Lexus of Brighton

• Lexus announces its support of the Wallabies and ARU
• Launches new dealership - Sydney City Lexus, Rushcutters Bay

Lexus Australia has announced it will join forces with the Qantas Wallabies and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) as their Official Vehicle Partner.

The partnership includes, along with traditional sponsorship arrangements, supply of Lexus vehicles to the Wallabies and ARU and Lexus access to players, corporate hospitality and ticketing.

Lexus owners will also gain access to ticketing for local matches via Lexus' exclusive Encore owner program.

The announcement of the partnership coincides with a milestone for the Lexus business in Australia: the opening of its newest and 24th dealership, Sydney City Lexus - Rushcutters Bay.

The new site, opened by Lexus chief executive Tony Cramb, marks the return of Lexus to its spiritual home, just a couple of blocks from Lexus' first dealership on William Street, Sydney.

Mr Cramb said that the partnership with the Qantas Wallabies and ARU was a logical one for the brand.

"Lexus sees its support of the Wallabies as a mutually beneficial relationship," he said.

"The Wallabies are much like our engineers and dealers, we all have a common desire to exceed expectation, be it a game play or a customer experience - in effect, we are all in pursuit of perfection," said Mr Cramb.

"It's a common theme that binds Lexus and the Wallabies as a team.

"For Lexus it's not about improving on our last effort, but staying one step ahead of the competition, pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance - evident today in our hybrid vehicles.

Mr Cramb also said the addition of Rushcutters Bay to the Lexus dealer network reaffirmed the strong business position of Lexus Australia.

"Throughout the past year, Lexus has quietly gone about its business.

"Lexus has weathered the past 12 months well, and with the product we have on the way, it's only going to get better for our business and dealers," Mr Cramb said.

ARU deputy CEO Matt Carroll said the Lexus partnership provided an ideal synergy as the Qantas Wallabies prepare to kick off the 2010 international season.

"Under coach Robbie Deans, our young Australian side is poised to make the transition from potential to performance. That drive for excellence is in keeping with the way Lexus goes about its business," Mr Carroll said.

"We have high hopes and high expectations for the Qantas Wallabies heading into 2010, and looking towards the horizon, of a successful Rugby World Cup campaign in 2011.

"At ARU we are delighted to have come to an agreement with a motor vehicle company as respected in its field as Lexus. I'm sure Lexus will find the Qantas Wallabies an equally good fit.

"We are both focused on success and integrity."

Lexus will also work closely with ARU to offer its fans and supporters exclusive Lexus experiences in the future.