April 20, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Lexus Korea launched a redesigned model of the ES300h on Oct. 2, seeking to expand sales of the country’s most popular imported hybrid vehicle.

The carmaker unveiled the New Generation ES300h, which marked the first redesigned model in six years after the sixth-generation ES300h hit showrooms here in 2012.

The series earlier became the first imported hybrid to post accumulated sales exceeding 20,000 units in South Korea as of the end of 2017.

“Korea was the biggest market for the ES300h following China last year,” said Nobuyuki Takemura, who heads Toyota Korea.

He pointed out that Korea is the first Asian country to get the New Generation ES300h.

Lexus Korea said it has received around 4,000 preorders for the New Generation ES300h. The unit price of the car ranges from 57.1 million won (US$51,179) to 66.4 million won.

The company said the new edition boasts an output of 218 horsepower and 22.5 kilogram-force meters of torque, with a fuel economy of 17 kilometers per liter of fuel.

Along with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System, other features include a 12.3-inch display and premium equipment by Mark Levinson Audio Systems.

By Song Seung-hyun and newswires (ssh@heraldcorp.com)