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Lexus HS250h hybrid plan dead

  • By Paul Gover
  • Herald Sun
  • 17 July 2009
  • image

    The HS plan copped the chop because it could not be certified for sales in Europe and there was insufficient demand from other right- hand drive countries. Photo Gallery

The revolutionary Lexus HS250h hybrid will not make it to Australia.

The compact, affordable, sporty hybrid was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show at the start of this year as part of a plan to bring petrol- electric power to younger, keener drivers.

It was originally only set for the USA but talk at Detroit included a right-hand drive model and sales in Australia.

Now, sadly, the plan is dead. "We won't get it," Dave Buttner says simply.

The HS plan copped the chop because it could not be certified for sales in Europe and there was insufficient demand from other right- hand drive countries.

"Europe is not taking it so we won't get it. It's going to be USA only," Buttner says.

Comments on this story

Displaying 2 of 2 comments

  • Lexus was established 20 years ago with the US market solely and only in its sights. And the tradition still continues by the looks of things. The brand has been the #1 prestige brand in the USA for a decade now, but other markets don't really matter to them. Spot on Stuk (22 July 2009) - the IS350 is a total corker, but Lexus refuse to release it here. Frustrating.

    DJCJ of Melbourne Posted on 15 September 2009 9:28pm

  • Getting a bit tired of Lexus' attitude towards Australia. They have some great stuff O/S but we always get left out or left way behind. eg IS350, which would be huge here, but Lexus leave the field to hi-po Euros. My wife wouldn't let me get an IS-F but if a 350 was available I may be able to convince her that it is really a family car....As it stands, although the IS250 is a sweetie, it is too underpowered, so may have to look at a C-series or Bimmer. (GS 300 is pretty damn expensive and not so powerful, and GS430 is way too dear!) Wake up, Lexus, or lose me and many other potential buyers!

    Stuk of Canberra Posted on 22 July 2009 11:22am

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