Lexus has stopped importing new versions of its IS saloon, Lexus RC coupé and Lexus CT hatchback as the models are withdrawn from the UK market, with no direct replacements planned.
All three models are now listed as having "limited availability of stock", with a spokesperson confirming no more will be brought into the country. Lexus stock is held centrally rather than in different dealer networks, unlike most volume brands.
The only exception is the RC F performance derivative, which will continue to be imported and remain on sale for longer than the mainstream versions of the coupe.
The Japanese premium marque revealed a new-generation IS earlier this year. However, the BMW 3 Series rival will be sold only in the US, Japan and other Asian markets, with no European introduction planned.
Lexus UK claimed at the time that the new ES saloon outsells the IS two to one, reflecting the smaller model's decline in popularity.
No replacement for the RC has been detailed by Lexus but, as it's heavily based on the IS, any new model is also unlikely to be sold in Europe. Just over 1000 examples were registered across the region in the whole of 2019.
The hybrid-only CT, which shared its platform with the previous-generation Toyota Auris and Toyota Prius, has been on sale with only relatively minor alterations since 2011. Its popularity with business and fleet buyers kept it on sale in Europe long after it was axed from the US market in 2017.
No direct replacement for the CT has been confirmed as yet. However, Autocar understands that a model smaller than today's UX crossover is in the works for a potential 2021 debut. However, what form that car will take remains to be seen. It might even be fully electric.
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Who are Lexus?
Who are Lexus?
They ought to just give up, like Infitity they really aren't breaking through. Toyota would have been well advised to buy a brand like Volvo, SAAB or Jaguar when they had a chance...
TStag wrote:
Lexus sold 765,330 units globally in 2019.
Volvo sold 507,704 units globally in 2019.
Jaguar sold 161,601 out of overall 557,706 global sales of Jaguar Land Rover.
Saab is rightfully dead for years.
Now you know.
rtwingo wrote:
I suspect that's kind of the point: far better to leverage a well known but underperforming brand than attempt to create one from scratch.
TStag wrote:
Infinity? This guy can't even get brand names right. Zero credibility as usual.
TStag wrote:
Those brands will always have a reputation for being second-rate. By starting from scratch and sparing no expense, Toyota has been able to create a brand known for producing the finest mass-produced cars in the world.
Shame
A shame that there'll be less choice. Our roads are increasingly dull and repetitive now. I remember mkI IS being relatively popular and sharp looking in its day. The RC and IS would both have potential if not hampered by such limited power train options.
You'd think it would be very easy to import given the cars home market is also RHD so there are no re-engineering costs to sell here.
I am making a good salary