Autoblog

Report: Lexus HS 250h not meeting volume projections in U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 05 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we drove one of Lexus' new HS 250h hybrid sedans, we found the experience to be about what you might expect. That is to say, eminently usable and well-designed with reasonable driving dynamics. We liked it, though we pointed out that the styling is pretty bland and performance is merely adequate.

We can't say for certain whether that staid styling or its lack of driving emotion may be holding it back in the marketplace, but Wards Auto reports that the HS 250h is failing to live up to the sales volume projections set out by Lexus when the car was introduced late last year.

Since initially going on sale last August, Lexus has sold 11,228 HS hybrids. Last month, Toyota's luxury division moved just 1,076 units, which makes for a grand total of 4,529 since 2010 kicked off five months ago. A quick calculation tells us that full-year sales, assuming they remain at something resembling a steady pace, will be under 14,000 units.

Lexus had previously set a target of 20,000-22,000 HS 250h sales in America - and even that figure represented a lowered expectation from the 25,000-30,000 sales initially quoted before Japanese consumers started ordering the model up at a faster-than-expected rate.

Why the below-par sales stats? Says Mark Templin, vice president of Toyota's Lexus division, "I think we underestimated the power of the Prius brand... And we overestimated what the market would look like based on gas prices. But if we can do over 1,000 units a month, 1,000-1,500 units a month, we feel really good about what we're doing in the marketplace."

Gallery: First Drive: Lexus HS 250h

[Source: Wards Auto]

Report: Lexus HS 250h not meeting volume projections in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Toyota launches HS-based SAI hybrid in Japan

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus, Toyota

2010 Toyota Sai Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're starting to develop a bit of a complex. Why is Toyota holding out on us? Yesterday we showed you the handsome second-gen Toyota Mark X, the Lexus GS-based rear-wheel-drive sedan that seems a perfect fit for buyers on these shores. But no, Toyota says that model isn't coming Stateside. If it had been a one-time thing we might have forgive and forget, but no, Toyota's doing it again. The Japanese automaker just unveiled another model that is not intended for these shores - The 2010 Toyota Sai Hybrid.

The Sai is based on the Lexus HS250h hybrid, a vehicle designed for people who want a more premium hybrid experience than they would get in the Toyota Prius. The Sai would seem to fit somewhere in between. It offers the same powerplant as the HS, but not quite as many luxury features. It's basically an HS with different nose, tail and interior detailing.

The folks who do get a shot at the Sai will be rewarded with a DOHC 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The engine puts out 147 horsepower on its own, but 187 hp when the electric boost from the 245-volt battery pack kicks in. It's good for an 8.4-second dash from 0-60 and an impressive 23.0 km/l, which roughly equates to over 54 mpg (a huge advantage over the 35 city/34 highway mpg rating of HS250h here in the U.S., mind you) if this handy dandy converter is to be believed.. Think of it as a more powerful Prius with a more conventional body, or a poor man's HS250h. Either way, think of it from afar.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Sai Hybrid

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Toyota launches HS-based SAI hybrid in Japan

Tokyo Preview: Toyota launches HS-based SAI hybrid in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Sai to be brand's second dedicated hybrid, goes on sale Oct. 20 in Japan

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST

2009 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even though there have been plenty of reports that Toyota would apply the Prius name to other hybrids in its lineup, thereby creating a Prius sub-brand, the upcoming second dedicated hybrid from the Japanese automaker bearing the Toyota name will be simply named the Toyota Sai. The Sai goes on sale in Japan on October 20th and slots in between the Prius and the Crown hybrid.

Featuring a more powerful engine than the Prius (a 2.4-liter gasoline engine compared to the 1.8-liter in the Prius), the Sai will look similar to the Lexus HS 250h (pictured) and will be based on the same underpinnings. Lexus has been selling the HS 250h in Japan since July and in the U.S. for a few weeks.

Toyota isn't giving out any clues about the car's overseas potential, but if the car ever comes to the U.S., it'll join the Camry hybrid as a pretty solid competitor to the Ford Fusion hybrid. There's a market for some Toyota badge engineering mixed with hybrid tech here, right?

Gallery: Lexus HS 250h

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Toyota Sai to be brand's second dedicated hybrid, goes on sale Oct. 20 in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lexus HS 250h in short supply; U.S. launch affected?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:59:00 EST

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]

REPORT: Lexus HS 250h in short supply; U.S. launch affected? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus prices the new 2010 Lexus HS250h at $34,200*

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus, Luxury

2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery

Want to get your hands on the world's first dedicated hybrid luxury vehicle? Get ready to pony up at least thirty-four grand for the new Lexus HS250h. The Toyota luxury division has finally released pricing for its latest entry-level model, with the standard model starting at $34,200* and the Premium model commanding $36,970*.

At those rates, the Lexus hybrid is positioned above more economically-priced hybrids like Toyota's own Prius and its biggest competitor, the Honda Insight. Howeve,r it comes in a good twenty-grand less than Lexus' more upscale GS 450h, while fitting into the company's growing range of entry-level sedans, the base IS250 starting at $31,305 and the ES350 carrying a starting MSRP of $34,470.

Of course Lexus has a wide array of options available to increase the HS250h's base MSRP, including sat-nav, its Wide-View Front Monitor system and Mark Levinson stereo, as well the Touring and Technology packages, all of which will drive up the price faster than a hybrid's acceleration figures. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: Lexus HS 250h

* Pricing does not include the $875 destination and delivery charge

Continue reading Lexus prices the new 2010 Lexus HS250h at $34,200*

Lexus prices the new 2010 Lexus HS250h at $34,200* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Lexus

2010 Lexus IS350 C - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When Lexus was founded in 1989, it appealed to the staid sensibilities of its 45-year-old demographic. Now, those buyers are in their mid-sixties, and Lexus, faced with a 34.1% sales slip for the first six months of the year - more than its primary rivals from Germany - is rethinking its line-up and consumer experience to appeal to younger buyers.

Speaking with Automotive News, Lexus execs admitted they've grown too dependent on sales of the RX crossover, and in an attempt to right the ship - and score sales from BMW 3 series coupe and convertible buyers - they've begun a new push for the IS sedan, and in particular, the new IS convertible.

In addition to the droptop and recently released HS 250h hybrid sedan, Lexus wants to add an array of entry-level models into its line, including more "green" vehicles and sports-oriented models. The automaker's Taste of Lexus events held around the country to woo buyers into showrooms with ride-and-drives and hors d'oeuvres - reportedly costing around $1 million per city - are going by the wayside, and instead, Lexus is pushing its dealer training program to ensure top-notch service, along with a focus on tech-rich features and new, edgier ad campaigns.

Although the RX is still outselling all of its nearest competitors in the luxury crossover segment, Lexus realizes that it has to offer buyers more, particularly those in the coveted 25-35-year-old demographic. Hopefully, that means more high-performance and fuel efficient models, and less confusing (if artsy) advertising campaigns.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lexus IS250 C and IS350 C

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lexus reportedly aiming to please younger generation, compete with entry-level BMWs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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