LEXUS AUSTRALIA SETS MAY SALES RECORD
Luxury vehicle manufacturer Lexus has set an all-time May sales record, the third-highest sales for any month since the brand was launched in Australia in 1989.
Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry (FCAI) today revealed Lexus delivered 753 vehicles in May – 132 vehicles more than the same month last year.
Hybrids continued to sell strongly in May with 63 Lexus RX 400h and 30 GS 450h vehicles sold, with demand again outstripping supply of GS hybrids.
The 17.5 per cent total increase for Lexus over the corresponding month of 2006 represents the company's third highest sales result in Australia for any month.
The result also saw Lexus claim the number three position in the luxury car segment for the month – 142 vehicles more than its nearest competitor.
The all-new Lexus LS 460 was a standout, posting 37 sales in its first month to claim second position in the upper large segment.
According to VFACTS, the passenger vehicle segment rose 4.0 per cent to 52,727 deliveries and the SUV market rose by 14.1 per cent to 16,912 deliveries, compared to May 2006.
Lexus IS 250 and RX 350 continued to top the Lexus sales charts in May.
Lexus delivered 381 IS Line vehicles, while 203 RX350s were delivered for the month of May.
Lexus Australia divisional manager John Roca said he considered the outstanding Lexus sales results as testimony to the brand's leadership.
"This year was always going to be a significant year for Lexus," Mr Roca said.
"The May sales results confirm our position as a leader in vehicles that deliver the best economy and performance, without sacrificing luxury.
"This leadership in the luxury vehicle market is set to continue with the introduction of the world's first V8 hybrid and our flagship vehicle, the LS 600hL later this year."