Hybrids dominate European Lexus sales

Lexus Hybrid Drive sales continue to grow

• Lexus continues to lead the premium market with hybrid technology. In 2007, 16,800 vehicles with Lexus Hybrid Drive were sold in Europe.
• 70,000 tonnes quantifiable reduction in CO2 emissions (*) in Europe due to Lexus Hybrid Drive sales.

Lexus Hybrid Drive

Lexus remains the only premium manufacturer offering hybrid technology. The Lexus Hybrid Drive range consists of the RX 400h, the GS 450h and the flagship LS 600h. In 2007, Lexus has sold 16,800 Lexus Hybrid Drive vehicles in Europe, up from 13,200 units in 2006.

Lexus' full hybrids, such as the LS 600h with its 165 kW electric motor, offer exceptionally powerful performance with greatly reduced emissions. They even allow for emission-free electric driving, for instance in urban environments.

Lexus Hybrid Drive has proven a major attraction for European buyers. In 2007, 38% of all Western-European Lexus customers have opted for Lexus Hybrid Drive, up from 26% in 2006. Of the RX and GS ranges respectively, 86% and 55% of vehicles sold featured Lexus Hybrid Drive. Since the LS 600h went on sale in July, it accounts for 56% of LS range sales.

Since introduction in 2005, European Lexus Hybrid Drive sales have saved over 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
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Rupert - 3/2/2008 4:54:04 PM

+8 Boost

Fuel economy is very important here in Europe - 86% hybrid for the RX shows that, even though it is more expensive.

Although Mercedes sold more cars in 1 month in Germany than Lexus sold hybrids across Europe in an entire year.

Homer008 - 3/2/2008 5:14:22 PM

-8 Boost

You dumb*** always compare everything w/Lexus, Acura or infiniti, mainly Lexus.

Why mention Mercedes? This article has nothing to do with Mercedes.

You Merc or bmw fans need to smoke a fat bong and relax and stop being so scared.

Rupert - 3/3/2008 7:54:14 AM

+2 Boost

It was to counteract the expected "Look how well Lexus is doing in Europe, fastest growing brand" crap that would come from somebody.

Czelinski - 3/2/2008 5:17:48 PM

+1 Boost

Scared, lol...

Htay7500 - 3/2/2008 7:15:00 PM

+9 Boost

because the euro, moreso the pound in UK, is much stronger than the weakening USD. their incomes and consumer products are higher, cars are also expensive.

enthusiastx11 - 3/2/2008 6:48:40 PM

+3 Boost

16,800 cars in a year on a continent of 750 million people. why is this impressive? that's about as many cars as lexus sells in tiny little massachusetts.

"Hybrids dominate European Lexus sales" nice self-referential use of 'dominate.'

Htay7500 - 3/3/2008 2:45:17 PM

-1 Boost

"And they are very expensive,..."

to the perspective of us americans.

"The GS450h costs over $100,000 in most countries in europe. The RX400h costs around $80,-90,000."

and a ford focus costs $20k-30k USD over there. what point are you making? cars are expensive in europe (did you read what I just said?) along with everything else there.

XYZZ - 3/3/2008 5:31:48 AM

0 Boost

haha! i usually agree with a lot of what you say huu, but this is downright funny! people in europe are a LOT MORE fuel consumption conscious than americans. how can they NOT be, with the prices there?

XYZZ - 3/4/2008 6:56:34 AM

0 Boost

puppykiller, stoolchecker--

it is on record that the euro mfgrs are PLANNING hybrids of their own. by the time these are brought to market, Lexus will likely be on their 2d or maybe even 3d generation Hybrids.

so Euro hybrids, behind now, will simply get "behinder and behinder" as time goes on.