Lexus expects to sell 25,000 HS 250h hybrids in first year
2010 Lexus HS 250h – Click above for high-res image gallery
Just like the rest of the industry, Toyota's sales are down this year, and that includes its standard-bearing Prius hybrid hatchback. There are signs that the new 2010 model will revive Prius sales somewhat, and the Japanese automaker is hoping to have similar success with its new Lexus HS 250h luxury hybrid sedan. According to Mark Templin, group vice president of the Lexus Division for Toyota North America:
More than 60 percent of entry luxury sedan buyers said they would consider hybrids, and this is a segment nobody's in right now. People are feeling better about the economy, and our dealers are asking for more cars. That's a good sign.Lexus reportedly expects to sell some 25,000 HS 250h hybrid sedans in the car's first 12 months on the market in the States, which would immediately make the new HS 250h the best selling luxury hybrid car in America. Perhaps there's reason to be optimistic – hybrid vehicles actually managed to grab market share in the month of May and the price of fuel is slowly rising again.
Gallery: 2010 Lexus HS250h
[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rahul 9:34AM (6/12/2009)
Hybrid cars are gaining momentum in terms of sales all over the world. Now, people are more eco-conscious and they place fuel efficiency as top priority while buying a car. Toyota Lexus will capitalise on these trends and will definitely achieve their goal of selling 25,000 HS 250h hybrid sedans in the first year of its launch.
Rahul
Indian Car Advisor (Carazoo.com)
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EVan 11:07AM (6/12/2009)
Two things...
1. Toyota has a history of overestimating sales numbers (think Tundra)
2. This car is ugly, small, and far less efficient than Toyota's Prius... and costs more.
I would take this announcement with a grain of salt.
stevejust 4:53PM (6/13/2009)
I agree 100% with Evan.
This is going to be about as popular as the Accord Hybrid.
Getting a decked-out Prius w/ remote start and solar roof option makes way more sense than this thing.
Dolphyn 11:56AM (6/12/2009)
"People are feeling better about the economy" ... well, that's certainly news to me.
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Rick 2:13PM (6/12/2009)
I don't think there are 25k rich people with ZERO taste.
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