Over One Million Lexus Hybrid Vehicles Sold Since 2005

Lexus of Highland Park is thrilled to announce that Lexus International has sold over one million Lexus hybrid vehicles since the world’s first luxury hybrid, the RX 400h, went on sale in April 2005. It’s been 11 years since the brand decided to steer its focus away from diesel in favor of green petrol-electric technology. Today, Lexus is known as the premium hybrid car brand, particularly in Western Europe, where a staggering 95% of its new car sales are hybrid.

In order to commemorate the new milestone, Lexus had its European boss, Alain Uyttenhoven, hand over the keys of a new NX 300h to the millionth customer in Milan, Italy.

“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 the hybrid technology made me enthusiastic. I was surprised to hear that I was the buyer of the one millionth Lexus hybrid, and I am honored to celebrate this important milestone with Lexus!” said Aldo Pirronello, new NX 300h owner.

Lexus’ hybrid vehicle lineup currently includes ten models and it has just celebrated the addition of the LC 500h, which features a new-generation performance hybrid technology called Multi Stage Hybrid System (MSHS).

“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,” said Tokuo Fukuichi, president of Lexus International.

The Lexus hybrid vehicle family has been gradually expanding since the debut of the RX 400h, which was joined by the GS 450h in 2006 and the LS 600h, one year later. In 2009, Lexus added the HS 250h, followed by the first premium hybrid compact, the CT 200h, in 2011. 2012 saw the debut of the IS 300h, while the GS 300h and NX 300h were introduced in 2013 and 2014, respectively, followed by the RC 300h, which was launched globally at the end of 2015.

Since 2005, North America is the firm’s largest market when it comes to hybrid cars, with over 345,000 vehicles sold, followed by Europe, where more than 237,000 units have been delivered. The best-seller is the RX, with 335,000 units, followed by the CT, with 267,000, and the ES, with 118,000.

Earlier this year, Lexus premiered its latest hybrid model, the LC 500h, which features the MSHS. The MSHS expands further hybrid advantages by delivering more power, greater acceleration and traction and higher efficiency.

The LC 500h will be available for sale at Lexus of Highland Park in the spring of 2017.