Hotai Motor, the official distributor for Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Taiwan, launched the hybrid Lexus NX, its first foray into the domestic small and medium-size luxury SUV market, on August 26th.

Sales of small and medium-sized luxury SUVs in Taiwan increased to 38% of the total SUV sales of about 24,292 units from January through August 20th, up from 2% in 2007, Hotai's chief officer of Lexus Wu Chia-yen said.

Priced between NT$ 1.89 million and NT$ 2.19 million (US$ 63,000-73,000) per car, the Lexus NX is designed for urban use and its smaller size makes it easier to park and maneuver, Wu said.

The company aims to sell 1,200 Lexus NX cars by the end of this year, Wu said, adding that the company had already received 650 orders by August 26th.

Sales of hybrid cars account for 9% of sales of Toyota cars in Taiwan, while 70% of Lexus models sold in Taiwan are hybrids, according to Hotai.