Lexus hopes to sell 1,000 units of the CT 200h a month in the U.S.

2011 Lexus CT 200h F Sport

Lexus is pretty confident that it can sell 1,000 units of the new 2011 CT 200h hybrid hatchbacks each month. Lexus believes that the CT200h has potential because it is the small-but-burgeoning segment’s only hybrid and offers a sporty driving experience, says Brian Bolain Lexus national advertising and marketing manager.

Competitors like the Volvo C30, Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series usually end up selling 1,500 units a month in the United States. WardsAuto data shows the three models delivered a combined 1,991 units in October, with the BMW 1-Series accounting for 1,139 of the total.

Can Lexus do it? We’ll have to wait and see. However, the Japanese luxury brand originally hoped to sell 20,000 units of the Lexus HS 250h annually, but sold only 8,754 units through October.

Refresher: Power for the Lexus CT 200h comes from a 1.8L VVT-i gasoline engine mated to a powerful electric-motor fueled by nickel-metal hydride batteries. The models produces a total system output of 134 hp allowing it to go from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds. The 2011 CT 200h gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg. Unlike a mild-hybrid system, the CT 200h has an EV (electric-vehicle) mode that allows it to run on only on its electric-motor for up to 1.2 miles at speeds of up to 28 mph.