The world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, the Lexus RX 400h, went on sale in April 2005. 11 year later, Lexus has managed to deliver approximately 1,000,600 hybrid vehicles worldwide!
To commemorate this milestone, a new Lexus NX 300h was delivered to a Lexus customer in Milan, Italy, by Alain Uyttenhoven, head of Lexus Europe.
“No other Luxury carmaker can equal Lexus’ depth and breadth of efficient and refined drive full hybrids. With our portfolio of advanced technology, like full hybrids and Lexus Safety System +, it’s no surprise we’ve reached this milestone and dominate the full hybrid luxury market. I’m delighted to deliver this new NX 300h to Aldo Pirronello on behalf of Lexus International,” said Alain Uyttenhoven.
“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 1 millionth Lexus hybrid, and I am honoured to celebrate this important milestone with Lexus!” said Aldo Pirronello, the new NX 300h owner.
Following the debut of the RX 400h, the the Japanese automaker gradually expanded its hybrid line-up by launching the first luxury hybrid sedan, the GS 450h in 2006, and in 2007 the most powerful luxury hybrid sedan, LS 600h. In 2009, the HS 250h, followed by the first luxury hybrid compact, the CT 200h, in 2011. ES 300h was launched in 2012, then IS 300h and 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 sells 10 hybrid models and is the luxury brand with the widest hybrid line-up.
Earlier this year, Lexus premiered its latest hybrid model, the LC 500h, which features a new generation performance hybrid technology called Multi Stage Hybrid System (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 sometime in 2017.
“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 1 million customers worldwide have put their faith into our hybrid line-up,” said Tokuo Fukuichi, president of Lexus International.
Hybrid vehicle sales by region:
| Market | Sales since 2005 (approx.) | Sales in 2015 |
| North America | 345.5k | 38,540 |
| Europe | 237.5k | 40,629 |
| Japan | 225k | 31,420 |
| China/Hong Kong | 97k | 21,120 |
| East Asia | 62k | 11,151 |
| Oceania | 19.5k | 3,535 |
| Asia | 8.5k | 1,294 |
| Other | 5k | 1,343 |
Hybrid vehicle sales by model:
| Model | Sales since 2005 (approx.) |
| RX | 335k |
| CT | 267k |
| ES | 118k |
| HS | 67k |
| NX | 63k |
| GS | 53k |
| IS | 51.5k |
| LS | 41k |
| RC | 3.8k |
