Lexus Expects CT200h to Spark Significant Growth in Compact Premium Segment

With the launch of the new CT200h Lexus expects to grow the premium compact segment considerably says Lexus VP Mark Templin. Targeted sales in the U.S. are set at 1,000 units, which while miniscule compared to many other Lexus products, would represent a 70 percent growth in the segment. Currently the CT's competitors (the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30) account for just 1,500 total sales each month.

And at 1,000 units, the CT would nearly double the sales of its closest competitor, the BMW 1 Series, which manages to account for just 550 sales each month. That is, if you consider the baby Bimmer a competitor at all, as it is most certainly not focused on fuel economy.

With a true luxury interior, dynamic driving experience and 42-mpg average fuel economy rating, Templin expects the majority of CT200h buyers to be new to the Lexus brand. Lexus also expects those customers to be younger Gen X and Gen Y types, and sees the CT as an integral aspect of a larger plan to grow the brand with younger consumers.

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