Lexus considers small SUV 21 | 07 | 2014

LEXUS IS CONSIDERING introducing a new, smaller SUV than the current NX (pictured) as it sets about streamlining its current model range.

But while Alain Uyttenhoven, the Japanese company's European vice president, has admitted the new smaller SUV would "not be impossible” and "certainly made sense", the Lexus boss went on to emphasise the company couldn't confirm such a model was yet set for production.

Lexus currently generates around 50% of its annual global sales of 500,000-plus units in North America. The launch of a smaller SUV would help it downsize and diversify its model range, and therefore reduce its reliability on the States.

And as tastes in European, Chinese and Japanese markets continue to converge, the Lexus boss believes the natural progression is towards the development of smaller models. It's this, Uyttenhoven believes, which will allow Lexus the opportunity to broaden its product offering.

As premium cars continue to get smaller, it's worth highlighting that around 60% of premium models sold in Europe costless than 40,000€.

Related: Lexus unveils new NX SUV

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Jim McGill