The luxury brand is the only prestige marque to have double figure sales increases - up 17 per cent to the end of June over last year.

"Our unique proposition as the major supplier of self-charging hybrid electric luxury vehicles set us apart from our European rivals," said Paul Carroll, the Senior General Manager of Lexus of New Zealand.

Forty-three per cent of Lexus sales are from self-charging hybrid electric models. "There is avid demand for the high power output combined with excellent fuel economy and of course, the environmental benefits," said Mr Carroll.

The market's appetite for sport's utility vehicles (SUVs) is even more rampant in the luxury sector than in the mass market. SUVs make up 67 per cent of all Lexus sales.

The mid-sized RX, which has become available in a seven-seater version this year, is the top seller with 36 per cent of all Lexus sales. The compact NX and the large LX make up another 31 per cent.

Lexus sales this year are currently 19 per cent ahead of its record in 2016.

"More people are experiencing the amazing design, product quality and unique cabin ambience as well as the 'anxiety free' combination of an electric motor and a recharging petrol engine in the hybrid models," said Mr Carroll. "Our only problem is getting enough supply from Japan!"

"We also have some exciting new product launches coming up with the all-new ES this year and the highly anticipated UX in early 2019."

Two new Lexus dealerships are opening this year. Lexus of Hamilton opened in April and Lexus of Queenstown will open in August.