Lexus and American Express Introduce Platinum Series Luxury Vehicles
10 February 2000
Lexus and American Express Introduce Platinum Series Luxury Vehicles At The Chicago Auto Show
CHICAGO, Feb. 9 -- Luxury customers are drawn to Lexus and
American Express for many of the same reasons -- quality, prestige,
outstanding service and dependability. Now these buyers can have the best of
both companies with the new Lexus Platinum Series models. Beginning in
mid-February, qualified customers who purchase a Platinum Series LS 400, GS
400, GS 300 or ES 300 also will receive an American Express Platinum Card(R),
compliments of Lexus, for two years (a $600 value).
The value-priced Platinum Series vehicles feature special exterior colors,
elegantly enhanced interior features, distinctive wheels and Platinum Series
badges on the sides of each car. Additionally, numerous popular factory
options, including an in-dash, six-disc CD autochanger and a power tilt-and-
slide moonroof, are included. The Platinum Series vehicles will be on display
for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show, February 11-20, 2000.
With the American Express Platinum Card(R), members can receive more than
$7,000 worth of services annually, including complimentary international
companion tickets on member airlines with the purchase of a first- or
business-class ticket, upgrades at many hotels, resorts and spas, free access
to participating airport clubs, free membership in premium-tier car rental
programs and unparalleled emergency assistance.
"This is a natural partnership because research shows that 65 percent of
Lexus customers also have some type of American Express Card," said Lexus
Group Vice President and General Manager Bryan Bergsteinsson. "Now we're
offering customers the opportunity to experience more luxuries in life at an
exceptional value."
While American Express is an innovator in co-marketing, this is the first
time it has tied in with an automaker in the United States.
"This is a great opportunity to reach sophisticated customers who haven't
yet experienced the special amenities and services the Platinum Card brings,"
said James P. Bush, senior vice president, Consumer Card Services Group at
American Express. "Our pairing with Lexus represents the alliance of two
great brands, but more importantly, an outstanding set of values and lifestyle
benefits for our mutual customers."
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices for the Platinum Series vehicles are:
-- LS 400 premium luxury sedan $55,969
-- GS 400 sport luxury sedan $49,894
-- GS 300 sport luxury sedan $42,344
-- ES 300 affordable luxury sedan $34,924
The attached list outlines the product features, as well as the American
Express Platinum Card benefits.
Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., has 185
dealers throughout the United States. Since it was introduced in 1989, Lexus
has become a top-selling luxury nameplate with a reputation for providing the
best in vehicle quality, service and customer satisfaction. For more
information, please visit the Lexus news media web site at
http://pressroom.lexus.com.
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel and financial
services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards,
Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance
and international banking. For more information about American Express cards
and services, visit the company's worldwide web site at
http://americanexpress.com.
LEXUS PLATINUM SERIES VEHICLE FEATURES
LS 400 GS 300/400 ES 300
-- Bird's-eye maple -- Bird's-eye maple -- Bird's-eye maple
interior trim interior trim interior trim
-- Bird's-eye -- Bird's-eye -- Bird's-eye
maple-trimmed maple-trimmed shift maple-trimmed
steering wheel knob (upgraded from steering wheel
leather on GS 300)
-- Uniquely textured -- Perforated leather -- Uniquely textured
Royale leather trim on center Royale leather trim
trim on center section of seats on seating surfaces
section of seats
-- 16-inch dish type -- 16-inch, seven -- 16-inch, five
alloy wheels spoke performance spoke alloy wheels
alloy wheels and and angular-style
225/60VR16 tires alloy wheels
(upgraded from
215 series tires
on GS 300)
-- Black Pearl Badging -- Black Pearl Badging -- Black Pearl Badging
-- Embroidered Floor -- Embroidered Floor -- Embroidered Floor
mats mats mats
-- Colors available: -- Colors available: -- Colors available:
Black, Burnished Black, Burnished Black, Burnished
Gold Metallic, Gold Metallic, Gold Metallic,
Crystal White and Crystal White and Crystal White and
Millennium Silver Millennium Silver Millennium Silver
Metallic Metallic Metallic
-- In-dash, six-disc -- In-dash, six-disc -- In-dash, six-disc
CD auto-changer CD auto-changer CD auto-changer
-- Power tilt-and-slide -- Power tilt-and-slide -- Power tilt-and-slide
moonroof moonroof moonroof
-- High-Intensity -- Electrochromic
Discharge (HID) mirrors
headlamps
-- Large chromed
exhaust tips
GS 400 only:
-- High-Intensity
Discharge (HID)
headlamps
-- Heated Front Seats
Also available with Also available with Also available with
Nakamichi & Navigation Nakamichi & Navigation Nakamichi
Packages Packages Audio System
SPECIAL AMERICAN EXPRESS FEATURE:
-- With the purchase of a Platinum Series vehicle, the annual fee for
the American Express Platinum Card(R) is compliments of Lexus for two
years (this represents a $600 value)(1)
(1) Lexus buyer must apply and qualify for the Platinum Card from
American Express
THE PLATINUM CARD(R) FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
These are several of the benefits and privileges Platinum Card members
have at their disposal*:
Travel Services 24-hour-a-day assistance with all travel needs
International Complimentary international airline companion tickets
Airline Program with purchase of a First- or Business-class companion
ticket on participating airlines
Fine Hotels, Room upgrades, daily continental breakfast for
Resorts & Spas two, late checkout or additional amenities depending
on the hotel and availability
Cruise Privileges On board credit, or a two-category stateroom upgrade
(depending on the cruise line), plus dinner,
cocktails or a private bridge tour with the ship's
captain on participating cruise lines
Airport Clubs Complimentary access to the airport clubs of
Access participating airlines.
Car Rental Complimentary access to special car rental benefits
Programs from Hertz(R) Rent A Car, Avis(R) Rent A Car,
National Car Rental(R) and Budget(R) Rent A Car
Platinum Card(R) For non-emergency situations, a professional staff is
Concierge standing by to offer valuable personal and
professional assistance to research, track down and
coordinate whatever you desire
Fine Dining Standing reservations at over 460 of the most
exclusive restaurants in the U.S. and Canada
By Invitation Only Privileged access to selected entertainment events at
face value -- often in advance of public sale
Travel Emergency For medical or legal emergency assistance worldwide
Assistance
*Terms and conditions apply.