Who owns Lexus now?
Lexus is owned by Toyota Motor Corporation and operates as the luxury vehicle division of Toyota; the brand is a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.
Ownership and governance
To understand the relationship, it’s important to note that Lexus is not independently owned or traded as a separate company. It originated as Toyota's premium arm and remains tightly integrated within Toyota’s corporate structure.
The brand is managed globally through Lexus International Co., Ltd., Toyota’s dedicated unit for brand planning, product strategy, and marketing across markets. This arrangement ensures a consistent brand identity while leveraging Toyota’s scale and resources.
Regional operations—such as those in North America, Europe, and Asia—report to Toyota Motor Corporation through respective regional offices (for example, Toyota Motor North America) rather than as autonomous entities. This keeps strategic control centralized at Toyota while allowing Lexus to execute market-specific initiatives.
Key facts about ownership:
- Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota.
- Lexus International Co., Ltd. functions as the global brand-management arm and is owned by Toyota.
- There are no external owners of Lexus; Toyota retains 100% ownership of the brand and its operations.
While Lexus enjoys a degree of autonomy in product planning and customer experience, ultimate control rests with Toyota as the parent company.
Brand governance and global reach
Lexus maintains a distinct global identity, with its own design language, dealer network, and customer experience. However, strategic decisions are coordinated through Toyota’s governance channels to ensure alignment with the broader corporate goals.
What this ownership means for consumers
For consumers, the arrangement translates into Lexus benefiting from Toyota’s reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and scale, while preserving the Lexus-style luxury, craftsmanship, and customer service that define the brand.
Across regions, Lexus dealerships operate under Toyota’s corporate umbrella, providing standardized service and support while delivering the premium brand experience Lexus markets.
Summary
In short, Toyota Motor Corporation owns Lexus outright as its luxury division. Toyota is the parent company, with Lexus International serving as the global brand-management arm, and regional operations aligned under Toyota’s corporate structure.
Overall, Lexus remains Toyota’s premium brand—owned, governed, and supported by the parent company’s corporate framework while maintaining its distinct market identity.
Who builds Lexus engines?
The Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation is the parent company of Lexus. Lexus serves as Toyota's luxury line of sedans and SUVs.
Does Toyota own 100% of Lexus?
While Lexus and Toyota are separate automotive brands, they both fall under the umbrella of Toyota Motor Corporation. Lexus was introduced in the late 1980s as Toyota's answer to growing demand for premium vehicles, designed to compete directly with luxury marques like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
Are Lexus just rebadged Toyotas?
Same Parent Company, Two Very Different Missions. Yes, Lexus is part of Toyota. But don't make the mistake of thinking Lexus is just a rebranded Toyota lineup with some wood trim and a nicer logo slapped on.
Is a Lexus better than a BMW?
Lexus stands at the top of the competition in terms of dependability with a score of 135 PP100. This is a full 55 problems per 100 vehicles lower than the industry average of 190 PP 100 Compared to the BMW score of 190 PP100, exactly average. Lexus is the clear winner in terms of dependability.
