Lexus teases in China and launches in India

By AFP | 3 April 2017


An NX teaser image.


BEIJING: Toyota's luxury marque has confirmed that its next-generation NX crossover will be making its global debut at the 2017 Auto Shanghai and has also revealed its initial model line-up for its long-awaited move into the Indian market.

It's hard to believe that despite being in business since 1989, it has taken Lexus 28 years to open its first dealership and put together its first official model line for India.

However, according to the company, it has been bidding its time until wealthy younger Indians' automotive tastes were more clearly defined.

"How India experiences luxury is evolving with its affluence," said Lexus India senior vice president Akitoshi Takemura. "We are excited about what we can bring to the luxury market in India, where we see opportunities mapped to the remarkable growth the country is experiencing."

The company has decided that it should lead with hybrids as environmental responsibility is seen as an element of Indian affluence and so the initial line-up will consist of the RX 450h and the ES 300h, with the third model, the LX, being offered in 450 diesel form.

"This is just the beginning, we look forward to bringing more exciting products to India in the future," Takemura said.

Lexus this week also confirmed that the latest generation of one of its most popular models, the NX compact crossover, will be appearing first at the Shanghai motor show. The original's combination of ease of use in urban environments, strong visual style and top-notch comforts has helped Lexus grow its market share globally. The new version is expected to pick up where the old one left off but there is no word on whether it will be coming to India in the future.

However, one Lexus that will be added to the Indian line-up within the next 12 months is its flagship LS executive sedan. In the days leading up to Lexus's official Indian launch, it has been showing off the LS to potential owners and gauging reaction.

To entice well-heeled drivers into a Lexus and out of a Mercedes or BMW, the company is setting up what it is calling guest experience centres in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore, where potential owners will be able to try out the cars and get a feel for them as well as of course sign on the dotted line.

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