Compact Lexus UX SUV Will Not Be Produced In Europe

Lexus has ruled out production of the upcoming compact UX crossover in Europe, despite Toyota’s plans to upgrade their factory in France.

The new crossover model -set to compete with the likes of the BMW X2- was previewed by the UX concept at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and is allegedly going to premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks.

The final production version of the baby Lexus SUV is going to be based on Toyota’s TNGA modular platform, which also underpins the Toyota C-HR. Earlier this month, Toyota announced it will upgrade their factory in northern France for production of TNGA-based models, prompting speculation that Lexus could build the UX there.

Speaking to Automotive News, Lexus denied the rumors by saying: “We have no plans at the moment for production in Europe”. All current Lexus models sold in Europe are made in Japan.

The company didn’t comment on whether the production version of the UX will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

With the addition of the new crossover underneath the existing NX, Lexus hopes to see its sales in Europe increasing, following the success of Toyota’s C-HR and the general positive trend of hybrids in the market.