Record month for Lexus

Lexus NZ has recorded its strongest sales month ever with 175 registrations driven by “unprecedented demand”.

The result surpasses the brand’s previous monthly high of 159 set in March 2025. The NX plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), pictured, also returned its strongest month with 67 units and growth was consistent across the country.

Andrew Davis, vice-president of Lexus NZ, says the results reflect a broader shift in how Kiwis are approaching their vehicle choices.

“Today, more than 90 per cent of the Lexus range in New Zealand is electrified in some way,” he says. “That’s been a deliberate approach.

“For a lot of customers, a plug-in hybrid is the natural next step. It lets you do your day-to-day driving on electric power but still have the reassurance of a petrol engine when you need it. It takes away a lot of hesitation with range anxiety and makes the transition to an EV feel easy.”

Davis adds the surge in sales comes as fuel costs remain part of the broader conversation, but the shift towards electrification has been building for some time.

“Fuel prices are part of the discussion, but this has been coming for a while. Customers are thinking more carefully about how they use their vehicles day to day. Efficiency, flexibility and lower running costs all matter, but so does having something that fits into their routine.

“Electrification isn’t one size fits all. For some it’s a hybrid, for others it’s a PHEV or fully electric. What matters is giving people the right option and letting them move at their own pace.

“With the arrival of the updated RZ, we have a fully electric SUV alongside our hybrid and plug-in hybrid range.”

With a record month achieved, Davis says the result is a clear signal of where the market sits. “We’re seeing a genuine shift. Customers want efficiency, but also quality, comfort and confidence in what they’re buying. This gives us real confidence in where things are heading.”