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Lexus to offer no-haggle policy at dealers

The automotive world hasn't seen no-haggle pricing in the US since Saturn collapsed in 2009, but Lexus is about to bring it back. The idea originated in company discussions with dealers two years ago, with dealers saying that a segment of potential buyers didn't enjoy negotiating a price. In order to find out how firm pricing will alter the landscape, 12 Lexus dealers will begin the pilot project at the beginning of 2016. That means new and used cars, parts, and service will come with fixed prices, according to the Detroit Free Press. Jeff Bracken, general manager of the Lexus brand, held up a Phoenix Toyota dealer as a success story, noting that the dealer's no-haggle strategy has worked for 12 years. Outside consultants will train employees at the selected outlets, and its effectiveness will be examined nearly every week. Prices can be changed, "but the expectation is that they remain unchanged for months at a time," and any incentives can still be deducted from that set price. The key to getting usable results - whether the program sticks around or not - is that those 12 dealers have to accept that some customers are going to walk out the door if they can't get the deal they want. Bracken said he expects sales and market share to decline some once the project begins, but only for a few months. After customers get accustomed to it, Bracken said he expects the initiative to be a success and expand to other company dealerships in 2017, even if not all Lexus dealers sign on. Related Video: News Source: Detroit Free PressImage Credit: Mike Windle/Getty Images for Pandora Media, Inc. Lexus Car Buying Car Dealers Used Car Buying Luxury

Florida police officer injured by DUI suspect after traffic stop

What started as a fairly normal traffic stop for Sergeant Kerstan Tatro ended with him lying on the ground with a compound fracture in his arm. The policeman in Gulf Breeze, FL, pulled over a woman driving a Lexus SC 430 because her erratic driving suggested that she might be under the influence. It all went well until Tatro asked the driver to perform a field sobriety test and she sped away partially trapping the officer in the car. It was all captured by the cruiser's dashcam. As the woman started to drive away, Tatro tried to grab for the keys. He was too late, though, and she got on the gas. The Lexus ran over the officer's foot and caused the serious injury to his arm. Thankfully, bystanders were at the policeman's side within a few seconds of him being hurt. By coincidence, even Tatro's daughter was driving by the time, and was pretty shaken by her dad's condition. According to the Pensacola News Journal, a witness to the officer's injuries followed the woman to a hotel parking lot and told police where she was. They allegedly found drugs in her possession. Below is a video from the Pensacola News Journal interviewing Tatro, and he gives a thorough account of exactly what happened. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Pensacola News Journal, Ineedhelp2811 via YouTube Lexus Convertible Police/Emergency Videos police officer

2022 Lexus NX aces IIHS crash tests, earns Top Safety Pick+ rating

The 2022 Lexus NX luxury SUV is a completely redesigned model, and it's a significant improvement across the board. But one area in which, fortunately, it didn't change was crash performance. Just like its predecessor, the new NX has earned the top IIHS accolade: the Top Safety Pick+ award. It even outperformed the SUV it's based on, the Toyota RAV4. Both the more conventionally powered NX and the plug-in hybrid receive the award, thanks to excellent results in every test IIHS threw at it. It earned the top "Good" rating for all crash tests (although the challenging new IIHS side impact test has not yet been adopted for ratings). The same rating applies to the NX's headlight performance for all three designs offered by the SUV, whereas its RAV4 cousin has some weak performing lights that hurt its overall rating. The forward collision prevention system also received the top "Superior" rating for both vehicle and pedestrian situations, and the LATCH child seat anchor access was rated "Good+." The compact luxury SUV space the NX competes in features a number of other Top Safety Pick+ recipients. The Acura RDX , Audi Q5, Genesis GV70 and Volvo XC60 all get the same high rating. The Lincoln Nautilus and Mercedes-Benz GLC come close with the regular Top Safety Pick rating. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.