Autoblog

Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus

Are you one of the few people looking to put a brand-new Lexus HS 250h in your driveway? Better act fast. Inside Line reports that Toyota's luxury division has killed off its slow-selling HS model:

"Production of the HS 250h ceased in January, 2012. Lexus continues to monitor sales for each product and we make adjustments to make sure that we meet market demand, and the discontinuation of HS was part of that adjustment. The ES 300h is not replacing HS in our lineup. It's merely part of the hybridization of many of our existing vehicles in the Toyota and Lexus lineups."

We can't say we're surprised. Reports first surfaced in November of 2011 indicating that the HS 250h's days were numbered. After selling 10,663 units in 2010, which was already well shy of projections, HS sales dropped a whopping 73 percent to just 2,864 in 2011.

It's interesting that Lexus says the ES Hybrid is not a replacement for the HS, but we'd be a bit surprised if another standalone hybrid model made it into Lexus showrooms to replace the canceled HS - it seems to us that the current CT 200h hatchback and ES 300h ought to satisfy the needs of Lexus hybrid shoppers.

Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #256

Dan Roth — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts

2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Lexus HS 250h, Chevrolet Spark, Cadillac XTS

Episode #256 of the Autoblog Podcast is here a day late but still fresh, with Chris, Dan and Zach this week. Topics include the heavily revised Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the possible death of the Lexus HS 250h, the U.S. Chevrolet Spark and the Cadillac XTS. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #256:

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Chevrolet Volt
2012 Volkswagen Beetle
2012 Ford Edge EcoBoost

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:17:50

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #256

Autoblog Podcast #256 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slow-selling Lexus HS 250h already getting the axe?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus may stop production of the HS 250h. Reports have emerged that the model is suffering from flagging sales and that the luxury automaker may seek to replace the vehicle with a less-expensive, more youth-oriented product in the near future. Last month, Lexus managed to sell just 250 HS 250h units, which is a decline of 72.8 percent compared to the same (already low) period last year. Originally envisioned as a more upscale version of the Toyota Prius, the awkwardly styled HS 250h carries a substantial price tag that has likely done much to scare off would-be buyers. At over $37,000, the vehicle hasn't done a good job of convincing consumers of its merits. The modelhas only been on sale since late 2009 as a 2010 model, so if the reports are true, the HS 250h would lead a very brief life.

Should Lexus decide to kick the hybrid four-door off the team, the company will likely replace it with something more accessible for buyers. Reports suggest that the newcomer will likely cost somewhere around $30,000 and follow a marketing path similar to what's seen with the current CT 200h hatchback, a model that's been much more successful. That sounds nice, but we have to wonder if Lexus really needs two compact hybrids in the same price range.

Slow-selling Lexus HS 250h already getting the axe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus vows bolder design, won't "always stay in the middle of mainstream"

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Lexus, Toyota, Design/Style

Lexus design has never been very flashy, and many might say (including us) the automaker's entire current lineup is a bit bland-looking (LFA supercar excepted, natch). But that visual conservatism may be about to change: Automotive News is reporting that the Japanese juggernaut plans to change that by taking more risks and striving for more character.

Toyota Design Chief Tokuo Fukuichi tells AN that the brand will build on the design language first introduced in the HS 250h and refined in the GS, but with more emphasis on the fighter jet-inspired grille. Lexus says the eye-catching grille draws from the hourglass shape of a spindle, but it's more than just an expressive face. Fukuichi adds "The spindle grille is not just a design matter; it also has to have a good functional performance in bringing in air."

In short, Lexus is looking to push itself to create more dynamic new models, even if some models don't exactly come off as focus-group friendly. We're all for a sexier Lexus with a personality implant, but a new grille won't be all that's needed. Only time will tell if Toyota's premium marque can shed its conservative tendencies and come up with something more dynamic that still sells.

Lexus vows bolder design, won't "always stay in the middle of mainstream" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests Lexus HS250h for rollover, Suzuki Kizashi for side-impact

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Safety, Lexus, Suzuki, Luxury

2010 Lexus HS 250h and 2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image galleries

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just wrapped up a couple more crash tests of both the Lexus HS 250h and the Suzuki Kizashi. The little luxury hybrid recently underwent both side impact and rollover testing, nabbing Good and Acceptable ratings in each category, respectively. The HS 250h has also received a Good rating in offset frontal crash testing conducted earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the Kizashi has received its first ever crash rating from IIHS. After completing rollover testing, the IIHS gave the sedan an Acceptable rating. Further testing for front and side impact crashes will be completed later on.

The IIHS awards vehicles one of four ratings based on intrusion into the passenger cell - Good, Acceptable, Marginal or Poor. In order for a vehicle to secure the coveted Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must score Good in all four of the institute's crash tests. Unfortunately for Lexus and Suzuki, neither vehicle is eligible in their current form for a Top Safety Pick nod.

Gallery: First Drive: Lexus HS 250h

Gallery: Review: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS

Suzuki Kizashi photos copyright (C)2009 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: IIHS]

IIHS tests Lexus HS250h for rollover, Suzuki Kizashi for side-impact originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Safety, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury, Off-Road

First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but "Good" all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their "Good" score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good" in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

[Source: IIHS]

IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Safety, Lexus, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

In what is perhaps our least surprising announcement of the young day, Toyota has officially announced that it will recall 2010 model Prius and Lexus HS250h models globally along with the Toyota Sai in Japan to fix an issue the performance of their braking systems. The latest in a series of safety related problems with Toyotas became public fodder last week when Toyota acknowledged that customers of the third generation hybrid had complained of a loss of stopping power at low speeds.

Toyota has also acknowledged that it has developed a software update to improve the blending of the regenerative and
friction braking systems and implemented the update into new production models sometime in January. The automaker did not, however, order a recall of vehicles in customer hands until more than a week after reports of the issue turned up in the media.

The Prius, Prius PHEV, HS250h and Sai (a Toyota badged version of the Prius sold only in Japan) are all being recalled for the software bug fix. In total about 400,000 vehicles are involved in this recall. First- and second-generation Priuses are not included since they have a different braking system, although there are concerns that there could be performance issues with those vehicles, too.

In the same release, Toyota has also announced that it will recall about 7,300 2010 model Camry sedans to inspect a power steering hose that may sit to close to a brake hose and cause it to wear through. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Source: Toyota]

Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

Continue reading Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix

Officially Official: Toyota recalls 2010 Prius and Lexus HS250h for ABS fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2010 Lexus HS 250h is pretty on the inside

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Lexus, First Drives

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

Just because The Cold War is over doesn't mean that all cold wars have come to an end. Two protagonists in the auto industry - once again, East vs. West - are currently embroiled in an in-car safety and technology arms race that is beginning to look more like NASA vs. Roskosmos than a battle between luxury sedans. The latest master weapon comes from Lexus in the form of its HS 250h hybrid, claimed to be not only the world's first hybrid-only luxury sedan, but also the most fuel-friendly luxury vehicle extant. If Lexus has it, they put it on this car. Our question was: Would we want to put one in our driveway? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: Lexus HS 250h

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Lexus HS 250h is pretty on the inside

First Drive: 2010 Lexus HS 250h is pretty on the inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus hints at HS 250h dedicated hybrid for Detroit show

John Neff — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Lexus

Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe informed us at least year's Detroit Auto Show that his company would be bringing two new hybrids to this year's show in D-town. The first is the much anticipated next-gen Prius and the second is the first dedicated hybrid model for Lexus. This week the Japanese luxury automaker made it official with a page on its consumer website heralding the debut of the Lexus HS 250h on January 11, smack dab in the middle of press days for the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

Not much else is known about the vehicle, other than that it will be available to buy in the Fall of 2009. We suspect the HS 250h will be a Lexus-badged version of the Prius in much the same way that the ES350 is a version of the Toyota Camry. Thus, the HS 250h will also use the same next-gen Hybrid Synergy drivetrain that will debut in the new Prius, both sporting nickel-metal hydride battery packs for the time being until development work on advanced lithium-ion packs is completed. Stay tuned for more info on these two hybrid models from Toyota and Lexus as the 2009 Detroit Auto Show draws ever closer. Thanks for the tip, DJ Pearce!

[Source: Lexus]

Lexus hints at HS 250h dedicated hybrid for Detroit show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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