* Lexus Centre upgraded with 30% growth target *
Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in the Cyprus market last year, the local Toyota distributor plans to reach new milestones in 2016, a year marked by gradual economic recovery, as well as challenges and opportunities, according to Managing Director Dickran Ouzounian.
Already, 2016 has started well for the company, with the launch of the new RAV4 in three variants, including the Hybrid, as well as the introduction of the new Lexus Centre in Nicosia.
Starting from EUR 23,400, the new RAV4 model range marks the introduction of Toyota’s first hybrid compact SUV to the highly competitive European C-SUV segment.
“The new car market results in 2015 showed a growth of 22% over 2014 to a level of 11,500 units sold. However, the market is still at the levels of the early 1980s and we don’t expect much positive movement in 2016 due to the uncertain global conditions and the regional troubles,” Ouzounian said.
“On a positive note, banks seem to be back in the market with a willingness to provide loans for purchases of vehicles to clients who are of relatively good standing. Furthermore, with buoyant tourism, the fleet rental car market has started to recover although many operators are struggling to find the necessary funding to renew and upgrade the quality of their ageing fleets,” he added.
The company is also anticipating the delivery of a unique Toyota Aygo, designed by a lucky winner as part of last year’s “Aygo Wrap & Drive” competition.
Also looking ahead, Ouzounian said that the fourth generation Prius will be launched, a new commercial van called Proace and the new rugged Hilux 4WD, while towards the end of the year, motorists will get a glimpse of the CH-R, currently a hybrid concept car.
Inaugurating the new Lexus Centre, two new hybrid models were introduced – the new RX and the RC Coupe. Also present at the event was Alain Uyttenhoven, Vice President of Lexus Europe, who commended the Cyprus team for the commitment shown to the brand.
This is the first face-lift of the Lexus Centre ever since it was created 15 years ago, and the company has set a target for a 30% annual growth rate in sales, in order to help the global brand reach the 1 mln mark by the year 2020. The premises now include the Omotenashi concept in Japanese hospitality.
For information visit www.toyota.com.cy and www.lexus.com.cy
