Lexus IS hits million sale milestone ahead of 2017 arrival

Global sales of the compelling compact IS sedan have surpassed one million since the model’s introduction to the Lexus lineup in 1999 and account for a third of total Lexus’ sold in New Zealand.

Seventeen years ago, the Lexus IS delivered a compact, athletic and a sharply styled saloon turning the heads of new young customers, particularly in Europe; a region where the popularity of the IS remains strong with IS sales accounting for almost 20 percent of the cars sold.

“Boasting a strong European appeal, the Lexus IS wasted no time in becoming a consistent favourite in New Zealand primarily with drivers who are young at heart,” says Steve Prangnell, Lexus New Zealand’s General Manager of Sales.
“On the world stage, the Lexus IS has established itself as a highly sought after, highly speculated model with the coming changes for 2017 igniting the industry earlier this year at the Beijing Auto Show.”

In its introduction, the IS offered a responsive straight-six 2.0-litre engine, rear wheel drive and superb driving dynamics, becoming a key player in Lexus’ fast-growing reputation for quality and performance with range expansions on the horizon including a powerful 3.0-litre engine, the IS 300.

In 2005, the second generation made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show embodying the distinctive and sophisticated styling engrained in the new L’Finesse design philosophy hinting to the models possibilities in years to follow.

Just one year on, and the Detroit Motor Show witnessed the unveiling of the IS F – the first Lexus to wear the F performance badge, a predecessor of the LFA supercar and today’s RC F and GS F models. Engineered with dedication to driving pleasure, performance was rampant in the engine, transmission, suspension and tyres.

The current and third generation, launched 2013, marked the beginning of a new era introducing the Lexus Hybrid Drive to the range for the first time. With unprecedented low exhaust emissions and fuel economy for the IS, (from 97 g/km of CO2 and 4.3 l/100km), the IS 300h claims 90 percent of IS sales in Europe – markets where environmental performance and ownership costs are key customer considerations.

The IS continues to be a core part of Lexus’s worldwide model range where it is currently marketed in 70 countries. On average, the IS assumes 60 percent of total Lexus sedan sales (since 1999) in New Zealand, a measure Lexus New Zealand is expecting to retain with next year’s facelift in sight.

The 2017 Lexus IS, expected to arrive in New Zealand early next year, comes equipped with the full Lexus Safety System + and will continue with an unchanged lineup including the IS 200t, IS 300h and IS 350 will full specification and pricing available at the time of launch.