Lexus Soars Past Half-Million Mark for Global Hybrid Sales

WATERTOWN, Mass., Jan. 02, 2013 — In 2005, the Lexus RX 400h went on sale as the world's first luxury hybrid vehicle. Today, Lexus' gas-electric lineup stands at five models, which recently passed 500,000 units in global hybrid sales. The luxury automaker has a deeper hybrid lineup and has sold more hybrids than any competitor.

While the RX 400h and its successor, the RX 450h, have combined to make up more than half of Lexus' hybrid sales to date, its newer models have brought a spark to the showroom in recent years. Debuting in 2011, the hybrid-only Lexus CT 200h created a niche for luxury buyers as a gas-electric compact hatchback. Returning 43 mpg in the city, the CT 200h continues to gain favor with consumers, with its U.S. sales rising 33 percent year-over-year through November 2012, totaling more than 16,000 units in 2012.

"The Lexus RX remains the brand's best-selling hybrid, but the CT 200h is a great example of how Lexus is broadening the appeal of its lineup and ensuring success for the future," said Vincent Liuzzi, general manager of Lexus of Watertown, a Greater Boston Lexus dealer. "It attracts first-time luxury buyers because it is affordable and efficient, but the car still provides a sporty ride and plenty of versatility with its rear hatch."

In August 2012, Lexus followed up the introduction of its CT 200h with another affordable option aimed at younger buyers: the first-ever hybrid for its entry-level ES luxury sedan. Though it takes on the brand's new aggressive exterior styling, including a Lexus family "spindle" grille, the 2013 Lexus ES 300h is built with comfort in mind on the inside, featuring class-leading total legroom and optional sustainable bamboo trim. Even with its impressive 40-mpg rating in the city, the hybrid version of Lexus' best-selling sedan still produces more-than-adequate responsiveness with its total system output of 200 horsepower.

The new Lexus ES 300h may be designed to attract the eco-conscious, but the vehicle is also proving that it can offer peace of mind to those concerned about safety. In December, the model earned a five-star overall rating in the New Car Assessment Program from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The latest accolade for the ES 300h comes on the heels of another award for its superior crash protection, a 2013 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that was presented in October.

"Lexus' hybrids have seen so much success because they feature all the top-notch qualities that its gas-only models have provided for so long, and that includes impeccable safety," added Liuzzi. "The Lexus ES 300h is the complete package, whether you're talking about its engaging-yet-efficient ride, its spacious interior or its advanced crash-protection features."

About Lexus of Watertown:
Lexus of Watertown is a recipient of multiple Elite of Lexus awards, given annually to dealerships that showcase overall excellence. They have a wide selection of new and certified pre-owned Lexus models, in addition to an exemplary service department that keeps customers coming back. Easily accessible from MetroWest, the North Shore and the South Shore, Lexus of Watertown is just minutes off the Mass Pike between Route 128 and Route 93. For more information, visit them online at www.lexusofwatertown.com, call them at 888-667-9785, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LexusWatertown, or stop by their showroom at 330 Arsenal Street in Watertown, Mass.