Euro Luxury Brands Expect Low Sales of Their Hybrids in U.S.

Washington DC May 11, 2009; The AIADA newsletter reported that European luxury-car makers are expected to launch several hybrid models in North America this year, but say they expect them to sell in low volumes.

Automotive News reports that Mercedes will launch two hybrids this year, but company executives don't expect to sell the vehicles in large numbers.

The company's S400 BlueHybrid sedan, due in September, will be the first European hybrid sold in the U.S. Later in the fall, Mercedes will launch the ML450 SUV with a Two Mode hybrid powertrain.

Although sales are expected to be low for the time being, the company believes that it is still important to put hybrid vehicles on the market.

BMW, which plans to launch hybrid versions of its X6 crossover and 7-series sedan, doesn't believe U.S. sales will top 10 percent.

Next year Porsche is expected to launch a hybrid version of its Cayenne SUV.

Audi plans a Q5 crossover hybrid for 2011, while Volkswagen is working on a hybrid Touareg SUV for late 2010 or early 2011.