Production November 2009–present Related | Platform Toyota New MC platform | |
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Manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation
Kanto Auto Works Assembly Japan: Miyawaka, Fukuoka (Miyata plant) Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive | ||
The Toyota Sai is a hybrid electric car sharing the same platform and hybrid drivetrain as the Lexus HS. It was launched in Japan on October 20, 2009, following the launch of the Lexus HS in January of the same year.Toyota received about 14,000 orders in one month after its introduction.
On June 25, 2010, Lexus (Toyota) recalled 17,801 2010 model year HS250h and Sai models for failing to comply with US FMVSS 301, "Fuel System Integrity", due to excessive fuel leakage in the event of a rear-end collision. A recall of these Sai and HS models for reprogramming the brake software in February 2010 also led some buyers to question the model, with word of the issue possibly scaring away potential buyers.
In early 2010, based on units sold, the HS was considered one of the less popular Lexus sedans in the US, despite its success in Japan. In late 2011, Ward's AutoWorld reported that Lexus was discontinuing sales of the HS 250h in the US due to many complaints from customers.