Dubai: Lexus said its sales in the Middle East grew by 20 per cent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2013, according to a company statement on Thursday.

The automotive company sold 21,598 units in the region in the first six months of the year.

“Lexus is constantly pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and design to develop vehicles that exhibit a seamless blend of luxury and performance. This has been a key driving force behind our sustained growth throughout the region,” stated Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative of the Middle East & North Africa Representative Office at Toyota Motor Corporation.

The Lexus IS, a sedan, sold 1,873 units in the first half of the year, marking a 478 per cent rise over the same period a year ago. The IS model, which has a sporty design, has traditionally contributed 15 per cent of Lexus’ volumes in the UAE.

Meanwhile, the Lexus GX SUV posted sales of 1,332 units, up 364 per cent. The vehicle is powered by a 4.6 litre V8 with Dual VVT-I technology.

Also, the LX model range, which includes the Supercharged LX 570, saw a 12 per cent rise in sales with 9,178 units. The LX model range was one of the top-selling vehicles in the first half of the year, and is offered in three variants, with a Supercharged, Sport and Luxury edition.