Lexus, Toyota's luxury car brand, anticipates selling 1,000 vehicles in Thailand next year on the launch of more new models.

Toyota Motor Thailand began introducing new models on March 8th in a quest for a bigger share of the premium car market.

Lexus has three dealerships in Bangkok, but more could be opened if the 1,000 mark is reached.

Vice-president Sitachai Jeeratunyasakul said Thailand's Lexus market continues to enjoy strong growth. Last year, 622 Lexus cars were sold, up by 185% year-on-year, driven mainly by the CT200h and RX270. "We sold 261 CT200h hatchbacks last year thanks to its affordable price of just over 2 million baht (US$ 65,400)," said Mr. Sitachai.

Excluding the CT200h, sales still shows 7% growth in the Lexus market last year, in line with growth in the overall luxury car market. Some 300 CT200h models are expected to sell this year, said Mr Sitachai, adding that the company projects 20.6% sales growth this year to 750 units.

New GS launched

Lexus on March 8th launched the GS250 and the GS350, while the GS450h luxury hybrid sedan will come next month.

Mr. Sitachai said 100 GS models will be sold this year or 5% of overall Lexus sales. The GS250, with a 2,500cc engine, and the 3,460cc GS350 are priced at 4.99 million and 6.69 million baht, respectively.