Who owns Acura and Lexus?
Acura is owned by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Lexus is owned by Toyota Motor Corporation. Both are luxury brand divisions of their parent automakers.
In more detail, Acura and Lexus are not independent automakers. Acura was launched by Honda to compete in the premium segment in North America and beyond, while Lexus was established by Toyota to challenge rivals in the global luxury market. Each brand operates under the umbrella of its parent company, with separate marketing, product development, and dealer networks tailored to regional needs. Honda and Toyota are major Japanese corporations publicly traded on global markets.
Ownership overview
The following bullets summarize who actually owns the two brands today:
- Acura — luxury vehicle division of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Minato, Tokyo.
- Lexus — luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation, a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
Both brands operate as premium arms of their parent companies, with distinct identities yet integrated within Honda and Toyota's broader corporate strategies.
Context and notes
It is important to understand that Acura and Lexus are not standalone companies. Ownership is vested in Honda and Toyota, respectively, and the brands are managed as divisions within those corporate structures.
Summary: Acura is owned by Honda Motor Co., Ltd.; Lexus is owned by Toyota Motor Corporation—each brand functions as the luxury arm of its parent automaker.
What is Japan's No. 1 car brand?
1. Toyota Motor Corporation
- Toyota – The core brand offers a wide range of vehicles, from economy cars to trucks and SUVs.
- Lexus – Toyota's luxury division, known for sophisticated design, premium features, and hybrid technology.
Is Lexus just a fancy Toyota?
No, Lexus is not just a fancy Toyota; while they share a parent company and some underlying components, Lexus is a separate luxury brand with distinct designs, premium materials, and a focus on a more luxurious driving experience. Lexus vehicles feature higher-quality interiors, more sophisticated suspension, and advanced amenities not typically found on Toyota models.
Similarities
- Shared parent company: Both Lexus and Toyota are owned by Toyota Motor Corporation.
- Underlying components: Many Lexus models share platforms and some mechanical components with their Toyota counterparts, leading to shared technology and the benefit of using more affordable Toyota parts for certain repairs.
- Reliability: Lexus vehicles often benefit from the engineering and reliability standards of Toyota.
Differences
- Brand mission: Toyota focuses on reliable, practical, and accessible vehicles, while Lexus was created to be a luxury brand that competes with other premium manufacturers.
- Materials and appointments: Lexus vehicles use premium materials such as fine leather, real wood, and metal accents. Toyota interiors are generally less luxurious.
- Performance and ride: Lexus vehicles often have more powerful engines and more sophisticated suspension systems designed for a quieter and more refined ride, with better sound insulation than Toyota models.
- Design: Lexus has its own design, engineering, and manufacturing facilities, which were fully separated from Toyota in the mid-2000s, leading to distinct exterior and interior styling.
- Target market: Lexus aims to capture buyers seeking a luxury experience, while Toyota caters to a broader market.
Is Acura more luxury than Lexus?
Lexus is generally considered more luxurious than Acura, as it prioritizes meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and a serene interior design. While Acura offers high-quality interiors with a blend of luxury and practicality, Lexus consistently emphasizes a more refined and upscale experience across its model range.
Lexus
- Craftsmanship and materials: Known for exceptional attention to detail in its interiors, using premium materials like high-quality leather and finishes.
- Interior atmosphere: Creates a more consistently serene and refined atmosphere, especially in higher-end models like the LS and RX.
- Refinement: Focuses on luxury and refinement, often resulting in a more plush and upscale feel from the base model up.
Acura
- Luxury and practicality: Blends luxury with practicality, often appealing to those who want a balance of high-end features and everyday usability.
- Interior design: Provides high-quality, stylish interiors with top-notch materials, but they may not feel quite as luxurious as Lexus's best efforts.
- Performance and value: Often seen as a strong contender for those seeking a combination of performance, reliability, and value for the money.
Who owns BMW and Mercedes?
BMW is owned by the BMW Group, and Mercedes-Benz is owned by the Mercedes-Benz Group (formerly Daimler AG). These are two separate and independent German companies that are major competitors in the automotive industry.
- BMW: The parent company is the BMW Group, which is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and also owns the Mini and Rolls-Royce brands.
- Mercedes-Benz: The parent company is the Mercedes-Benz Group, which was formerly known as Daimler AG and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.
