REPORT: Lexus HS 250h in short supply; U.S. launch affected?
2010 Lexus HS 250h – Click above for high-res image gallery
Once again, a hybrid sales success may mean shortages for Toyota as the Japanese automaker rolls out a desirable new product here in the United States. First, the new-for-2010 Prius hatchback proved to be such a stellar sales champ that Toyota found its production hampered by a shortage of batteries. Now, Automotive News reports that the new Lexus HS 250h is in such high demand in Japan that Toyota may not be able to provide an adequate supply of the luxury hybrid model here in the States.
Toyota had initially targeted 500 sales per month of the HS 250h in its home market, but a number of government-backed sales incentives and tax breaks for hybrid vehicles has boosted demand for the new sedan so much that Toyota saw 10,000 orders in its first month on sale in Japan. The Lexus HS 250h is scheduled to hit U.S. dealerships next month with a base price of $35,075 (including shipping), barring any unforeseen supply restrictions.
Gallery: Lexus HS 250h
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Bob-omb 11:09AM (8/25/2009)
Every time I see a photo of this car, I die a little inside.
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dukeisduke 11:22AM (8/25/2009)
Well then, don't look at too many. ;-)
Joe 11:25AM (8/25/2009)
Just saw one driving around near the dealer in Boise yesterday, Threw-up-in-my-mouth-a-little...
it was fresh off the truck with the white protective still on it, even had the plastic caps on the wheels.
zamafir 11:29AM (8/25/2009)
lol ditto, love the article though, 500 a month, that's confidence.
Motor_Yakuza 11:40AM (8/25/2009)
I rather expect small sales and sell big, then expect to much and fail.
Tchad 1:24PM (8/25/2009)
This is the wrong car for the brand - they should have just converted the IS 350 and included some cool features like silent running mode, etc
the4thheat 7:29PM (8/25/2009)
500 a month wasn't exactly super confident but only a few of the Lexus models ever sell in any real volume anyway...you should look up the sales figures for stuff like the LX.
RMN 7:39PM (8/27/2009)
Why do you guys hate it so much? Its not much more bland looking than other Lexus cars or Toyotas
Allen 11:19AM (8/25/2009)
That's weird. I could of swore that I saw a red one the other day near where I live (SO CAL). A young teen was driving it with a smile on his face.
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futurama 1:45PM (8/25/2009)
You are probably mistaken with Corolla... lol.
tbyron 2:17PM (8/25/2009)
I saw one in the San Diego area last week. Seeing them in person is no better than these photos. Lame.
Patrick 11:20AM (8/25/2009)
It's not out yet? I saw one on the freeway the other night. I though it was a Corolla with aftermarket LED tailights. Then I drove along side it. Ugh. What a stupid car. Maybe it was a magazine testing it, but it was near the Lexus dealer so I don't know...It had paper dealer plates.
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Jaime Haber 11:21AM (8/25/2009)
It's already at Lexus of Watertown (just outside Boston, MA)...
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ravensfan55 11:22AM (8/25/2009)
I saw a silver one driving to work yesterday. It was parked and had Maryland tags + a license plate frame from the local Lexus dealer. They claim they haven't received a single HS though.....
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Jimmy 11:27AM (8/25/2009)
Saw one yesterday in NJ. Looks a lot like a Corolla... =\
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nony 11:30AM (8/25/2009)
One sighted outside of Portland, Oregon yesterday. I just laughed out loud. I guess the saying that a fool and his/her money is easily departed is pretty true :D
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jinsei888 11:33AM (8/25/2009)
I saw one last week in San Francisco, CA. The car was black colored and it looked hideous... I think the prius looks great, but the HS is awful to behold...
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anthonypbhs 11:37AM (8/25/2009)
Who are these lemmings?
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BigWill 12:01PM (8/25/2009)
Who'll buy it? People who want a Prius that has a Lexus badge and the accompanying dealer experience.
Despite all the ridicule this thing gets, Toyota is going to sell however many they bring over here.
MartinWay 1:00PM (8/25/2009)
I completely agree.....plenty of celebs jumped into their prius's, now they've got something more luxurious to get into while staying "green"....
I work at a Lexus dealer and we've started getting these things in.....frankly, it does look better in person and as far as dedicated hybrids go, I think this is the best looking one. I am not, nor will I ever be a Lexus driver, but Lexus deserves loads of cred for knowing their buyers (which is the biggest chunk of the luxury market). This thing is sold out at my dealership for months to come, as is the IS C that recently bowed, and I'm sure it will continue that way for quite a while.
So while everyone on this forum wants to post about how boring it is (and it is) or how gross it looks (and it pretty much does look gross), there's no denying that it hits its targeted market right between the eyes, and sales figures will prove that.