The carmaker said it aims to establish as a significant player in the Turkish premium automotive market, combining unparalleled customer experience and a competitively priced line-up.

Alain Uyttenhoven, head of Lexus Europe, said: “We expect the Turkish automotive premium market to grow from about 80,000 units this year to more than 100,000 units in the near future. This puts Turkey in the top 7 in Europe. We are therefore extremely happy to launch Lexus in this strategic emerging market, together with our partner, Toyota Turkey Marketing and Sales.”

The Lexus line-up will be displayed for the first time at the 2015 Istanbul Autoshow from 21 May.

Ali Haydar Bozkurt, president of Toyota Turkey marketing and sales, commented: “There has been demand for Lexus in Turkey for a long time. With the renewal of the product range and the introduction of new 2.0l turbo engine options, we believe that this is the most appropriate timing to enter the market. Our aim is also to bring the Lexus standard of unparalleled customer experience to Turkish customers, which will create a unique positioning for Lexus.”

Operations of Lexus in Turkey will be managed by ALJ’s subsidiary, Toyota Türkiye Pazarlama ve Satis AS.