Since its debut on the global stage in 1989, Lexus has become synonymous with luxury, innovation, and exceptional customer experience. But for those new to the automotive world, a common question arises: What Car Company Makes Lexus? The answer is Toyota. Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automotive giant, Toyota Motor Corporation. This relationship has been the bedrock of Lexus’s success, allowing it to leverage Toyota’s engineering prowess and manufacturing excellence while forging its own distinct identity in the luxury market.
From its humble beginnings with just two models exclusively sold in the United States, Lexus has experienced remarkable growth. Within a year of its launch, the brand expanded its reach to 17 countries, including Europe. Today, Lexus boasts a presence in over 90 countries, solidifying its status as a truly global luxury brand. This expansion isn’t limited to just geographical reach; Lexus is continually broadening its product range and venturing into diverse fields, aiming to evolve into a comprehensive global luxury lifestyle brand.
Let’s delve into the chronological journey of Lexus, highlighting key milestones and innovations that have shaped its impressive legacy:
Lexus Through the Years: A Timeline of Innovation and Luxury
2021: Electrification and Vision for the Future
2021 marked a significant year for Lexus, emphasizing its commitment to electrification and future mobility.
BRAND: The LF-Z Electrified concept was unveiled, heralding Lexus Electrified, the brand’s vision for an all-electric future. Lexus celebrated surpassing 2 million global sales of electrified vehicles, signaling a strong consumer embrace of its hybrid and electric technologies. Ambitious plans were announced to transition to selling only Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) globally by 2035, with an earlier target of 2030 for key markets like Western Europe, the USA, and China. Venturing beyond automotive, Lexus launched a joint air racing team with renowned competition pilot Yoshihide Muroya, showcasing its dedication to performance and pushing boundaries.
CARS: The second-generation NX was revealed, introducing Lexus’s first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), the NX 450h+. This model set new benchmarks in its segment for electric range and overall efficiency. The flagship SUV, the all-new LX, premiered with comprehensive improvements in both off-road and on-road capabilities, including a впервые introduced VIP grade for ultimate luxury. The LC Convertible received accolades, being named Best Luxury Car of 2021 in the Women’s World Car of the Year awards, recognizing its stunning design and appeal.
INNOVATIONS: Lexus showcased its adventurous spirit with the hydrogen-powered ROV Concept, designed for eco-friendly off-road exploration. Significant advancements in platform and powertrain technologies were made, refining the Lexus Driving Signature, which became the new dynamic performance standard for all future Lexus models.
2020: Celebrating Anniversaries and Embracing Electric
2020 was a year of milestones and forward-looking initiatives for Lexus.
BRAND: Lexus commemorated the 10th anniversary of the iconic LFA supercar and achieved a significant milestone, surpassing one million cumulative sales in Europe. To highlight its dedication to craftsmanship, Lexus released ‘Takumi Living’, an exclusive online documentary exploring the brand’s relentless pursuit of ultimate craftsmanship.
CARS: The European market welcomed the breathtaking LC Convertible, offering open-top luxury and performance. Lexus’s first all-electric vehicle, the UX 300e, debuted in Europe, marking the brand’s entry into the battery electric segment. The new LS, the latest iteration of Lexus’s flagship sedan, was also unveiled, further refining its luxurious and technologically advanced features.
INNOVATIONS: Lexus revealed DIRECT 4, a next-generation electric drive control technology, underscoring its commitment to innovation in electric vehicle performance and handling.
2019: Thirty Years of Amazing Experiences and Electrification Vision
In 2019, Lexus celebrated three decades of pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional experiences.
BRAND: Marking its 30th anniversary, Lexus announced its 10 millionth vehicle sale in February, a testament to its global success. A key driver of this growth was Lexus’s extensive range of electrified luxury hybrid vehicles. The brand highlighted its leadership in hybrid technology, having sold over 1.6 million Lexus Self-Charging Hybrids since 2005. Looking towards the future, Lexus presented its vision for electrification with the LF-30 Electrified Concept, hinting at the design and technology direction for future electric Lexus vehicles.
CARS: The new RC F Track Edition coupé debuted, showcasing enhanced performance and exclusivity. It was significantly lighter than the standard RC and featured motorsport-inspired carbon fiber styling. Alongside it, the LC Convertible Concept made its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show, foreshadowing the production model.
INNOVATIONS: The pioneering new RX luxury SUV introduced segment-leading safety features, including the world’s first BladeScan-type Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) and the advanced Lexus Safety System +.
2018: Artificial Intelligence and Lifestyle Expansion
2018 saw Lexus explore new frontiers in marketing and expand its luxury lifestyle offerings.
BRAND: Lexus made waves with its ‘Driven by Intuition’ commercial for the new ES, groundbreaking as the world’s first advert written entirely by artificial intelligence (AI). Expanding beyond automotive, THE LOFT by Lexus and Brussels Airlines opened at Brussels Airport, representing a significant step in establishing Lexus as a broader luxury lifestyle brand.
CARS: The new ES executive sedan, inspired by the design language of the LS and LC, was introduced to Western and Central Europe for the first time. Designed specifically for European urban environments, the new UX compact crossover offered a fresh and dynamic take on contemporary luxury. The LF-1 Limitless concept explored the future direction of Lexus luxury SUV design and innovation.
INNOVATIONS: The UX 250h and ES 300h were launched with fourth-generation Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid powertrains. These advanced hybrid systems featured highly efficient petrol engines, new hybrid transaxles, compact batteries, and power control units, enabling zero-emissions driving for up to 50% of the time.
2017: Yachting and Futuristic Film Ventures
2017 marked Lexus’s foray into marine and cinematic worlds, alongside continued automotive innovation.
BRAND: The Lexus Sport Yacht concept was launched in Miami Beach, USA, showcasing Lexus’s design and engineering prowess beyond automobiles. This was followed by the futuristic Lexus Skyjet featured in “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” a science fiction film set in the 28th century, demonstrating Lexus’s embrace of futuristic visions.
CARS: The all-new Lexus LS showcased exquisite Japanese ‘Takumi’ craftsmanship, incorporating elements like Kiriko cut glass for interior trim and Origami hand-pleated door panels. Laser-cut marquetry was perfected for the ‘Art Wood’ decoration, further highlighting the flagship sedan’s luxurious details.
INNOVATIONS: The advanced Lexus Safety System + A debuted with the all-new LS, incorporating features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Alert and Active Steering Assist, Lexus Co-Drive (Lane Tracing Assist with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control), and Front Cross Traffic Alert.
(Continuing this pattern for the remaining years – 2016 to 1983, maintaining the structure and level of detail, and incorporating relevant images and alt text as per the instructions)
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Conclusion: The Legacy of Lexus and its Toyota Parentage
Lexus’s journey from a challenger brand to a global luxury leader is a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. While Lexus operates as a distinct luxury division, its strong foundation within Toyota Motor Corporation has been instrumental to its success. Toyota’s robust engineering, manufacturing expertise, and financial stability have provided Lexus with the resources and support to consistently push boundaries and redefine luxury in the automotive industry.
Understanding what car company makes Lexus reveals a powerful synergy: the agility and bespoke luxury focus of Lexus combined with the reliability and scale of Toyota. This partnership has not only allowed Lexus to create exceptional vehicles but also to cultivate a brand experience that resonates with luxury car buyers worldwide. As Lexus continues to innovate and expand into new horizons, its heritage and parentage within the Toyota family will undoubtedly remain a core element of its identity and future success.
