By Jacquelyn Pillsbury
Twenty-five years ago, Lexus launched its first car, the Lexus LS. The LS is now in its fourth generation, as Lexus has continued to fine tune it over the years.
A year later, in 1990, Haldeman Lexus of Princeton (formerly known as Lawrence Lexus) opened its doors to the public. Today the dealership, located on Business Route 1 North in Lawrence, has 150 new and 70 pre-owned models, and 20 service bays.
Haldeman Lexus is a family-owned business, and a place that offers its customers a personalized touch, said general sales manager David Dougherty, who has been a team member since 1992.
“Customers are treated like guests here,” he said. “We offer a high value, but we never lose our personalized touch.”
Dougherty explained that treating customers like guests is something that Lexus takes great pride in, and that there are many ways Lexus takes care of its customers. Once the initial sale is compete, new car owners become members of the Haldeman Lexus of Princeton Owner’s Club. Perks of membership include a courtesy car wash while your vehicle is serviced, preferred Saturday scheduling, invitations to special owner events, free lifetime towing and roadside assistance (even after their factory coverage has expired), 10 percent discount on accessories for your Lexus, and monthly money-saving online specials. They also wash your Lexus on Saturday mornings in the spring, summer, and fall. Loaner cars are available while your car is being serviced.
The recent name change from Lawrence Lexus, Dougherty explained, was because its new name is for better marketing with the rest of the Haldeman Auto Group. This includes Haldeman Subaru, Haldeman Ford Hamilton, and Haldeman Nissan, all located in Hamilton, and Haldeman Ford in East Windsor.
“We have the same staff, and the same great services,” Dougherty said, and the location has remained the same — across Business Route 1 from the post office.
Now, the new 2015 models are currently arriving in the Haldeman Lexus showroom, featuring models like the RC350 F sport coupe and the NX200T, a hybrid SUV. The RC350F, which just recently arrived, has 467 Horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.4 seconds. It reaches a top speed of 168 MPH and has a 5.0 liter V8 engine. According to the Lexus website, “it was forged from the asphalt up.” Lexus designed this two-door car for racing.
The NX200t F SPORT is expected to arrive in Lawrenceville soon. It is a fully-hybrid SUV, and Dougherty explained that the model is “slightly smaller than the RX350.” It is set to come in three models and boasts gas mileage over 33 MPG.
Following the economic downturn, Lexus redesigned all of its models “for new style and performance since 2013,” adds Dougherty.
Lexus kicked off its annual “December to Remember” national sales event in mid-November. Dougherty said it started about 15 years ago as a way to off-set the traditionally slow car sales month of December. The old expression was “you can’t compete with Santa Claus.” A decade and a half later it is one of their biggest sales events of the year. This year’s sales event continues through Jan. 5, 2015.
In addition to new cars, Dougherty adds, “We have a broad selection of pre-owned vehicles for people with every budget.”
Haldeman Lexus of Princeton is located at 2630 Brunswick Pike in Lawrence. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.; closed Sundays. Phone: (609) 375-1000. On the Web: haldemanlexusofprinceton.com.
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