What is the name of the Lexus in Japan?
When it comes to luxury vehicles, Lexus is a name that resonates globally. However, many people are unaware that Lexus, as a brand, has a slightly different identity in its home country of Japan. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Lexus and its branding in Japan, shedding light on its unique position in the automotive world.
The Lexus Brand in Japan
Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, was introduced to the global market in 1989. However, in Japan, the Lexus brand was not initially marketed under its own name. Instead, the vehicles were sold under the Toyota brand, with specific models being part of Toyota's domestic luxury lineup. For example, the Lexus LS was sold as the Toyota Celsior, and the Lexus GS was known as the Toyota Aristo.
When Did Lexus Officially Launch in Japan?
It wasn’t until 2005 that Lexus was officially introduced as a standalone brand in Japan. This move was part of Toyota’s strategy to unify its luxury offerings under the Lexus name globally. Since then, Lexus has been marketed in Japan with the same branding as in other countries, offering a consistent luxury experience worldwide.
Why Was Lexus Initially Branded Differently in Japan?
The decision to sell Lexus models under the Toyota name in Japan was largely due to market dynamics. Toyota already had a strong reputation and extensive dealership network in Japan, making it easier to sell luxury vehicles under the Toyota badge. Additionally, Japanese consumers were familiar with the Toyota name and associated it with reliability and quality, which helped in marketing these high-end models.
Key Takeaways
- Lexus vehicles were initially sold under the Toyota brand in Japan, with models like the Toyota Celsior and Toyota Aristo.
- The Lexus brand was officially launched in Japan in 2005, aligning with its global identity.
- The initial branding strategy was influenced by Toyota’s strong domestic presence and consumer trust in the Toyota name.
Today, Lexus is recognized as a premier luxury brand in Japan, just as it is worldwide. Its journey from being a sub-brand under Toyota to becoming a standalone luxury marque is a testament to its quality, innovation, and global appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 the Lexus GS called in Japan?
Toyota Aristo
What was the Lexus ls430 called in Japan?
Toyota Celsior
A domestic-market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as Toyota Celsior (Japanese: トヨタ・セルシオ, Hepburn: Toyota Serushio), was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006.
How to tell if Lexus is made in Japan?
First position: country of manufacture
In the case of a Lexus, the first digit indicates the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. If your Lexus has the numbers 2 or 5, it was assembled in North America—either Canada or the United States. Japan is indicated by the letter J.
What is a Lexus called in Japan?
| Lexus IS | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Also called | Toyota Altezza (Japan, 1998–2005) |
| Production | October 1998 – present |
| Model years | 1999–present |
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.
How to tell if Lexus IS made in Japan?
First position: country of manufacture
In the case of a Lexus, the first digit indicates the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. If your Lexus has the numbers 2 or 5, it was assembled in North America—either Canada or the United States. Japan is indicated by the letter J.
Why did Lexus discontinue GS?
The declining sales, coupled with the increasing competition from rival luxury brands, made it difficult for Lexus to justify continued GS production. Furthermore, Lexus has been focusing on expanding and updating its SUV and crossover lineup to meet the growing demand in those segments.
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 the Lexus IS350 called in Japan?
In Japan the IS350 is called... the IS350. (the GS is called the GS now too by the way...) Been that way ever since the Lexus name has been used there.
