Why is Toyota called Lexus?
Many car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike have wondered about the connection between Toyota and Lexus. While Toyota is a globally recognized brand known for its reliable and affordable vehicles, Lexus represents luxury, sophistication, and high performance. This article explores the origins of Lexus and why it is often referred to as Toyota's luxury division.
The Birth of Lexus
Lexus was not always a household name. In the 1980s, Toyota decided to enter the luxury car market to compete with established European brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The company wanted to create a new brand that would embody luxury, innovation, and superior craftsmanship. After years of research and development, the Lexus brand was officially launched in 1989 with the introduction of the Lexus LS 400, a flagship luxury sedan.
Why Lexus is Associated with Toyota
Although Lexus operates as a separate brand, it is a division of Toyota Motor Corporation. Here are the key reasons why Lexus is often referred to as Toyota:
- Shared Parent Company: Lexus is owned and operated by Toyota Motor Corporation, making it a direct subsidiary of the Japanese automaker.
- Engineering and Manufacturing: Many Lexus vehicles share platforms, engines, and technologies with Toyota models, although they are refined to meet luxury standards.
- Global Strategy: Toyota created Lexus to cater to the luxury market, particularly in the United States, where there was a growing demand for high-end vehicles.
- Brand Positioning: While Toyota focuses on reliability and affordability, Lexus is positioned as a premium brand offering luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology.
The Name "Lexus"
The name "Lexus" was carefully chosen to reflect the brand's identity. It is often believed to be a combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance," though Toyota has never officially confirmed this. The name was designed to evoke a sense of sophistication and exclusivity, aligning with the brand's mission to redefine luxury in the automotive world.
Conclusion
In summary, Lexus is called Toyota because it is a luxury division of Toyota Motor Corporation. While the two brands serve different market segments, they share a common heritage of quality, innovation, and reliability. Lexus has grown to become one of the most respected luxury car brands in the world, standing as a testament to Toyota's commitment to excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Toyota fully own Lexus?
Lexus is a division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.
Why did Toyota call it Lexus?
The brand Lexus combines the Latin “luxus” and the French “luxe” as symbols of elegance and sumptuousness, together with the Greek “lexicon” meaning language.
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?
Which is more luxury Acura or Lexus?
While Acura produces high-quality vehicles, Lexus takes luxury to the next level. The materials used in Lexus interiors are often of higher grade, and the overall design aesthetic tends to be more elegant and sophisticated.
Is Lexus the higher end of Toyota?
The Lexus brand is the luxury division of the Toyota Motor Corporation, a Japanese automaker. Lexus vehicles were initially developed for the American market and debuted there to the enthusiasm of drivers before eventually being sold in other markets around the world.
Who builds Lexus engines?
Lexus is the luxury brand made by Toyota. They are all Toyota engines designed for different models no matter what badge is on the car.
What is more reliable, Toyota or Lexus?
Toyota's luxury car brand Lexus had an average reliability score of 65, while Toyota itself scored an average reliability score of 62. Apparently, the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, and the all-electric Toyota bZ4X SUV all performed below average, which had a bearing on Toyota's overall reliability score.
Does Lexus have a Toyota engine?
Although Lexus vehicles' interiors and exteriors differ from Toyotas', they almost always have a Toyota engine under the hood. Still, this is great news for Lexus drivers because Toyota engines are one of the most reliable ones in existence.
Does Honda have a luxury brand?
Acura, on the other hand, is Honda's luxury division. Launched in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese premium car brand. The vehicles under this marque are designed with a greater emphasis on performance, luxury features, and a higher level of craftsmanship.
Can Lexus run on regular gas?
But, does Lexus require premium gas? If you want to continue to enjoy the outstanding power and high-level efficiency offered in new Lexus models, you'll want to utilize the recommended Lexus gas type. Some Lexus vehicles will require premium 91-octane fuel while others can use regular 87-octane fuel.
