910usu: Lexus HS 250h

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Lexus HS 250h

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Lexus displayed the HS 250h for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in 2008, with plans to launch the vehicle in major world markets including the U.S. and Japan. According to division officials, the HS was produced in response to consumer interest in dedicated hybrid models, with many stating that they would purchase such a vehicle if a luxury make offered one. The success of the Toyota Prius with upper-income buyers was also a consideration. The resulting HS 250h would become the most fuel-efficient in the Lexus lineup to date. At its launch, the HS 250h was also claimed to be the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle in the U.S.

2011 Lexus HS 250h - Review

To cater to environmentally-conscious buyers, the HS 250h design included carbon footprint-reducing considerations, including the adoption of plant-derived "eco-plastic" (bioplastic) materials for the interior, cargo space, and foam injected areas. Bioplastic plant sources include kenaf fibers and castor seeds. Kenaf-based material was previously used in the Lexus ES rear interior. According to the manufacturer, 85 percent of the vehicle is fully recyclable. For the Japanese domestic market, the Lexus HS250h features a Harmonious Driving Navigator system which monitored efficient driving characteristics and compared them with others to determine the 'greenest' overall driver, for which charitable donations could be made.