and sales are as clean and environmentally friendly as possible. Read what lexus has to to say about how they have taken many steps toward “going green.” Continue reading “Lexus Thinks Green” »