Demand For Lexus HS250h Exceeds Estimates 20 Fold: Delay In US Shipment Possible

Booming orders in Japan for the new Lexus HS 250h sedan may pinch supply of the brand's first dedicated hybrid when it goes on sale in the United States next month.

In its first month in Japan, the car racked up 10,000 orders or about 20 times Toyota Motor Corp.'s initial sales target of 500 vehicles a month.

Customers wanting an HS 250h now face a six-month wait in Japan, meaning a car ordered today will be delivered in February, said Toyota spokeswoman Monika Saito.

The surge in demand could affect supply of the Japan-made car to U.S. dealerships.

"We hope there won't be a problem, but we'll see," Saito said.
 

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