ABU DHABI: Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor of Lexus in the UAE, has announced that its Lexus hybrid sales increased by 25 per cent in the first quarter of this year, in comparison to the same period in 2015. This announcement comes on the back of Lexus International’s confirmation of over 1 million hybrid vehicles sales since the world’s first hybrid luxury car, the RX 400h, which went on sale in April 2005, said a statement from the company.
Gradually, the brand expanded its hybrid line-up by launching the first full premium hybrid sedan, GS 450h, in 2006 and in 2007 the most powerful full hybrid sedan, LS 600h. In 2011 followed the first full hybrid premium compact, CT 200h, and in 2014 the first premium mid-size crossover, NX 300h, it added. The first full premium hybrid sports coupe, RC 300h, was launched at the end of 2015. Today, globally, Lexus sells 10 full hybrid models and is the premium brand with the widest full hybrid line-up.
Chris Buxton, acting managing director of Lexus at Al-Futtaim Motors, said: “These positive sales results confirm that the interest in the leading hybrid technology of Lexus is increasing as people now understand its benefits from reduced emissions and fuel consumption to powerful high performance yet smooth driving experience.” “The hybrid conversation is being ignited more often at our showrooms since we priced the RX hybrid exactly the same price as its petrol equivalent,” he said.
Earlier this year, Lexus globally 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. In the UAE, Al-Futtaim Motors offers the largest line-up of luxury hybrid vehicles, which includes Lexus LSh, RXh, GSh and CT, it added.
