The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Lexus and Paul McCartney Partner for Upcoming Paul McCartney 'US' Tour

Sold Out Concert Tour Begins September 16

TORRANCE, Calif., May 31 -- Lexus and Paul McCartney have announced a groundbreaking partnership that names Lexus as presenting sponsor of the Paul McCartney 'US' Tour this fall. The Lexus tour sponsorship, which will include multiple marketing extension opportunities through March 2006, represents the first time McCartney has ever partnered with a commercial brand in his distinguished career.

"I'm very pleased to partner with Lexus because I think there 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. "I'm looking forward to a fun and rewarding experience for all."

McCartney will be performing 37 concerts during the 'US' tour, featuring many songs that have not been performed on American soil in the past 15 years. Nearly 300,000 tickets went on sale for this concert series and sold out in record-breaking time in most cities -- some in less than 10 minutes.

"We are excited to present such a highly anticipated event to McCartney fans," says Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager for Lexus. "Paul McCartney is a musical icon who continues to grow and thrive not only as a musician but as an overall creative artist and philanthropist."

Lexus and Paul McCartney have several marketing initiatives in development to support the partnership. Of particular interest to McCartney -- who is a long-time advocate for environmental causes -- is the Lexus RX 400h, the world's first luxury hybrid SUV. This vehicle proves that environmental consciousness doesn't have to mean sacrificing performance, luxury or styling. McCartney will join other celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Portman -- both of whom chose to arrive at this year's Academy Awards in a Lexus RX 400h -- in championing such an important development in the automotive world.

The RX 400h has been certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle and has an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 29 mpg, better than the average for compact sedans, and an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 27 mpg and 31 mpg in the city. The vehicle boasts a V6 engine that delivers V8-like performance and provides a peak system output of 268 horsepower and a 7.3-second 0-to-60 acceleration.

Additional partnership initiatives currently in development include Lexus hospitality areas in select tour cities, ticket giveaways and a special compilation CD created in conjunction with McCartney, to name a few.

For more information about the "Paul McCartney 'US' Tour Presented by Lexus" visit www.paulmccartney.com.

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 become the top-selling luxury nameplate in the United States for five years in a row. Lexus and its 210 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.

   PAUL McCARTNEY -- THE 'US' TOUR -- REVISED

   Friday, September 16th        Miami             American Airlines Arena
   Saturday, September 17th      Tampa             St. Pete Times Forum
   Tuesday, September 20th       Atlanta           Philips Arena
   Thursday, September 22nd      Philadelphia      Wachovia Center
   Monday, September 26th        Boston            FleetCenter
   Tuesday, September 27th       Boston            FleetCenter
   Tuesday, October 4th          New York          Madison Square Garden
   Wednesday, October 5th        New York          Madison Square Garden
   Saturday, October 8th         Washington DC     MCI Center
   Monday, October 10th          Toronto           Air Canada Centre
   Friday, October 14th          Detroit           The Palace
   Saturday, October 15th        Detroit           The Palace
   Tuesday, October 18th         Chicago           United Center
   Wednesday, October 19th       Chicago           United Center
   Saturday, October 22nd        Columbus          Value City Arena
   Sunday, October 23rd          Milwaukee         Bradley Center
   Wednesday, October 26th       St. Paul          Xcel Energy Center
   Thursday, October 27th        Des Moines        Wells Fargo Arena
   Sunday, October 30th          Omaha             Qwest Center
   Tuesday, November 1st         Denver            The Pepsi Center
   Thursday, November 3rd        Seattle           KeyArena
   Friday, November 4th          Portland          Rose Garden
   Monday, November 7th          San Jose          HP Pavilion
   Tuesday, November 8th         San Jose          HP Pavilion
   Friday, November 11th         Anaheim           Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim
   Saturday, November 12th       Anaheim           Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim
   Wednesday, November 16th      Sacramento        ARCO Arena
   Saturday, November 19th       Houston           Toyota Center
   Sunday, November 20th         Dallas            American Airlines Center
   Wednesday, November 23rd      Phoenix           Glendale Arena
   Friday, November 25th         Las Vegas         MGM Grand Garden Arena
   Saturday, November 26th       Las Vegas         MGM Grand Garden Arena
   Tuesday, November 29th        Los Angeles       STAPLES Center
   Wednesday, November 30th      Los Angeles       STAPLES Center