Lexus is aggressively rolling out its European expansion plans, but European buyers will be left out on Lexus’ newest model. Lexus recently unveiled its all-new HS 250h at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but the dedicated hybrid will not be part of the company’s European lineup.
The HS 250h is set to hit the U.S. market in summer 2009, but European won’t even have a shot at the new hybrid. “The HS 250h is intended mainly for North America and Japan, sales are not currently planned for Europe,” Serge Gachot, head of Toyota Motor Europe marketing communications, told Automotive News.
Lexus decided to forgo the European market with the HS 250h because it too closely rivals the company’s IS 220d. The IS 220d is similar in size to the HS and also offers comparable CO2 emissions figures.
However, the move is a bit strange considering Toyota’s crusade to sell 1 million hybrids annually by early next decade. Moreover, Lexus’s hybrid models are extremely popular in Europe, with some take rates topping 70 percent. Lexus currently sells hybrid versions of the RX, GS and LS in the European market.



01/14, 2:28 PM
posted by:
Borat
Well, we not getting diesel either. It’s a draw 1:1.
01/14, 2:44 PM
posted by:
LS7
Hybrid Gas > Diesel.
Diesel is not a valid solution.
Europeans need to get their heads out of their asses.
01/14, 2:58 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
They’ll get it later. Most likely when the IS is resigned.
I agree its pretty much a draw. European get Diesel and USA get Hybrid.
01/14, 3:02 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
That’s because Toyota knows Europeans are smart enough to know it’s a rebadged Prius, and a rip-off. Unlike Americans who won’t notice.
01/14, 3:33 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
Europeans are just as much brand Snobs as Americans so I don’t think Lexus would have a problem marketing this.
01/14, 3:41 PM
posted by:
Borat
I concur with t-ak-box. The only gasoline luxury sedans I observed in Spain were Lexus. BMW, Benz, Audi all were diesels in upper end (C, E, S, Series 3,5,7, Audi 4,5,7), but I saw few Lexus cars with gas prices near $9/gallon. I also saw good share of Prius’s. It was few months ago.
01/14, 3:54 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
So ugly and overpriced … Lexus should only say yes to China.
01/14, 3:56 PM
posted by:
pursang
This isn’t a unique product in Europe. Unlike in the U.S. Europe already has plenty of fuel-efficient luxury small cars (e.g. A-class mercs, Alfa-Romeo MiTo, 1-series diesels). This Wouldn’t stand a chance in their market.
01/14, 4:05 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
“All right Goldmember. Don’t play the laughing boy. There’s only two things I hate in this world.
People who are intolerant of other people’s cultures…
and the europeans.”
01/14, 4:09 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
C’mon, give this thing a break. At least it doesn’t have a happy face for a grill.
01/14, 4:10 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
why would a hybrid even succeed in a market that is dominated by 40mpg diesels(europe)???
01/14, 4:19 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
This is Toyota’s private Cadillac Cimmaron. A Corolla with a Lexus badge. Sheesh.
01/14, 4:54 PM
posted by:
Borat
idrinorbarsaku, because there are a lot of very well heeled Europeans who copycat everything Hollywood. And because Toyota does not discriminate in accepting cash for cars: they do accept EU dollars.
01/14, 5:31 PM
posted by:
BimjobRimjob
If only we were so lucky.
01/14, 5:46 PM
posted by:
anti-believer
Most cars are in Europe upscale. They have enuff to fulfill the market.
Americas like “base models” with roll up windows
01/14, 6:15 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Lexus in Europe is all premium RWD sedans and AWD crossovers, because they are serious about directly competing with M-B and BMW by creating a cohesive brand image there.. for the US they are happy to reskin FWD Camrys and Corollas to satisfy the nievete of the market.
01/14, 10:33 PM
posted by:
The Stig
The Europeans aren’t missing much at all.
01/15, 12:48 AM
posted by:
JC88
Impulsive, what is it with you and China you redneck ****.
01/15, 4:50 AM
posted by:
BlackX
there is a reason why they wont sell it in Europe.
Because there are not so many idiots who would buy it.
If you want to safe planet and cash get yourself a diesel or equip your car with LPG.. DOHHH..
01/15, 5:46 AM
posted by:
Dindel
Some facts here.
Diesel is cheaper than gas in most European countries, due to tax breaks intended for road transport.
As a result, Europe is diesel territory. Over half of new cars sold are diesels
In some markets, like France, it’s more like 75 percent.
In the premium and executive segments, it’s almost diesel only. French dealers don’t even stock BMW 7-series models with gas engines. Those are on special order only.
Here’s the problem with Lexus: the GS, LS and RX compete with BMW ,5, 7, X5, Audi A6, MB E, ML etc.
Nearly ALL of those overhere have the 3,0 liter 6 cylinder turbodiesel. By not offering such an engine, the surrender like 80 percent of the market without a fight.
The only diesel Lexus is the IS220d, which is chanceless against the BMW 3.
Lexus is in Europe since 1990, but they are nowhere. They’re pointless, despite all their virtues.
01/15, 10:27 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
Brand snobs, yes. But the Lexus brand doesn’t have the same prestige in Europe that it does in the U.S.
01/15, 11:46 AM
posted by:
Dante_JoseCuervo
Dindel
-you are right, and that’s the reason this car is coming to the US. We’re dominated by gasoline since it’s a fair big cheaper than diesel whereas in Europe, you guys have diesel that’s cheaper than gasoline. Personally I wish it were that way here so I could get a little bmw 3 series diesel or maybe an A4 tdi, but alas, that won’t be happening any time soon.
01/15, 1:03 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
‘JC88′, just because you lack a phallic member and have no brain, doesn’t mean you have the right to title me only a four-star superstar … next time you give me the full FIVE starts I deserve. Got it chimp?
If you didn’t understand my earlier post, this POS belongs in China with the rest of the POSs Honda and Toyota produce. It actually looks Chinese which makes me wonder if Japan has hired some of their rejects.
01/15, 5:31 PM
posted by:
BlackX
Chinese are damn idiots why the hell are you talking about them here?
01/15, 8:21 PM
posted by:
ktulu
Lexus SUCKS!