Hybrid milestone for Lexus

LEXUS has become the first luxury-car importer to deliver more than 50,000 hybrid electric vehicles (including hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) in Australia.

Since the introduction of its first hybrid model in 2006, Lexus has gone on to retail 51,013 hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, as well as 658 fully electric models.

Lexus says electrified models represented a record 60.4 per cent of its total sales volume in Australia last year (2023), growing to a new high of 75.0 per cent at the half-way point of 2024.

It says the percentage of electrified vehicles sold reinforces that it is the “undisputed leader in the premium and luxury segments for the highest mix of electrified sales amongst brands offering a full line-up of hybrid, all-electric, and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles”.

Lexus’ ultimate global vision is to become a fully BEV brand by 2035.

In detailing its recent success, Lexus noted strong overall performance by is NX SUV line, with 14,182 cumulative hybrid sales, followed closely by the RX SUV line with 13,042 cumulative customer deliveries. For 2024 the numbers show 2004 units from the NX range, 806 from the RX line-up, and 670 from the recently launched LBX.

Lexus continues to offer a choice of hybrid or petrol-only variants across every model in its range, noting that most customers prefer the benefits of a hybrid driveline when given the choice.

Indeed, 90 per cent of ES customer opt for the HEV option and 75 per cent of RX customers.

The Japanese luxury importer says Lexus HEV technology is now available across its ES, LBX, LC, LS, LM, NX, RX and UX lines, with PHEV available within the NX range. Battery electric alternatives are available in the UX and RZ line-ups, meaning there are 32 electrified grades available across 11 model lines.

Lexus says customer acceptance of electrified vehicles has “accelerated rapidly” over time with the brand continuing to invest heavily in hybridised technologies while simultaneously educating customers about the benefits.

It took Lexus more than seven years to sell its first 10,000 HEVs locally, while most recently, than number has been achieved in less than 18 months – and all without government incentives or legislation.

Lexus introduced its first hybridised vehicle in Australia in 2006 when the GS 450h sedan and RX 400h SUV went on sale, the latter noted as the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV.

“As a disruptor brand since our inception almost 35 years ago, Lexus has continued to redefine the concept of luxury with our renowned focus on customer experience and the pioneering of intelligent technologies,” said Lexus Australia chief executive John Pappas.

“We continue to anticipate, stimulate and meet demand for luxury vehicles that are great to drive; as well as assist our customers to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the unrivalled benefits and luxury experience of owning a Lexus.”