LEXUS SETS NEW GLOBAL SALES RECORD AND DRIVES ELECTRIC VEHICLE INNOVATION

• World premiere of the new RZ battery electric SUV in Brussels
• This model is the first to offer Lexus’ steer-by wire system and Interactive Manual Drive virtual manual gear shifting system 
• Three new Lexus battery electric models to debut in the next 12 months 

Lexus reaffirmed its strategic focus on the battery electric vehicle technology with the world premiere of its new RZ luxury electric SUV in Brussels. Lexus revealed that this model will introduce both a steer by wire system and Interactive Manual Drive, a software-based system which replicates the experience of manual gear shifting. These innovations demonstrate how Lexus is combining advanced hardware and cutting-edge software to realize its ambitions to develop software-derived vehicles.

Rapid Growth Through Electrified Powertrain Strategy

The RZ will be one of three new BEVs Lexus will launch in the next 12 months. These announcements were made against the backdrop of record sales achievements and rapid growth in customer demand for Lexus’ battery electric and plug-in hybrid models.

Lexus’ multi-pathway strategy of offering customers a diverse range of electrified powertrain options has driven exceptional sales performance worldwide, backed by the brand’s strongest model lineup to date. In 2024, the brand achieved a new global sales record, with total deliveries surpassing 850,000 vehicles—a 3.3% increase over the previous year.

This robust global growth was further supported by the brand’s outstanding performance in Europe, where sales rose by up to 20% to over 88,000 units, capturing a 2.5% market share—Lexus’ largest ever in the region. The sales momentum has carried out in 2025, with the first two months showing a continued increase of more than 20%.

The new Lexus RZ Reveal in Europe

The new Lexus RZ advances EV innovation with several key features. It introduces Lexus’ first steer-by-wire system for smooth, intuitive control, and debuts the Interactive Manual Drive in the RZ 550e F SPORT, providing a mechanical-like paddle shifting experience. Enhancements to the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system allow for more balanced power distribution, boosting stability and traction. The RZ now features a larger 77.0 kWh battery, offering up to 100 km more range, along with improved charging times thanks to a new pre-conditioning function and a 22 kW onboard charger. These updates emphasize Lexus’ commitment to delivering exciting, cutting-edge electric driving experiences.

Celebrating Our Commitment to Omotenashi and Genuine Customer Care

According to Mahmoud Abou Zahr, Senior Business Director of Lexus Division at ALSAYER “Lexus is where luxury meets the latest in tech, all wrapped up in a driving experience that’s stylish and performance driven. When it comes to premium rides, nobody does it quite like Lexus. And the best part? We’re just getting started in Kuwait. Moving forward, we’ll keep bringing in new, cutting-edge models that are sure to impress and elevate your driving experience.”

Salah Mohammad, General Manager of Lexus Marketing at ALSAYER said “We’re constantly working to make our customers feel special. Being close to our customers is a big part of what we do, which is why we’ve built the most extensive and advanced sales and service centers in Kuwait where every customer is welcomed and cared for wholeheartedly at every Lexus facility.”