Where is the Lexus GS made?
The Lexus GS is built in Japan, at Toyota's Tahara plant in Aichi Prefecture.
Historically, the GS lineage traces back to the Toyota Aristo sold only in Japan, with Lexus branding used for global markets. Production has been centered at Tahara for its entire run, and the model was discontinued after the 2020 model year as Lexus redirected resources toward other sedans and SUVs. This article explains where the GS came from and where it was produced for buyers around the world.
Production home: Tahara, Japan
To understand where the GS is made, it helps to know the production site and its role in Lexus’ lineup. The Tahara Plant, located in Tahara city in Aichi Prefecture, has long served as the manufacturing home for Lexus’ mid-size sedan ambitions—the GS being the executive benchmark in several markets during its history.
Before detailing the production notes, here are the key production facts you should know.
- All Lexus GS models have been produced at the Tahara Plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
- The GS originated from the Toyota Aristo in Japan, with global sales branded as Lexus GS.
- There have been no widely reported, mass-produced GS assembly operations in North America or other regions; shipments to markets have generally been from Japan.
- The GS line was discontinued after the 2020 model year, as Lexus shifted focus to the IS, ES, and LS/LM product families.
In short, the Lexus GS has been firmly rooted in Japanese manufacturing, with Tahara serving as its production hub throughout its lifecycle. The model’s end in 2020 marked the conclusion of a generation of Lexus’ mid-size, rear- or all-wheel-drive offerings built for global markets.
Additional context on the GS lineage
The GS began life as the Aristo in Japan and was exported under the Lexus name for international customers. Across its four generations, production remained centralized at the Tahara facility, reinforcing Lexus’ approach to global consistency and quality control. The model’s discontinuation reflected changing market preferences and Lexus’ broader product strategy rather than a shift of GS manufacturing away from Japan.
Summary
Conclusion: The Lexus GS is made in Japan, with Tahara Plant in Aichi Prefecture as its primary production site for the model’s entire run. The line ended after the 2020 model year, and current Lexus lineup now emphasizes other sedans and SUVs rather than the GS.
Where is the Lexus GS built?
Motomachi, Japan: Lexus GS, Lexus GS F, Lexus LC, Lexus LC Hybrid. Tahara, Japan: Lexus GX, Lexus IS, Lexus RC, Lexus RC F, Lexus LS, Lexus LS Hybrid.
Why did Lexus discontinue the GS?
Lexus discontinued the GS sedan due to low sales, which were a result of several factors, including a market shift towards SUVs and crossovers. Declining sales were also driven by increasing competition from rivals and strong internal competition from the more popular and less expensive Lexus ES. Lexus opted to focus its resources on higher-volume models instead of continuing to produce the GS, which had become an economically unviable model.
- Weak sales: The most significant reason was the GS's consistently weak sales figures, particularly compared to other models like the ES and RX crossovers. By 2019, Lexus sold just over 3,300 GS units compared to more than 50,000 ES models.
- Market shift to SUVs: The auto industry, including the luxury segment, has seen a major consumer preference shift towards SUVs and crossovers, leading to a decline in demand for sedans like the GS.
- Internal competition: The Lexus ES was a major competitor, as it offered a more affordable and comfortable alternative that appealed to many buyers who would otherwise consider the GS. Some buyers also found the two models looked too similar, making the ES the more logical choice.
- External competition: The GS struggled to compete with rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which were perceived as offering a more prestigious brand and sometimes better technology and performance on paper, even if more expensive.
- Economic and resource allocation: With sales in such a slump, it was no longer economically sensible for Lexus to continue producing the GS. The company chose to allocate its resources to developing and promoting its more popular and profitable models, especially its successful lineup of SUVs and crossovers.
Which Lexus is not made in Japan?
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Inc. – Cambridge, Ontario, Canada —assembles the Lexus RX, as well as the Lexus RX Hybrid. Toyota Motor Kyushu – Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan — assembles the Lexus UX. Toyota Tahara Plant – Tahara, Japan — assembles the Lexus LS, IS, GX, LX, and RC.
Which Lexus models are made in the USA?
Lexus models made in the USA include the Lexus ES (Kentucky) and the Lexus TX (Indiana). These vehicles are assembled at different Toyota manufacturing plants within the United States.
- Lexus ES: Built in Georgetown, Kentucky, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK).
- Lexus TX: Assembled in Princeton, Indiana, at a plant that also produces the Grand Highlander.
