Which factory produces Lexus. Lexus cars: who manufactures them and where. Coming to other countries
Manufacturer country: Japan
Lexus(Lexus) is a Japanese automobile company specializing in the production of passenger cars. It is a division of Toyota Motors Corporation Headquartered in Toyota.
The company specializes in the production of high quality vehicles, mainly for the US market. Lexus cars combine style, comfort and quality in equal measure. The Lexus models deliver excellent handling and a smooth ride thanks to quality engine and transmission performance and improved suspension mechanisms.
In July 1985, the first Lexus LS 400 rolled off the slipway. In May 1986, he underwent extensive test drives in Germany and only in January 1989 was shown at auto shows in Detroit and Los Angeles. Since September 1989, sales of this car began in the United States.
Externally "Lexus LS400" - the very first Lexus - had nothing to do with Japanese cars. It was done immediately, focusing on the Americans. This suggested that one of the famous Italian designers-carrosserists had a hand in the bodywork. And over time, this was confirmed - the later Lexus GS300 with a streamlined body was created by Giorgetto Giugiaro. One of the company's most prestigious models is the GS 300 3T sports sedan with an uprated engine developed by Toyota's Motosport department in Cologne.
In February 1990, the American press named the Lexus LS 400 luxury sedan, which is both powerful and economical thanks to good aerodynamics, the best car imported in the United States.
In May 1991, the second Lexus went into production with the SC 400 (coupe) index, an export version of the Toyota Soarer for the North American market. After restyling in 1998, the external differences with the Toyota Soarer almost disappeared.
The five-seater Lexus ES 300 sedan was first shown in the summer of 1991, a special version of the Toyota Camry for the American market.
In January 1993, the premiere of the Lexus GS 300 took place.
The Lexus family also has its own luxurious SUV Lexus LX 450, combining the style of a luxury executive car with the merits of the Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ 80 SUV. The LX 470 model, a large executive SUV, a luxury version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100, replaced the Lexus LX in 1998 450.
In the fall of 1998, the first show of the IS model made by the Japanese company Toyota Motor took place. In the spring of 1999, the first compact Lexus model, the IS 200, entered the European and American markets.
In 2000, a fairly extensive range of Lexus was supplemented with two new products: IS300 and LS430. The rest of the models have undergone minor changes. On the Lexus GS, LS and LX, the Brake Assist Safety System (BASS) appeared and became standard, which more accurately and evenly distributes the braking forces to the wheels, depending on the state of the brakes and braking conditions.
An updated version of its RX 300 SUV was unveiled by Lexus at the recently concluded North American Auto Show in Detroit. The updated model was named Lexus RX 330, and has large dimensions both in length and width of the body. Now the look of this SUV has become more dynamic and modern. The updated RX 330 is equipped with a 3.3-liter V6 engine producing 230 hp.
The history of the Lexus car dates back to 1983 in a country where people value comfort - in Japan. At that time, such brands as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar were in demand. The Japanese manufacturer Toyota was not in the least afraid of the appearance of these car brands. On the contrary, I decided to take a competitive path. Those who managed to develop the world famous Toyota cars also worked on the creation of the Lexus. At that time, the team consisted of about 1450 workers, among them were progressive engineers and talented designers. The design and manufacture of the car took over five years. Developers managed to compete with their rivals in 1988 with the appearance of the posh, luxurious and prestigious Lexus LS400. Moreover, he attracted the attention of society not only with his appearance, but also with the ideal characteristics of the motor. Since its inception, it has won the hearts of many luxury car enthusiasts.
Lexus in America
However, Japan wasn't the only country that produced Lexus. After a rapid increase in demand for cars of this brand in the United States, a plant was built, which also began to be engaged in the production of Lexus. True, it differs in many ways from the Japanese version. Lexus production in Japan was aimed at maintaining ergonomics and at the lowest cost, while in the USA the emphasis was on power, size and comfort.
The first successful car
Country of origin Lexus LS400 - Japan. He was the exact opposite of Japanese cars. Designers created it based on American production. They believed in a bright future, that one day the brand should conquer not only Europe and neighboring countries, but all world markets.
The development of the Lexus LS400 was the most daring step in the history of the Japanese automobile industry since the launch of the Toyota brand. It was recognized in 1990 as the best-selling and best car brought to America. The Lexus SC400 is equipped with an eight-cylinder engine that includes 32 valves. Its volume is 4 liters, and the power is 294 horsepower. It also has a five-speed gearbox.
Further development
The next move by the manufacturer was the Lexus GS-300 - its beautiful streamlined body and stylish design immediately attracted a lot of interested buyers. The American theme in the production of powerful cars pushed Toyota to develop a sports sedan GS 300 3T with a forced engine from Motosport.
Country-producers of Lexus GS-300 - Japan, USA. It was introduced to America in 1991 along with the Toyota Camry and premiered to the world in 1993. It was a sedan-type car, the engine of which has a capacity of 221 hp. with. with a volume of 3 liters, which corresponded to the American standard. It was followed by the all-wheel drive Lexus LX 450 SUV, which entered the American market in 1996. Its production was based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 200. Both models were similar and not much different.
Also in 1991, the Lexus SC 400 was introduced, which borrowed the design from the export version of the Toyota Soarer. And in 1998, the first show of a car from Toyota Motor took place, which included a preview of the IS model. This is how the first improved and modified Lexus - IS 200 appeared in 1999, which was widely supplied to European and American markets.
New generation
Then, in 2000, other novelties were added to this range: LS430, IS300. They replaced the outdated SC 300 and 400 coupes. In 2001, the first Lexus SC430 convertible was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. It is distinguished by its beautiful, sporty, unsurpassed design, which attracts all pedestrians and motorists who meet it on their way. It is characterized by a wide and low shape. Gives the driver a perfect driving comfort. The car looks gorgeous with both open and closed roof views.
The Lexus SC430 is rear-wheel drive and is powered by a 4.3-liter V-8 engine that develops power up to 282 hp. with., and a five-speed automatic adaptive transmission. The car accelerates to "hundreds" in just 6.4 seconds.
Perfect car
The next car that is popular to this day is the Lexus RX 300. This all-new SUV was unveiled at the 2001 North American Auto Show in Detroit. The car has impressive dimensions. After the successful launch, the manufacturers decided to update it and dubbed the updated version of the Lexus RX 330. The changes were to increase the length and width of the car, as well as to equip the model with a 3.3-liter V-six engine with a capacity of 230 horsepower.
Later, in 2009, a model of the Lexus RX 350 brand appeared. This SUV has a capacity of 271 horsepower with a volume of 3.7 liters, as well as 188 liters. with. at 2.4 liters. This model was soon converted to the RX 450 h, adding a sporty look and a 300 hp engine. with. Crossover enthusiasts were impressed by its creative design and powerful engine, and the six-speed gearbox was not overlooked either.
Types of models
The manufacturing country of this prestigious brand has produced four generations of the car. They include the following range of models:
- compact - IS HS;
- medium size - GS;
- crossovers - LX, SUV, LX:
- coupe - LFA, SC
In 2018, the LEXUS manufacturer presented a new generation sedan car - LEXUS ES 2019, Lexus UX -2018 crossover, Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept. Japan is the home country of Lexus. Its headquarters are located at Toyota.
Probably all Russians have heard about Lexus, from teenagers to old people. And, most likely, each of them in the depths of their souls wants to feel like driving a car of this brand.
The fact is that the concern produces luxury models. They are extremely comfortable, reliable and durable. Even sedans answer the adage "longer bonnet - longer life." Therefore, they receive the highest safety scores. What to say about crossovers.
After driving a car of this brand, you will not want to change to any other. And this is not strange. Controllability, it would seem, not by hands, but by the power of thought, Japanese precision and high-quality materials for upholstery and bodywork - this is what distinguishes the premium brand. Therefore, we decided to figure out where Lexus is assembled for Russia.
Lexus cars are the same Toyota, only for wealthier people. In Russia, the assembly is not established, and this fact is reflected in the high cost of the models.
So, cars from Lexus are assembled:
- in Japan;
- In Canada. The assembly has been established here since 2003, and only some models are produced in this country, for example, the RX330.
By the way, in 2014 it became known that Russian government officials no longer have the right to move around in cars from Lexus. This is due to the fact that these models are considered premium, and the company is not going to deploy the assembly in Russia. The representative office of the company notes that there is no point in building a plant here. After all, such machines must be produced and designed with great care. Only engineers from Japan and Canada have a special skill.
The cost of Lexus sedans ranges from 1.3 to 4.4 million rubles, depending on the configuration. But SUVs will cost buyers from 1.9 to 4.3 million rubles.
A little about Lexus
So, where Lexus is assembled for Russia, we figured it out. Now let's look at where this brand came from and how it developed.
This company is currently a division of Toyota. Its engineers produce only luxury models. They are sold in the American and European markets, and are highly popular.
The name of the company itself contains the purpose of the company. Lexus is a luxury. Initially, the brand was created for the production of expensive and luxurious cars. Of course, this was not a new idea even then, since there were several concerns in the world, such as BMW or Jaguar, that were already trying to settle in this segment.
However, Japanese engineers already knew then that they were not afraid of competitors. Therefore, the Toyota Directorate decided to establish a subsidiary and named it Lexus. They challenged the world's best manufacturers. As you can see, not in vain.
At the dawn of production, 1,400 engineers were involved, who came up with and created a new concept. She brought real driving pleasure. That is, it surpassed all the cars in the world in terms of comfort. But, it should have cost less. This is how the Lexus F1 was created in 1984. It was designed exclusively for the American market. The creators approached the design of the model very correctly. They interviewed a suitable contingent for an example of what they would like, and tried to translate everything into metal.
Interestingly, the first concept to be released was the Lexus LS400. He was more or less successful. But, before him came another 450 models that did not fit one principle or another, and the world did not see them. The car passed a lot of road tests, took part in several hundred test drives and was presented to the engineers of many world brands for judgment. As a result, the suspension and steering system were redesigned. And then in 1988 the finished car saw the world. At the same time, a simple logo was invented. Showed all this beauty at the Los Angeles auto show. In 1989, the car was delivered to 80 car showrooms around the world. In the first month of sales, 2,919 models were sold, and then over the next week, another 1,216.
Even then, the car from Lexus differed from all existing analogues in its excellent interior trim, beautiful bodywork and powerful technical characteristics. For this, many designers, engineers and constructors were involved, who completely redesigned the engine. Thanks to this, the car began to be sold not only in America, but also in Canada and the UK. Thus, by 1990, sales of the concern amounted to 63,000 models.
The first crossover from Lexus appeared in 1996. It was named Lexus LX450. It was, in fact, a redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser. It embodies all the best characteristics of the car, but adds a lot of luxury. In just two months after its release, the car became the leader in global sales.
Already in January 1997, the company sold 500 thousand vehicles worldwide. And this year ended with a number of 97,593 copies. A year later, the concern had 147 dealers in America alone. Therefore, the sales of Lexus have overtaken all kinds of companies that until that moment were considered the most popular and demanded in the world.
In 2002, the Japanese brand got its first official dealer in Russia. It was named "Lexus-Business Car". Its main office was located in Moscow. A year later, another company joined it.
Then there were diesel fuel installations. Then the electric models came out. In general, the company develops and grows every day. The main thing is that Lexus engineers work very productively and with all possible dedication. They are not limited to the American market, but produce cars in Europe and other countries. Many awards and first places in the world rankings speak for themselves. Therefore, if you want to buy a car that will be comfortable, reliable and durable, while bringing you real driving pleasure, turn your attention to any of the brainchildren of Lexus corporation.
The company produces luxury cars under this brand. Toyota Motors Corporation... Initially, they focused on the US market, which is still the main focus. The idea of expanding the "luxury" market share originated from the management Toyota back in the early 80s. Work began in 1983. However, the Japanese were well aware that their cars are perceived in the West as extremely practical and reliable, but far from being the most prestigious. So creating a new brand was the most optimal solution.
In an atmosphere of the deepest secrecy, the so-called "Project F1" was launched (from the abbreviation "Flagship No. 1" – "Flagship No. 1"). Under it, an exceptionally prestigious rear-wheel drive car was developed, capable of competing in its class with American and European models.
The most original thing is that at that time other Japanese companies began to act in the same direction: Honda in 1986 launches Acura , Nissan was born in 1989 Infiniti... Tried to keep up with them and Mazda working on brands Amati for the USA and Xedos for Europe, which were supposed to be launched in 1993 (for a number of reasons, this did not happen).
The result of the efforts of engineers Toyota in July 1985, the Lexus LS 400 appeared. For several years it was “run-in” on the roads of Europe and America. Mistakes were an unacceptable luxury and the model passed the most rigorous tests, refined and improved. It was presented to the general public only a few years later - on January 2, 1988. At the same time, the new brand itself was presented with its own logo. It was promoted and developed by a famous agency Saatchi & Saatchi... According to common legend, the word "Lexus" Is a modified Latin word "Luxus" ("Luxury, splendor"). According to another, equally reliable information, the brand name was born from the combination of words "Luxury" and "Elegance"... Total, from the side Toyota several thousand people were involved and about a billion dollars was spent.
Lexus LS 400 sales began in September 1989. Outwardly, this car looked much more like its European or American counterparts than the "Japanese". It was originally developed like this, for obvious reasons. Initially, sales were disappointing. They walked quite sluggishly, and technical problems could not be avoided - about 8 thousand already sold cars had to be recalled due to defects in the wiring. But a bad start didn't kill the new brand. In 1989, 16 thousand cars were sold. This model "did not reach" the level of the same Mercedes, but it was more affordable and had excellent handling.
In the future, other models followed, more or less successful. Some of them have received quite prestigious awards. But the most important thing is that the brand has become respected and gained recognition. To date, the company's lineup is already represented by several models, including an SUV. Many half-jokingly, half-seriously call Lexus"Japanese Mercedes". These cars are sold almost everywhere. And since 2005 they have been available in the domestic Japanese market.
Manufactures luxury cars. They were originally intended for sale in the United States. However, they are currently supplied to many countries around the world. The headquarters is located in Japan in the city of Nagoya.
History of the name
Users of these prestigious cars assure that the word has no meaning, but is simply a designation for a luxury car. However, the creators claim that the name is associated with the name Alexis. It was considered as an option for the name of a new line of cars from Toyota. The prototype was the hero of the famous TV series "Dynasty" Alexis Carrington. But this name did not pass completely, it was slightly transformed, becoming - "Lexus" (Lexus).
Determination of goals, research of prospective sales markets
In 1983, Toyota's management set a goal - to create the best car in the world in the executive class category. During this period, there was a demand for premium cars, especially in the United States of America. By that time, on the territory of this state, Toyota was already known as a corporation that produces reliable and high-quality cars. But the niche of executive class cars was not covered, and therefore it was decided to start developing cars in this category.
Before production began, Toyota undertook a large-scale research study of the potential market, which was accompanied by careful design of future vehicles. For this purpose, premises were rented in California in order to establish the preferences of potential buyers on the spot.
In 1989, work on the creation of the car was completed. According to the corporation, almost 60 designers, about 1,400 specialist engineers in various fields of the automotive industry, more than 2,500 mechanics were involved in the development. About 450 prototypes of the car were produced. In total, more than $ 1 billion was invested in the project.
Start of production
However, the result of this work was impressive. The Lexus LS 400, unique for those times, entered the market, distinguished by its unique design, an advanced engine in the V 8, with a volume of four liters. The Japanese factory in the city of Tahara is where the number one Lexus is built.
The debut took place in early 1989, at the Detroit Auto Show. Already after 9 months, in September, its sales began through the established retail network in the United States. At the same time, the very process of starting sales was framed with massive advertising campaigns in the media.
The first Lexus received good reviews for its equipment, advanced aerodynamics, and economy. The petrol engine was also awarded with good reviews. The prices for the car were about $ 38,000, which was considered a reasonable amount. The handling characteristics are also highly marked. However, critics have noted the stiffness of the suspension. It did not provide an opportunity to fully enjoy the comfortable environment of the car.
During the first year, 1989, 16 392 Lexus LS 400 units and ES 250 sedan, another model of the company, were sold in the United States. In 1990, sales increased even more, with 63,594 cars of these two models sold. In the same year, small lots of premium cars were delivered to Australia, Great Britain, Canada and Switzerland.
Expansion of production
In the spring of 1991, Lexus launched the SC 400 sports coupe on the market, with the same engine as the LS 400. It had impressive performance at that time, in 6.9 seconds it was able to accelerate to 1,000 km / h. After a while, sales of the new generation ES 300 sedan from the predecessor ES 250 began. This car became the best-selling car of this brand.
In the next year, 1992, the Lexus SC 400, ES 300 models were awarded many honorary awards at world automobile exhibitions. The company has overtaken BMW and Mercedes corporations in terms of sales in the United States. In September of the same year, the improved LS 400 was launched on the market, in which almost 50 modifications were made.
In January 1993, automobile designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, hired by Lexus to develop innovative and advanced vehicles, released a new model, the GS300. A year later, it became a very noticeable novelty in Europe. Its platform was based on Toyota S.
The first off-road vehicle from Lexus, the LS 450, was developed in 1996. Immediately after it, the third generation of the GS 300 was produced. In 1998, Lexus produced a premium crossover - the RX 300, as well as a new generation of cars - the GS 300 and GS 400.
The production version of the RX300 was equipped with a three-liter V6 engine and an improved 4-speed automatic transmission. The place where Lexus PX is assembled is the plant in Tahor. Due to the fact that this car has successfully matched the capabilities of an SUV, sedan and station wagon, it has become a very popular and best-selling premium crossover in the American market. The next year, 1999, Lexus sold its millionth car in the United States.
In the same period, the company began to penetrate into South America, and sales began in Brazil.
Reorganization
Since the beginning of the XXI century, the company annually delivered its new products to the market. This and the new IS line is a continuation of innovations in the sports sedan class. At the same time, the first cabriolet SC 430 was created, as well as new cars of the third generation from the LS 430 class.
Around this time, Lexus launched the GX 470 SUV, as well as the new generation RX 330. 2004 saw the company celebrate it with two million units sold and the launch of the first hybrid SUV, the 400h RX.
In 2005 "Lexus" was organizationally separated from its progenitor - the "Toyota" company. He got a production center, a plant where Lexus is assembled, design bureaus, and design departments. At the same time, the company entered the domestic market of Japan, and also significantly expanded its sales in global world markets, including China.
The 2008 economic crisis slowed down sales development somewhat. However, in 2009, the YS 250 h, a Japanese hybrid intended for North America, was launched into production. The 450h RX off-road hybrid was also launched.
Since 2010, the company has entered the market, including the Russian one with the CT 200 h compact hybrid hatchback.
At the beginning of 2012, Lexus began implementing the fourth generation GS 350, new lines of 450h variants. In the same year, the company launches the sixth generation of the ES series.
Where is Lexus assembled?
All cars are designed and manufactured by the company at one of the most advanced automotive plants in the world, the Tahara plant. The build quality in this place is evidenced by the fact that all employees at the entrance are subjected to a compulsory air shower to remove dust.
Since the beginning of the 2000s, Lexus began assembling cars at other Japanese factories. The North American market is mainly replenished with the brand's machines at its own assembly plant. Canada, the city of Cambridge - the place where Lexus is assembled.
In the Russian Federation, Lexus does not have any automobile assembly plants and does not plan to open them. This is due to the fact that the company's management avoids unnecessary risk to its reputation. Almost all cars of this representative brand are imported to Russia from Japan, the country where Lexus is assembled for Russia. Those that were produced in North American factories are extremely rare in our country.
The NX model, popular in our country, was developed by the company exclusively for motorists in Russia and the United States. Where Lexus HX is assembled - in Japan. In Miyata Prefecture, at an automobile plant in Kyushu.
Lexus NX - crossover, compact, first shown in 2014 in Beijing, in three versions. It is based on the Toyota RAV4 platform. Available since autumn 2014. At the plant where Lexus NX is assembled, production of other models is in progress - RX, CT 200h.
