(Cj)

I agree with you that the HS is a lot like the Acura TSX, but even so, I don't think that justifies it's existence. To most US consumers there's very little difference between the HS and ES. Both are quiet midsized luxury Lexus.

I also disagree that the HS would sell at twice the volume of an ES hybrid. The RX hybrid currently sells about 1500 units a month and the HS has been selling at about the same rate give or take month by month. The RXh costs $45K and the HS cost $35K, so thats a big deal. IMO a V6 ES hybrid that costs $40K would sell at the same rate as the HS yet be more profitable, and if there were an I4 ES hybrid I think that it would sell at an even larger rate.

The ES is an established line for Lexus and expanding it would have been better than adding a new line that essentially competes for the same customer (entry level luxury buyer who wants a midsized car). I don't think the HS has brought any new customers that wouldn't have bought an ES or IS to Lexus.

Now in Japan, the HS was a perfect product. Since they don't have an ES and they have tax incentives for hybrids, the HS is the perfect car to slot between the IS and GS. Here in the US where the ES has that job, the HS makes little sense...

(Cj)

I can't wait to see the next Yaris based on the iQ platform.

LexFather

HS just sold 1900 copies. RX 450h is always around a solid 1500 units or so. HS does start at a price less than the RX......

We all know hybrid options are coming to the entire lineup eventually....seems the focus for the ES was putting the 2.4 in it in China....