Lexus is apparently getting ready to launch a smaller NX Crossover to follow in the footsteps of its recently released 2015 NX model.
Speaking to Autocar, Lexus Europes vice-president Alain Uyttenhoven said that a small SUV makes sense for the brand and doesnt sound impossible at all.
Although the smaller NX Crossover is yet to be confirmed for production, rumours suggest a car the size of the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA is what the company needs to further diversify its range. We actually think Lexus might build the crossover on the same platform that underpins the Toyota RAV4, which itself was redesigned for the 2013 model year.
According to Uyttenhoven such a model would help boost Lexus sales in Europe, China and Japan where there is a strong desire for smaller premium cars. The company is currently looking to downsize and diversify its model range to reduce its reliance on the North American market where they sell about half of all 500 000+ cars each year.
Uyttenhoven additionally spoke about the flagship LS which he said will not get a four-cylinder engine but fuel cell technology could be implemented seeing as fuel-cell technology is more likely to represent economy gains in this segment, possibly by 2020.