Report: Demand for Lexus HS250h Outpaces Supply
Customers could face long waiting lists for world's first stand-alone luxury hybrid
Demand for the new 2010 Lexus HS250h hybrid sedan is so high in Japan that the automaker fears it might not be able to keep up with expected sales volumes in the U.S.
The world’s first stand-alone luxury hybrid has just gone on sale in Japan and its popularity has far exceeded expectations. Toyota initially planned to sell 500 units a month of the new Lexus model but so far the automaker has already received 10,000 orders.
Toyota’s first priority will be meeting demand in its home market, where profit margins are much higher. Due the the decreased value of the Yen against the U.S. dollar, vehicles sold in the U.S. are far less profitable.
Lexus is unlikely to delay the launch of the HS250h in the U.S., which is expected to take place next month, so long waiting lists are expected. Pricing for the new model is expected to start at $35,075.
This is the second hybrid model supply issue for Toyota in recent months, as a shortage of batteries has slowed the company’s ability to keep up with demand for the 2010 Prius.
[Source Automotive News via Autoblog]
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