By Wright Communications - 13 February 2012
New Zealand luxury vehicle drivers have avidly embraced the Lexus CT200h, the world’s first compact sports hybrid, sending it rocketing to the top of its segment sales charts in the vehicle’s debut year.
The CT200h officially went on sale last April, and was so
successful on debut that it ended 2011 as the third most popular
luxury vehicle, and first in its class. It was also named 'Hybrid
of the Year' by the National Business Review.
The model's success has helped launch Lexus into a strong 2012,
which is set to further reinvigorate the Lexus marque with a range
of new releases, says Lexus New Zealand Manager Debbie
Pattullo.
"Hot on the wheels of the CT200h and the sensational flagship IS
F 'Red Edition', a fleet of new Lexus models is due to hit our
shores in 2012 across most segments of the luxury market."
Debbie Pattullo says Lexus New Zealand knew it had a winner on
its hands, with CT200h, when advanced customer orders in March last
year topped 30 vehicles, an unprecedented level for Lexus.
"The CT200h has a stunning mix of sportiness and hybrid
technology, all in a stylish compact luxury package. The dual
personality and size proved to have huge appeal to New Zealand
drivers," says Debbie Pattullo.
Helped by a unique finance package which included free
insurance, CT200h captured 22.2 per cent of the luxury compact
segment for 2011, with 228 sales.
"There is a noticeable trend towards smaller vehicles, and the
CT200h met the market perfectly," she says.
Looking ahead to this year's highlights, she says the new LX570
arriving in March is the first example of enhanced L Finesse
design, featuring the new signature spindle grille. RX will also
take on the new Lexus design look when it undergoes a model line-up
change, incorporating for the first time F Sport models.
"Then the all-new GS will launch on a completely revised
platform, having undergone a ground-up development aimed at
propelling the Lexus GS line to the forefront of the medium Luxury
sedan and Luxury Sports sedan segment," says Debbie Pattullo.
Finally, a new LS will bring a strong finish to an exciting
year for Lexus, she says.
Ends