• Lexus IS-F
• Infiniti M-35
• Jaguar XF
• Lexus LS 460
• Mercedes-Benz GL Class
• Lexus RX-400 Hybrid
• Mercedes-Benz M Class
• Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec
• Audi A6
• BMW 5 Series

I thought it would contain insightful research on “green” luxury cars, I was wrong. The Forbes article focused on cars priced between $40,000 and $90,000, and it appears the biggest contributing factor in making the “guilt free list” is a high resale value (around 50%) after three years. Of the ten cars on the list, only two achieved a 25 mpg rating, the Mercedes-Benz E 320 Bluetec and the Lexus RX400 Hybrid. What’s appalling, five of the ten cars failed to achieve 20 mpg.

Now don’t get me wrong, the list is compromised of some great cars. For the most part they’re not marketed as green alternatives and they’re reliable, fast and often push technology in important features like safety. But based on mpg, I wouldn’t classify them, as Forbes states, “environmentally friendly.”

It would be great to see more automakers follow Tesla’s lead and create cars that challenge the status quo, drive new technologies and change the industry. At $109,000 the Tesla Roadster is priced higher than any of the cars Forbes reviewed, it’s also 10x more efficient than the top car on Forbes’ list with a 256 mpg equivalent. In addition to owning an extremely fuel efficient car, owners have comfort in knowing they’re a benefactor to an innovative new company that’s driving change. Other benefits to owning a Tesla; 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds and what’s bound to be incredible resale value. Orders for the first 100 signature models took less than three weeks to fill. With limited production, the first few model years are sure to become collector’s items, making the Tesla not only a “Guilt-Free” choice, but a solid investment.

All the best,
Bill

Finding my last two cars on the internet, the post Online Shopping Continues to Grow – But Not For Luxury Cars from On Wheels in Heels came as a surprise, but I think the title was a little misleading. According to research from the Luxury Institute, two-thirds of all high-end shoppers turn to the web for research, but only one-fourth are comfortable buying a car online.

With so many people utilizing the web for research, it’s only a matter of time until a higher percentage of cars become available for sale on the net. Once the cars are there, you’ll see more purchasing done on the web. Over time I think consumer behavior will flip to where shoppers visit dealerships for research/test drives and return home to negotiate the best deal and complete the purchase online.

All the best,
Bill

MediaPost featured an article this morning Luxury Shoppers Migrate Toward The Web. According to the Luxury Institute, families with an income of $150,000 and higher are more likely to do research on the web with 64% visiting the company’s website for additional information.

This information correlates with the stats we’re seeing from our Online Reader Survey and also relates to the navigation patterns of our readers visiting company’s websites from 3LUXE “Best Of” pages. The missing element from MediaPost’s article is the “why”? I believe the why is time, or lack there of. Consumers are constrained by the hours in a day, and the web provides a faster option for browsing, researching and shopping. As users better learn to cut through the clutter and find the useful information they desire, we’ll continue to see higher percentages of luxury shoppers migrate to the web (and 3LUXE) to fulfill their shopping needs.

All the best,
Bill

Tiger had a dramatic come from behind win yesterday, taking the US Open championship in a playoff. It took all of his skill and focus to overcome intense knee pain to win his greatest championship to date. This championship, which helps solidify the legend and brings him closer to surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ record 18 major wins, was inspirational. As fans, we tend to remember the championships that were won while overcoming adversity and obstacles. There’s Kerri Strug’s 1996 vault on an injured ankle to capture team gold, Michael Jordan leading the Bulls to a NBA Championship on Father’s day the year his father died, and Lance Armstrong’s seven consecutive Tour de France championships as a cancer survivor.

Inspirational victories give us hope and create new dreams. They help us find inner strength to overcome the challenges we face and inspire us to revisit past passions. Tiger’s victory yesterday has undoubtedly inspired thousands back to the golf course in search of the perfect round. At 3LUXE we’ve been tracking an increase in traffic to our Best Of golf reviews. This culminated yesterday with record visits to recently updated club reviews. The most popular reviews may be surprising, Best Of Irons followed closely by Best Of Drivers. My guess is we’ll see an uptake in traffic to Best Of Putters as the season progresses.

Congratulations Tiger and best of luck to everyone pursuing the perfect game.

All the best,
Bill

On my way into work this morning I saw that gas prices surpassed $4.00 a gallon. In addition to changing the driving and purchasing habits of individuals, high fuel prices are causing more businesses to rethink the traditional work week, driving change for the better. An article in the Pioneer Press explains how several Twin City businesses are looking at ways to help employees deal with the increasing cost of the commute. Among the changes, more telecommuting and 4-day work weeks. As someone who used to spend between one and two hours a day commuting, these are welcome changes, regardless of gas prices.

So what are more positive changes that we will see as a result of high gas prices? Over the next week, the 3LUXE Best Of The Days will feature “Best Ofs” that can help you live life to the fullest while promoting a “greener” lifestyle that benefits us all.

The most obvious changes are directly related to fuel prices and how we get where we’re going. Hybrid and electric cars are continuously improving, but with consumers looking for more alternatives, auto companies are finally getting serious about making fuel efficient cars and trucks. But more fun than the advances in cars, is the surge in scooter sales. This is a fun alternative for motoring around town and according to MSNBC sales are up around 25%.

In addition to fuel saving vehicles, there are many other things we can do that not only help us save fuel, but allow us to get more out of life. As I mentioned above, there is more telecommuting taking place, and let’s face it who wouldn’t like to take some of their life back from the drudgery of a commute. The accelerating trend in the home office is fueling sales for home office furniture, the most basic need, a desk.

Summer vacations are also changing this year as more families look to parks and recreation areas that allow them to enjoy their own “backyard”. Many of us here at 3LUXE enjoy the outdoors and know that when you’re “roughing it”, it’s a good idea to have the best. 3LUXE recently updated our “Best Of” camping categories, including tents and sleeping bags for Summer 2008.

Another thing we’ve witnessed at 3LUXE is that many of the items that have been reserved for recreation, are finding their way back into our everyday lives. The easiest to spot is the bike. Here in the US many bikes are purchased solely for recreation and exercise, but you’re seeing more of us tune them up and ride into work. I doubt many would argue that a bike ride in the morning isn’t more relaxing than being stuck in a car.

Next time your at the gas pump grumbling about prices, take a moment to think about how you can change your habits to get more out of life. Maybe you’ll even try skateboarding into work (as someone who’s done it, I would stick to biking)?

All the best,
Bill

Although 2008 is the 100th Anniversary of Father’s Day in the United States, the National Retail Federation is forecasting that Father’s Day spending will be down approximately 4% compared to last year. With record high food and fuel prices that is completely understandable. But then I hear that “Fathers generally get passed over a lot for Father’s Day” on The Wall Street Journal This Morning, and I became slightly concerned for America’s Dads. Since historically people complain that Dad is difficult to shop for, 3LUXE has published the 2008 Father’s Day Gift Guide, to help alleviate common challenges in finding the right gift for Dad.

1. Several “Dads” contribute to 3LUXE.
2. Dads rarely buy gifts for themselves.
3. Dads are just old “boys”, and boys like their toys.

To help our users find the right gift for Dad, 3LUXE has divided our guide into categories based on interests, including a Classic Gift Guide that has appeal to all Dads. In addition to the classic guide we’ve created a Guide to Gadgets that includes gear that will keep dad happy at home and on the road. Golf Gifts are always popular for Father’s Day and our guide includes a couple of the year’s best clubs that are sure to help Dad’s game. Since Father’s Day is celebrated at the beginning of summer, we’ve included two guides that allow Dad to enjoy his gifts this summer and for years to come; The Grilling and Outdoor gift guides.

This Father’s Day remember to thank Dad for all that he has done for you over the years, sometimes the best gift is a simple “thank you”.

All the best,
Bill