Lexus highlights its hybrid models at Guangzhou show

Toyota's luxury brand Lexus will strengthen its foothold in China by selling an expanded range of hybrid vehicles, said Lang Lixin, deputy president of Lexus China on Nov 22, the opening day of the Guangzhou motor show.

The all-new hybrid LS 600hL made its Chinese premiere at Lexus' largest-ever exhibition in the 10-year history of the Guangzhou event.

Equipped with Lexus' latest hybrid technologies, its 5.0-liter V8 engine and electric motor can generate 327 kW in power while using the equivalent fuel of a conventional 3.5-liter V6 engine.

The LS 600h has sold 730,000 units across the globe since it went on sale in 1989.

The brand's hybrid lineup in China also includes the RX 450h, the GS 450h and a long-wheelbase version of the ES 300h tailored for China that just went on sale in July.

Also among the hybrid portfolio is the CT 200h, a compact hybrid model that has had monthly sales over 1,000 units since it hit the market last year.

Lexus now has about 80 percent of the hybrid segment in China's luxury market, Lang said.

Among Lexus' current overall sales in China, 22 percent comes from hybrid vehicles, he said, adding that the brand hopes to raise the proportion to over 50 percent in 2015.

As the major sponsor of the China Grand Prix of Figure Skating, Lexus showcased its hybrid portfolio to the public during the event.

In 2013, the brand aims to make its hybrid models known to more people by hosting more brand building activities around the world, Lang said.

China is now the second-biggest market for the Japanese luxury brand. In the first 10 months of 2012, it registered 32 percent year-on-year sales growth in the country, while its number of dealerships is expected to reach 100 by the end of the year.

The brand also topped the 2012 list of JD Power's Initial Quality Study that examines defects and malfunctions in new vehicles in the first two to six months of ownership.