Lexus finally confirmed that the RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV will go on sale in the United States on April 15, 2005. Dealers were told on Friday, the company said in a statement issued on Monday night.

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The company originally planned a December launch. But, at the beginning of August, with 8,000 orders to hand, Lexus reportedly told its dealers that the 400h’s showroom arrival showrooms had been delayed “a few months” from the originally scheduled date in December.


Media reports early in September said the delay would give Lexus time to perform additional checks to make sure the vehicles escape some of the teething problems that have beset other hybrids and build inventories in an effort to avoid the long waiting lists the smaller Prius attracted.


Delaying the RX400h to February meant it would reach dealers early in 2005 as a 2006 model; a December launch would be a 2005 model year car, the reports noted.


In its statement, Lexus said it now has more than 9,500 “confirmed pre-sold orders” for the 400h while over 46,000 people have registered for more information through the company’s website.

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“We’ve received significantly more pre-launch consumer interest for the 400h than any vehicle in our entire 15-year history,” claimed Lexus general manager, Denny Clements. “Although the on sale date is confirmed, we are attempting to move the start of production up even earlier in 2005 to build up sufficient inventories to help meet the demand we expect in mid-April.”


Lexus Financial Services said it would extend lease agreements to current Lexus owners who have placed orders for a RX 400h by as much as 12 months, if necessary, “to accommodate those customers who have voiced concern that their Lexus lease might run-out before their RX 400h arrives”.


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