Prince Albert’s Wedding

It may not have been as spontaneously cool as the vintage Aston Martin DB6 convertible the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Will and Kate) drove after their wedding. But the Lexus LS 600h that carried Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco around the principality after their wedding is arguably more interesting.

The big car was custom built as a landaulet, which has a top that is convertible behind the driver. It is also a gasoline-electric hybrid that can drive on electric power alone for longer than a typical LS 600h. Indeed, Lexus said had said that during the post-wedding parade around Monaco the car would operate as an electric vehicle at least 85% of the time.

.

Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, reported in May it would be providing the wedding car for the couple as well as a small fleet for the royal family. The move is aimed at getting more attention for the comapny’s large hybrid flagship sedan, which is a unique vehicle among large luxury cars.

This sort of product placement could generate lasting publicity and give Lexus more recognition among consumers as a serious competitor in the luxury segment...