Lexus (レクサス) |
|---|
|
| Topic Navigation |
|---|
|
Official Site (International): lexus-int.com
Wikipedia: Lexus Page Sections History Photographs Article Index Documents |
History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Lexus page on 6 July 2016, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota. The Lexus marque is marketed in over 70 countries and territories worldwide, has become Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars, and has ranked among the ten largest Japanese global brands in market value. Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. Operational centers are located in Brussels, Belgium, and the U.S. in Torrance, California.
Lexus originated from a corporate project to develop a new premium sedan, code-named F1, which began in 1983 and culminated in the launch of the Lexus LS in 1989. Subsequently, the division added sedan, coupé, convertible, and SUV models. Until 2005 Lexus did not exist as a brand in its home market and all vehicles marketed internationally as Lexus from 1989-2005 were released in Japan under the Toyota marque and an equivalent model name. In 2005, a hybrid version of the RX crossover debuted, and additional hybrid models later joined the division's lineup. In 2007, Lexus launched its own F marque performance division with the debut of the IS F sport sedan, followed by the LFA supercar in 2009.
From the start of production, Lexus vehicles have been produced in Japan, with manufacturing centered in the Chūbu and Kyūshū regions, and in particular at Toyota's Tahara, Aichi, Chūbu and Miyata, Fukuoka, Kyūshū plants. Assembly of the first Lexus built outside the country, the Ontario, Canada–produced RX 330, began in 2003. Following a corporate reorganization from 2001 to 2005, Lexus operates its own design, engineering, and manufacturing centers.
Since the 2000s (decade), Lexus has increased sales outside its largest market, the United States. The division inaugurated dealerships in Japan's domestic market in 2005, becoming the first Japanese premium car marque to launch in its country of origin. The brand was introduced in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe, and other regions. The division's lineup also reflects regional differences for model and powertrain configurations.
 |
Subject: Lexus Club Level at the United Center
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Date: 2012 View photo of Lexus Club Level at the United Center - 1.8MB |
 |
Subject: 2012 LS 460 Sport on the United Center's Lexus Club Level
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Date: 2012 View photo of 2012 Lexus LS 460 Sport on the United Center's Lexus Club Level - 2.3MB |
 |
Subject: Lexus Club Level at the United Center
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Date: 2012 View photo of Lexus Club Level at the United Center - 2.1MB |
 |
Subject: Lexus Club Level at the United Center
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Date: 2012 View photo of Lexus Club Level at the United Center - 2.6MB |
 |
Subject: Lexus Enform
Source: Chicago Auto Show photo Event: 2013 Chicago Auto Show Article: Safe Driving Technologies Shine at 2013 Chicago Auto Show View photo of Lexus Enform - 1.8MB |
| Date | Document Name & Details | Documents |
|---|---|---|
| 20 November 2012 grant date | Design for Motor Vehicle and/or Toy Replica Thereof United States Patent US D671,036 Katsuhiko Inatomi and Nobuyuki Tomatsu for Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha |  PDF - 528KB - 4 pages |
