Source: AD #2343 – Lexus Takes the “Premium” Out of Its Hybrids, Global Sales Up in Q1, BMW To Use Magna Lidar System – Autoline Daily LEXUS TAKES THE “PREMIUM” OUT OF ITS HYBRIDS The hybrid version of any car tends to only be available on the higher trim levels, making an already pricy package even more expensive. But Lexus is finding success by taking “some of the premium out” of its hybrid models. Or in other words, making them less expensive. According to WardsAuto, in the first quarter, RX Hybrid sales are up over 33% and the NX is up close to 170%. Lexus will do the same with the new ES sedan that just debuted at the Beijing auto show and is currently only seeing a hybrid take-rate of 10%. That could be a nice shot in the arm, sales wise, for a vehicle that has been the best-selling Lexus car since 1992. Having seen the price difference between the Prius Prime trims, Plus, Premium, and Advanced, what the heck is going on in the Lexus brand? When I followed the link to the article, I had to dig to find: . . . Also available is a new-generation hybrid powertrain, expected to increase penetration from the current 10% as Lexus continues with an affordable-pricing strategy that “takes some of the premium out” of its hybrid models. That game plan has worked to boost hybrid sales of the RX 33.3% and NX 167.8% in the first quarter, according to Wards Intelligence data. . . . Whenever I see 'percentage' and not the numbers, I get a little anxious so: The sales trend is positive but 33% seems a little optimistic. Bob Wilson
seems backwards to me. not sure how happy lexus shoppers will be, giving up goodies for mpg's. i would think toyota buyers would be more likely, but i suppose they know their market better than i do.
You bring up a good point. What are these luxuries? Power seats? Knob warmers? Finger bowls? Bob Wilson
For the Lincoln Fusion(MKZ?), it was mostly the base engine that the Fusion came with. Ford offerred the hybrid at the same price as the ICE model since the first gen. Which was easier to do than for the Fusion because the Lincoln's base engine was the upgraded option for the Ford. The hybrid makes up about a third of sales for the current model. That statement alone is misleading though. In addition to the hybrid and base 2L ICE that has the same price, there is a V6 with AWD option for an upcharge.
