Neiman Marcus Offers First Crack at Lexus Hybrid

Lexus is launching its new hybrid car with a special offer for Nieman Marcus’ inner circle.

Lexus has set aside 100 new LS 600h L cars for Nieman Marcus to sell through its iconic InCircle catalog. The catalog, which will be mailed in April to members of Nieman Marcus’ InCircle loyalty program, is renowned for carrying limited edition, often exotic, items.

The LS 600h L bows to the public in the summer, so InCircle members get first crack at the luxury V8 hybrid. The Launch Edition cars get special detailing, with exclusive exterior and interior colors (“Truffle Mica” and “Alabaster”), chrome alloy wheels, and interior badging. InCircle buyers also get a matching set of Italian leather luggage. Pricing is still under negotiation, Lexus said.

All versions of the hybrid car also have voice-activated navigation, a real-time traffic system, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a 19-speaker sound system and an “Advanced Parking Guidance System” that lets the driver line up the vehicle next to a parking space and push a button; the car parks itself with little braking from the driver.

The tie-in marks Nieman Marcus’ 100th anniversary, and coincides with the 25th anniversary of InCircle. The loyalty program lets members earn points with purchases at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, then redeem them for luxury goods from accessories and airline tickets to designer clothing and appliances.

Members earn one point for each dollar spent on a Nieman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman credit card; rewards cost 5,000 to 10,000 points. Shoppers who earn 100,000 points become Platinum Level members (with double points), and those who earn 1.5 million points join the Chairman’s Circle level, with perks including a free cruise, an Orchid of the Month, and free fur storage.