Lexus Likely Launching Lightly in India This August

By adpock - March 18, 2016

2016_lexus_rx

India’s economy is the seventh largest in the world by nominal GDP, and the third largest by purchasing power parity, so news of Lexus finally launching in the Asian country has been a long time coming.

Now, after twice rejecting the idea of launching Lexus in India — in 2010 and 2013 — Toyota has finally decided the time is right to dive in. Well, perhaps “dive” is too strong of a word. It seems more like they’re putting a toe or two in the pool, just to test the water.

Lexus will be starting off slowly in the Indian market, likely this August, likely with just a few hybrid offerings. Reportedly, the plan is to start off with the 2016 Lexus RX 450h, followed by the GS 450h (which utilizes the same powertrain), and then the LS 600h flagship sedan.

While speaking with Car and Bike, Kyoichi Tanada, Toyota’s head of Asia/Middle East/North Africa regions explained the philosophy: “We (already) have a hybrid of Camry and as we are seeing government requirements and environmental issues in India, we have to develop or introduce more hybrid cars in the country. Basically, we have to consider three things – how we can keep our leadership through our SUV models, and also how we can increase our sales number through the passenger car line up. And how will we be able to introduce more hybrid cars meeting the government’s requirements.”

Though Toyota has been very happy with sales of Camry hybrids, with over 90% of total sales accounted for, they realize that hybrids may not be enough to meet Lexus’s goals of between 1000 and 3500 cars a year sold by 2018, and in excess of 5000 by 2020. Thus, Toyota and Lexus brass will aggressively research the viability of other cars to sell in the market, namely the LX and GX SUVS. There’s also the possibility of launching an India-only model, if demand is there.

Here’s hoping demand is high!