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Lexus
Company typeDivision
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1989;35 years ago(1989)[1]
FounderEiji Toyoda
HeadquartersNagoya,Japan
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Takashi Watanabe(President)[2]
  • David Nordstrom(VP,Asia Pacific)[3]
  • Spiros Fotinos(VP, EU)[4]
  • Andrew Gilleland(VP, U.S.)[5]
Products
BrandsF marque
ServicesAutomotive financing
ParentToyota Motor Corporation
Websitediscoverlexus.com

Lexus(レクサス,Rekusasu)is theluxury vehicledivision of the Japanese automakerToyota Motor Corporation.The Lexusbrandis marketed in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide[3][6]and is Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. It has ranked among the 10 largest Japanese global brands in market value.[7]Lexus is headquartered inNagoya,Japan. Operational centers are located inBrussels,Belgium, andPlano, Texas,United States.

Created at around the same time as Japanese rivalsHondaandNissancreated theirAcuraandInfinitiluxury divisions respectively, Lexus originated from a corporate project to develop a new premium sedan,code-namedF1, which began in 1983 and culminated in the launch of theLexus LSin 1989.[8]Subsequently, the division addedsedan,coupé,convertibleandSUVmodels. Lexus did not exist as a brand in its home market until 2005, and all vehicles marketed internationally as Lexus from 1989 to 2005 were released in Japan under the Toyota marque and an equivalent model name. In 2005, ahybridversion of theRXcrossover debuted and additional hybrid models later joined the division's lineup. Lexus launched its ownF marqueperformance division in 2007 with the debut of theIS Fsport sedan, followed by theLFAsupercar in 2009.

Lexus vehicles are largely produced in Japan, with manufacturing centered in theChūbuandKyūshūregions, and in particular at Toyota'sTahara,Aichi,Chūbu andMiyata,Fukuoka,Kyūshū plants. Assembly of the first Lexus produced outside the country, the Canadian-built RX 330, began in 2003. Following a corporate reorganization from 2001 to 2005, Lexus began operating its owndesign,engineeringand manufacturing centers.

Since the 2000s, Lexus has increased sales outside its largest market, the United States. The division inaugurateddealershipsin theJapanese domestic marketin 2005, becoming the first Japanese premium car marque to launch in itscountry of origin.[9]The brand has since debuted in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe and other regions, and has introducedhybridvehicles in many markets.

History

[edit]

1980s: The F1 project

[edit]

The Lexus brand was created around the same time as Japanese rivalsNissanandHondadeveloped theirInfinitiandAcurapremium brands. The Japanese government imposedvoluntary export restraintsfor the U.S. market, so it was more profitable for Japanese automakers to export more expensive cars to the U.S.

In 1983, Toyota chairmanEiji Toyodaissued a challenge to build the world's best car.[10]The project, code-named F1 ( "Flagship One" )[11]developed theLexus LS 400to expand Toyota's product line in the premium segment.[12]The F1 project followed theToyota Suprasports car and the premiumToyota Mark IImodels.[13]Both the Supra and Mark II wererear-wheel drivecars with a powerful7M-GEor7M-GTEinline-six engine. The largest sedan Toyota built at the time was the limited-production, 1960s-vintageToyota Century,a domestic, hand-built limousine, and V8-powered model,[14]followed by the inline-six-enginedToyota Crownpremium sedan.[14][15]The Century was conservatively styled for the Japanese market and along with the Crown not slated for export after a restyle in 1982.[15]The F1 designers targeted their new sedan at international markets and began development on a new V8 engine.[14][15]

Japanese manufacturers exported more expensive models in the 1980s due tovoluntary export restraintsnegotiated by the Japanese government and U.S. trade representatives that restricted mainstream car sales.[16]In 1986,Hondalaunched itsAcuramarque in the U.S., influencing Toyota's plans for a luxury division.[17]The initial Acura model was an export version of theHonda Legend,called theAcura Legend,itself launched in Japan in 1985 as a rival to theToyota Crown,Nissan Cedric/GloriaandMazda Luce.[18]In 1987,Nissanunveiled its plans for a premium brand,Infiniti,[19]and revised itsNissan Presidentsedan in standard wheelbase form for export as theInfiniti Q45,which it launched in 1990.[20]Mazdabegan selling the Luce as theMazda 929in North America in 1988 and later began plans to develop an upscale marque to be calledAmati,but its plans did not come to fruition.[19]

Toyota researchers visited the U.S. in May 1985 to conductfocus groupsandmarket researchon luxury consumers.[21]During that time, several F1 designers rented a home inLaguna Beach, California,to observe the lifestyles and tastes ofAmerican upper classconsumers.[21]Meanwhile, F1 engineering teams conducted prototype testing on locations ranging from the Germanautobahnto U.S. roads.[22]Toyota's market research concluded that a separatebrandand sales channel were needed to present its new sedan, and plans were made to develop a new network of dealerships in the U.S. market.[23]

Brand development

[edit]

In 1986, Toyota's longtime advertising agencySaatchi & Saatchiformed a specialized unit,Team One,to handle marketing for the new brand.[17]Image consulting firmLippincott & Margulieswas hired to develop a list of 219 prospective names; Vectre, Verone, Chaparel, Calibre and Alexis were chosen as top candidates.[24]While Alexis quickly became the front runner, concerns were raised that the name applied to people more than cars (being associated with theAlexis Carringtoncharacter on the popular 1980s prime time dramaDynasty).[24][25]As a result, the first letter was removed and the "i" replaced with a "u" to morph the name to Lexus.[25]

Front quarter view of a sedan parked on a street.
1989LS 400sedan was the first Lexus model.

Theories of the etymology of the Lexus name have suggested it is the combination of the words "luxury" and "elegance",[26]and that it is an acronym for "luxury exports to the U.S."[26]According to Team One interviews, the brand name has no specific meaning and simply evokes a luxurious and technological image.[24]Prior to the release of the first vehicles, database serviceLexisNexisobtained a temporaryinjunctionforbidding the name Lexus from being used because it might cause product confusion.[27]The injunction threatened to delay the division's launch and marketing efforts.[27]TheU.S. appeals courtlifted the injunction, deciding that there was little likelihood of confusion between the two products.[27]

The original Lexus slogan, developed after Team One representatives visited Lexus designers in Japan and noted an obsessive attention to detail, became "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection."[28]Three firms were involved in the final phase of logo development: Saatchi & Saatchi, Molly Designs and Hunter/Korobkin, Inc.[29]The finished logo was a combination of two firms' final designs: the Lexus logo typeface came from Saatchi & Saatchi and the "L" was Hunter/Korobkin, Inc.'s design. According to Toyota, the automaker made some refinements so the logo would be easier to manufacture, rendering it using a mathematical formula.[30][24]The first teaser ads featuring the Lexus name and logo appeared at the Chicago, Los Angeles and New York auto shows in 1988.[31]

Launch

[edit]

The F1 project was completed in 1989, involving 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, 220 support workers, approximately 450 prototypes and more than $1 billion in costs.[32]The resulting car, the Lexus LS 400, had a design that shared no major elements with previous Toyota vehicles, with a new 4.0 LV8gasoline engineandrear-wheel drive.[33][34]The car debuted in January 1989 at theNorth American International Auto Showin Detroit[19]and official sales of the vehicle began the following September at a network of 81 new Lexus dealerships in the U.S.[35]The LS 400 was sold along with the smallerES 250,arebadgedversion of the Japanese marketToyota Camry Prominent/Toyota Vista.[22]The launch of Lexus was accompanied by a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign.[36]

Front quarter view of a coupe.
1991SC 400was the third Lexus model and first coupe.

The LS 400 was praised for its quietness, well-appointed andergonomicinterior, engine performance, buildquality,aerodynamics,fuel economyand value.[22][37]However, it was criticized by some automobile columnists for derivative styling and asuspensionregarded as too compromising of handling for ride comfort.[22][38]In some markets it was priced against mid-size, six-cylinderMercedes-BenzandBMWmodels.[39]It was rated byCar and Drivermagazine as better than the higher-priced Mercedes-Benz420 SELand BMW735iin terms of ride, handling and performance.[40]The LS 400 also wonmotoring awardsfrom automotive publications includingAutomobile MagazineandWheels Magazine.[41][42]Lexus quickly established customer loyalty and its debut was generally regarded as a shock to existing luxury marques. BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's U.S. sales figures dropped 29 percent and 19 percent, respectively, with BMW executives accusing Lexus ofdumpingin that market, while 35 percent of Lexus buyers traded in a Lincoln or Cadillac.[40]

In December 1989, Lexus initiated a voluntary recall of all 8,000 LS 400s based upon two customer complaints over defectivewiringand an overheatedbrake light.[40]A 20-day operation to replace the parts on affected vehicles included technicians to pick up, repair and return cars to customers free of charge, and also flying personnel and renting garage space for owners in remote locations.[40]This response was covered in media publications and helped establish the marque's early reputation forcustomer service.[43][44]

By the end of 1989, a total of 16,392 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans were sold in the four months following the U.S. launch.[45]Although sales had begun at a slower pace than expected, the final tally matched the division's target of 16,000 units for that year.[46]Following initial models, plans called for the addition of a sports coupe along with a redesigned ES sedan.[47]

1990s: Growth and expansion

[edit]
Front quarter view of an SUV.
1998RX 300,first Lexus crossover SUV

In 1990, during its first full year of sales, Lexus sold 63,594 LS 400 and ES 250 sedans in the U.S.,[48]the majority being the LS model.[48]That year, Lexus also began limited exports to the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Australia.[22][49]In 1991, Lexus launched its first sports coupe, theSC 400,which shared the LS 400s V8 engine and rear-wheel drive design.[47]This was followed by the second generationES 300sedan, which succeeded the ES 250 and became Lexus' top seller.[47]At the conclusion of 1991, Lexus had become the top-selling premium car import in the U.S.,[50][51]with sales reaching 71,206 vehicles.[48]That year, Lexus ranked highest inJ.D. Power and Associates' studies on initial vehicle quality, customer satisfaction and sales satisfaction for the first time.[52]The marque also began increasing U.S. model prices past those of comparable American premium makes, but still below high-end European models.[51]By 1992, the LS 400's base price had risen 18 percent.[53]

In 1993, Lexus launched the mid-sizeGS 300sports sedan, based on the Toyota Aristo using theToyota "S" platformfrom theToyota Crown,which had sold for two years prior in Japan.[47]The GS 300 was priced below the LS 400 in the marque's lineup.[54]That same year, Lexus became one of the first marques to debut acertified pre-ownedprogram, with the aim of improving trade-in model values.[55]The marque introduced the second generation LS 400 in 1994.[56]In May 1995, sales were threatened by the U.S. government's proposal of 100 percenttariffson upscale Japanese cars in response to the widening U.S.-Japantrade deficit.[57]SUVs were exempt from the proposed sanctions.[58]Normal sales operations resumed by late 1995 when the Japanese auto manufacturers collectively agreed to greater American investments and the tariffs were not enacted.[57]

Front quarter view of a sedan.
ES 300was the best-selling Lexus sedan in the 1990s.

In 1996, Lexus debuted its first sport utility vehicle, theLX 450,[59]followed by the third generation ES 300 sedan, and the second generation GS 300 and GS 400 sedans in 1997. The marque's plans for developing an SUV model had accelerated during the U.S.-Japan tariff discussions of 1995.[58]Lexus added the first luxury-brandedcrossover SUV,theRX 300in 1998. The RX crossover targetedsuburbanbuyers who desired an upmarket SUV but did not need the LX's off-road capability.[60]It was particularly successful, eventually becoming the marque's top-selling model ahead of the ES sedan.[60]The same year, Lexus made its debut in South America's most populous country when it launched sales in Brazil.[61][62]In 1999, theISwas introduced, an entry-level sport sedan. Lexus also recorded its 1 millionth vehicle sold in the U.S. market,[50]being ranked as the top-selling premium car maker in the U.S. overall.[60]

2000s: Global reorganization

[edit]
Front quarter view of an SUV parked next to a beach.
2004RX 400h,first hybrid version of Lexus' best-selling vehicle

In July 2000, Lexus introduced theIS300 in North America, following global launch in 1999 (as the IS 200) and the third generation LS 430. In 2001, the first convertible was introduced, as well as the SC 430 and a redesigned ES 300.[63]The GX 470 mid-size SUV debuted in 2002, followed by the second generation RX 330 in 2003.[64]The following year, Lexus recorded its 2 millionth U.S. vehicle sale,[65][66]and the first luxury-branded production hybrid SUV, theRX 400h.[67]This vehicle used Toyota'sHybrid Synergy Drivesystem that combined gasoline and electric motors.[68]

In 2005, Lexus completed an organizational separation from parent company Toyota,[69]with dedicated design, engineering, training, and manufacturing centers working exclusively for the division.[70][71]This effort coincided with Lexus' launch in its home market of Japan and an expanded global launch of the brand in markets such as China.[71][72]Executives aimed to increase Lexus sales outside of its largest market in the U.S.[71][73]To accompany this expansion, next generation Lexus vehicles were redesigned as "global models" for international release.[74]In the European market, where Lexus had long faced struggling sales owing to low brand recognition, few dedicated dealerships, and 1990simport quotas,[75][76]the marque announced plans to introduce hybrid and diesel powertrains,[77]increase the number of Lexus dealerships, and expand operations in emerging markets such as Russia.[78][79]

Front quarter view of a sedan.
2006Lexus IS,second generation with F marque variant in 2007

Lexus' arrival in the Japanese market in July 2005 marked the first introduction of a Japanese premium car marque in the domestic market.[9]New generation LS, IS, ES, GS, and RX models subsequently became available in Japan along with the SC 430, ending domestic sales of Toyota-branded models under the Celsior, Altezza, Windom, Aristo, Harrier, and Soarer nameplates, respectively. The Altezza and Aristo were previously exclusive to Japanese Toyota retail sales channels calledToyota Vista Store,the Windom was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store, the Celsior and Harrier were exclusive to Toyopet Store, and the Soarer was previously available at both Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations.[80][81]Lexus models sold in Japan featured higher specifications and a price premium compared with their discontinued Toyota counterparts.[80]Sales for the first half-year were slower than expected,[82]affected by the contraction of the domestic auto market and price increases,[83]but improved in subsequent months with an expanded lineup.[83][84]

Through the mid-2000s, Lexus experienced sales successes in South Korea and Taiwan, becoming the top-selling import make in both markets in 2005;[85][86]the marque also sold well in the Middle East, where it ranked first or second among rivals in multiple countries,[87]and in Australia, where Lexus reached third in luxury car sales in 2006.[88][89]Division executives in 2006 announced an expansion goal from 68 countries to 76 worldwide by 2010.[90]By the end of the decade, this expansion resulted in official launches in Malaysia and South Africa in 2006,[91][92]Indonesia in 2007,[93]Chile in 2008,[94][95]and the Philippines in 2009.[96]

Hybrids and F models

[edit]

In 2006, Lexus began sales of theGS 450h,aV6hybrid performance sedan,[97]and launched the fourth generationLS line,comprising both standard- and long-wheelbaseV8 (LS 460 and LS 460 L) and hybrid (LS 600h and LS 600h L) versions.[98]The fifth generation ES 350 also debuted in the same year. The LS 600h L subsequently went on sale as the most expensive sedan ever produced in Japan.[99]By the end of 2006, Lexus' annual sales had reached 475,000 vehicles worldwide.[100]In January 2007, Lexus announced a newF marqueperformance division, which would produce racing-inspired versions of its performance models. The IS F, made its debut at the2007 North American International Auto Show,[101]accompanied by a concept car, theLF-A.

Front quarter view of a sedan.
2006GS 450h,first rear-wheel-drive hybrid

In October 2007, Lexus entered theSpecialty Equipment Market Associationshow in the U.S. for the first time with the IS F, and announced itsF-Sportperformance trim level and factory-sanctioned accessory line.[102]Increased emphasis on sporty models was an effort to target rivals from Mercedes-Benz'sAMGand BMW'sMdivisions.[101][103]Models such as the SC 400 and GS 400 had received favorable reactions from sport luxury buyers,[104]most Lexus models had been characterized as favoring comfort over sporty road feel and handling, compared with European rivals.[105]By the end of 2007, Lexus annual worldwide sales had surpassed 500,000 vehicles,[106]and the marque ranked as the top-selling premium import in China for the first time.[107]The largest sales markets in order of size for 2007 were the U.S., Japan, the UK, China, Canada, and Russia.[100][108]

In 2008, amidst thelate-2000s recessionand a weakened world car market, global sales fell 16 percent to 435,000,[109][110][111]with declines in markets such as the U.S. and Europe where deliveries fell by 21 percent and 27.5 percent, respectively.[112][113]In 2009, the marque launched theHS 250h,[114]a dedicated hybrid sedan for North America and Japan, theRX 450h,the second generation hybrid SUV replacing the earlier RX 400h, and later that year debuted theUS$375,000productionLFAexotic coupe.[115]In late 2009, citing higher sales of hybrid models over their petrol counterparts,[116][117]Lexus announced plans to become a hybrid-only marque in Europe.[118]By the end of the decade, Lexus ranked as the fourth-largest premium car make in the world by volume,[119]and was the number one selling premium car marque in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years.[111][119][120]

2010s–2020s: Recent developments

[edit]
Front quarter view of a coupe.
2012Lexus LFA

In 2010, Lexus underwent a gradual sales recovery in North America and Asia as the marque focused on adding hybrids and new model derivatives.[87]Sales in the U.S. held steady despite the2009–2010 Toyota vehicle recalls,several of which included Lexus models.[121]The ES 350 and certain IS models were affected by a recall for potentially jammingfloor mats,[121]while parent company Toyota bore the brunt of negative publicity amid investigations over its series of product recalls and problem rates per-vehicle.[121][122]The redesignedGX 460was also voluntarily recalled in April 2010 for asoftware update,one week afterConsumer Reportsissued a recommendation not to buy the SUV, citing a possible rollover risk following the slowstability controlresponse to a high-speed emergency turn.[123]Although the publication knew of no reported incidents, the GX 460 received updated stability control software.[123]

In late 2010 and early 2011, Lexus began sales of theCT 200h,a compact four-door hybridhatchbackdesigned for Europe, in multiple markets.[124][125]Sales of lower-displacement regional models were also expanded, beginning with the ES 240 in China followed by the RX 270; Japan, Russia, and Taiwan were among markets which received model variants intended for reduced emissions or import taxes.[126][127]In March 2011, theTōhoku earthquake and tsunamicaused severe disruption to Lexus' Japan-based production lines, hindering the marque's near-term sales prospects.[128]Lexus' U.S. executives stated that due to vehicle shortages amidst close competition from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, andAudi,the marque would not remain the country's top-selling premium car brand.[128]

Front quarter view of a hatchback.
2010CT 200h,first Lexus hatchback

Cumulative sales results for 2011 indicated a 14 percent sales drop in the U.S. market,[129]along with sales increases of 40 percent and 27 percent in Europe and Japan respectively,[130][131]for a global sales total of 410,000 units.[132]Lexus' streak of 11 consecutive years as the best-selling luxury marque in the U.S. ended that year, with the title going to BMW followed by Mercedes-Benz.[133]While 45 percent of Lexus sales in the U.S. in 2011 relied upon the RX luxury crossover SUV, rival Mercedes-Benz's best-selling offering was the E-Class mid-luxury sedan, which commands considerably higher prices.[134]Subsequently, Toyota chairmanAkio Toyodavowed to restore passion to the marque and further increase its organizational independence, admitting that "...back then we did not regard Lexus as a brand, but as a distribution channel". As a result of Toyoda's organizational changes, Lexus senior managers report directly to the chairman for the first time in the marque's history.[133][134]

In January 2012, the marque began sales of the fourth generation GS line, including GS 350 and GS 450h variants, as well as a lower-displacement GS 250 model for select markets.[135]In April 2012, the sixth generation ES line, including ES 350 and ES 300h variants, debuted at theNew York International Auto Show.[136]

Thefourth-generation LS’ production of eleven years made it the longest running single-generation Lexus.

In April 2014, Lexus unveiled the five-seater NX crossover. The vehicle features a very first for a Lexus vehicle: a turbocharger. Its nomenclature is denoted as the 200t. In August 2014, Toyota announced it would be cutting its Lexus spare parts prices in China by up to 35 percent. The company admitted the move was in response to a probe foreshadowed earlier in the month by China'sNational Development and Reform Commissionof Lexus spare parts policies, as part of an industry-wide investigation into what the Chinese regulator considers exorbitantly high prices being charged by automakers for spare parts and after-sales servicing.[137]

In March 2016, Lexus announced that it will be producing a new flagship vehicle: the two-door LC 500. The vehicle will be produced for late 2017 in a V8 version putting out 467 horsepower. The LC 500h, a V6 hybrid variant, could potentially become available in late 2017 or early 2018.

In April 2019, Lexus announced that a rebadgedlimousineversion of the third-generationToyota Alphardwould be sold as theLexus LM.[138]It was also announced that Lexus would finally enter the market in Mexico in 2021 with some of the vehicles in their lineup.[139]In October 2019, Lexus announced that it will be launching the brand's first all-batteryelectric vehiclein 2020, which is theUX 300e.[140][141]In June 2023, Lexus introduced its first vehicle in the B-segment, theLBX,which went on sale in Europe, Japan, Australia and Southeast Asia.[142][143][144]

Corporate affairs

[edit]
Total sales and production
Regional sales, 2011 Units
Japan[131] 42,365
China[145] 56,303
Europe[130] 43,637
United States[129] 198,552
Type production, 2010 Units
Passenger vehicles 205,070
Crossover SUVs 159,560
Hybrid vehicles 66,226
Line production, 2010 Units
Japan production[146] 283,012
Canada production[147] 81,618
Total 364,630

Operations

[edit]

Lexus International coordinates the worldwide operations of Toyota's luxury division[148][149]from the brand's global headquarters, located inNagoya,Aichi.[150][148]Corporate entities further include the brand's Japan Sales and Marketing and global Product and Marketing Planning divisions.[149][151]While organizationally separate from its parent company, Lexus International reports directly to Toyota chief executive officer Akio Toyoda.[132]In the U.S., brand operations are managed by the U.S. Lexus division, which is headquartered inPlano, Texas.[152]In Europe, Lexus operations are managed by Lexus Europe, located in Brussels.[153]Companion design facilities are located in Southern California[154]and central Japan,[155]with the head design studio devoted entirely to Lexus models in Toyota City, Aichi.[155][156]

Lexus sales operations vary in structure by region. In many markets, such as the U.S., the dealership network is a distinct organization from corporate headquarters,[128]with separately owned and operated Lexusshowrooms.[157]By contrast, in Japan all 143 dealerships in the country are owned and operated by Lexus.[83]Several markets have a designated, third partyregional distributor;for example, in the United Arab Emirates, sales operations are managed by Al-Futtaim Motors LLC,[87]and in Costa Rica, Lexus vehicles are sold via regional distributor Purdy Motors S.A.[158]Other officially sanctioned regional distributors have sold Lexus models prior to the launch of, or in absence of, a dedicated dealership network.[92]

The Lexus brand launched in the Indian market in 2017,[159]with the modelsRX450h,LX450d,LX570,ES300h,[160]NX,LS.[161]Dealerships inMumbai,Delhi,Gurgaon,andBangalorebecame operational in March 2017, when the brand began sales in India with a second set of dealerships opening inChandigarh,Kochi,andChennaitoward the end of 2017.[160]This made Lexus the fifth luxury brand to be launched in India, after Mercedes-Benz,Porsche,BMW, and Audi.

Sales

[edit]

Global sales of Lexus vehicles reached an all-time high in 2007, with a total of 518,000. Sales decreased in subsequent years due to the effects of the 2008 recession and the Japanese tsunami of 2011. Following this, sales recovered and reached a new high of 523,000 in 2013.[162]

In 2014, the Lexus brand set a new global sales record after selling 582,000 vehicles. This made Lexus the fourth best selling luxury brand in the world, trailing BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.[163]

Rectangular windowed building, with landscaping and a sign in front labeled 'Lexus'.
Fuji Lexus College, training facility for dealers inShizuoka,Japan

Global sales of Lexus vehicles increased by 12 percent in 2015 to reach another annual sales record with 652,000 units sold worldwide.[164]

Global cumulative sales of Lexus brandhybrid electric carsreached the 500,000 mark in November 2012.[165]The 1 million sales milestone was achieved in March 2016.[166]TheLexus RX 400h/RX 450hranks as the top selling Lexus hybrid with 335,000 units delivered worldwide as of March 2016,followed by theLexus CT 200hwith 267,000 units.[166]

Lexus has not sold as well in Europe as it has in the rest of the world where it is marketed. This is allegedly due to suffering from smaller brand recognition, image, and a less-developed dealership network.[167]In European markets, the Lexus LS has ranked behind BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, andJaguarin flagship luxury car sales.[168]Automotive analysts have suggested a possible rationale for the sales disparity, in that European buyers place less emphasis on vehicle reliability and have morebrand loyaltyto established domestic marques.[167]In contrast, the Lexus LS has ranked second in sales to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (and ahead of rivals from BMW, Audi, and Jaguar) in markets outside Europe, such as South Africa.[169]

Currently all of Lexus's models for the US market are imported from Japan, with the exception of the RX and NX, which are also produced inCambridge, Ontario,for North America, and the ES, which is also produced inGeorgetown, Kentucky.The RX midsized crossover is Lexus's best selling model in the United States, while the ES mid-sized car is the most popular sedan in the line-up.

As of 2024,Lexus is the fifth best selling luxury car brand in the world, behind BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi andTesla.[170]

Calendar Year Europe[171] US (Market share %)[172]
2023 - Increase320,249 (Increase2.06)
2022 38,366 Decrease258,434 (Decrease1.89)
2021 46,250 Increase326,928 (Increase2.19)
2020 47,041 Decrease275,042 (Increase1.87)
2019 55,770 Decrease298,112 (Increase1.75)
2018 45,918 Decrease298,302 (Decrease1.72)
2017 44,944 Decrease304,376 (Decrease1.76)
2016 44,287 Decrease331,228 (Decrease1.89)
2015 39,255 Increase344,601 (Increase1.97)
2014 31,479 Increase311,389 (Increase1.88)
2013 23,708 Increase273,847 (Increase1.76)
2012 26,820 Increase244,162 (Increase1.68)
2011 27,442 Decrease198,552 (Decrease1.55)
2010 19,185 Increase229,329 (Decrease1.98)
2009 20,629 Decrease215,975 (Increase2.07)
2008 29,682 Decrease260,087 (Decrease1.96)
2007 40,496 Increase329,177 (Increase2.07)
2006 40,337 Increase322,434 (Decrease1.95)
2005 23,340 Increase302,895 (Increase2.04)
2004 21,122 Increase287,927 (Increase1.70)
2003 18,318 Increase259,755 (Increase1.56)
2002 19,435 Increase234,109 (Increase1.40)
2001 21,357 Increase223,983 (Increase1.30)
2000 17,214 Increase206,037 (Increase1.20)
1999 15,800 Increase185,890 (Increase1.10)
1998 6,938 Increase156,260 (Increase1.00)
1997 3,408 Increase97,563 (Increase0.60)
1996 Decrease81,529 (Steady0.50)
1995 Decrease83,616 (Decrease0.50)
1994 Decrease91,554 (Decrease0.58)
1993 Increase99,280 (Decrease0.64)
1992 Increase92,890 (Increase0.69)
1991 Increase71,206 (Increase0.58)
1990 Increase63,534 (Increase0.46)
1989 Increase16,302 (Increase0.11)
1988 0 (0.00)

Financial performance

[edit]

Financial data of Lexus operations are not disclosed publicly.[173]However, automotive analysts estimate that the Lexus division contributes a disproportionate share of Toyota's profits, relative to its limited production and sales volume.[173]Interviews with retired division officials indicate that depending on sales volume, vehicleproduct developmentcycles, andexchange rates,Lexus sales have accounted for as much as half of Toyota's annual U.S. profit in certain years.[173]Division executives have employed pricing strategies aimed at sustainingprofit marginsrather than sales volume, with historically fewer priceincentivesthan rival brands.[173]In 2006, Lexus entered Interbrand's list of the Top 100 Global Brands for the first time, with an estimatedbrand valueof approximately $3 billion annually.[174]In 2009, Interbrand ranked Lexus as Japan's seventh largest brand, betweenPanasonicand Nissan, based on revenue, earnings, and market value.[7]

Automobiles

[edit]

Vehicle lineup

[edit]
Further information:List of Lexus vehicles

The global Lexus lineup features sedans of different size classes, including thecompactISmodel,mid-sizeESmodels, and thefull-sizeLS.The 2-door coupe range consists of theRCand theLC.Former convertibles include theSCand IS C models. Sport-utility vehicles range in size from the subcompactUX,compactNXand mid-sizeRXcrossovers, to the full-sizeGXandLX,the discontinuedHSandGS,and variants of the IS, ES, LS, RC, LC, LBX, UX, NX, RX, TX and LM.[175]The F marque line formerly produced a variant of the IS, GS and theLFAand currently produces a variant of the RC coupe.[175]

F marque

[edit]
Further information:Lexus FandLexus F-Sport
Logo in the shape of the letter 'F'.
Lexus Fmarque emblem

Lexus produces its highest-performance models under its F marque division.[101]The name refers to Flagship andFuji Speedwayin Japan, whose first corner, 27R, inspired the shape of the "F"emblem.[176]F marque models are developed by the Lexus Vehicle Performance Development Division.[177]The first F marque model, the IS F, went on sale in 2007, followed by the LFA in 2009.[115]A relatedF-Sportperformance trim level and factory-sanctioned accessory line is available for standard Lexus models such as the IS 250 and IS 350.[102]The F-Sport trim level commonly includes cosmetic upgrades to the exterior and interior, and in some vehicles, mechanical upgrades such as an adaptive variable suspension.[178][179]F-Sport succeeded an earlier in-house tuning effort, theTRD-based L-Tuned, which had offered performance packages on the IS and GS sedans in the early 2000s (decade).[180][181]

Additions to the performance F Sport marque include the Lexus RC F Sport and Lexus GS F Sport and Lexus LS F Sport.[182]

Model nomenclature

[edit]

Lexus production models are namedalphanumericallyusing two-letter designations followed by three digits. The first letter indicates relative status in the Lexus model range (ranking),[183]and the second letter refers tocar body styleor type[183](e.g. LS for 'luxury sedan'). The three digits commonly indicateengine displacementin liters multiplied by a factor of one hundred (e.g. 350 for a 3.5 L engine),[183]except in the case of turbocharged and hybrid vehicles, for which the digits correspond to the displacement of anaturally aspirated enginewith equivalent output (on hybrids, the three digits refer to the combined gasoline-electric output).[68][184][185]A space is used between the letters and numbers. The same letter may be used differently depending on the model; 'S' can refer to 'sedan'[183]or 'sport'[81](e.g. in LS and SC), while 'X' refers to 'luxury utility vehicle' or SUV.[183][186]For certain models, alower caseletter placed after the alphanumeric designation indicates powerplant type ('h' for hybrid, 'd' for diesel, 't' for turbocharged),[116]whilecapital letter(s) placed at the end indicates a class subtype (e.g. 'L' for long-wheelbase,[69]'C' for coupe, 'AWD' forall-wheel drive). On F marque models, the two-letter designation and the letter 'F' are used with no numbers or hyphens (e.g. IS F).[116]

Design and technology

[edit]
Palmrest with forward buttons and movable control knob.
LexusRemote Touchcontroller

Lexus design has traditionally placed an emphasis on targeting specific vehicle development standards.[187]Since the marque's inception, design targets have ranged from aerodynamics andride qualityto interior ergonomics.[37][188]Thebackronym"IDEAL" ( "Impressive, Dynamic, Elegant, Advanced, and Lasting" ) is used in the development process.[189]Each vehicle is designed according to approximately 500 specific product standards, known as "Lexus Musts", on criteria such asleatherseat stitching.[190][191]Design elements from the marque's concept vehicle line, theLF series(including the 2003LF-Sand 2004LF-C), have been incorporated in production models.[192][193]

Vehicle cabins have incorporatedelectroluminescentOptitron gauges,[194]SmartAccess, asmart keyentry and startup system,[195]and multimedia features. Beginning with the 2010 RX and HS models, theRemote Touchsystem, featuring acomputer mouse-like controller withhaptic feedback,was introduced;[114][196]other models have featuredtouchscreencontrols (through the 2009 model year) as a navigation screen interface.[195]2014 saw the introduction of the next version of Lexus' remote-touch innovations—the Remote Touch Interface Touchpad in the newRC Coupe.[197]

In 1989, Lexus became among the first premium car marques to equip models with premium audio systems, in partnership with stereo firmNakamichi.[198][199]Since 2001, optionalsurround soundsystems are offered viahigh-end audiopurveyorMark Levinson.[199]For reduced cabin noise, the first LS 400 introduced sandwichsteelplating,[194]and later models addedacoustic glass.[200]In 2006, the LS 460 debuted the first ceilingair diffusersandinfraredbody temperature sensors in a car.[201][202]Telematicsservices includeG-BookwithG-Linkin Asia andLexus Enformin North America.[203]

Cutaway car transmission, with exposed gears and internal machinery.
Eight-speed automatic transmission in the IS F andLS 460 Sport

In 2006, Lexus incorporated the first production eight-speedautomatic transmissionin an automobile with the LS 460,[201]and the gearbox was later adapted for the GS 460 and IS F models.Continuously variable transmissions,regenerative brakes,and electric motors have been used on all Lexus hybrid models.[68]In 2007, Lexus executives signaled intentions to equip further models with hybrid powertrains,[116]catering to demands for a decrease in bothcarbon pollutionandoil reliance.[204]Hybrid models have been differentiated by separate badging and lighting technology; in 2008, the LS 600h L became the first production vehicle to useLEDheadlamps.[205]

Safety features on Lexus models range from stability and handling programs (Vehicle Stability ControlandVehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)[206]to backup cameras, swivel headlights, and sonar warning systems. TheLexus Pre-Collision System(PCS) integrates multiple safety systems.[206]In 2007, Lexus introduced the first car safety systems with infrared and pedestrian detection capabilities,lane keep assist,aDriver Monitoring Systemwithfacial recognitionmonitoring of driver attentiveness, and rear pre-collisionwhiplashprotection, as part of the LS 460 PCS.[201]As a safety precaution, LexusGPS navigation systemsin many regions feature a motion lockout when the vehicle reaches a set speed; to prevent distraction, navigation inputs are limited, while voice input and certain buttons are still accessible. This safety feature has attracted criticism because passengers cannot use certain functions when the vehicle is in motion.[207]Pre-2007 models came with a hidden manufacturer override option,[208]and updated European models allow operation in motion.[209]

Cutaway hybrid car showing electrical connections; auto show display backdrop.
2006LS 600hand LS 600h L in hybrid form

Production models in development have included convertibles, crossovers, and dedicated hybrids.[210][211]Under the F marque, Lexus plans to produce high-performance vehicles with its first expressions being the IS F and the LFA. Lexus officials have also discussed standard production model usage of varyingplatforms.[212]The LS uses a dedicated platform,[34]while the entry-level Lexus ES had been criticized for being too similar to the Toyota Camry, with which it shared platforms until its sixth generation,[136]in both styling and powertrain design.[213]TheNürburgringtest track in Germany has also seen Lexus prototype testing.[214]

L-finesse

[edit]
See also:Lexus LF

Lexus introduced a newdesign languageknown as "L-finesse" in the mid-2000s with its LF series concepts and the 2006 Lexus GS.[215][216]L-finesse is represented by three Japanesekanjicharacters which translate as "Intriguing Elegance, Incisive Simplicity, and Seamless Anticipation".[216]Design characteristics, including afastbackprofile, lower-setgrille,[217]and the use of both convex and concave surfaces,[217]are derived from Japanese cultural motifs (e.g. the phrasekirikaeshiin arrowhead shapes).[218]While earlier Lexus models were criticized for reserved and derivative styling, and often mistaken for understated domestic market cars,[217]automotive designanalyses described L-finesse as adding a distinctive nature and embrace of Japanese design identity.[215][216]

Opinions varied for L-finesse's debut on the GS;Sports Car International'sanalysis praised the vehicle's in-person appearance;[219]Automobile Magazinecriticized the daring of its forward styling,[220]and compared subsequent rival models for design similarities.[221]In 2012, the arrival of the redesigned fourth generation Lexus GS featured the introduction of a spindle-shaped grille design, intended to be used on all forthcoming Lexus models.[150]L-finesse exhibitions were presented atMilan'sSalone del Mobilefrom 2005 through 2009.[222]

Production

[edit]

Assembly plants

[edit]
Car showroom displaying three sedans, the nearest on a glass turntable, in front of a reception counter and windows.
Lexus models produced by the Tahara plant inAichi,Japan

The first Lexus vehicles were manufactured in Toyota'sTahara plant,a computerized manufacturing plant in Japan.[175][223]Through the 2000s, most Lexus sedan and SUV production has occurred in Japan at the Tahara plant in Aichi and the Miyata plant in Fukuoka.[73][175]In addition to the Tahara factory, over time Lexus vehicles have been produced at the Miyata plant (Toyota Motor Kyushu) inMiyawaka, Fukuoka;the Higashi-Fuji plant (Kanto Auto Works) inSusono, Shizuoka;and the Yoshiwara plant (Araco,laterToyota Auto Body) inToyota City,Aichi.[73][175]Front-wheel drivecars, such as the ES and HS, have been produced in theFukuoka Prefecture.[175]

Toyota Motor Kyushu's Kokura plant inKitakyushu, Fukuoka,which opened in 2008, is a dedicated hybrid production site for hybrid systems used in Lexus models such as the gasoline-electric RX.[224]The North American–market RX 350 (since the 2004 model year) is produced at the Cambridge plant (Toyota Canada, Inc.) in the city ofCambridge,in Ontario, Canada, which is the first Lexus production site located outside Japan. In late 2015, Lexus started to assemble North American-spec ES 350 sedans at the Georgetown plant (TMMK, Inc.).[225]In January 2020,Toyota Kirloskar Motorof India started assembling the ES sedan in its Bidadi plant.

Relative to Toyota models, Lexus vehicles are built according to differentquality controlstandards,[226][227]including more stringentbody panelfit tolerances and paint quality requirements.[226][228]Their manufacture involves differentassembly lines,molds,weldingprocesses, and manufacturing equipment.[229][230]Lexus plant workers also undergo a more selective screening process.[231][69]Production vehicles are given visual inspections for flaws, individually test-driven at high speeds, and subjected tovibrationtests.[226]

Assembly sites by model[73][175]
Plant Owner Location Country Model(s)
Tahara Toyota Motor Corp. Tahara,Aichi Prefecture Japan LS,GS,IS,GX,RC,NX,LM
Tsutsumi Toyota Motor Corp. Toyota City,Aichi Prefecture ES
Kokura Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc. Kitakyushu,Fukuoka Prefecture CT,HS,RX
Miyata Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc. Miyawaka,Fukuoka Prefecture ES,IS,RX,NX,UX
Motomachi Toyota Motor Corp. Toyota City,Aichi Prefecture LFA,LC,RZ
Higashi Fuji Kanto Auto Works, Ltd. Susono,Shizuoka Prefecture SC
Yoshiwara Toyota Auto Body Corp. Toyota City,Aichi Prefecture LX
Cambridge Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Cambridge,Ontario Canada RX, RXh,NX
Georgetown Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Georgetown, Kentucky United States ES
Princeton Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana Princeton, Indiana TX
Bidadi Toyota Kirloskar Motor Bidadi, Karnataka India ES

Quality rankings

[edit]

In the 2000s (decade),Consumer Reportsnamed Lexus among the top five most reliable brands in its Annual Car Reliability Surveys of over one million vehicles across the U.S.[232][233]

Service

[edit]
Car showroom with a coupe, two sedans, glass windows, plus large sign reading "Lexus".
Lexus dealership showroom inSapporo,Hokkaido,Japan

Lexus has become known for efforts to provide an upscale image, particularly with service provided after the sale. The waiting areas in service departments are replete with amenities, ranging from refreshment bars to indoorputting greens.[234][235]Dealerships typically offer complimentary loaner cars or "courtesy cars" and freecar washes,[235]and some have added on-site cafes and designer boutiques.[236][237]Service bays are lined with largepicture windowsfor owners to watch the servicing of their vehicle.[238]In 2005, Lexus also began reservingparking lotsat major sporting arenas, entertainment events, and shopping malls, with the only requirement for free entry being the ownership of a Lexus vehicle.[239]An online owner publication,Lexus Magazine,[240]features automotive and lifestyle articles and is published online monthly[241]and on a mobile site.[242]

Since 2002, Lexus has scored consecutive top ratings in theAuto Express[243][244][245]and 76,000-respondentTop Gearcustomer satisfaction surveys in the UK.[246]Lexus has also repeatedly topped the 79,000-respondent J.D. Power Customer Service Index[247]andLuxury Institute,New York surveys in the U.S.[248]As a result of service satisfaction levels, the marque has one of the highest customer loyalty rates in the industry.[249]To improve customer service, employees are instructed to follow the "Lexus Covenant", the marque's founding promise (which states that "Lexus will treat each customer as we would a guest in our home" ),[250]and some dealerships have incorporated training at upscale establishments such asNordstromdepartment stores andRitz-Carltonhotels.[251]

Motorsport

[edit]
Forward view of two racecars on a curved section of racetrack.
Lexus campaigned at the24 Hours Nürburgring.

Lexus first entered the motorsport arena in 1999 when its racing unit, Team Lexus,[252]fielded two GS 400 race vehicles in theMotorola CupNorth American Street Stock Championshiptouring carseries. In its 1999 inaugural season, Team Lexus achieved its first victory with its sixth race atRoad Atlanta.[253]Led bySports Car Club of AmericaandInternational Motor Sports Associationdriver Chuck Goldsborough, based inBaltimore, Maryland,[254]Team Lexus capitalized on the debut of the first generation Lexus IS by entering three IS 300s in the third race of the 2001Grand-Am Cupseason atPhoenix, Arizona.[255]Team Lexus won its first IS 300 victory that year at theVirginia International Raceway.[255]In 2002, Team Lexus' competitive efforts in the Grand-Am Cup ST1 (Street Tuner) class achieved victories in the Drivers' and Team Championships,[253][254]as well as a sweep of the top three finishes atCircuit Mont-TremblantinQuebec,Canada.[256]

After the release of the Lexus brand in the Japanese domestic market in 2005, Lexus sanctioned the entry of four SC 430 coupes in theSuper GTseries of theAll Japan Grand Touring Car Championshipin theGT500class. In the first race of the 2006 series, an SC 430 took the chequered flag,[257]and driversAndré LottererandJuichi Wakisakaraced the SC 430 to capture the GT500 championship for that year.[258]In 2007, another SC 430 won the GT500 opening round race.[259]In 2006, Lexus raced a hybrid vehicle for the first time, entering a GS 450h performance hybrid sedan in partnership withSigma Advanced Racing Developmentat the 24 Hours of Tokachi race inHokkaido,Japan.[260]Lexus Canada also entered the GS 450h in 2007'sTarga Newfoundlandevent.[261]In 2009, Lexus Super GT Team SC 430 and IS 350 racers won the GT500 and GT300 championships, respectively.[262]

Forward angle view of a racecar on a track; the car is labeled '01', 'Lexus', and 'Telmex'.
In 2006, 2007, and 2008, Lexus won theRolex Sports Car Series Manufacturers' Championship.

Lexus' participation inendurance racingfurther includes theRolex 24 Hours of Daytona,sanctioned by theGrand American Road Racing Association.After entering theRolex Sports Car Seriesin 2004, Lexus has won over 15 Rolex Series event races.[263]In 2005, Lexus was runner-up, and in 2006, it won the championship.[264]Although Toyota has won this race in the past, it was the first time that its luxury arm emerged as the winner. In 2007, six Lexus-powered Daytona prototypes were entered in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona event at theDaytona International Speedway.Lexus was a repeat winner of the event, with a Lexus-Rileyprototype driven byScott Pruett,Juan Pablo Montoya,andSalvador DuránofChip Ganassi Racingfinishing first; Lexus-Riley prototypes also took three of the top ten spots.[265]In 2008, Lexus won its third consecutive win at Daytona.[266]For the2010 season,Lexus departed from the Rolex Sports Car Series, and Ganassi Racing switched toBMW/Dinanengines.[267]

TheLF-A prototypealso competed on the Nürburgring from 2008 to 2011 inVLNendurance races[268]and in the24 Hours Nürburgring,also with the IS F.[269]On 14 May 2011, a CT 200h tuned up by Gazoo Racing competed in the Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy, a six-hour endurance race.[270]

3GT Racing,a partnership of Lexus andPaul Gentilozzi,entered twoLexus RCF GT3 at the N.American2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championshipin the GT Daytona class. Their first win came in the2018 WeatherTech SportsCar Championshipwith Dominik Baumann and Kyle Marcelli atMid-Ohiobefore winning again with the same pairing atVirginia International Raceway.Lexus finished in 8th in their first season in2017in the GT Daytona Manufacturer's Championship. They then improved to 5th in2018with the #14 achieving 5th and the #15 getting 10th in the Team's Championship.[citation needed]

For the2019 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship,the running of the Lexus GT3 cars has been transferred to AIM Vasser Sullivan, which is a debuting partnership, where the driver pairing ofJack Hawksworthand Richard Heistand have currently achieved 2 wins atMid-Ohiobefore winning the next race atBelle Isle.As of the result of Lime Rock Park, Lexus are second in the2019Manufacturer's Championship and the #12 is third with the #14 in 5th despite that being the winning car.[citation needed]

Marketing

[edit]
Futuristic two-door concept car displayed in front of a banner labeled "Minority Report".
Lexus 2054,a concept model produced for the filmMinority Report

From its inception, Lexus has been advertised to luxury consumers using specificmarketing strategies,with a consistent motif used for the marque's advertisements. Beginning in 1989, television ads were narrated by actorJames Sloyan(the voice of "Mr. Lexus" until 2009),[36][271]and accompanied by vehicles that performed unusual stunts onscreen.[272]The first decade of Lexus commercials (1989–99) consisted primarily of disjunctive verbal descriptions, such as "relentless", "pursuit", and "perfection",[273]while vehicles were used to claim superiority in precision, idling, and interior quiet and comfort on camera.[272]Examples included the champagne glass "Balance"(1989) and rolling"Ball Bearing"(1992).[272]

In the 2000s (decade), commercials included descriptions of features,[274]or a narration of the events onscreen, and were often targeted at the marque's German competitors.[275]An annual "December to Remember" campaign featured scenes of family members surprising loved ones with the gift of a new Lexus.[276]The marque returned to the champagne glass theme in a 2006 LS 460 spot showing the sedan maneuvering between two stacks of glasses using itsself-parking system,and in a 2010 LFA spot showing its engine sound shattering a glass viaresonancefrequency.[277]

Translucent glass model in the shape of a coupe.
Lexus LFA Crystallised Wind,a full-size glass art model

Industry observers have attributed Lexus' early marketing successes to higher levels of perceived quality and lower prices than competitors, which have enabled the marque to attract customers upgrading from mass-market cars.[12][40]A reputation for dependability, bolstered by reliability surveys, also became a primary factor in attracting new customers from rival premium makes.[278][279]Lexus has since grown to command higherprice premiumsthan rival Japanese makes,[280]with new models further increasing in price and reaching the more than $100,000 ultra-luxury category long dominated by rival European marques.[281][282][283]

Automotive analysts have also noted Lexus' relative newcomer status as a marketing challenge for the brand,[284]although some have debated the requirement of a long history.[280][285]European rivals have marketed their decades of heritage and pedigree,[286]whereas Lexus' reputation rests primarily upon its perceived quality and shared history with parent company Toyota.[280]Several analysts have stated that Lexus will have to develop its own heritage over time by highlighting technological innovations and producing substantial products.[100][284]

Lexus' marketing efforts have extended to sporting and charity event sponsorships, including theU.S. Opentennis Grand Slam event from 2005 to 2009, and theUnited States Golf Association'sU.S. Open,U.S. Women's Open,U.S. Senior Open,andU.S. Amateurtournaments since 2007.[287][288]Lexus has organized an annual Champions for Charity golf series in the U.S. since 1989.[289]Endorsement contracts have also been signed with professional athletesHideki Matsuyama,Andy Roddick,Annika Sörenstam,andPeter Jacobsen.[290]

Since 2008, Lexus has run the video website L Studio. Shows on L Studio includeWeb Therapy.[291]

Lexus unveiled its new "Experience Amazing" tagline in the U.S. in a 60-second advertisement at the February 2017Super Bowl LI.[292]The new tagline replaced Lexus's previous slogans, "Amazing in Motion" and "The Pursuit of Perfection".[293]

On 30 March 2018, Lexus premiered a fake partnership with23 and Meduring a spot onSaturday Night Live,for a pretend program that allows buyers to customize vehicles based on their DNA, as anApril Fool's Dayjoke.[294]

Lexus slogans

[edit]
  • The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection(1989–2011)
  • The Pursuit of Perfection(2010–2016)
  • Amazing in Motion(2013–2016)
  • Experience Amazing(2017–present)

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
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Bibliography

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