Luxury is more than a feeling. It’s the confidence you have in your vehicle to get from home to work and back again. It’s settling into the driver’s seat, relaxed and comfortable for the journey ahead. It’s the bright sound of laughter from the back seat. It’s knowing that your vehicle is equipped with the most advanced technology to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
This year, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) uses crash test dummies to determine which vehicles are safe. This year, they’ve determined, (along with human engineers at IIHS) that some of the safest cars on the road are sold by Scanlon Auto Group. We’re talking about several Acura and Lexus models!
This year, the IIHS raised the bar on safety and created even stricter criteria. To earn the organization’s highest honor, Top Safety Pick+, a vehicle must earn a Good rating in every crash test including:
- The driver’s- and passenger’s-side small overlap front tests
- The original moderate overlap front test
- The updated side test
Additionally, headlights must earn a Good or Acceptable rating and either a Superior or Advanced rating in both daytime testing and the new nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention test.
With the new criteria, the safest SUV’s for 2023 includes 2 Acura models and 3 Lexus models.
Let’s drive right in.
Acura MDX
When it comes to the Acura MDX, it comes standard with the brand’s suite of active safety tech, dubbed AcuraWatch. AcuraWatch includes the likes of forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The three-row crossover earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, netting a Good rating in all the crash tests and Superior and Advanced ratings for crash avoidance and mitigation.
Browse our Acura MDX selection!
Acura RDX
The compact Acura RDX receives Good ratings in every crash test, as well as Superior and Advanced ratings for crash avoidance and mitigation. These high marks net this SUV a Top Safety Pick+ designation.
Browse our Acura RDX selection! Let’s take a look at Lexus honors.
Lexus NX
The redesigned Lexus NX offers more powertrain combinations relative to its predecessor. Buyers have four different options to choose from, including a new plug-in hybrid. Regardless of what powers your NX, every variant of this Lexus SUV earns Good ratings in all of IIHS’s crash tests and Superior ratings in every crash avoidance and mitigation test.
Check out our Lexus NX inventory!
Lexus RX
Redesigned for the 2023 model year, Lexus’s most popular model, the RX mid-size SUV, scores a Good rating in every crash test and a Superior rating in crash prevention and mitigation tests, earning it the IIHS’s top honors.
Check out our Lexus RX inventory!
Lexus UX
Lexus’s entry-level SUV goes gasoline-electric for 2023. With 181 horsepower, the Lexus UX250h isn’t exactly the quickest subcompact luxury SUV out there, but it is one of the safest, with IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The Lexus hybrid scores Good ratings in all IIHS crash tests and a Superior rating for crash avoidance and mitigation.
Check out our Lexus UX inventory!
When you’re cruising along I-75 north through Bonita Springs or Punta Gorda, traveling for a relaxing beach day in Venice or Tampa, or taking in the Royal Palm Trees of McGregor Boulevard, do it in a vehicle that ranks best in security. For luxury and safety, drive a car or SUV from Scanlon Acura or Scanlon Lexus of Fort Myers.
Rising to the Challenge
Building Community
Scanlon Auto Group is helping to build up the Southwest Florida community one Habitat for Humanity home at a time. On September 26, 2022, employees from Scanlon Auto Group left their ties and dress shoes at home and laced up their work boots to help build the framework of an affordable home for a local mother and son. For Scanlon Auto Group, it was our 36th home build with Habitat. For Kayla and her son, it’s their very first home.
The wall raising was the beginning stages of building a new home. The morning started with only a concrete slab on the ground and by the end of the day, the team had all the walls of a home raised. Then, just a week later, Hurricane Ian hit. Amazingly there was minimal damage to the walls and structure after the hurricane.
Currently, single mom Kayla and her 12-year-old son live in overcrowded conditions and are sleeping in the kitchen of a family member’s home. Kayla’s desire to provide her son with the space and stability he deserves motivated her to come to Habitat for a permanent solution. Kayla qualified for Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program because she showed that she has a need, the ability to pay a mortgage and the willingness to partner with Habitat. Like all Habitat Homebuyers, Kayla meets regularly with a Housing Counselor, will contribute 300 hours of sweat equity, participates in home maintenance and financial literacy classes, and will pay $2,000 toward closing costs.
Soon, Kayla will officially buy her home through Habitat and she and her son will have their own rooms and the opportunity to thrive in a stable home.
Corporate Giving
Helping to build up the community is one reason Scanlon Auto Group partners with Habitat for Humanity. Scanlon agrees with Habitat that everyone deserves to be able to purchase a home with an affordable mortgage. A decent home gives people the strength, stability, and independence to take care of themselves and build their own futures.
“I don’t think people realize what an impact Habitat has and the need that this community has had for the past 20 years,” Scanlon Auto Group owner Jay Scanlon said. “For us to be able to hire and attract people to this market, every business needs to be involved, whether it’s with Habitat or some sort of influence bringing light to the need for affordable housing.”
By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Scanlon Auto Group demonstrates are commitment to social and environmental responsibility while also making a positive impact in our community. It’s always a great way to build morale and work as a team.
The Spirit of Giving
In addition to the Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County, Scanlon Automotive has been major sponsors of the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, they are also major contributors to The United Way of Lee County, The Junior League of Fort Myers, ECHO Global Food & Farm Festival, Arts for ACT, The Harry Chapin Food Bank, SW Florida Regional Human Trafficking Coalition, and many other organizations that support the people and the Arts in our area.
A record-breaking number of New Yorkers have packed their bags and hit the highway towards a new destination down south. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles released new data proving more Empire Staters are moving to the Sunshine State than ever before.
As Scanlon Acura has proudly served areas throughout Southwestern Florida including Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, Estero, Naples, and more, this information quickly grabbed our attention.
The New York Post first reported a shocking 64,577 New York residents switched their NY licenses to a Florida one in 2022. This beat the numbers from the previous year, where just 61,728 made the move.
At the end of the day, a higher population equals a higher demand for vehicles. This increase in traffic is a green light for the automotive industry, which expects to see sales and product interests continue to rise moving forward.
Even looking at state-level electric vehicle (EV) sales, last year Florida made the top of the list. Data from Urban Science DataHub | New Sales shows Florida holds the spot for the nation’s second-highest EV sales volume.
Though the road doesn’t end there… In fact, it expands to other states such as New Jersey, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. All four states set new records for outbound migration to Florida in 2022.
New Jersey came in second behind New York, with 32,184 residents switching their Garden State licenses to a Florida one.
While concerns for inventory, gas prices, inflation, interest rates, and more are still prominent, the growing population is bringing more families and businesses to the area. A CBT News report states in Central Florida, new and used car sales remain strong thanks to the higher demand.
As for us here at Scanlon Acura, we believe, as always, that it’s a great time to be a part of the Southwest Florida automotive family!
Richard Hagy Memorial Golf Tournament
Scanlon’s Drive to Help a Real Ace
When it comes to helping the Southwest Florida community, for Scanlon Auto Group, it’s a “gimme.” From building houses in Lee County to donating blood in Fort Myers, Scanlon loves being a team player in the local area. That’s why a true bond developed when the Scanlon family met the Hagy family.
Nancy Hagy says the relationship began when she visited the dealership looking for a vehicle and drove away with a new Acura and a sponsorship for the family’s annual golf tournament in the name of Nancy’s husband, Richard.
Richard Hagy was a hometown hero. He had a passion for educating students and served at several Lee County Schools for over 30 years and was even named Principal of the Year at Mariner Middle School. He helped to pass many anti-bullying initiatives in the state of Florida.
Richard passed away on March 17, 2011, but his legacy lives on in the memorial scholarship established in his name. Each year deserving graduating Lee County students are awarded this scholarship.
When the Scanlon management team heard about Richard Hagy’s life and legacy, they decided to provide a vehicle for any lucky golfer who shoots a hole-in-one at the tournament. Scanlon Auto Group also became a proud sponsor of the annual Richard Hagy Golf Tournament. All of the tournament’s proceeds benefit the Richard Hagy Memorial Scholarship Fund, a scholarship offered by the Lee County Foundation for Public Schools. ”It is truly an honor to have Scanlon Auto Group sponsor my husband’s golf tournament,” said Nancy Hagy. “It helps us secure other sponsors in the community, which in turn, provides more scholarship dollars to our local students.”
The Richard Hagy Memorial Scholarship awards up to ten scholarships worth $2,000 to each student. Typically, the students write about bullying and how it has affected them. That was Richard Hagy’s passion while he was an educator. This year, the topic of Hurricane Ian and how it impacted the applicant is also an option. The Hagy’s hope to help hurricane victims move forward with their education.
The whole family gets in on the event. Relatives from Michigan, Kentucky, and Minnesota fly down and take part. Even Richard’s granddaughter congratulated the putting contest winner.
Businesses and resorts in Southwest Florida donated dozens of prizes including several overnight stays. One regular golfer even donated golf attire from The St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland.
At Scanlon Auto Group, supporting the legacy of Richard Hagy and the amazing scholarship fund in his name is for us, like landing a proverbial hole in one.
Cards for a Cause
HIGH STAKES
The stakes were high, the energy was hot, and the drinks were cold. After all, it was a charity poker tournament to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County, so who wouldn’t want to ante up for a good cause? The entertaining atmosphere drove some employees and guests of Scanlon Acura and Scanlon Lexus of Fort Myers to try their hand at a hand of poker. For one Scanlon Lexus employee, it meant 3rd place overall! Pedro Conte walked out a winner in two ways. He took home a poker prize and helped a deserving charity while having a great time.
The 10th Annual No Limit Texas-Hold’em Poker Tournament took place on Thursday, July 28th at the Crowne Plaza hotel and drew in nearly 100 poker players, making it a huge success!
I’LL SEE YOU AND RAISE YOU
Scanlon Auto Group has been a proud sponsor of the event since its inception ten years ago. The July 28th event has been key for raising funds for the BGCLC for a decade. When all the dealing was done and the chips counted, the BGCLC proudly announced that they surpassed their fundraising goal by raising almost $85,000 to support their programs, including $30,000 in scholarships to help kids in our community attend the program.
Scanlon Auto Group is very encouraging of community efforts to support those in need in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and all of Lee County. We’re so happy we could contribute to this GREAT cause as a World Champion Sponsor once again. The 10th Annual poker tournament goes in the books as the best one so far.
WINNERS! WINNERS!
In addition to poker playing, the evening included blackjack and darts games, raffle prizes, a silent auction, photobooth and delicious food and drink, thanks to sponsors, Chick-Fil-A, Coke Florida, Tito’s Vodka, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
For upcoming and past Scanlon Auto Group Community events, visit our Community Events page.
It’s not every day that most people can go to work and save lives, but that’s just what dozens of Scanlon Auto Group employees did recently.
Scanlon Auto Group, which includes Scanlon Lexus of Fort Myers and Scanlon Acura, collectively rolled up our sleeves and bravely handed over an arm to face a pretty big needle. If you’ve ever given blood, you know the anticipation is worse than the reality. Once you give your blood, there’s always such a sense of pride, knowing that you’re saving lives. Plus, you usually get a cookie!
The blood drive was held on June 10th in conjunction with Lee Health. The Lee Health Blood Mobile rolled up to our Lexus and Acura dealerships in Fort Myers, making “giving on the go” convenient for Scanlon Auto employees.
The drive was a HUGE success! Scanlon Acura and Lexus employees provided 29 units – just one unit short of our goal, but triple what the Blood Mobile normally gets in one visit! Thirty-two employees donated which translated to up to 96 lives saved! That is an amazing feeling!
Lee Health is in urgent need of blood donations to help replenish low supply levels. Lee Health asks the community to please consider making a donation. Your donation stays in Lee County and benefits local residents and visitors to our area.
Blood donors are eligible to donate every 56 days. If you would like to donate, please contact Lee Health for a location near you.
Consider rolling up your sleeves when the Blood Mobile rolls up. Our Lexus and Acura employees will tell you the cookie is a nice touch, but the sweet spot is knowing that donating blood saves lives.
Acura’s Mid-Ohio Winning Streak Speeds On
The rich legacy of Acura sports car racing is not only about winning on the track, but it is also the driving force behind every Acura passenger vehicle. When it comes to racing, Acura Motorsports programs have been integral to the Acura brand since its launch in 1986.
This season, Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing combined for a second consecutive 1-2 IMSA victory of 2022 and extend Acura’s winning streak at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
For five consecutive years, Acura ARX-05 prototype has crossed the finish line and come out with a top title at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race.
It was Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque who scored Acura’s winning spot in Lexington, Ohio, on May 15.
“Great teams just find a way to win,” Ricky Taylor, #10 Wayne Taylor Racing ARX-05, said.
“We might not have been the fastest in qualifying, but this just goes to show how strong our team is, that we find a way to win, no matter what.”
This victory was Acura’s fifth in a row at Mid-Ohio, as the manufacturer remains undefeated here since returning to prototype competition in 2018.
It also completed a weekend sweep for Honda Performance Development, the competition arm of American Honda in North America. On May 14, Honda drivers Colton Herta and Simon Pagenaud finished 1-2 in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“What an amazing race. I’m so happy about this group of people [at Wayne Taylor Racing and HPD], just an amazing job by everyone,” Filipe Albuquerque, (#10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05) Race winner, said.
IMSA Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio Acura Race Results
- 1st overall – #10 Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque, Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
- 2nd overall – #60 Tom Blomqvist and Oliver Jarvis, Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
- 10th GTD – #51 Aidan Read and Ryan Eversely, Rick Ware Racing Acura NSX GT3 Evo22
After five of 10 races, Acura led the DPi Manufacturers’ Championship, with Wayne Taylor Racing, Taylor and Albuquerque moving to the top of the teams and drivers’ championships.
Drive like the pros when you purchase an Acura from Scanlon Acura in Fort Myers. This amazing race technology trickles down into all the Acura products we have here at Scanlon Acura in Fort Myers, including the MDX, NSX, RDX, TLX and Integra. One quick spin around the block in the all-new 2023 Integra and you will understand why for the last five years Acura racing has had the top title. Acura hopes to continue the streak and energize fans with its new, electrified Acura ARX-06 LMDh prototype, which will race in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship hybid-powered GTP category beginning in 2023.
What’s Next?
The fabled road course in Watkins Glen, New York is the next stop in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, the third of four endurance races on the 2022 schedule.
See Acura in Action:
• Instagram (www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd)
• Twitter (twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD)
• Facebook (www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD
Scanlon Auto Group Gives Back
Thanks to the generous contributions from Scanlon Auto Group and the incredibly hard-working team at Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties in Southwest Florida, a 14thbirthday was transformed into something life-changing for local teen Chris and his family.
As a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, Chris’ mother Sasha could surprise her son and his two siblings (10 months and seven years-old) on Chris’ 14thbirthday with a brand-new home.
The home dedication ceremony took place on Friday, March 11th, 2022. The keys to the new home were handed to Sasha, and Chris could explore his new house for the very first time. Talk about the birthday present of a lifetime!
Scanlon Auto Group is proud to have been a part of making such a joyous event possible. For almost two decades, the Scanlon team has been a partner of Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Henry Counties and has helped 34 families just like Sasha’s start over in a brand new, affordable home.
“They are a phenomenal partner,” Sara Jordan, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties Director of Donor Development, said. “Their staff has been very actively involved with volunteerism.”
Scanlon Auto Group continued the tradition of giving back to their community by helping to make Sasha’s new home a possibility.
As a Lee County school teacher, Sasha is a vital member of her community. But prior to coming to their local Habitat affiliate, Sasha and her three children were living in a single bedroom home with her parents.
So, Sasha applied to be a local Habitat for Humanity partner family and was accepted into the nonprofit’s Affordable Homeownership Program. The program serves everyone (single person, family, retired couple, etc.) who makes 30-80% of the area median income.
“In this instance, that’s often teachers, nurses, bus drivers, postal workers. That’s our neighbors,” Jordan said.
Sasha was inspired to apply for Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program because as an educator she knows the importance of what stability means for children. She has seen the results of how that translates to children in her classroom, and she wanted her kids to have that stability as well.
The home was built in Habitat for Humanity’s Heritage Heights neighborhood in Fort Myers, which is where the local Habitat affiliate established its roots. The local nonprofit first began building homes in the area nearly 40 years ago.
“The fact that over the course of 40 years we’ve been able to go from revitalizing the area to now building a neighborhood of 150 partner families and empowering them through homeownership is pretty transformational on the community.”
It’s a neighborhood consisting of all Habitat homeowners, and when finished will hold 150 homes for families in need of an affordable place to live.
Scanlon Auto Group has stood alongside Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties to better the community and to provide hope for neighbors, friends, and customers.
“The dedication of [Scanlon Auto Group’s] volunteerism, hard work, and financial resources, help Habitat partner families achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance that owning a home can provide.”
Spring into Performance with the Acura MDX Type S
Can you smell it? Freshly bloomed spring flowers mixed with the sweet aroma of sea salt, sand, and that brand new car scent? As winter days quickly recede in the rearview mirror, the open road ahead fills with coastal road trips and relaxing weekends at Fort Myers beach.
Make your Southwest Florida spring adventures even more vibrant with the 2022 Acura MDX Type S. A vehicle like nothing Acura has ever built before, this 2022 MDX is the first SUV to transcend the high-performance ranks of the Type S.
Whether you’re spring-breaking to Sanibel or Captiva with friends or traveling with family to the beautiful beaches of Naples, Bonita Springs, or Cape Coral, take the all-new MDX Type S with you and be confident in your journey.
The 2022 MDX Type S is performance driven.
• Featuring a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 producing 355-HP116 and 354 lb-ft116 of torque, the MDX Type S puts power to the ground with rear-biased Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®).
• A double-wishbone front suspension, 21-in wheels, and front Brembo® brakes deliver handling with exhilarating precision.
Fluent in Performance
The new Acura SUV knows the distinct language of performance and power. Drive your 2022 MDX Type S along the Port Charlotte roadways on 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in wide-performance tires, which is the largest wheel and tire pairing yet. Quad exhaust outlets and Type S badging give you a bold, yet refined presence on the road, while the exclusive Tiger Eye Pearl premium paint finish available will have every head turning in your direction.
Ride in Comfort
After a day at the beach riding the wave runners wouldn’t you want a massage? An Acura first, the 2022 MDX Type S combines timeless style with massaging seats. High-grade contrast stitching and piping are the perfect complement to the available 16-way power front seats with 9 massage modes. Available Orchid and exclusive Azurite Blue leather with quilted stitching take the interior to new heights of refinement.
Make it Your Own
When you drive your new MDX Type S in Fort Myers or Naples, feel comfortable behind the wheel. Effortlessly personalize your drive with:
- The Dynamic Mode dial lets you choose between six different IDS Drive Modes visible on the 12.3-in HD Center Display.
- Amp up the exhilaration with the exclusive Sport+ mode.
- The new on-demand Lift mode gives you more ground clearance for extreme on-road conditions.
- NSX-inspired Electro-Servo brakes paired with Brembo® 4-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors deliver authoritative stopping power.
Disclaimer:
Shown: MDX Type S Advance in Tiger Eye Pearl.
Lift Mode sequence modified for demonstration purposes.
Own the 2022 MDX Type S today! Contact Scanlon Acura in Fort Myers, Florida by phone or browse our website for more details. To build and price your designed configuration, visit https://www.scanlon-acura.com/2022-mdx-type-s.html.
Frank Leslie Retiring After 40 Years
Not many people will ever be able to say that they worked at the same job for 40 years. It’s almost unheard of these days. However, Frank Leslie can say he did it with pride! Frank joined our team back in 1981. In fact, he started in sales with our company as it was known back then as Ft. Myers Lincoln Mercury, to be exact, on August 26, 1981.
Fast forward to December 3, 2021. Frank Leslie is retiring after 40 years to live his best life. We’d say we got the best years of our friend, Frank, but Frank and his family would tell you that life is just beginning.
Most recently, Frank served as the General Sales Manager of Scanlon Acura. We will all agree, Frank did so much more.
Frank joined Ft. Myers Lincoln Mercury in sales back in August of 1981. He’s been with the company from the ground up after transplanting his family from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After leaving a Fortune 500 company, he relished in the opportunity to work for the Scanlon Auto Group, and he brought so much to our table. He excelled in the business moving through many positions over the next 40 years.
Over his career he has served as:
- Sales Manager, Lincoln Mercury, AC, Jeep, Renault, & Fiat dealerships
- General Sales Manager, Jeep-Eagle dealership
- General Manager, Mitsubishi
- General Sales Manager, Lincoln Mercury
- General Manager, Acura
Frank has a few notches in the belt of his career!
Over his 40-year career span with the Scanlon Auto Group, Frank has played a key role in the growth and success of our company. He was always incredibly dedicated, loyal, and served as a continual mentor to Jay Scanlon as well as many others in his excellence in corporate sales training. Frank has seen a lot of sales associates come and go and it’s safe to say they all have an enduring memory of Frank.
Frank will tell you that his biggest asset is “being a customer-orientated General Manager. Customer satisfaction is what I strive for,” says Frank! And boy did he ever achieve his goal.
Frank is a pillar of the community and is well known for his work with Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School, Bishop Verot High School, The United Way and the Boys & Girls Club of Lee County, and Habitat for Humanity. Each year, Scanlon Auto Group builds a habitat home for a deserving family and Frank has been to more house builds than practically anyone else in the company!
Frank is also a planner. From sales events to company picnics, Frank planned everything right down to the tiniest detail. We’ll miss that dedication here at Scanlon. We think Frank will miss the competition with the other luxury competitors in our market. He had an amazing ability to jump in, roll up his sleeves and do what it takes to make Scanlon Auto Group the best it can be.
Frank is married to Kathy Leslie. Together they have two sons, Brett and Kyle, and daughter Erin, He also has five grandchildren.
Frank is the ultimate family man. He says he can’t wait to spend more time with the family and his grand kids. In his spare time, Frank enjoys riding motorcycles, playing tennis, and going on vacations with his family. He also loves to coach his grandchildren in any sport they’re into. Now, Frank will have plenty of time on his hands to do just that and enjoy his favorite dishes of steak and potatoes and Italian Food.
John & Jay Scanlon and the entire Scanlon Auto Group family wish you the best on your retirement. We will miss you! Cheers to your retirement. Mangia, Frank and congratulations!
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