Lexus NZ celebrates early with record 2023 sales

The Lexus RZ 450 is the first vehicle to score a maximum five stars ANCAP safety rating. Photo: Lexus

Lexus New Zealand is celebrating a stellar year with record sales with two months to go before the end of 2023.

Registrations for the 10 months to the end of October reached 1080 surpassing the 2022 annual record of 1023. 

To top off the celebration, October sales figures show that Toyota and Lexus combined have reached a total New  Zealand new vehicle market share of 27.5%, the highest ever for the global automobile manufacturer. 

Lexus New Zealand Chief Executive Neeraj Lala says the record sales reflect the growing local appreciation for the marque and its many design, performance and technical features that set it apart from other luxury brands. 

“Lexus is not only a symbol of luxury and innovation but are truly enjoyable vehicles to drive. More and more New  Zealanders are realising that Lexus not only offers a premium cabin and high performance but also a route to decarbonisation and sustainability,” he says. 

The Lexus portfolio includes hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully battery electric powertrain options. The push to electrification has been well received with 89% of YTD sales being electrified. Average tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions across the portfolio are down to 119gm of CO2 per kilometre. 

As well as the popular hybrid RX SUV, which was updated this year, Lexus now offers a plug-in hybrid NX SUV  and two fully electric models – the UX 300e, which was also recently upgraded with a larger battery. 

While the RZ 450 is the first vehicle to score a maximum five stars against the recently updated 2023 Australasian New Car  Assessment Program (ANCAP) protocols, the strictest safety testing ever seen in Australia and New Zealand. 

“We have built our brand in New Zealand by bringing in technological innovation when the market has required it.  Equally, anyone who has driven in a Lexus will absolutely be impressed by the quality of the interior and attention to detail not seen in many other marques,” Neeraj says.