Lexus models killed off by new side impact regs

Half of Lexus’ passenger car models will be discontinued in Australia due to the implementation of a new pole side impact design rule known as ADR 85.

The Lexus IS, RC and CT model ranges, including all of their various grades and limited-editions, will not be able to be sold as new cars in Australia after October 31 this year.

That will leave the ES medium sedan, LC high-end sports car and the range-topping LS limousine as the only non-SUV models available in local Lexus showrooms, after the GS large sedan was discontinued in 2020.

ADR 85 requires all new cars sold from November 1, 2021 to pass a stringent new side impact test protocol that Lexus claims is yet to be introduced in other auto markets.

All new car and SUV models introduced in Australia since November 1, 2017 have been required to meet the standard but the maturation date of the regulation means that ‘carryover’ cars introduced prior to November 2017 can no longer be sold.

The rear-drive Lexus IS medium sedan is caught up in the new standard despite being labelled as “fourth generation” and all-new when it was introduced in late 2020.

It now seems clear that despite Lexus’ claims, the car drew heavily on its predecessor’s structure that was certified under the pre-November 1, 2017 regime.

The mid-size Lexus RC coupe has been largely unchanged mechanically since its introduction in 2014 and thus is a casualty, while the Toyota Prius-based Lexus CT dates back to 2011 and was facelifted in early 2014.

In the first five months of 2021, IS, RC and CT vehicles accounted for 737 of the 4400 registrations logged by Lexus Australia. Combined, the Japanese luxury brand’s remaining non-SUV models toted up just 355 units.

The three discontinued Lexus model lines’ strong alignment to the US market may have also played a part. According to FCAI technical chief Ashley Sanders, North America has not adopted the pole test regulation which is aligned with the European ECE135 standard. As such, the models live on in the USA.

Sanders told carsales Australian regulators developed the new standard in conjunction with Transport Canada. Upon its formulation four years ago and acceptance as an international standard, Australian regulators were keen to fast-track its introduction.

According to Sanders the FCAI and its members made multiple submissions regarding the timing of the introduction, however, standard harmonisation lead times of two years for new models and four years for all cars sold still resulted.

Utes were a particular concern for FCAI member brands. New models introduced since July 1, 2018 have been required to comply with ADR 85, but utes get an extra year before all models must comply, with the implementation pegged at November 1, 2022.

A new Ford Ranger is due on sale in early 2022 and is therefore unlikely to be affected, but it’s unclear what impact the timeline will have on the top-selling Toyota HiLux, which is not due for replacement until 2024.

One ute likely to impacted is the Volkswagen Amarok – although not until later next year. With the next generation not due Down Under until early 2023, Volkswagen Australia may be without a ute for several months before the new Ranger-based Amarok arrives.

Local VW representatives say they are planning for this eventuality as part of a “normal model life changeover”.

Most European passenger car marques including Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen told carsales their vehicles already comply with the regulation.

Skoda has flagged the wagon variant of its Fabia light car will be a victim of the changeover, but the brand expects to be sold out before the crunch date. The new-generation Fabia due in 2022 is certified.

Hyundai says it is in the clear, while Kia has flagged older generation vehicles including Rio (and Stonic), Stinger and Picanto require re-certification. A spokesperson stated they do not anticipate any interruption to sales.

As this article was published, carsales was awaiting detailed replies from key brands including Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi.

Lexus is not alone on its reliance on SUVs, but local boss Scott Thompson says the marque is committed to retaining passenger cars in its Australian line-up.

“The answer is 100 per cent yes. The taste and expectations around passenger cars are changing. We believe in the medium [passenger car] segment, but right now between the NX [mid-size SUV] and the ES offering, we’ll cater for a wide section of the marketplace,” he said.

Separately, Lexus Australia says none of its models are affected by the global semi-conductor shortage that has impacted BMW and Mercedes-Benz models in Australia.

However, it says waiting times of one to two months currently exist for customer deliveries of all models, with the exception of the LX (three months) and the LC Coupe (12 months).