TOYOTA'S premier car brand Lexus plans to boost its dealer network in China to 70 outlets by 2009 to help spur sales in the world's fastest growing auto market.

Lexus has 43 dealers across the nation since it tapped the market in 2005. But the approval of new dealers has been currently put on hold reflecting the slowing market demand for luxury vehicles amid global financial turmoil, said Godfrey Tsang, vice president of Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co Ltd.

During a recent test-drive tour in Shanghai, Tsang said the luxury car market in China is less affected compared with overseas markets and he is still optimistic about future growth. 'But we still need to be very cautious about the development.'