The first affordable hybrid has landed in the UAE. The Lexus CT 200h is the first hybrid in the GCC that actually fulfills the purpose that hybrids were created for — to save fuel. The rest of the hybrids in the market are overpriced oversized vehicles that do nothing but inflate egos of those who want to appear to be “doing something” for the environment.
Al-Futtaim Motors, the UAE distributor for Lexus, launched the GCC’s first compact premium hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h, at The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai on March 3. At this unique public event, the new Lexus was revealed on a stage display, using the latest in light and 3D technology which “reflects Lexus’ own cutting edge approach to advanced automotive engineering.”
For those not in the know, a hybrid is a car with a petrol engine that also has an electric motor attached that provides additional power when needed and recharges its battery as the car moves, all while saving petrol, saving the environment and saving the whales. The theory goes that petrol is cheap in the GCC, so no one cares about hybrid cars. While that is definitely true, we live in the UAE, which boasts the highest petrol prices in the region and is proudly increasing prices further to match international market rates eventually. Suddenly, a hybrid doesn’t seem like a bad idea after all.
Al-Futtaim Motors, the Lexus dealers in the UAE, is launching the 2012 Lexus CT 200h hybrid publicly with a free 3D show at The Walk in Jumeirah Beach Residence for Dubai residents. It takes place on March 3, from 7pm onwards and is open to all.
Lexus is doing something completely out of character in this region by going ahead and launching the first hybrid hatchback in the UAE, at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Motor Show. The CT 200h, originally designed for the European market, will become the cheapest hybrid car to be sold in the UAE, undercutting various manufacturers who have only been bringing in ridiculously-priced high-end models here.
The 2011 Lexus CT 200H, was made keeping the European market in mind, hence the five-door hatchback design. This is a hybrid model and is going to compete in the premium compact segment. Lexus wants to target younger customers for this model.