Lexus small car to make its U.S. debut sooner than expected
By Andrew C., 26 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
Lexus LF-CH Concept Hybrid IAA
Not only is the Lexus LF-Ch Concept headed for production for the European market, it is likely that the hatchback will be offered in the US as well. Lexus general manager, Mark Templin, made this confirmation during a Detroit Bureau interview given recently. In the US, the Lexus will be competing against the Audi A3, Bmw 1-Series, Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper. Of the four, only the Mini Cooper has been able to sell in big numbers.
The Lexus concept will make an appearance at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show as well as in Detroit, where Lexus officials will be testing how potential consumers react to a premium priced small car. In the Europe, the small premium car is largely accepted but in the US, it still has a long way to go. It's believed that its appeal will rise if fuel prices rise too. Despite pressures to lower the price, Lexus said that it will not downgrade or take away any of its prime features. The production LF-Ch is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, Lexus will need a hybrid in order to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1-Series hybrid or diesel down the line. [via autoblog]
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