Hilton Head Lexus on U.S. 278 celebrated its official grand opening Tuesday with the help of Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager of Lexus Division Toyota Motor Sales.
Bracken is a longtime member of Lexus, serving since 1978. He was named group vice president in March. Bracken said Hilton Head and Chatham Parkway Lexus owner Winston Pittman continues to enhance the Lexus brand through his dealerships.
“We talk about customer treatment and Winston has exceeded the Lexus expectations,” Bracken said. “We support his dedication to Lexus and thank him for making an investment in this community.”
Hilton Head Lexus opened in January, expanding its new products and car services from Chatham Parkway to serve the Bluffton-Hilton Head-Hardeeville market.
“It is a one-of-a-kind dealership, no one offers the service, product and atmosphere that we do,” said Jim Mollica, chief operating officer for Toyota, Lexus and Subaru.
At the grand opening, Lexus debuted the Lexus 2014 IS 250. Mollica said the car will put Lexus into competition with the BMW 3-Series.
The third generation of the Lexus IS sport sedan is the latest in a series of redesigns as the automaker reinvents itself with a new, sporty image. The base price of the 2014 Lexus is less than $37,000.
“It is a complete redesign from the ground up,” said Mark Arnold, a Lexus salesman. “The spindle grip gives it a more aggressive look.”
Mollica said the Hilton Head dealership was one of the first in the Southeast to receive and display the new product.
“Full sales will begin the first week in July and we hope to nationally sell about 3,000 IS 250s a month,” Bracken said. “It was the perfect time to display the new car as Winston hosted his grand opening.” The Hilton Head Lexus dealership was awarded to Chatham Parkway Lexus of Savannah by Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, and represents a $6.5 million investment. It employs about 40 people.
The new location focuses on customers’ convenience and when they come for service, they will be offered free manicures, an espresso bar, flat-screen TVs and other amenities also available at the dealership on Chatham Parkway.
Tim Bliss, general manager of the southern Lexus dealerships, said, “Lexus’ covenant is to treat the customers like a guest in their own home. Winston has provided the finest homes in South Carolina and Georgia.”
Pittman thanked everyone in attendance for the help he’s received in establishing the two dealerships.
“Tonight is like the Academy Awards where I receive the opportunity to thank each of you. We couldn’t have made it without the help of 275 employees and the many customers who entrusted us to not only sell the best products, but to service them as well.”
Alma Pittman, Pittman’s wife, thanked the band who provided entertainment for the grand opening despite the loss of Ben Tucker.
Tucker and his band were to perform, but the local jazz legend died Tuesday on Hutchinson Island when the golf cart he was in was struck by a car coming off the island’s former racetrack.
“A musician’s life was taken, but his band honored their commitment because that was how Ben would’ve wanted it,” Alma Pittman said. “We send prayers to the family and community.”