Lexus Pre-Sells 9000 Hybrids

Lexus has sold over 9,000 of its 2006 model RX400h SUV as of the close of August 2004. That's right, check your calendar. The vehicle won't hit streets until early 2005 and is listed as a 2006 model.

Contracting to sell 9,000 units at around $40,000 each has to be the greatest volume of a luxury vehicle ever pre-sold. Please check on that.

The Lexus RX400h is basically a hybrid version of the RX330, the smaller of its luxury SUV models.