Lexus Bucks SUV Sales Trend

In contrast to many manufacturers, Lexus has reported strong UK sales of its luxury SUV.

Sales of the RX 400h are up by almost 28 per cent in July compared to the same month last year.

That growth stands in stark contrast to the fortunes of rival luxury brands, which suffered an average decline of 30 per cent in SUV sales.

And for some famous names, new registrations have tumbled by as much as 50 per cent.

Lexus attributes the strong showing to the hybrid engine, which sneaks the RX 400h into a lower tax band.

The technically advanced hybrid system enables 34.7mpg on the combined cycle, with corresponding CO2 emissions of 192g/km - low for the segment.

Commenting on the results, Belinda Poole, Lexus GB Director, said: "The RX 400h is the first and remains the only hybrid SUV on the market.

"In what is a tough market overall, this gives our Lexus Centres a great advantage in being able to offer the type of car customers want, but without the penalties in running costs they would incur with models from rival brands."