Lexus New Zealand says it sold more than 800 vehicles last year, 14 per cent more than during 2017.
This was achieved during a year where many other luxury brands experienced a decline in volume, said the senior general manager of Lexus New Zealand, Paul Carroll. “Our unique proposition as the leading supplier of self-charging hybrid electric luxury vehicles set us apart from our rivals,” he said.
The Lexus RX350L,Picture/Matthew Hansen
Forty-three per cent of Lexus sales were from self-charging hybrid electric models.
“There is avid demand for the fuel economy and environmental benefits of our hybrid range,” he said.
The market’s appetite for sport’s utility vehicles (SUVs) was even more rampant in the luxury sector than in the mass market. The mid-sized RX, which had become available in a seven-seater version this year, was a strong seller in its segment, outselling models such as the Audi Q7 and Mercedes GLE.
The RX was the top seller for the Lexus marque with 36 per cent of all sales, while the smaller NX and the larger LX make up another 34 per cent.
The new compact crossover UX is scheduled for a local launch next month, was expected to be a key contributor to Lexus’ 2019 sales.
He said the comprehensive standard specification and pricing of the Lexus range also contributed to its success in the premium sector of the market.