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Plans for Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV Hit Snag March 2005A plan by the Lexus Group of Toyota Motor Thailand to make the hybrid-powered RX400h competitive in the Thai market has been hampered by intricate details in excise taxation.The emerging Japanese luxury car brand has eyed the 10% tax rate for vehicles with hybrid power, only to know later that the special category has engine displacement capped at 3,000cc. The RX400h combines an electric motor to a 3.3-litre petrol V6 (RX330) sold in the American market and is claimed to give ``V8 performance with fuel economy of a four-cylinder motor''. Planned to make its Thai debut at the Bangkok Motor Show next week, Lexus' ``green'' sports-utility vehicle is now slated to go on sale in Thailand in 2007, even though it hits showrooms in Japan, Europe and the US this year. ``It's quite funny why (the Excise Department) wants to promote cars with hybrid powertrains, but still limits the engine size to no more than 3,000cc,'' noted a senior executive at Toyota, adding that there is no plan to lobby the government to make any changes. In the worst case, Lexus may be offering the RX400h just the way as it is, meaning that it will have to be subject to 50% excise duty for a retail price of around five million baht _ one million more than the regular RX300 that comes with 3.0-litre V6 petrol power source. The source said Lexus may have to undertake substantial marketing to increase awareness of such powertrains to premium car buyers who are usually not concerned with fuel economy. ``It would have to take a good samaritan to pay an extra one million baht for the RX400h.'' Although there is the technical possibility of fitting electric power to the RX300's 3.0-litre engine to make the RX400h eligible for the 10% rate, the source noted that there is no such plan in requesting for a special engine for the Thai market. ``Lexus has a policy of selling standard engines in all global markets. We once asked for special specifications, but our parent firm refused to do so,'' said the source. This was also made in reference to the all-new GS300 launched last week at prices ranging from 4.9-5.3 million baht. The GS300 is powered by a 228hp 3.0-litre V6 engine that must 50% excise duty due to the power output of over 220hp. Lexus asked its parent firm to detune the power output to below 220hp in order for the GS300 to enjoy 40% and lower prices to match German rivals BMW 525i and Mercedes E240. However, the request was not granted. SOURCE:Bangkok Post | ||
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