Toyota launches 1st hybrid-only Lexus, pre-orders top 3,000 units+

TOKYO, July 14 Kyodo -
Toyota Motor Corp. rolled out its first hybrid-only version of the luxury Lexus
sedan Tuesday with pre-orders already topping 3,000 units on the back of robust
demand for fuel-efficient cars in the Japanese market.
Toyota Senior Managing Director Toshio Furutani said the automaker has already
received strong demand for the HS250h, eclipsing its monthly domestic target of
500 units thanks to recent government tax breaks and subsidies for
energy-saving vehicles.
Despite being a luxury sedan, the HS250h, powered by a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle
combustion engine and an electric motor, has a starting price of 3.95 million
yen, the lowest for a Lexus brand. Its prices range up to 5.35 million yen.
The gasoline-electric model, with a fuel efficiency of 23.0 kilometers per
liter, is expected to be rolled out in the United States and Canada in
September with its sales target set at 2,400 units per month.
''This is a compact luxury car that matches the times so I am sure it will be
used by many customers,'' Furutani said at a press conference in Tokyo. ''The
hybrid will lead the Lexus.''
Despite anticipating huge losses for a second consecutive year, hybrid sales
has been a rare bright spot for Toyota, which has seen its new Prius hybrid
quickly become a best-selling car in Japan for June.
The Prius, which debuted in mid-May, has drawn customers with a retail price
starting from 2.05 million yen and with better fuel efficiency at 38 kpl. The
hype over hybrids has also been fueled by competition with rival Honda Motor
Co.'s Insight hybrid, which is available from 1.89 million yen.
''From now on, we would like to challenge the market with cars that are good
both for driving and for the environment,'' Toyota President Akio Toyoda said.
''This HS250h is the new challenge from Lexus.''
==Kyodo