Mazda Reports January Sales Results

February 2, 2021

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total January sales of 25,259 vehicles, an increase of 6.9 percent compared to January 2020. With 24 selling days in January, compared to 25 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 11.4 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

Sales Highlights

Sales of Mazda’s family of crossovers, including the CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, and CX-9, totaled 20,279 in January, an increase of 6.9 percent compared to January 2020.
Sales of the CX-9 increased 5.7 percent in January with 2,698 vehicles sold.
Sales of the CX-5 increased 5.2 percent with 13,583 vehicles sold.
Sales of the CX-30 totaled 3,624 in January, an increase of 53 percent compared to January 2020.
Sales of the MX-5 Miata totaled 536 vehicles, an increase of 35.4 percent compared to January 2020.
Sales of the Mazda3 increased 22 percent with 3,046 vehicles sold.
CPO sales totaled 5,247 vehicles in January, an increase of 12.4 percent compared to January 2020.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported January sales of 3,769 vehicles, a decrease of 21.2 percent compared to January 2020.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through approximately 620 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.


	Month-To-Date				Year-To-Date

	January	January	YOY %	% MTD	January	January	YOY %	% MTD
	2021	2020	Change	DSR	2021	2020	Change	DSR

Mazda3	3,046	2,496	22.0%	27.1%	3,046	2,496	22.0%	27.1%
Mazda6	1,398	1,755	(20.3)%	(17.0)%	1,398	1,755	(20.3)%	(17.0)%
MX-5 Miata	536	396	35.4%	41.0%	536	396	35.4%	41.0%
CX-3	374	1,146	(67.4)%	(66.0)%	374	1,146	(67.4)%	(66.0)%
CX-30	3,624	2,368	53.0%	59.4%	3,624	2,368	53.0%	59.4%
CX-5	13,583	12,908	5.2%	9.6%	13,583	12,908	5.2%	9.6%
CX-9	2,698	2,552	5.7%	10.1%	2,698	2,552	5.7%	10.1%


CARS	4,980	4,647	7.2%	11.6%	4,980	4,647	7.2%	11.6%
TRUCKS	20,279	18,974	6.9%	11.3%	20,279	18,974	6.9%	11.3%

TOTAL	25,259	23,621	6.9%	11.4%	25,259	23,621	6.9%	11.4%


*Selling Days	24	25			24	25

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SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Beraja Medical Institute Joins Quigley Eye Specialists

February 2, 2021

FORT MYERS, Fla., Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Quigley Eye Specialists has partnered with Beraja Medical Institute (BMI) and Douglas Surgery Center (collectively “BMI”), a South Florida leader in the diagnosis and treatment of vision disorders. Beraja Medical Institute has been providing care to Miami-Dade County for over 30 years and now joins 19 other locations under Quigley Eye Specialists ownership in Florida. This partnership will establish Quigley Eye Specialists’ presence in Miami-Dade County.

BMI is led by ophthalmologists Dr. Roberto Beraja and Dr. Victor Beraja.

Roberto Beraja, MD, is a skilled ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon. In 1987, he earned his medical degree from the renowned McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Later that same year, Dr. Beraja co-founded Beraja Medical Institute, where he currently serves as the medical director of ophthalmic surgery.

Victor Beraja, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Beraja graduated from Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Facultad de Medicina and is a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. He is also a clinical assistant professor in the department of surgery at Florida International University College of Medicine in Miami, and Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

“Partnering with BMI is an excellent opportunity for expansion into Southeast Florida,” said Dr. Thomas Quigley, Founder of Quigley Eye Specialists. “Miami-Dade is a vibrant market with impressive growth. For more than 30 years, Dr. Roberto Beraja and Dr. Victor Beraja have been taking great care of patients in Coral Gables and are respected surgeons with exemplary reputations. With a Southeast location, we will be able to build upon the success of BMI. We look forward to our partnership and are excited about the future.”

The partnership will ensure patients throughout Florida will have convenient access to industry-leading specialists, innovative treatments, and state-of-the-art equipment. Together, Quigley Eye Specialists and BMI have 36 optometric physicians and ophthalmic surgeons with three surgery centers in Southwest and Southeast Florida.

Founded in 1988, Quigley Eye Specialists consists of more than 100 medical professionals, including surgeons, optometrists, retina specialists, and technicians. Offices are conveniently located throughout Southwest and Southeast Florida in Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Coral Gables, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Naples, North Port, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Venice.

About Quigley Eye Specialists

Technology leaders in eye care, Quigley Eye Specialists is one of the nation’s leading multispecialty ophthalmology practices specializing in cataracts, laser cataract surgery, glaucoma, iLASIK, dry eye, eyelid surgery, retinal issues, corneal conditions, routine eye care and facial plastic surgery. As the number one choice for cataract treatment in Southwest Florida, Quigley Eye Specialists is committed to providing the highest level of quality eye care and service to the community. For more information or a full list of locations, visit www.QuigleyEye.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Frances Wilhelm	Susan Bennett, APR, CPRC
239-338-8681	239-277-5255
[email protected]	[email protected]

SOURCE Quigley Eye Specialists

Acura Wins IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona

February 2, 2021

#10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 Acura DPi, DPi: Helio Castroneves, Alexander Rossi, Filipe Albuquerque, Ricky Taylor winner

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Almost exactly 30 years after Acura’s first class win at Daytona International Raceway, the manufacturer triumphed over all this weekend as Wayne Taylor Racing won this weekend’s 59^th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The season-opening round in the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, this weekend’s 24-hour endurance contest came down to the final hour, with five teams contending for the overall victory. Combining speed with endurance – with the Acura ARX-05 prototype requiring fewer pit stops than the competition over the length of the race – the WTR driver lineup of Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque, Alexander Rossi and Helio Castroneves held off late-race charges from the Cadillacs of Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express, the Mazda-Multimatic prototype, and fellow Acura team Meyer Shank Racing to score their third consecutive Daytona victory, and the first with Acura.

All five contenders were running within 30 seconds of each other as the race entered its final hour. A “short fill” and two tire only change at the final pit stop moved Albuquerque’s Acura to the head of the field, with the Ganassi prototype of Renger van der Zande less than two seconds back. However, a cut tire with just seven minutes remaining sent van der Zande to the pits, and Albuquerque went on to take the checkers, and Acura’s first overall victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

In the SiriusXM AutoNation Acura ARX-05, the Meyer Shank Racing lineup of Dane Cameron, Olivier Pla, Juan Pablo Montoya and A.J. Allmendinger also led multiple times throughtout the race, but was forced to deal with handling issues as winds increased in the final hours, taking the checkers in fourth.

Acura NSX GT3 Evo
Electronic issues and an early-race cut tire dented the Acura GTD debut of the Magnus with Archangel’s NSX GT3 Evo, driven by Andy Lally, John Potter, Spencer Pumpelly and two-time defending GTD champion Mario Farnbacher. The cut tire, likely the result of debris on track, damaged the underbody and led to an unscheduled pit stop for #44 Acura in the opening hour, and a series of delays through the night left the NSX GT3 Evo team 11^th at the finish.

Acura Rolex 24 Results

1^st overall – #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
Drivers Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque, Alexander Rossi, Helio Castroneves
4^th overall – #60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
Drivers Dane Cameron, Olivier Pla, Juan Pablo Montoya, A.J. Allmendinger
11^th GTD – Magnus with Archangel Acura NSX GT3 Evo
Drivers Andy Lally, John Potter, Spencer Pumpelly, Mario Farnbacher

DPi Manufacturers’ Championship (after 1 of 10 rounds)

Acura 380
Cadillac 355
Mazda 332

Acura Rolex 24 Fast Facts

Today’s overall win at the Rolex 24 comes almost exactly 30 years after Acura scored its first major endurance racing victory, the Camel Lights class win at Daytona, February 2-3, 1991.
Acura first entered IMSA competition in 1991, shortly after the company’s founding in 1986, and the 1991 Daytona race was the first major event for the company. Comptech Racing and drivers Parker Johnstone, Steve Cameron [uncle of current Acura racer Dane Cameron] and Bob Lesnett, driving a Spice Acura SE90P, claimed the victory that year in a class that compares to today’s LMP2 division.
Acura repeated as Camel Lights win at Daytona in 1992, with Comptech drivers Johnstone, and Cameron joined by Jimmy Vasser [who also won Honda’s first Indy car championship in 1996].
Today’s victory is the third consecutive Rolex 24 triumph for Wayne Taylor Racing but the first since WTR became an Acura team at the end of 2020.

Quotes
Filipe Albuquerque (#10 Konica Minolta Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05) Rolex 24 at Daytona winner: “I think it was a hell of a show. I could almost see [Renger van der Zande’s] eyes in my mirrors, he was so hungry for this. He was faster than me, but it’s one thing to catch and another thing is to pass. He was really pushing hard. I was lucky that they had a puncture. This was probably the hardest race of my life.”

Dane Cameron (#60 Meyer Shank Racing ARX-05) finished 4^th: “All in all it was an okay day. Our goal was to put ourselves in contention [for the win] at the end of the day and we did that by finishing on the lead lap. The Meyer Shank Racing boys did a great job preparing the car and executing pit stops without issues. It is probably the first time in six or seven years that I have run this race without a problem on a pit stop. I am very pleased with the effort the guys put in, with a short off-season and a large transition to a new program. We lacked a bit of speed near the end of the race today, but we were able to compete for a victory when it counted. We will take good [championship] points from today for our championship effort and we’ll move forward and turn the page to Sebring.”

David Salters (President, Honda Performance Development) on this weekend’s Acura victory at the season-opening Rolex 24: “It’s an historic day for Acura, and thanks to IMSA for putting on a stunning event. I want to thank all of our teams for their huge effort to come and race here in arguably one of the most arduous endurance events on the planet. They came, and demonstrated just how good they were. This is all the result of a team effort. Everyone at HPD was integral in developing the strong relationship we have with our teams, and I believe it showed in today’s results. I also need to thank all the marvelous people at Team Penske for their efforts and success the previous three years. They established the foundations that we’re now building upon. Again, it’s all about a team of brilliant, hard-working people, and it shows the performance heritage of Acura.”

Next
The 2020 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship now moves to central Florida for the 69^th annual Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring, March 20 in Sebring, Fla.

Acura Motorsports Social media content and video links from this weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona are available on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd), Twitter (www.twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD).

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1430518/Acura_Motorsports_ARX_05.jpg

SOURCE Acura Motorsports

The Home Depot Bringing 1,500 New Jobs to Dallas-Fort Worth Metro with New Distribution Center

February 2, 2021

DALLAS, Feb. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^® today announced it has opened a new distribution center in Dallas to fulfill online orders and store orders. The 1.5 million square-foot distribution center is designed to meet customers’ delivery needs through multiple channels, whether delivering items directly to customers’ homes or for pickup at local stores.

The company’s newest Dallas supply chain site also manages customer delivery and installation of large appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators ordered in stores or online. From final sale to removal of old appliances, the operation offers an improved purchase and delivery experience for Home Depot customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“We’re focused on creating an easier and more convenient shopping experience for our customers’ home improvement needs, whether they shop in stores or online,” said Stephanie Smith, senior vice president of supply chain for The Home Depot. “Our supply chain is the foundation for delivering on our Pro and DIY customers’ changing expectations, which is why we’re investing to offer same day and next day delivery to 90 percent of the U.S. population.”

The Dallas-Fort Worth market is a key hub for The Home Depot’s delivery and supply chain strategy. Early last year, the company opened another delivery center at the new Dallas campus that delivers building materials and other bulky products directly to DIY and Pro customers when and where they need it, all within the same day or the next day of ordering.

The new facility features a zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell charging station — a sustainable and more efficient way to power material handling equipment. It also includes more than six miles of mechanized lines and other automation technologies that enable increased product flow.

The facility is part of the company’s $1.2 billion investment to expand its national distribution and delivery network. Ultimately, the company’s supply chain footprint in the Dallas-Fort Worth area will grow from 2.1 million square feet to 4.5 million square feet and will create approximately 1,500 new jobs by the end of this year. The company currently operates 20 distribution centers in the state.

Interested jobseekers should visit careers.homedepot.com or text JOBS to 52270 for a link to apply for local positions.

ABOUT THE HOME DEPOT
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,296 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2019, The Home Depot had sales of $110.2 billion and earnings of $11.2 billion. The company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/118058/the_home_depot_logo.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot

Think You’ve Been Harmed by Products Containing Imerys Talc? Your Rights May Be Affected and Your Injury Claims May Be Eliminated. Your Vote Will Help Determine How Injury Claims are Treated.

February 2, 2021

Submit Your Vote by March 25, 2021.

NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2021 /PR Newswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued by Prime Clerk LLC regarding the Imerys Bankruptcy.

If you have a Talc Personal Injury Claim, your rights are affected by an upcoming vote on a plan of reorganization (the “Plan”) as part of the bankruptcy proceedings of Imerys Talc America, Inc., Imerys Talc Vermont, Inc. and Imerys Talc Canada Inc. (collectively, the “North American Debtors“). Imerys Talc Italy S.p.A (“ITI“) may also file (but has not yet filed) a chapter 11 case in the United States. “Debtors” means the North American Debtors and, if it files a chapter 11 case before the Plan is confirmed, ITI. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Plan, which is available at ITArestructuring.com (the “Case Website“).

The Debtors filed a Disclosure Statement (available at the Case Website) containing information that will help you decide how to vote on the Plan, which proposes to set up a trust to resolve all Talc Personal Injury Claims. Your legal rights will be affected if the Plan is approved.

Only holders of “Talc Personal Injury Claims,” or their attorneys on their behalf, are entitled to receive a ballot to vote on the Plan.

Holders of Claims and Equity Interests in all other Classes under the Plan are presumed to accept the Plan, because they are either Unimpaired by the Plan or are Plan Proponents.

If you have a Talc Personal Injury Claim, you or your attorney on your behalf, as permitted by the

Voting Procedures, have the right to vote on the Plan. The deadline by which ballots must be received by the Debtors’ solicitation agent, Prime Clerk LLC (“Prime Clerk“) is March 25, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. ET. If you are unsure whether your attorney is authorized to vote on your behalf, please contact your attorney. Both the Tort Claimants’ Committee and the representative of future talc claimants support the Plan.

If the Plan is approved by the Bankruptcy Court and the District Court, all Talc Personal Injury Claims will be channeled to the Talc Personal Injury Trust and resolved pursuant to the Trust Distribution Procedures. If you are the holder of (a) a Talc Personal Injury Claim and you vote to accept the Plan, (b) a Claim that is presumed to accept the Plan, (c) a Talc Personal Injury Claim and you vote against the Plan and do not opt out of the releases, or (d) a Talc Personal Injury Claim entitled to vote for or against the Plan and you do not vote for or against the Plan and do not opt out of the releases provided in the Plan (subject to certain limitations described in the Plan), you will be presumed to grant the “Releases by Holders of Claims” set forth in Article XII of the Plan. Please read the Plan and other Plan Documents carefully for details about how the Plan, if approved, will affect your rights.

You have the right to object to the Plan. The deadline to file an objection is May 28, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. ET. There are requirements that must be followed to file an objection, which are set forth in the Voting Procedures Order. Objections received after the deadline may not be considered by the Bankruptcy Court and may be deemed overruled without further notice. You can obtain additional information or instructions, review the Plan Documents, or obtain a solicitation package with a ballot to vote, by contacting Prime Clerk.

Imerys Ballot Processing Center
c/o Prime Clerk LLC, One Grand Central Place
60 East 42nd Street, Suite 1440, New York, NY 10165.
Visit: ITArestructuring.com
Request More Information: [email protected]
Request Ballot with Solicitation Package to Vote on the Plan:
[email protected]
Call: (844) 339-4096 (Toll-Free) / +1 347 919 5767 (International)

SOURCE Prime Clerk

Toyota Reimagines the New Car Buying Experience with Complete Online Retail Solution

February 1, 2021

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has officially unveiled the next iteration of the SmartPath retail experience, allowing customers flexibility in how they buy their next Toyota. Working hand-in-hand with dealerships across the United States to integrate online and in-store retail, TMNA assumed the responsibility of the research and development of one, comprehensive retail program to offer customers the opportunity to lease, finance or purchase their new vehicle without the need to physically visit the dealership.

Developed in partnership with Toyota Financial Services (TFS) in response to shifting consumer purchase preferences, Toyota began piloting SmartPath in 2019 to expand the retail footprint, offering a flexible shopping experience that is convenient, interactive, connected, transparent, and customized. The COVID-19 virus accelerated consumer demand for digital transactions, with a recent digital shopping survey showing two out of three shoppers are more likely to purchase a vehicle 100% online¹.

Toyota’s SmartPath technology puts the car buying process in the hands of the customer, providing an integrated user experience across Toyota.com, buyatoyota.com, the dealership website and the physical dealership store. Customers can choose the path that works best for them by starting their journey online, saving their progress in the “digital garage” and picking up where they left off at the dealer, or completing their purchase with their SmartPath dealer entirely online.

By utilizing SmartPath, customers have more control over how they purchase their vehicle, increased transparency into current inventory and real-time pricing, and flexibility to shop when and how they want.

For Toyota dealerships, the new technology integrates with current inventory, the customer relationship management system (CRM) and directly with financing through TFS, allowing sales associates the opportunity to better understand customers wants and needs, while accessing time-saving tools, enhanced analytics and advanced lead handling that allows the dealer to pick up right where the customer left off online.

“Our goal is to ensure we create the best experience for our customers and our dealers,” said Jack Hollis, senior vice president, Automotive Operations, TMNA. “As our customers’ expectations evolve, SmartPath provides our dealers the technology to exceed those expectations. Our shared mission is to make the experience of shopping, buying, and owning a Toyota as easy and carefree as driving one.”

SmartPath customers have the option to finalize their purchase by physically visiting the dealerships, or through a digital appointment with the dealer.

SmartPath is currently available to customers in select markets through more than 50 dealerships, with an additional 50 dealerships launching this spring, and plans to aggressively bring more SmartPath dealerships to market through 2021. The all-new SmartPath complete online experience, which expands to allow customers the ability to complete their purchase online, will roll out market by market starting in mid-February 2021.

The new online retail experience will also be available to Lexus customers through Lexus Monogram. You can learn more about Monogram, here.

About Toyota:

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Media Contact:
Carley Hummel
469-292-8754
[email protected]

¹ Source: 2020 Cox Automotive COVID-19 Digital Shopping Study, April 4-5, 2020

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

The Home Depot and Allstate Launch New Best-in-Class Extended Protection Plan

February 1, 2021

ATLANTA, Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot^® announced today that it has partnered with Allstate to create a new industry-leading extended protection plan to provide customers expanded benefits and faster repair service. The new program covers major appliances, outdoor power equipment, grills, power tools, home electronics, and other products bought in store or online.

Products covered by The Home Depot Protection Plan by Allstate will have best-in-class benefits including:

Speed of service guarantee – customers are guaranteed a service appointment within three days or less, nationwide
Shorter appointment windows – customers choose from two-to-four hour service appointment windows, half the time offered by other plans
Advanced troubleshooting – Allstate customer service is able to fix up to 25 percent of problems over the phone. If the problem isn’t fixed, the agent will identify the parts needed for a repair, schedule a technician and overnight the necessary parts
Trusted professionals – all repairs are completed on by an Allstate-certified technician, with many being completed on the first visit
Industry-leading “No Lemon” policy – appliances or products will be replaced or refunded if three service repairs are needed for the same issue

“We want customers to be confident in their Home Depot purchase and know that if something goes wrong, we’ll make it right,” said Scott Anderson, vice president of financial services and payments at The Home Depot. “Our customers don’t have time to wait for lengthy repairs or resolutions, and we’re proud to work with Allstate to offer best-in-class protection plans and service that put our customers first.”

Customers can learn more at www.hdprotectionplan.com or by calling (833) 763-0688.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,296 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2019, The Home Depot had sales of $110.2 billion and earnings of $11.2 billion. The company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/118058/the_home_depot_logo.jpg

SOURCE The Home Depot

Lexus Unveils New Digital Retail Experience

February 1, 2021

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Lexus has officially unveiled the Monogram retail experience, providing guests flexibility in how they buy their next Lexus. Working hand-in-hand with dealerships across the United States to integrate the online and in-store retail experience, Lexus is piloting a retail program providing guests more control over how they purchase their vehicle, increased transparency into current inventory and real-time pricing, and flexibility to shop when and how they want.

Developed in partnership with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Lexus Financial Services (LFS) in response to shifting consumer purchase preferences, Monogram offers a flexible shopping experience befitting the Lexus brand.

Lexus’ Monogram technology puts the car buying process in the hands of the guest, providing an integrated user experience across Lexus.com, the dealership website and the physical dealership store. Customers can choose the path that works best for them by starting their journey online, saving their progress in the “digital garage” to pick up where they left off at the dealer, or completing their purchase at home or at their Monogram dealer.

For Lexus dealerships, the new technology integrates with current inventory, the customer relationship management system (CRM) and directly with financing through LFS, allowing sales associates the opportunity to better understand customers wants and needs, while accessing time-saving tools, enhanced analytics and advanced lead handling that allows the dealer to pick up right where the guest left off online.

“Our goal is to create greater transparency with our guests and efficiency for our dealers – whether that’s in the showroom or online,” said Andrew Gilleland, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “From increased flexibility for guests to enhanced technology for our dealers, Monogram provides our brand the tools to anticipate guest expectations today and into the future.”

Monogram is currently being piloted in select markets with plans to aggressively accelerate availability through 2021. An all-new Monogram complete online experience, which expands to allow customers the ability to complete their purchase online, will roll out market by market starting in Spring 2021.

The new online retail experience is also available to Toyota customers through Toyota SmartPath. You can learn more about SmartPath, here.

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its guests. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury guests in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 242 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury guests.

www.facebook.com/lexus
www.twitter.com/lexus
www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles
https://plus.google.com/+Lexus/posts
www.instagram.com/lexususa

Note to Editors: Lexus product information and images are available online via our news media web site http://LexusNewsroom.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amanda Roark
469-292-2636
[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1430110/Monogram_Image.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1428802/Lexus_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Lexus

2022 MDX Asserts its Role as the Flagship of the Acura Brand in New Launch Campaign

February 1, 2021

TORRANCE, Calif., Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In advance of arriving at dealerships Feb. 2, Acura’s all-new 2022 MDX launch campaign (acura.us/mdxlaunchcampaign) demonstrates how Acura’s long-time racing and sports car success is powering the fourth-generation SUV to its new role as the flagship of the brand.

Set to the soundtrack of Queen’s “Tear It Up,” the new Acura campaign highlights key components of the all-new MDX, including its bold and athletic exterior design along with a new, sophisticated and elegant interior featuring the most high-tech and advanced cockpit in the brand’s history. MDX performance is underpinned by a first-ever double-wishbone front suspension applied to its all-new, ultra-rigid platform, featured in an accompanying spot (acura.us/mdxperformance) that also demonstrates MDX’s towing capability. Full 2022 MDX information is available here.

The integrated campaign takes viewers on an exciting trip through Acura’s pinnacle vehicles and racecars to highlight that MDX shares the “same DNA” as the original 1991 NSX, 2001 Integra Type R and the 2021 NSX. Acura’s racing heritage is reflected with the Comptech Spice Acura GTP Lights racecar that Parker Johnstone drove to three consecutive IMSA Camel Lights Driver’s Championships from 1991 to 1993, along with an appearance by the back-to-back IMSA Championship-winning NSX GT3 Evo.

The campaign was developed in collaboration with agency of record MullenLowe LA, and will be featured across broadcast, digital and social media. Key national broadcast highlights include cable and live sports – NBA, NCAA and March Madness match-ups. The 2022 MDX campaign will also be featured on streaming platforms with :30 and :15 versions of the TV creative, along with :06 versions featured across social media. Acura’s MDX spots will also run in Spanish and Chinese-language.

Other key campaign components include:

“Origin Story,” a social media activation launching next month on Acura’s social channels with a series of videos that dive further into the “same DNA” performance and innovation story that led to MDX.
“Working Mom,” a dedicated Spanish-language :30 TV spot, that will run across national Hispanic networks including Telemundo and Univision, showcasing the duality of the 2022 MDX as a high-performance and ultramodern family SUV to reach Hispanic audiences.
High-impact digital editorial partnerships with Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast, Martini, as well as Hispanic outlets such as People en Español and Mama’s Latina.
Integration of high-impact digital media to reach key Chinese audiences, working with niche publishers such as Asian Media Group.

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the ILX and TLX sport sedans, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1429784/HERO_2022_MDX.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/458749/acura_logo.jpg

SOURCE Acura

A plan to eliminate poverty for all retirees

February 1, 2021

New proposal eliminates retirement income inequity for all future generations of Americans

GLASSBORO, N.J., Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ric Edelman, Distinguished Lecturer at Rowan University and one of the most acclaimed financial advisors in the nation, today released a proposal that eliminates poverty in retirement for all future generations of Americans.

Called RISE (Retirement Income Security for Everyone), Edelman’s proposal is permanent and completely self-funding, with no financial support needed by Congress or taxpayers. Instead, the U.S. Treasury Department would sell one RISE Savings Bond for each baby born in America each year. The money would be managed as determined by Congress.

Under Edelman’s proposal, each RISE Bond of $5,884 would be redeemed in 20 years, just like other U.S. Savings Bonds. Redemptions and the program’s administrative expenses would be funded by the program itself so there would be no cost to the government or taxpayers.

In 70 years, the now-retired babies would each begin receiving monthly income through age 100. Each baby would receive enough income to place them at the median income of all U.S. households. Every child would receive benefits from RISE, and those born into lower-income households would receive more than those born into higher-income households.

“RISE eliminates poverty in retirement for all future generations of Americans,” said Edelman, who founded Edelman Financial Engines, the largest independent financial planning and investment management firm in the nation, managing $260 billion for 1.2 million American families. Several industry publications have called Edelman one of the most influential thought leaders in the financial services field, and he was named the country’s #1 Independent Financial Advisor three times by Barron’s.

“The key to RISE is seven decades of compound growth,” Edelman said. He noted that only one person—Benjamin Franklin—ever applied the principle of compounding to such long periods.

“Benjamin Franklin gave money to the cities of Boston and Philadelphia,” Edelman noted, “with the stipulation that they not touch the money for 100 years. His foresight produced huge financial support to both cities.” Edelman wrote about Benjamin Franklin’s will to illustrate how small donations can become worth many millions of dollars after many decades of growth.

“A one-time funding of $5,884 at birth is enough to give each retiree $120,000 in annual income starting at age 70,” Edelman said. By contrast, the average worker will spend more than $420,000 contributing to a 401(k) and Social Security – yet will receive less income in retirement than RISE provides, he noted.

“That’s because workers only save for three or four decades. By letting money grow for seven decades, RISE unleashes the true long-term power of compounding,” Edelman explained.

Millions of retirees enter retirement with insufficient savings because they don’t earn enough money to save, he said. Since 1970, incomes for the top 5% of households have more than doubled, while incomes for the bottom fifth of households fell 15%, according to the Pew Research Center.¹ As a result, upper-income families by 2016 had 75 times more wealth than the lowest-income families – up from 28 times in 1983.

“RISE is an important plan to supplement Social Security for future generations to ensure safe and secure retirements, especially for lower income Americans, by starting to fund retirement at birth,” said James Lockhart III, Former Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the Social Security Administration. “The funding mechanism is a very innovative approach that should be explored.”

“We owe it to the youngest among us to provide paths to financial security in old age and RISE represents exactly the kind of out-of-the-box thinking we need,” said Laura L. Carstensen, Ph.D.,
Fairleigh S. Dickinson Jr. Professor in Public Policy and Director of Stanford University’s Center on Longevity.

“This is the time for big ideas,” said Paul Irving, Chairman of the Milken Institute Center for the Future of Aging. “RISE is a bold plan to ensure that every American child can look forward to a financially secure retirement. RISE offers the opportunity to narrow gaps and change the financial futures of future American generations.”

“This innovative proposal to help reduce poverty and income inequality in the U.S. can be elegantly put into use to benefit the society at large,” said Ihsan Isik, Ph.D., Professor of International Banking and Finance in Rowan University’s William G. Rohrer College of Business.

Jason Grumet, Founder and President of the Bipartisan Policy Center, said, “As the country grapples with the twin challenges of retirement security and inequality, innovative ideas like RISE are needed to address retirement security for all.”

RISE is a permanent and completely self-funding way to ensure that all future generations of Americans enjoy a financially secure retirement.

Read the proposal and FAQs at www.WeCanRise.com.

¹https://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2020/01/09/trends-in-income-and-wealth-inequality/

SOURCE Rowan University