Editing Lexus (section)

=== 2000s: Global reorganization ===
[[File:Lexus RX 400h front.JPG|thumb|right|2004 [[Lexus RX (XU30)|RX 400h]], first hybrid version of Lexus' best-selling vehicle|alt=Front quarter view of an SUV parked next to a beach.]]
In July 2000, Lexus introduced the [[Lexus IS|IS]] 300 in North America, following global launch in 1999 (as the IS 200) and the third generation LS 430. In 2001, the first convertible was introduced, as well as the SC 430 and a redesigned ES 300.<ref>Mahler 204, pp. 27, 196.</ref> The GX 470 mid-size SUV debuted in 2002, followed by the second generation RX 330 in 2003.<ref>{{Harvnb|Dawson|2004|p=189}}</ref> The following year, Lexus recorded its 2 millionth U.S. vehicle sale,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wardsdealer.com/ar/auto_millionth_lexus_customer/|title=2-Millionth Lexus Customer|quote=RX 330 owner Steven Sandman, trip winner|date=1 June 2004|work=Ward's Dealer|access-date=25 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719225107/http://wardsdealer.com/ar/auto_millionth_lexus_customer/|archive-date=19 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Dawson|2004|p=xxiv}}</ref> and the first luxury-branded production hybrid SUV, the [[Lexus RX (XU30)|RX 400h]].<ref name=hy>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_3076458|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102123509/http://www.dailynews.com/search/ci_3076458|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|title=Lexus introduces first luxury hybrid SUV|date=26 October 2005|agency=Associated Press|last=Job|first=Ann|access-date=21 June 2008}}</ref> This vehicle used Toyota's [[Hybrid Synergy Drive]] system that combined gasoline and electric motors.<ref name=hyh>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/mar2006/bw20060308_999129.htm |title=Hybrid Heaven in a Lexus |last=Petersen |first=Thane |work=BusinessWeek |date=8 March 2006 |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614045352/http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/mar2006/bw20060308_999129.htm |archive-date=14 June 2007}}</ref>

In 2005, Lexus completed an organizational separation from parent company Toyota,<ref name=lown>{{cite web|url=http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/090601.html |title=Lexus Comes Into Its Own |publisher=Automotive Design & Production |last=Vasilash |first=Gary |year=2006 |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926230046/http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/090601.html |archive-date=26 September 2007}}</ref> with dedicated design, engineering, training, and manufacturing centers working exclusively for the division.<ref>{{Harvnb|Dawson|2004|pp=199–200}}</ref><ref name=ain>{{cite news|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3012/is_11_183/ai_110404995 |publisher=Automotive Industries |title=The pursuit of higher sales: new Lexus managing officer |date=November 2003 |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503195249/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3012/is_11_183/ai_110404995 |archive-date=3 May 2007}}</ref> This effort coincided with Lexus' launch in its home market of Japan and an expanded global launch of the brand in markets such as China.<ref name=ain/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://auto.qq.com/a/20050303/000011.htm |title=Lexus luxury to expand market in China|date=3 March 2005|work=Xinmin News|access-date=20 September 2010|language=zh |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20050308234010/http://auto.qq.com/a/20050303/000011.htm |archive-date=8 March 2005}}</ref> Executives aimed to increase Lexus sales outside of its largest market in the U.S.<ref name=ain/><ref name=nk>{{cite web|url=http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/AC/TNKS/Nni20080226D26JFF01.htm |title=Lexus to increase production capacity by 35% |date=26 February 2008 |publisher=Nikkei Business Daily |access-date=27 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227051448/http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/AC/TNKS/Nni20080226D26JFF01.htm |archive-date=27 December 2013}}</ref> To accompany this expansion, next generation Lexus vehicles were redesigned as "global models" for international release.<ref>{{Harvnb|Dawson|2004|p=210}}</ref> In the European market, where Lexus had long faced struggling sales owing to low brand recognition, few dedicated dealerships, and 1990s [[import quota]]s,<ref>{{Harvnb|Dawson|2004|pp=194–195}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-magic-fails-to-capture-europeans.html |title=Lexus Magic Fails to Capture Europeans |first=Nick |last=Aziz |website=Left Lane News |date=23 November 2005 |access-date=31 May 2010 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222220202/http://www.leftlanenews.com/lexus-magic-fails-to-capture-europeans.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the marque announced plans to introduce hybrid and diesel powertrains,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4309743.stm|title=Toyota targets Europe's urban youth|date=1 March 2005|work=BBC News|last=Madslien|first=Jorn|access-date=21 June 2008|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803040317/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4309743.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> increase the number of Lexus dealerships, and expand operations in emerging markets such as Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://b-ru.com/economics/general/170-sales-results-foreign-cars-russia-2007/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707202658/http://b-ru.com/economics/general/170-sales-results-foreign-cars-russia-2007/ |archive-date=7 July 2011|title=Sales' results of foreign cars in Russia in 2007 |date=15 January 2008|publisher=InvestExp|access-date=30 September 2008}} Source Association of European Business in Russian Federation</ref><ref name=emerging>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.motortrend.com/lexus-is-f-plus-jim-chris-farley-1114.html|title=Lexus IS F, Plus Jim & Chris Farley|date=27 September 2007|work=Motor Trend|last=St. Antoine|first=Arthur|access-date=29 July 2011|archive-date=7 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807103236/http://blogs.motortrend.com/lexus-is-f-plus-jim-chris-farley-1114.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Lexus IS250 silver.jpg|thumb|left|2006 [[Lexus IS]], second generation with F marque variant in 2007|alt=Front quarter view of a sedan.]]

Lexus' arrival in the Japanese market in July 2005 marked the first introduction of a Japanese premium car marque in the domestic market.<ref name=cbs>{{cite news |title=Toyota Opens Lexus Dealerships in Japan |work=CBS News |date=30 August 2005 }}</ref> New generation LS, IS, ES, GS, and RX models subsequently became available in Japan along with the SC 430, ending domestic sales of Toyota-branded models under the Celsior, Altezza, Windom, Aristo, Harrier, and Soarer nameplates, respectively. The Altezza and Aristo were previously exclusive to Japanese Toyota retail sales channels called [[Toyota Vista Store]], the Windom was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store, the Celsior and Harrier were exclusive to Toyopet Store, and the Soarer was previously available at both Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations.<ref name=d193>{{Harvnb|Dawson|2004|pp=192–93}}</ref><ref name=nihon/> Lexus models sold in Japan featured higher specifications and a price premium compared with their discontinued Toyota counterparts.<ref name=d193/> Sales for the first half-year were slower than expected,<ref name=LexJP>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/feb2006/bw20060215_597701.htm |title=Lexus Sales Sputter at Home |work=BusinessWeek |last=Rowley |first=Ian |date=15 February 2006 |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013125737/http://businessweek.com/autos/content/feb2006/bw20060215_597701.htm |archive-date=13 October 2007}}</ref> affected by the contraction of the domestic auto market and price increases,<ref name=ljp/> but improved in subsequent months with an expanded lineup.<ref name=ljp>{{cite web|url=http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/|title=Lexus Slowly Progressing in Japan|last1=Schreffler|first1=Roger|last2=Chrysler|first2=Mack|date=28 December 2007|access-date=18 April 2007|publisher=Ward's Dealer Business|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926234421/http://wardsdealer.com/latest/lexus_progressing_japan/|archive-date=26 September 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/08/hs250h-triple-20090808.html|title=Toyota to Nearly Triple Production of Lexus HS 250h Hybrid by October|work=Green Car Congress|access-date=25 September 2009|date=8 August 2009|archive-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223042630/http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/08/hs250h-triple-20090808.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Through the mid-2000s, Lexus experienced sales successes in South Korea and Taiwan, becoming the top-selling import make in both markets in 2005;<ref>"Toyota's Lexus Remains Best-Selling Foreign Car in Korea". ''The Korea Times''. 2007-01-05. Retrieved on 2007-01-07.<!--times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200701/kt2007010514232811910.htm--></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cens.com/cens/html/en/news/news_inner_3938.html|title=Lexus #1 Luxury Import in Taiwan|date=19 January 2006|publisher=Taiwan Economic News|access-date=6 May 2007|archive-date=8 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008073946/http://cens.com/cens/html/en/news/news_inner_3938.html|url-status=live}}</ref> the marque also sold well in the Middle East, where it ranked first or second among rivals in multiple countries,<ref name=furutani/> and in Australia, where Lexus reached third in luxury car sales in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=57554 |title=Convertible Lexus to take on the Germans |work=Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=20 May 2009 |last=Blackburn |first=Richard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306021314/http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=57554 |archive-date=6 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>"Australia Vehicle Sales – 2006 YTD". Driving Australia. 2006–12. <!--fcai.com.au/sales.php/2006/12/sales.html. -->Retrieved on 2007-05-06.</ref> Division executives in 2006 announced an expansion goal from 68 countries to 76 worldwide by 2010.<ref name=lexglobal>{{cite news|url=http://jp.reuters.com/article/topNews/idJPJAPAN-27671120070831|title=Lexus targets expansion to 76 countries by 2010|work=Reuters|language=ja|date=31 August 2007|access-date=2 February 2009|archive-date=29 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629010951/http://jp.reuters.com/article/topNews/idJPJAPAN-27671120070831|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of the decade, this expansion resulted in official launches in Malaysia and South Africa in 2006,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news-business.vlex.com/vid/lexus-launched-in-malaysia-77734791|title=Lexus launched in Malaysia|date=1 January 2007|publisher=Malaysian Business|last=Razif|first=Muhd|access-date=3 April 2012|archive-date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205165324/http://news-business.vlex.com/vid/lexus-launched-in-malaysia-77734791|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=za>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/140/18890.html|title=Clever marketing boosts Lexus sales|publisher=BizCommunity.com|access-date=20 February 2009|date=16 October 2007|archive-date=7 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707201852/http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/140/18890.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Indonesia in 2007,<ref>"Toyota Indonesia plans to introduce Lexus vehicles". Reuters. 2007-02-21.<!--asia.news.yahoo.com/060221/3/2g5ps.html --> Retrieved on 2008-06-21.</ref> Chile in 2008,<ref name=chile>{{cite web|url=http://diario.elmercurio.cl/detalle/index.asp?id={008baab8-a618-44cd-a5ff-0ecdef6f3502}|title=Lexus en Chile ya es oficial |work=El Mercurio|access-date=4 May 2009|date=29 March 2008|first=Alejandro|last=Manríquez|language=pt}}</ref><ref name=LexusChile>{{cite web|url=http://www.latercera.com/contenido/665_120257_9.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720135908/http://www.latercera.com/contenido/665_120257_9.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 July 2011|title=Lexus: Año uno en Chile|work=La Tercera|access-date=4 May 2009|date=18 April 2009|language=pt}}</ref> and the Philippines in 2009.<ref name="lexusmanila">Mendoza, Al (2009-01-22). "Lexus unleashed in historic glory". ''Business Mirror.''<!--businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4977:lexus-unleashed-in-historic-glory&catid=39:motoring&Itemid=72.--> Retrieved on 2009-02-02.</ref>
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====Hybrids and F models====

In 2006, Lexus began sales of the [[GS 450h]], a [[V6 engine|V6]] hybrid performance sedan,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/sep2006/bw20060912_991505.htm?chan=search |title=2007 Lexus GS 450h |date=13 September 2006 |work=BusinessWeek |last=Peterson |first=Thane |access-date=21 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206011133/http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/sep2006/bw20060912_991505.htm?chan=search |archive-date=6 December 2008}}</ref> and launched the fourth generation [[Lexus LS (XF40)|LS line]], comprising both standard- and long-[[wheelbase]] V8 (LS 460 and LS 460 L) and hybrid (LS 600h and LS 600h L) versions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/126053 |title=Quiet crown contender |date=17 September 2006 |work=The Star |last=Tojiagic |first=Mark |access-date=21 June 2008 |location=Toronto |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125225943/http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/126053 |archive-date=25 November 2010}}</ref> The fifth generation ES 350 also debuted in the same year. The LS 600h L subsequently went on sale as the most expensive sedan ever produced in Japan.<ref name=ult>{{cite web|url= http://www.nextautos.com/countriesmarkets/japan/lexus-ls600hl-to-displace-toyota-century-as-japans-priciest-auto |title=Japan Report: Lexus LS600hl To Displace Toyota Century As Japan's Priciest Auto|date=8 May 2007|work=Winding Road|access-date=1 October 2007|archive-date=10 May 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090510122900/http://www.nextautos.com/countriesmarkets/japan/lexus-ls600hl-to-displace-toyota-century-as-japans-priciest-auto}}</ref> By the end of 2006, Lexus' annual sales had reached 475,000 vehicles worldwide.<ref name=global/> In January 2007, Lexus announced a new [[Lexus#F marque|F marque]] performance division, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its performance models. The IS F, made its debut at the [[North American International Auto Show#2007|2007 North American International Auto Show]],<ref name=F>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecarconnection.com/autoshownews/1010188_lexus-confirms-f-performance-cars|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130111101613/http://www.thecarconnection.com/autoshownews/1010188_lexus-confirms-f-performance-cars|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 January 2013|title=Lexus Confirms "F" Performance Cars|date=11 December 2006|publisher=The Car Connection|last=Padgett|first=Marty|access-date=6 May 2007}}</ref> accompanied by a concept car, the [[Lexus LF|LF-A]].

[[File:Tino Rossini's Reviews - 025 - 2010 Lexus GS450h.jpg|thumb|2006 [[Lexus GS (S190)|GS 450h]], first rear-wheel-drive hybrid|alt=Front quarter view of a sedan.]]

In October 2007, Lexus entered the [[SEMA (association)|Specialty Equipment Market Association]] show in the U.S. for the first time with the IS F, and announced its [[Lexus F#F Sport|F-Sport]] performance trim level and factory-sanctioned accessory line.<ref name="Ramsey">{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-lexus-f-sport-performance-accessories/|title=SEMA 2007: Lexus F-Sport performance accessories|date=31 October 2007|publisher=Autoblog.com|last=Ramsey|first=Jonathan|access-date=21 June 2008|archive-date=20 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120151956/https://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-2007-lexus-f-sport-performance-accessories/|url-status=live}}</ref> Increased emphasis on sporty models was an effort to target rivals from Mercedes-Benz's [[Mercedes-AMG|AMG]] and BMW's [[BMW M|M]] divisions.<ref name=F/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesscar.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=1182|title=Lexus ISF proves Japanese brand can do sporty|date=16 March 2007|publisher=BusinessCar|access-date=1 October 2007|archive-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801095156/http://www.businesscar.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=1182|url-status=live}}</ref> Models such as the SC 400 and GS 400 had received favorable reactions from sport luxury buyers,<ref>{{Harvnb|Dawson|2004|pp=141–47, 163–65}}</ref> most Lexus models had been characterized as favoring comfort over sporty road feel and handling, compared with European rivals.<ref name=motorweek>{{cite web|url=http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2621a.shtml |title=Motorweek Lexus LS 460 test drive |year=2007 |access-date=29 July 2011 |work=MotorWeek |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110702123038/http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2621a.shtml |archive-date=2 July 2011}}</ref> By the end of 2007, Lexus annual worldwide sales had surpassed 500,000 vehicles,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/lexus-targets-500-000-units-for-2007/|title=Lexus targets 500,000 units for 2007|publisher=Autoblog.com|last=Waterman|first=Stuart|date=19 September 2006|access-date=6 May 2007|archive-date=28 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928100821/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/lexus-targets-500-000-units-for-2007/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the marque ranked as the top-selling premium import in China for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gasgoo.com/autobiz/3393/Lexus-knocks-out-Mercedes-in-China-s-high-end-car-market.html |title=Lexus knocks out Mercedes in China's high-end car market |date=24 September 2007 |publisher=Global Auto Sourcing |last=Jiu |first=Joanne |access-date=28 September 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013071327/http://gasgoo.com/autobiz/3393/Lexus-knocks-out-Mercedes-in-China-s-high-end-car-market.html |archive-date=13 October 2007}}</ref> The largest sales markets in order of size for 2007 were the U.S., Japan, the UK, China, Canada, and Russia.<ref name=global>Tierney, Christine (2007-08-07). "Lexus aims to conquer globe with luxury sales". ''Detroit News''. <!-- http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070908/AUTO01/105280001. --> Retrieved 2007-09-28.</ref><ref name=07s>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/feb2008/bw20080222_305511.htm |title=The Top Dogs of the Automotive Pack |date=22 February 2008 |last=Henry |first=Jim |work=BusinessWeek |access-date=25 December 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012004238/http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/feb2008/bw20080222_305511.htm |archive-date=12 October 2008}}</ref>

In 2008, amidst the [[late-2000s recession]] and a weakened world car market, global sales fell 16 percent to 435,000,<ref name="gazoo"><!-- https://gazoo.com/NEWS/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsId=7ba4ecf2-5277-4b43-9485-0012ebfda71e -->"2009 Lexus sales" (in Japanese). Gazoo/レクサス. 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-22.</ref><ref name=luxs>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122782355321662353?mod=googlenews_wsj|title=Luxury Cars Sit As Both Money, Mood Slip Away|date=28 November 2008|work=The Wall Street Journal|last=Linebaugh|first=Kate|access-date=8 December 2008|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803050514/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122782355321662353?mod=googlenews_wsj|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=08l>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=aE7P22QvyOuI|title=BMW, Mercedes, Lexus Car Sales May Drop to 13-Year Low in U.S.|date=9 January 2009|publisher=Bloomberg|last1=Green|first1=Jeff|last2=Ramsey|first2=Mike|access-date=11 January 2009}}</ref> with declines in markets such as the U.S. and Europe where deliveries fell by 21 percent and 27.5 percent, respectively.<ref name=08s>{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA5945419.PDF|title=U.S. car and light-truck sales by make – 12 months 2008|work=Automotive News|access-date=20 March 2009|year=2009|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303201629/http://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA5945419.PDF|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acea.be/index.php/news/news_detail/passenger_cars_european_market_posts_fifteen_year_low_in_2008_78|title=ACEA Passenger Cars – European Market Posts Fifteen Year Low|publisher=ACEA|access-date=4 August 2008|archive-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629131713/http://www.acea.be/news/news_detail/passenger_cars_european_market_posts_fifteen_year_low_in_2008_78|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2009, the marque launched the [[Lexus HS|HS 250h]],<ref name=hs>{{cite web|url=http://autos.canada.com/2009detroit1/story.html?id=ab0a6063-8d73-4391-8821-0d3da7eae485&p=1 |title=Full details on Hybrid Lexus HS 250h |publisher=Driving.ca |date=11 January 2009 |access-date=18 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315113810/http://autos.canada.com/2009detroit1/story.html?id=ab0a6063-8d73-4391-8821-0d3da7eae485&p=1 |archive-date=15 March 2009}}</ref> a dedicated hybrid sedan for North America and Japan, the [[Lexus RX (AL10)|RX 450h]], the second generation hybrid SUV replacing the earlier RX 400h, and later that year debuted the {{USD|375,000}} production [[Lexus LFA|LFA]] exotic coupe.<ref name=bwl>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2009/10/introducing_the_1.html |title=Lexus launches $375k LFA |work=BusinessWeek |access-date=23 October 2009 |last=Rowley |first=Ian |date=21 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024031038/http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2009/10/introducing_the_1.html |archive-date=24 October 2009}}</ref> In late 2009, citing higher sales of hybrid models over their petrol counterparts,<ref name=ukh/><ref>{{cite news |last=Hughes |first=Steve |date=6 October 2006 |title=Successful Mix |newspaper=Daily Record }}</ref> Lexus announced plans to become a hybrid-only marque in Europe.<ref name=euh>{{cite web|url=http://www.motortrader.com/industry-news/car-dealer-news/29338-lexus-network-set-for-overhaul-as-brand-goes-hybrid-only.html |title=Lexus network set for overhaul as brand goes hybrid-only |publisher=Motortrader |access-date=25 September 2009 |date=18 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923105020/http://www.motortrader.com/industry-news/car-dealer-news/29338-lexus-network-set-for-overhaul-as-brand-goes-hybrid-only.html |archive-date=23 September 2009}}</ref> By the end of the decade, Lexus ranked as the fourth-largest premium car make in the world by volume,<ref name=sales/> and was the number one selling premium car marque in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years.<ref name=08l/><ref name=sales>{{cite news |last=van Loon |first=Jeremy |date=4 May 2007 |title=BMW Luxury Lead Threatened by Lexus, Stagnant Margins |work=Bloomberg }}</ref><ref name=09s>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601100&sid=a2txYe.J5ma8|title=Toyota's Lexus Holds Off BMW, Keeps Luxury Lead for 10th Year|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=15 May 2010|last=Ramsey|first=Mike|date=5 January 2010}}</ref>