Lexus has sold more than one 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 one millionth Lexus hybrid vehicle produced, a NX 300h, was handed over in Milan by Alain Uyttenhoven, head of Lexus Europe, to a Lexus customer, Mr Aldo Pirronello.
Tokuo Fukuichi, president of Lexus International, said: “The hybrid system continues to be our signature powertrain technology. We have set ambitious environmental goals for 2050, the popularity of the hybrid technology worldwide is extremely important for us to achieve those goals. I’m extremely happy that over one million customers worldwide have put their faith into our Lexus hybrid line-up.”
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 per cent of all Lexus cars sold in Europe were hybrid, a proportion that rises to 95 per cent in Western Europe. Lexus is by far the largest hybrid premium brand in Europe, with a market share of more than 45 per cent, or 77 per cent 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.
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.
