Lexus has revealed that production of European-spec IS models has ceased, a full six months before its replacement is scheduled to arrive.

Ordinarily there would be some crossover in models with new and previous generation cars sitting side-by-side in showrooms, but due to tightening crash safety legislation that comes into force at the beginning of 2013 Lexus has taken the unprecedented decision to call time on the current model.

This means that the cars currently in the country will not be replaced - once they are sold they are gone, leaving Lexus dealers with an IS-sized space in their showrooms. The changes necessary for the IS (a BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 competitor) centred around the front end of the car and with the new model on the horizon it was deemed unnecessary to make these expensive modifications so late in the game.

The IS used to be Lexus' best-selling model in the UK but high emissions have seen it left behind by German competitors who have offered low CO₂ emission models for years. It was also the only car in the Lexus line-up not to be offered with a hybrid powertrain, though this is expected to be rectified when the new generation car arrives in 2013.

Paul Healy - 27 Nov 2012