What do they call Lexus in Japan?
In Japan, the luxury car brand Lexus is known by a different name - Toyota Celsior. This is because Lexus is Toyota's luxury division, and the Celsior was the flagship model that was sold exclusively in Japan under the Toyota brand name.
The Lexus Brand in Japan
Lexus was launched by Toyota in 1989 as a dedicated luxury vehicle division to compete with other premium automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Cadillac. However, when Lexus was first introduced, it was not marketed or sold in Toyota's home market of Japan. Instead, Toyota's luxury models were sold under the Toyota brand name, with the top-of-the-line model being called the Celsior.
The Celsior was Toyota's flagship luxury sedan that debuted in 1989, the same year Lexus was launched in the United States. It was positioned as Toyota's premier luxury offering, competing directly with other Japanese luxury sedans like the Nissan President and Honda Legend. The Celsior was only available in Japan and other Asian markets, and was never exported or sold under the Lexus brand name.
Reasons for the Different Naming
There are a few key reasons why Toyota chose to use the Celsior name for its luxury models in Japan instead of the Lexus brand:
- Brand Recognition: Toyota was already an established and trusted brand in Japan, so using the Toyota name for luxury models helped leverage that brand equity.
- Market Segmentation: Keeping the Lexus brand separate allowed Toyota to target different market segments - the Toyota brand for mainstream models and Lexus for premium luxury vehicles.
- Domestic Preference: Japanese consumers tend to have a strong preference for domestic brands, so the Toyota Celsior likely had more appeal than a foreign-sounding Lexus brand.
It wasn't until 2005 that Toyota finally introduced the Lexus brand to the Japanese market, over 15 years after it was launched in the United States. By that time, the Celsior had been renamed the Toyota Crown Majesta, but the Lexus LS 430 took over as the flagship luxury sedan for the brand in Japan.
What is the Japanese name for Lexus LS?
The Lexus LS (Japanese: レクサス・LS, Hepburn: Rekusasu LS) is a series of full-size luxury sedans that have served as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, since 1989. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive.
What is JDM Lexus?
JDM literally stands for Japanese Domestic Market. American cars are USDM etc. Since Lexus is Toyota's luxury brand, yes the LFA is considered JDM.
Why do Americans love Lexus?
Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus are among the most popular with wealthy American car shoppers who are looking for reliability, prestige, extra amenities, comfort, and top customer service.
What is the Lexus LFA called in Japan?
The Lexus LFA (Japanese: レクサス・LFA, Rekusasu LFA) is a two-door sports car produced between 2010 and 2012 by the Japanese carmaker Toyota under its luxury marque, Lexus.
What is Lexus also known as?
Also called. Toyota Altezza (Japan) Production. October 1998 – August 2005 (Altezza)
What does JDM stand for in Japan?
Japanese domestic market
The term "Japanese domestic market" ("JDM") refers to Japan's home market for vehicles and vehicle parts. Japanese owners contend with a strict motor vehicle inspection and grey markets.
Is a Lexus basically a Toyota?
Toyota does own the Lexus lineup of Lexus car models and SUVs, but the two brands operate independently with headquarters in separate cities. Toyota is headquartered in Toyota City, while Lexus remains in Nagoya. So who makes Lexus cars?
What is Lexus called in Japan?
Toyota
Lexus did not exist as a brand in its home market until 2005, and all vehicles marketed internationally as Lexus from 1989 to 2005 were released in Japan under the Toyota marque and an equivalent model name.
Does Infiniti exist in Japan?
INFINITI is a luxury division of the Nissan Motor Company in Japan. INFINITI was first incepted back in 1985 under the top-secret moniker of the “Horizon Task Force” – a team of Nissan visionaries who saw an opportunity in creating vehicles that offered an elevated sense of sophistication and driver experience.
What do Japanese think of Lexus?
A foreign car was once a major status symbol, but a recent survey in Japan found that people of all ages rate the Japanese Lexus as their dream drive.
