Lexus chalks up record electrified sales in Oz

LEXUS Australia has chalked up record sales for electrified cars across all three forms of powertrain electrification: battery electric vehicle (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV).

The premium Japanese brand said in an announcement this week that electrified powertrains account for almost half of all Lexus sales in Australia so far this year.

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles represent 47.6 per cent of Lexus Australia's sales in the first seven months of 2022, up from a 2021 total of 38.8 per cent.

Lexus says the sales result puts them in front of all other premium brands for electrified car sales.

Within the eight-model electrified range, Lexus Australia offers just one BEV – the UX300e – one PHEV – the NX450h – and other electrically-assisted models with petrol-electric motivation.

These include the UX compact SUV, the NX medium SUV, RX large SUV, ES medium sedan, LS luxury large sedan and the LC Coupe sports car. Petrol-only ICE powered versions of the above models are also available.

Both IS and CT models have been dropped.

Neither the LX large SUV with its petrol or diesel twin-turbocharged V6 power plants, nor the naturally-aspirated V8 petrol powered LC convertible, are available with electrified powertrains at this point in time.

Adding to the appeal of pure electric UX300e is complimentary access to fast and ultra-rapid charging for three years at selected Chargefox stations during a three-year membership period of Lexus Encore Platinum.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive John Pappas said continued strong demand for its HEV, PHEV and BEV vehicles is accelerating the luxury lifestyle brand towards a fully electrified future.

“Lexus is committed to achieving substantial reductions in fuel use and CO2 emissions through the introduction of a diverse range of next-generation powertrain solutions under the Lexus Electrified strategy,” he said.

“Our vision is to harness the potential of electrified powertrains to enhance the Lexus Driving Signature with even greater dynamic performance and enjoyment.”

Globally, Lexus plans to introduce at least 20 new or renewed models globally by 2025 – most of which will be electrified. Recent Lexus world premieres include the all-new RX with its advanced hybrid technology and the pioneering RZ with fully electric propulsion.

Lexus added hybrid vehicles to its local range in 2006, releasing the world's first hybrid luxury SUV in the RX400h and the GS450h luxury sedan. All-time electrified Lexus sales in Australia now total 35,971 vehicles.

So far this year, Lexus has sold 2133 electrified vehicles in Australia. The NX luxury medium SUV leads the electrified sales charge with a combined 1064 hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales (53 per cent of total NX sales), eclipsing last year's total NX hybrid volume of 992 units.

Cumulative NX sales now exceed the 25,000 milestone (25,832 to end of July) across all powertrains, cementing its place as the top Lexus model sold in Australia since its introduction in 2014.

Sales of the RX450h and RX450hL stand at 379 in 2022, more than half (59 per cent) of 2021's RX hybrid total of 640 vehicles.

The compact luxury UX300e SUV, the first Lexus BEV introduced late last year, has been quick to gain traction with 55 sales in 2022 and strong orders on hand.

Mr Pappas said Lexus Australia continues to work closely with its global production team to secure the maximum possible allocation and provide customers with their vehicles as soon as possible.

As is the case with many car-makers, Lexus is affected by delivery delays due to various component supply, transport and other issues, some of which may be addressed soon.