Toyota sells its Prius hybrid at a rate of more than 150,000 units per year, but the Japanese automaker’s Lexus luxury division has laid out a much more conservative sales estimate for its dedicated hybrid model. Lexus announced earlier this week that it plans on selling about 25,000 examples of its HS 250h during the vehicle’s first 12 months on the market.
The HS 250h represents the luxury segment’s first hybrid-only model and will compete in the entry-level class. Lexus feels there is tremendous potential for such a model, but has modest expectations for the HS 250h’s first 12 months on the market.
“More than 60 percent of entry luxury sedan buyers said they would consider hybrids, and this is a segment nobody’s in right now,” Mark Templin, group vice president of the Lexus Division for Toyota North America, told Automotive News.
Although the HS shows some promising potential, a weakened economy and lower gas prices will likely keep the hybrid from becoming an instant sales success. However, the economy is expected to rebound by year’s end and gas price could shoot back up to 2008 levels in the near future, so HS 250h sales could post stronger than expected numbers. Toyota plans to sell 180,000 units of its all-new Prius in its first 12 month on the market, so the potential for stronger numbers is definitely there.
06/11, 12:00 PM
posted by:
bigs4610
what is it with the grills that look like a damn shaver
jesus
06/11, 12:12 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I agree. It looks like sh*t on Fords and the same here. And it just plain stinks when you have one driving behind you and the sun hits it, and your mirrors reflect the blinding flash.
06/11, 12:13 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Lexus, if you are listening – this is your perfect chance to introduce an entry level model. Look, you could fill in where the G20/Integra left off, an affordable, fun to drive premium FWD car. Just dump the hybrid powertrain and that shaver grill. It’s so easy!
06/11, 12:21 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
The shaver grill is there to remind the hairy-pitted leftie envirowhackoff women and ladyboys who buy this crap to shave their armpits sometimes, as well as their legs and their private parts (at least a good trim).
06/11, 12:23 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
don’t forget their post-40s moustaches too!
06/11, 12:51 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
This thing is a Corolla Hybrid… plain and simple. But I’m sure there are enough idiots out there chomping at the bit for a “Luxury” Prius that they will hit their mark.
06/11, 1:03 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I bet they will be a popular gift purchase for freshman daughters going off to college.
06/11, 1:04 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’d rather have a Corolla than this. At least I can get the 2.4 with a manual. Not to mention the price difference would cover my fuel for… let’s say the next 10 years?
06/11, 3:00 PM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
This thing looks like they haven’t finished with the pre-production type. It was cool as a concept but now we have to be tormented with this as a serious production vehicle? Its gonna be a rough one, I tell you what!! You do much better getting a Civic EX with leather and navi. It looks good, fun to drive, cat-like reflexes and still achieves 32/38. AND its about $10K cheaper? You make the choice.
06/11, 3:07 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Please, LLn, stop calling “L—s” a Luxury division.
A corolla/Prius as a luxury car?
JakeK66 Is there even such a thing as a fun to drive premium FWD car? As much as I like the datsuns of today, the “G20″ was cheap, and the rabadged civic was always a joke.
Focus RS.
RaineMan: I think you’re right.
KarLoveBoy88: “You do much better getting a Civic EX with leather and navi.” And you’d do even better with a GOOD car.
06/11, 3:20 PM
posted by:
Borat
JJT, you seems a bit tense.
06/11, 4:00 PM
posted by:
impulsive facts
i guess lexus / toyota have bought into the ford ads that say something to the effect “…we’re the equal of toyota…”
and are using the ford grill to fool the public into thinking they’re buying a higher quality ford product!
06/11, 4:14 PM
posted by:
aggie531
ford should sue lexus for the grille
06/11, 4:31 PM
posted by:
Borat
“The HS 250h represents the luxury segment’s first hybrid-only model ” what was LS460H? With mileage worse then regular LS460.
06/11, 5:37 PM
posted by:
A4
Actually, JJT, a fun to drive premium car is called a GTI/GLI, Cooper S, or an A3 S-Line.
Lexus is garbage.
06/11, 5:38 PM
posted by:
A4
And Borat, what they mean is its the luxury segments first HYBRID-ONLY MODEL, as in its the only line that is ONLY available with hybrid power. AKA the LS has both gas and hybrid powertrains.
06/11, 7:10 PM
posted by:
Pazzo Canguri
It looks like a slightly doled up fake chrome camry…not a lexus look at all…IS250 is better..
06/11, 7:28 PM
posted by:
BimjobRimjob
25,000 retards
06/11, 8:00 PM
posted by:
2TellUTheTruth
Good luck.
Naw, just jokin. The same idiots dat actually consider buying a toyota is goin to be the same idiots das gonna buy dis sh!t! And u know there’s a lot of dem out there.
06/11, 8:30 PM
posted by:
DrFill
JackJim
You’re better than that
I’m not in love with this model, as I feel an IS Hybrid would be better off than a new model
This is the Camry Hybrid powertrain
I, personally, would’ve waited until the next-gen Camry Hybrid powertrain came out, and avoid this downmarket
DrFill
06/11, 11:14 PM
posted by:
PontiacNick
They should have to pay a fine for every one they sell for littering and defacing the automotive landscape. Can this thing be any more hideous? Come on Toyota. We know you can build a quality product. How about hiring some people who know how to style one too!
06/12, 7:03 AM
posted by:
A.J.
I just hate the exterior designs of Lexus models these days.
IMO, their best exterior design in the past five years is the 2006-current GS.
06/12, 1:31 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
A4:
I stand corrected