Founder and Broker Lori Judge of Judge Realty has joined the ranks of famed environmentalist and t.v host Ashley Cousteau, as well as the esteemed Tufts Business and Entrepreneur strategist and professor, Charles Rabbie, as the newest ‘Econaut’ and owner of the newest BMW i3 electric car series. The first one of Savannah and surrounding area sold, Critz BMW handed over the keys to Judge last week.

The BMW i3 is the first electric luxury car model, arguably the most efficient of electric cars currently on the market. BMW is a pioneer and innovator in a new understanding of mobility characterized by sustainability. 100% of the power used by the BMW i manufacturing plant is obtained from renewable energy sources, and 95% of the materials used to produce the i3 can be recycled. It's interior utilizes certified wood, textile materials with recycled resources, and naturally-tanned leather. Created with superior aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fiber materials, the i3 promises up to 80 miles on one full battery charge. The series is the first one to be presented in the U.S., with only around 700 sold in the states since its debut a few months ago.

As one of the pioneers of modern ‘green’ living in the South, Lori Judge and Judge Realty has been committed to positive social and environmental impact from the very start. With a commitment to environmental integrity and sustainability, Lori Judge earned her EcoBroker certification, making her one of the few certified EcoBrokers in the region. This designation is reserved for brokers trained to educate clients on reducing their carbon footprints through energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design in properties. She felt it only made sense for her to act as a representative for the newest series in electric cars.

“It’s always been a priority of mine to live as eco friendly as possible. I believe that being the first i3 owner will not only set an example for others in the community but help ensure my son know the value of living a sustainable life.”

This purchase comes on almost the one year anniversary of the “Electric Car Brainteam” held by Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols and Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson to discuss how to deploy more electric vehicle chargers and cars throughout the Savannah area. Since then battery powered vehicles are growing increasingly popular here in Savannah with powering stations popping up all over the Savannah area. Locally, Whole Foods hosts several stations, as well as Forsyth Park and city parking garages in downtown Savannah, all free of charge. The City of Savannah will soon add a fourth station at the Savannah Visitors Center on MLK Jr. Blvd. As fuel costs continue to rise the i3 and others like it are gaining ground as a preferred and less expensive mode of transportation.

Critz BMW is one of the first dealerships in the Southeast USA to carry the newest line of the BMW series. In the Georgia market, there have only been 16 BMW i3's sold since May, with the majority of them purchased in the Metro Atlanta area.

"We are very excited to deliver our first i3 to Lori Judge. She immediately recognized not only the remarkable efficiency of the i3 but also the electrifying performance of BMW's Efficient Dynamics technology. Just as BMW is an innovator in mobile technology, Lori is an leader in real estate brokerage."

Critz Auto Group is proud to announce that 2014 marks its 75th year serving Savannah and the Coastal Empire. The company is the exclusive local dealer for Buick, GMC, BMW, Mercedes- Benz and Sprinter Vans, specializing in new, used and certified pre-owned vehicles.  

For more information about the i3 series contact Critz Auto Group at 912.354.7000