Lexus today announced it has sold over 1 million hybrid vehicles since the world’s first hybrid luxury car, the RX 400h, went on sale in April 2005. To commemorate this milestone, the 1 millionth Lexus hybrid vehicle, a NX 300h was handed over in Milan, Italy, by Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe, to a Lexus customer, Mr Aldo Pirronello.
Mr Pirronello commented: ‘This is my first Lexus. I chose this brand because I really value it. When I saw the new Lexus NX 300h, I’ve been immediately captured by its design, and of course by the hybrid technology that made me enthusiastic. I was surprised to hear that I was the buyer of the 1.000.000th hybrid Lexus, and I am honoured to celebrate this important milestone with Lexus!’
Lexus launched the industry’s first full hybrid premium SUV, the RX 400h, in April 2005. Gradually, the brand expanded its hybrid line-up by launching the first full hybrid premium sedan, the GS 450h, in 2006, followed by the most powerful luxury hybrid sedan, the LS 600h in 2007, the HS 250h in 2009 and the first luxury hybrid compact, the CT 200h, in 2011. The ES 300h was launched in 2012, then the IS 300h and the GS 300h in 2013, and the first luxury mid-sized crossover, the NX 300h, in 2014. The first luxury hybrid sports coupe, the RC 300h, was launched globally at the end of 2015. Today, Lexus sells 10 hybrid models and is the luxury brand with the widest hybrid line-up.
Europe is the largest hybrid market worldwide for Lexus. In 2015, 64% of all Lexus cars sold in Europe were hybrid, a proportion that rises to 95% in Western Europe. Lexus is by far the largest hybrid premium brand in Europe, with a market share of over 45%, or 77% if plug-ins are excluded.
’Since 2005, full hybrid technology has been the signature powertrain technology for Lexus. In addition to great fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions – which lead to low costs of ownership – it also provides a smooth and engaging driving experience with a high level of ride comfort. So it doesn’t come as a surprise, that it scores the highest satisfaction rates among our customers” said Alain Uyttenhoven.
Earlier this year, Lexus premiered its latest full hybrid model, the LC 500h, which features a new generation performance full hybrid technology called Multi Stage Hybrid System (MSHS). The MSHS expands further the hybrid advantages by delivering more power, greater acceleration and traction and higher efficiency. The LC 500h will be available for sale in the spring of 2017.
