Lexus lowers emissions

Lexus buyers are increasingly asking for hybrids, the company says.

About 70% of all new Lexus cars and SUVs sold in New Zealand last June were hybrids, along with 57% of all Lexus sales in the six months to June 30, Toyota’s luxury brand reports.

By about 2025, every model in the Lexus line-up will be available either as a dedicated electrified model or have an electrified option, which include plug-in hybrid, battery-only and hydrogen fuel cell models.

Nine different Lexus hybrid models are offered in New Zealand, from the LC 500h luxury coupe to the UX250h luxury compact SUV.

Lexus New Zealand adds that SUVs account for 79% of all its sales.

The company claims that overall Lexus vehicles produce the lowest CO2 emissions in the luxury vehicle segment in New Zealand (excluding the zero-emitting Tesla).

“In June, Lexus recorded the lowest overall CO2 emissions in the industry, ahead of small car brands Mini and Suzuki,” it says.

The Lexus hybrid system appeals because it is so efficient, and delivers performance, while reducing emissions and running costs, Lexus general manager Neeraj Lala says.

The Lexus RX 400h crossover has sold more than 1.4 million hybrid vehicles worldwide, the company says.

Consultation on the New Zealand Government’s proposed transport emissions policy that impacts the price of high and low emitting vehicles closes on August 20, which would give about nine Lexus hybrids retailing under $80,000 a discount from 2021 of about $2800 or $3800.