Lexus Europe Hopes for Next-Generation CT Hatchback

Posted by Kevin on July 6th, 2018

Lexus Europe general manager Pascal Ruch spoke on the future of the CT hatchback in an interview with Autocar:

“The size of the segment the CT competes in is still very significant.”

“At the moment, I see the UX as delivering additional volume, not necessarily replacing the CT. We’ve just updated the CT, so we have at least two more years of sales to make an evaluation from. There is no rush to make a decision.”

The CT currently makes up 13% of total European sales for Lexus, but more importantly, it’s a conquest car — around 70% of buyers are new to the brand.

EuropeLexus CTh: First Generation
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
I
Ian Schmidt
I was pretty impressed. The Yaris was definitely getting a bit sporty near the top speed, but the Benz started bouncing like a jackrabbit in the 170 km/h range and got much, much worse. At the top speed it looked and sounded a bit like trying to ride a bull in a tornado.
This! I think this is the best reply to those who might intend downgrading CT200h as a rebadged auris hybrid.
L
ssun30
True, I know of this fact. But my question was what, do you think, is the reason behind the C-HR not actually cannibalizing Auris sales?
You are asking what are the reasons customers choose the Auris over the C-HR?

Maybe price. May be they just do not like "CUVs" and prefer "hatches". Or maybe it is the perceived/measured compact size. While many CUVs are not larger than hatches, they are only slightly higher, they do feel bigger, maybe also because of the higher sitting position (measured from the ground).
S
ssun30
True, I know of this fact. But my question was what, do you think, is the reason behind the C-HR not actually cannibalizing Auris sales?
People seem them as different category of vehicles, and different price also helps.
S
Trexus
Lexus should have kept the 2018 CT for North America. Lexus lost some potential sales with the refreshed 2018 CT.
Sure, but they are probably losing money on it in NA so they dont mind.

S