Because of slow purchases in Europe, Lexus is thinking about dropping the Prius-based CT 200h hatchback in support of a hybrid crossover, as per Alain Uyttenhoven, the brand’s European employer. Uyttenhoven confesses the CT 200h hasn’t broken into the growing small luxury car sector in Europe, selling only about 10,000 cars each year. The replacement for the CT 200h may get styling hints from the LF-SA concept that was introduced at the 2015 Geneva auto show.
Regardless of selling over 652,000 units worldwide, Lexus has struggled to acquire momentum in the European high-end market, which is worth around 750,000 automobiles yearly. Part of Lexus’ future technique is to make the most of the relocation against diesel-powered automobiles in city centers, with Uyttenhoven, keeping in mind “300 European cities now have some law concerning access.”
Crossovers are likewise ending up being Lexus’ biggest sellers worldwide with the RX and NX leading the method in regards to sales. This year, crossovers could account for half of all Lexus sales worldwide. Across “wider Europe,” the brand had 64,000 automobiles sold in 2015 and could sell 70,000 this year, Uyttenhoven stated. “In Europe, we have to get yearly Lexus sales above the 100,000 mark – something that would finally give us exposure in the market,” said Uyttenhoven. “You have to command 5% of the segment to end up being a genuine gamer.”
The CT 200h will reach completion of its life cycle under 2 years.
