What motor company builds Lexus?
Lexus is a luxury vehicle brand that is owned and operated by the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus was launched in 1989 as Toyota's premium brand, designed to compete with other luxury marques like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Cadillac.
Toyota's Foray into the Luxury Market
In the 1980s, Toyota recognized the need to develop a luxury division to better compete with established premium brands, especially in the lucrative North American market. Toyota spent over $1 billion to create Lexus and develop its first model, the Lexus LS 400, which debuted in 1989. The LS 400 was designed to match or exceed the quality, performance, and refinement of leading luxury sedans at the time.
Lexus' Rapid Growth and Global Expansion
Lexus was an immediate success in the United States, quickly becoming the best-selling luxury import brand. By 1991, just two years after its launch, Lexus had already surpassed Jaguar, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz in U.S. sales. Lexus then expanded globally, entering markets in Europe and Asia throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Today, Lexus is sold in over 90 countries worldwide and is Toyota's luxury division globally.
Lexus' Design and Engineering Philosophy
Lexus vehicles are known for their high levels of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The brand's design philosophy emphasizes elegance, sophistication, and a focus on the driver experience. Lexus also places a strong emphasis on hybrid and electric powertrain technology, with many of its models offering hybrid variants.
Overall, Lexus has become one of the world's premier luxury automotive brands, built on Toyota's reputation for reliability and engineering excellence. The brand's success is a testament to Toyota's strategic vision and ability to compete at the highest levels of the global luxury market.