Toyota to triple production of Lexus HS 250h

According to a report from the Nikkei newspaper in Japan (via Hybrid Cars), Toyota plans to nearly triple production of the Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan. The reason? Unexpectedly brisk sales in Japan, it would seem. When the luxury hybrid was launched on July 14, Toyota reportedly expected to sell about 500 units per month. In reality, Japanese consumers have ordered up nearly 9,000 HS 250h hybrids since that date.

Japan's heavy incentives to spur the sales of hybrid vehicles are one likely cause for the brisk sales figures. Both the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius have seen record sales in Japan this year, with the Prius currently enjoying the top spot on the sales charts. Sales of the Lexus HS 250h are scheduled to begin here in the States this fall, starting at $34,200.

[Source: Hybrid Cars]