Is INFINITI made by Lexus?
INFINITI is not made by Lexus. INFINITI is the luxury division of Nissan, while Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. Both brands come from separate automakers and operate independently, though they share a common origin in Japan.
Ownership and origins
Infiniti and Lexus are not owned by the same parent company; here's a quick snapshot of their corporate homes and purpose.
Parent company overview
Two distinct Japanese automakers own the luxury divisions: Nissan (Infiniti) and Toyota (Lexus).
- Infiniti: luxury brand of Nissan Motor Company, introduced in 1989 to target premium buyers in the United States and later expanded globally.
- Lexus: luxury brand of Toyota Motor Corporation, launched in 1989 to establish a dedicated premium lineup and separate identity from Toyota's mainstream models.
These brands were created to compete with premium European automakers and to define distinct luxury identities under their respective automakers.
Brand positioning and product strategy
Infiniti and Lexus pursue premium segments but with different design language and technology approaches. Here are some core distinctions.
- Model lines: Infiniti focuses on sportier sedans and crossovers (e.g., Q50, Q60, QX60, QX80); Lexus emphasizes luxury comfort, hybrid tech, and upscale design (e.g., ES, LS, RX, NX).
- Technology and design: Infiniti emphasizes bold styling and driver-centric features; Lexus emphasizes craftsmanship, refinement, and reliability.
- Market strategy: Infiniti has historically been smaller in global sales; Lexus ranks among the top luxury brands with a large dealer network and strong resale value.
The two brands often target similar price bands, but their product rosters and market approaches reflect the differing parent-company strategies.
Myths and clarifications
Readers occasionally encounter confusion due to similar-sounding branding and the general category of “Japanese luxury.” The essential fact is straightforward: Infiniti and Lexus are separate brands owned by Nissan and Toyota, respectively.
Summary
Infiniti is not made by Lexus. Infiniti is Nissan's luxury division; Lexus is Toyota's luxury division. Both brands are distinct entities with separate product lineups, corporate parents, and brand identities, even though they share a national origin in Japan.
