Lexus Hybrid Owners, Thanks a Million

TORONTO, ON., April 12, 2016 – Lexus International today announced it has sold over one million hybrid vehicles globally since the world’s first hybrid luxury vehicle, the RX 400h, went on sale in April 2005.

To commemorate this milestone, a new NX 300h was delivered to a Lexus customer in Milan, Italy, by Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe, to a Lexus customer, Mr. Aldo Pirronello.

Tokuo Fukuichi, President of Lexus International, said: “The hybrid drive system continues to be our core vehicle technology to help reduce CO2 emissions, while providing a pleasurable driving experience.  We have set ambitious environmental goals for 2050, and hybrid popularity worldwide is extremely important if we are to achieve those goals.  Today, Lexus manufactures ten hybrid models, with more on the way.  I’m pleased over one million customers worldwide have put their faith into our hybrid line-up.”

Mr. Pirronello commented: “This is my first Lexus. I chose this brand because I really value it. When I saw the new Lexus NX 300h, I was immediately captured by its design, and of course by the hybrid technology made me enthusiastic. I was surprised to hear that I was the buyer of the 1 millionth Lexus hybrid, and I am honoured to celebrate this important milestone with Lexus!”

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 most 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 first 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 has the largest luxury hybrid line-up with six hybrid models in Canada and ten worldwide.

‘’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 will be available for sale in the spring of 2017.

“I am sure that our new performance hybrid system will make the hybrid vehicles even more successful attracting even those customers who have never considered a hybrid before,” concluded Alain Uyttenhoven.

As of the end of March, Lexus has sold approximately 1,000,600 hybrid vehicles in 11 years.

Hybrid vehicle sales by region:

Hybrid vehicle sales by model:

* Lexus currently offers a GS hybrid with two powertrain options, GS 300h and GS 450h.

Source: Lexus Canada