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Lexus GB: 150 IS-F for UK, entire line hybrid by 2009
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From: CA
Lexus GB: 150 IS-F for UK, entire line hybrid by 2009
Interesting interview with the head of Lexus GB, Director Steve Settle.
http://www.motortrader.com/24829/Lex...-on-the-.ehtml
http://www.motortrader.com/24829/Lex...-on-the-.ehtml
How will you take your hybrid line-up forward?
By 2009 we'll have a hybrid version of every model. As well as our traditional high levels of customer satisfaction, our hybrid strength is what differentiates the brand.
Is there a contradiction in producing hybrid models alongside higher consumption performance petrol cars to compete with BMW's M Series and Mercedes' AMG?
We're doing it because we can. It's about engineering expertise and trying to make the best cars in the world. It doesn't detract from our differentiation into hybrid but shows we can make stunning performance cars as well. The ISF will be launched in 2008. These products fire up the dealer network.
Will the ISF detract from Lexus' green credentials in the UK?
No – we'll only sell 150 ISFs a year but we need to give the public a choice. Today we sell more petrol versions of the LS than hybrids but in 2008 we'll sell more hybrids.
We already sell more hybrid RXs than petrol and this year we'll sell more hybrid GSs than petrol. Within three years we'll give a hybrid option on the whole range before Mercedes is even in the market.
By 2009 we'll have a hybrid version of every model. As well as our traditional high levels of customer satisfaction, our hybrid strength is what differentiates the brand.
Is there a contradiction in producing hybrid models alongside higher consumption performance petrol cars to compete with BMW's M Series and Mercedes' AMG?
We're doing it because we can. It's about engineering expertise and trying to make the best cars in the world. It doesn't detract from our differentiation into hybrid but shows we can make stunning performance cars as well. The ISF will be launched in 2008. These products fire up the dealer network.
Will the ISF detract from Lexus' green credentials in the UK?
No – we'll only sell 150 ISFs a year but we need to give the public a choice. Today we sell more petrol versions of the LS than hybrids but in 2008 we'll sell more hybrids.
We already sell more hybrid RXs than petrol and this year we'll sell more hybrid GSs than petrol. Within three years we'll give a hybrid option on the whole range before Mercedes is even in the market.
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Amazing how well hybrids are doing in Europe considering the cost. But it does make sense, they run much cleaner than diesels and are not taxed as high.
THe lineup in the U.K is
IS, GS, RX, LS
They already got 3 hybrids. So an IS hybrid is coming???? Odd, b/c the IS 220d is doing SUPERB as well in Europe.
THe lineup in the U.K is
IS, GS, RX, LS
They already got 3 hybrids. So an IS hybrid is coming???? Odd, b/c the IS 220d is doing SUPERB as well in Europe.
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Posts: n/a
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Pole Position
Joined: May 2001
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From: Illinois
for a minute. Too bad that's not what it is. I'd like to see them do something like that to nurture their fan-base/loyal market.
