With the possible exception of Saturn, which seems more serious about its hybrid products, I think GM puts these dogs out just so they can justify their position that no market exists for hybrids. They make it a self fulfilling prophecy.
As far as Lexus, Toyota should know better that to put out a car that does no better on FE than its conventional siblings. Perhaps, in this case it is more about gaining or retaining a market share amoung the affluient in our society that want to be "seen green" as far as their public image, but in reality don't really give a d**n about FE or environmental issues, to which I say "shame on Toyota".
But in the next breath, I readily give them kudos for putting
real effort toward corporate responsibility with the Toyota line hybrids. My TCH is an amazing vehicle that gets almost twice the mileage of its convential counterpart. I have owned sedans from Audi, 'Volvo, and Infiniti in the past and I honestly think I would take a new TCH over any of the other '08 lines from them if offered the chance again today.