THE 2014 FRANCHISE GUIDE
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Lexus’s unsuccessful foray into diesel cars was consigned to history with the launch of the third-generation IS saloon in 2013. Lexus will focus on petrol-electric hybrid in the UK in future and potential customers seem to be getting the message that hybrids can be cost-effective compared with diesel alternatives.

With IS and GS models offering versions below critical CO2 thresholds for business customers, sales and market share are once again on an upward trajectory.

Lexus is likely to continue this momentum with a new smaller SUV arriving in showrooms before the end of the year. The new NX will be offered with the same four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain as the IS 300h and GS 300h, providing a low-CO2 alternative to cars such as the diesel Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC90.

With fewer than 50 sales centres, the brand still has a small footprint in the UK, although the NX will be the model to help Lexus achieve consistent annual registrations above 10,000 units.

Learn more about this manufacturer on Lexus's AMi page. Dealers can register here for a free AMi membership.