Lexus sells 1 millionth hybrid vehicle

Lexus today announced it has sold over 1 million hybrid vehicles since the first hybrid luxury car, the RX 400h, went on sale in April 2005.

To commemorate the milestone, the 1 millionth Lexus hybrid vehicle, a NX 300h was handed over in Milan, Italy, by Alain Uyttenhoven, head of Lexus Europe, to a Lexus customer, Aldo Pirronello. 

Commenting on the occasion, Tokuo Fukuichi, president of Lexus, 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 1 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 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 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 a wide range of 10 hybrid models.

Meanwhile, Europe is the largest hybrid market worldwide for Lexus. In 2015, 64% of all Lexus cars sold in Europe were hybrid, a proportion that rises to 95% in Western Europe. The brand has a a market share of over 45% in Europe (77% 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. So it doesn’t come as a surprise, that it scores the highest satisfaction rates among our customers” said Alain Uyttenhoven.

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 is scheduled to go on sale in 2017.