Lexus Sees Fertile Ground in India, Launches Trio of Models

After being knocked off the top perch of the “fastest growing economy” podium in 2016, India is expected to return to the Number One spot both this year and next. The world’s second most populous country has seen average per-capita incomes rise to record levels and, while the average only amounts to $1,500 greenbacks, India’s well-to-do class is thriving.

For automakers, the untapped Indian market offers big potential. The latest to the game: Lexus, which arrived today to offer citizens something better than just a Camry.

Jumping into the subcontinent seems like a natural progression for Toyota’s luxury brand. Its parent subsidiary, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, is India’s fourth-largest automaker. The brand, which first started production operations in the country in the late 1990s, posted a 12-percent sales jump last month. Unfortunately for India’s growing upper class, the Toyota Camry was as good as it got.

Well, not anymore. As of today, Indian buyers can choose from three models — RX 450h, ES 300h, and LX 450d. Two hybrids, one diesel. If the LX moniker seems unfamiliar, that’s because Americans don’t get to mingle with the overseas-market Toyota Fortuner midsize SUV. Next up is Lexus’ redesigned 2018 LS 500 flagship sedan, which also comes in hybrid guise.

“We are excited about what we can bring to the luxury market in India, where we see opportunities mapped to the remarkable growth the country is experiencing,” said Akitoshi Takemura, Lexus India’s senior vice president, in a statement. “This is just the beginning – we look forward to bringing more exciting products to India in the future.”

Lexus has set up sales centers in four cities, with servicing facilities located in four more.

[Image: Toyota Motor Corporation]