charles
Adrian PatonRecord sales for Lexus hybrid luxury vehicles
June 13th 2008 00:15
With Toyota Australia's announcement that a locally built Camry Hybrid will emerge in 2010, the Japanese car giant's luxury arm Lexus have reported record sales levels for its luxury hybrid models.
Lexus racked up 470 sales of its hybrid models at the end of May - up 11.6 per cent for the year-to-date over the same period last year. The luxury hybrid models which includes the RX 400h hybrid SUV, GS 450h performance sedan and flagship LS 600hL luxury saloon have all contributed to the record month with a total of 1200, 500 and approaching 100 units sold respectively. The GS 450h was first launched in 2006 followed by the RX 400h and most recently, the LS 600hL which has only been on sale for seven months.
Lexus Australia expects total Lexus hybrid deliveries to pass the 2000-mark in the third quarter of this year.
Lexus chief executive John Roca said that rising fuel prices were forcing a re-evaluation at all levels of the vehicle market:
"Increased sales of Lexus hybrid vehicles show that higher fuel prices are forcing a rethink of the vehicles we drive, even at the luxury end of the market," he said.
"While our customers can afford to pay more for petrol, the steep rise in fuel prices has sent a signal to everyone that oil is a finite resource.
"Lexus hybrids are widely accepted as an alternative to traditional petrol or diesel-engined vehicles, delivering real world economy and emissions benefits."
"While our customers can afford to pay more for petrol, the steep rise in fuel prices has sent a signal to everyone that oil is a finite resource.
"Lexus hybrids are widely accepted as an alternative to traditional petrol or diesel-engined vehicles, delivering real world economy and emissions benefits."
In fact, the popularity of hybrids in Australia have reached a point where demand - particularly in the luxury market - is outstripping supply and the biggest challenge facing the luxury car maker is actually satisfying customer demand given the restricted supply.
"If demand for hybrids continues at the current rate, Lexus will surpass the 2000 hybrid sales milestone much quicker than ever anticipated."
"Lexus hybrids are clearly bucking the trend, forging a clear path towards more environmentally aware motoring without sacrificing power and driving enjoyment," he said.
"The biggest challenge we have in satisfying customer demand is restricted supply."
"Lexus hybrids are clearly bucking the trend, forging a clear path towards more environmentally aware motoring without sacrificing power and driving enjoyment," he said.
"The biggest challenge we have in satisfying customer demand is restricted supply."
[Source: Lexus]
| 39 |
| Vote |
Add Comments
Read More
