@lpher

Just read a statement from Lexus Norway that they from now will only be focusing on hybrids.

Because hybrid cars have for a while now gotten lower import taxes the GS460/LS460/RX300 have all been special order here for quite a while, and now they are ditching the IS220d, IS200d and IS250 as well.

So there you have it, is Lexus Norway the first to go all hybrid?

JessePS

That is pretty interesting. All the best to Lexus with that.

Trexus

Very interesting. Norwegians can still get the petrol version but have to special order it. It appears Norway is limiting their people's choices. I for one would always want choices and selection. It's great that here in the U.S. we get our cake and can eat it too.

We're very lucky to have all of the Lexus line-up. In some countries they don't get the ES or GX but then again in the U.S. we don't get the diesel version of the IS (IS 200d) or the four cylinder version of the ES (ES 240) or RX (RX 270).

Blackraven

That's interesting........that even the diesel models over there are now special order.

And to think that EUROPE = Diesel land (more than 50% of all passenger cars in the EU + adjacent territories are diesel-powered)

spwolf

it is because of specifics of their market - in Norway, Hybrids get 50% reduction in tax, so it makes no sense to sell petrol only or diesel Lexus. It probably also means that IS in the future will get Hybrid.

So for instance, price difference between CT200h and IS250 is +90% in Norway.

IS-F costs 50% more than fully equipped RX450h, etc, etc.

@lpher

There seems to be a growing awareness of of the dangers of NoX polution in europe, and the norwegian government has clearly had this in mind when the revised import taxes were made. And because most diesels have very high NoX leves, this has effectively made hybrids the most cost-effective choice.

@lpher

ISh is comming in 2013 the same statment said

Brian@Vossen

Thanks for the info!

@lpher

Just doing my part

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

how cool. I'm sure a few other countries may do this eventually

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Very interesting! Would be interesting to see an all-hybrid line up at the dealership

Trexus

Not sure if an ISh will arrive in 2013 maybe it'll arrive one year after the 3IS comes. I'm curious as what Lexus will desinate it: IS 300h, IS 350h or IS 450h?

spwolf

hopefully they call it IS250h and use same powertrain as in Camry Hybrid...

bad co

That would be tough, the is engine is longitudinally placed as apposed to the 2.5h being horizontally opposed. They could maybe somehow make the gsh transmission work.

Trexus

The ISh might not be able to use the Camry hybrid powertrain since the Camry is FWD. I could see the ISh using the GSh's hybrid powertrain since both are RWD cars.