11.08.08 LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE FLIES LUXURY FLAG IN ENVIRO STUDY

The Lexus RX 400h is the only luxury car listed among the leaders of the latest Automotive Environmental Index compiled by researchers J.D. Power and Associates.

The index, based on fuel and emissions ratings as well as a survey of consumer attitudes, identifies the top 30 vehicles available on the U.S. market.

The petrol-electric Lexus hybrid is joined by six Toyota vehicles in the top 30. No other carmaker has more than three models on the list.

J.D. Power researchers asked more than 4,000 consumers planning to purchase a vehicle in the next two years whether they would consider alternative powertrain vehicles.

While consideration of hybrid vehicles was higher than for a similar survey conducted in 2007, the number of those considering flexible-fuel and diesel vehicles declined.

In the latest survey, 62 per cent of respondents said they would consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle.

This was up from 50 per cent in the previous study.

The number of people saying they would consider flexible-fuel vehicles declined from 47 per cent to 43 per cent.

Consideration of diesel vehicles also dropped from 23 per cent to 16 per cent.

At the same time, most consumers said vehicle manufacturers should be investing more to develop existing and emerging powertrain technologies.

Lexus chief executive John Roca said the results confirmed a long-standing history of Lexus bringing new technology to the luxury-car market.

"Lexus is the leader in offering luxury vehicle buyers alternative powertrains that combine spirited driving with fuel economy – what we have dubbed 'guilt-free performance'," Mr Roca said.

"Lexus was the first luxury marque to develop and introduce hybrid technology with the RX 400h and our hybrid range continues to grow.

"Today, Lexus is the only luxury marque with a complete range of hybrid vehicles – the RX 400h SUV, the GS 450h sedan and the LS 600hL saloon.

"Lexus continues to invest in hybrid technology.

"Next year, Lexus will reveal a dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and launch our all new RX hybrid."