Lexus McCartney Sponsorship More Than Just a Ticket to Ride
Marketing Extensions Maximize Lexus' Relationship With Music Icon
TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 21 -- To broaden the reach of its groundbreaking partnership with Paul McCartney, Lexus has created an integrated marketing campaign to reach McCartney fans and Lexus owners at multiple touch points. The partnership -- which runs through March 2006 -- represents the first time McCartney has ever partnered with a commercial brand in his distinguished career.
"My partnership with Lexus is a natural fit. Lexus and I share the same philosophy and approach to creating the best work possible -- me with my music and art and Lexus with the vehicles they create," said McCartney. "This is a fun and rewarding experience for all."
"The Paul McCartney US Tour Presented by Lexus offers us a unique opportunity to align with such an icon and create memorable experiences for fans and Lexus owners," said Keith Dahl, Lexus national event marketing manager. "We wanted this to be an experience that would be remembered long after the concert series is over."
Lexus' marketing extensions include the following: * Paul McCartney Signature Edition RX 400h -- Lexus has created a single, one-of-a-kind Paul McCartney-themed RX 400h to benefit Adopt-a-Minefield, an organization dedicated to resolving the global landmine crisis and a charity close to McCartney's heart. The vehicle features McCartney's famous Hofner Bass and VOX amplifier throughout the design and will be awarded with a 1962 reissue Hofner Bass and VOX amplifier to the winner of Adopt-a-Minefield's online fundraising sweepstakes at www.landmines.org. The vehicle will be traveling with the concert tour and will be on display at each venue. * Lexus Experience -- To support the launch of McCartney's new CD "Chaos And Creation In The Backyard," Lexus has created a special sweepstakes that gives McCartney fans one more opportunity for tickets to his sold-out concert tour. Fans that purchase specially marked CDs at select retail outlets obtain a unique code to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win one of five prizes, including a Lexus Experience at McCartney's final concert in Los Angeles. The winner of this prize will receive a trip for two to Los Angeles, stay at the Peninsula Beverly Hills and be chauffeured in a Lexus to the McCartney concert. Other exciting prizes include the world's first luxury hybrid SUV Lexus RX 400h, a premium Mark Levinson home sound system and collections of McCartney's music. * McCartney and Lexus Partnership Web site -- Lexus owners and McCartney fans interested in listening to McCartney's new music or learning more about him and the special programs Lexus has created to celebrate the sponsorship, can visit the McCartney micro site at www.Lexus.com/McCartney. Fans can also purchase McCartney's new CD on the site. * Special Owner Benefits -- Lexus has created many memorable programs for its customers: -- A special Paul McCartney music compilation CD, titled "Motor of Love," featuring music selected by McCartney, was packaged with his new CD and given to Lexus dealers to provide to their customers. -- Lexus also held a special ticket sweepstakes on the Lexus owner web site to award several lucky owners two tickets each to McCartney concerts in each tour city. -- Additionally, Lexus owners received an exclusive peak into McCartney's life through two feature articles in the Lexus magazine. * Lexus Hospitality -- In select tour markets, Lexus is hosting invitation-only hospitality events that pay homage to McCartney's varied artistic career, featuring his artwork, photographs, poems, animations and children's books. * Advertising -- McCartney lent his new hit song "Fine Line" to Lexus for the new RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV advertisement titled "Alternative." McCartney, a long-time environmentalist, owns an RX 400h, and it was Lexus' commitment to environmental consciousness that made for a particularly attractive partnership. In addition to "Alternative," Lexus is running a print advertisement titled "Green Carpet," which features the Lexus RX 400h against a white background with a green carpet leading to the vehicle. The ad highlights Lexus' sponsorship of the McCartney concert and will run in various lifestyle publications such as Entertainment Weekly and Vanity Fair.
For more information about the "Paul McCartney 'US' Tour Presented by Lexus" visit www.lexus.com/mccartney.
About Lexus
Lexus has become synonymous with luxury since its introduction in 1989. By offering some of the finest quality luxury vehicles and providing benchmark customer service, Lexus has remained the top-selling luxury nameplate in the United States for five years in a row. Lexus and its 214 dealers have repeatedly achieved high honors for both the products they sell and the customer service they provide as rated by the independent research firm of J.D. Power and Associates. For more information on Lexus and its products visit www.lexus.com.