Who Manufactures Lexus?

 
Is Lexus owned by Toyota? The answer is Yes! Lexus is the luxury vehicle brand of the Toyota Motor Corporation, based in Japan. Yet, in many regards, it operates independently from its parent company. So much so, that Broken Arrow customers often ask us, “What country is Lexus from?”

At Lexus of Tulsa, we’ve been providing customers with new and certified pre-owned models for quite a while. As a result, we can answer all your questions about this unique luxury brand. Learn more than “Is Lexus owned by Toyota?” in this guide from our expert Tulsa staff!

Where Are Lexus Models Made?

When a Owasso driver asks, “What country is Lexus from?” they might be thinking of Japan. While Lexus models are primarily made in Japan at plants in the Chūbu and Kyūshū regions, that’s not the case.

In truth, Lexus models are produced at multiple manufacturing plants globally, starting in 2003, when the Lexus RX 330 was built in Ontario, Canada. Here’s where different Lexus vehicles, some of which aren’t sold in the US, are manufactured at present:

• Tahara, Japan — LS, GS, IS, GX, RX, and NX
• Toyota City, Japan — ES, LX, LFA, and LC
• Kitakyushu, Japan — CT, HS, and RX
• Miyawaka, Japan — ES, IS, RX, NX, and UX
• Susono, Japan — SC
• Cambridge, Ontario, Canada — RX and RXh
• Georgetown, Kentucky, USA — ES

When Was Lexus Founded?

As we’ve seen, the question, “What country is Lexus from?” is multifaceted. What about “Is Lexus owned by Toyota?” While Toyota does own the Lexus brand, it has its own headquarters in Nagoya, Japan, and has operated centers for design, manufacturing, and engineering since the early 2000s. Here’s the history of the luxury vehicle brand:

• 1983: Toyota started Project F1 (Flagship One) to build the world’s best car, set forth by chairman Eiji Toyota. This project lasted several years and included market research in Laguna Beach, California, studying the lifestyles and preferences of wealthy Americans.
• 1989: Project F1 is complete, resulting in the launch of the Lexus brand, a new luxury option under Toyota focusing on international markets and with 81 dealerships in the United States.
• January 1989: The Lexus LS 400 debuts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. With its 4.0L V8 gasoline engine and rear-wheel drive, this vehicle shook up the luxury sedan market. Auto critics are impressed by its performance, quality, aerodynamics, comfortable interior, and more!
• 2019: With more Lexus models debuting and weathering the waves of international recession, the ten millionth Lexus is sold!

Find Your Luxury Car or SUV at Lexus of Tulsa

No matter what Lexus model you’re considering, we’re the Bixby area dealership to choose from. Check out our new and pre-owned vehicle specials and see what best meets your needs and budget.

You can also apply for financing in our secure online portal from the comfort of your home. Experience our luxury selections at Lexus of Tulsa in person today!