Toyota readies a HS250h version for the Japanese market
2009 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Japanese site Corism, Toyota is preparing a rebadged version of the Lexus HS 250h for its home market. The model, called the Toyota SAI, should slot nicely between the Prius and the Crown hybrid.
The main difference between the two models is said to be the lower equipment level in the Toyota versus its stablemate from Lexus, which helps reduce the sticker price of the car by about half a million yen (roughly $5,500). Lexus has only been a brand in Japan for four years, so the Toyota marketing department aims at selling more units of the car, regardless of what nameplate resides on the decklid. Sales of the new Toyota hybrid will reportedly start next November.
[Source: Corism via Le Blog Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Robert 9:56AM (9/25/2009)
I don't get why Toyota is selling rebadged Ford Fusion Hybrids.
Reply
Steve 12:21PM (9/25/2009)
Toyota is desperate, they haven't made a good product in years... with their truck and SUV sales in the toilet, all their remaining sales are coming from hyped up hybrids.
Chris M 10:31PM (9/25/2009)
It isn't a "rebadged Ford Fusion Hybrid" even if it does have a 3 bar grill in front, any resemblance between the two is purely coincidental. Ford has a hit with the Fusion Hybrid, selling all they can produce, they don't have any excess production to sell in a "rebadging" program.
I do see how that mistake could be made, there is a superficial resemblance. Makes me wonder if there isn't a secret plan to eventually merge Toyota with Ford.
Robert 10:45PM (9/25/2009)
@Chris M, sorry if you missed the sarcasm there. I was noting the similar looks.