Lexus History

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Since #Lexus arrived on the world stage in 1989, we have constantly developed our business. Having started with just two models sold exclusively in the USA, we have steadily expanded both our product range and our global reach.

Even within a year from our launch, we established a presence in 17 different countries, including in Europe, while today the number is more than 90, making us a luxury brand with genuine international recognition.

The expansion continues today, not just in the #automotive world, but taking our commitment to luxury, creativity and innovation into many different fields, from film and product design to ocean going yachts and amazing lifestyle experiences.

1983

BRAND
August 1983. At a secret meeting in Japan, Toyota’s On the LS 400, aerodynamic considerations lead to the underside of the vehicle having a smooth floorpan and a number of special fairings to direct airflow. This gives the LS 400 class-leading underbody aerodynamics.On the LS 400, aerodynamic considerations lead to the underside of the vehicle having a smooth floorpan and a number of special fairings to direct airflow. This gives the LS 400 class-leading underbody aerodynamics.Chairman Dr Eiji Toyoda sets a challenge to a team of strategists, engineers and designers: “Can we create a luxury car to challenge the very best?”
CARS
More than 400 prototype vehicles are built, 100 are crash tested and more than 4.3 million test kilometres are driven in Japan, the USA and Europe.
INNOVATIONS
Over 1,400 engineers and 2,300 technicians rise to Toyoda-san’s challenge.
Sixty designers, 24 enginOn the LS 400, aerodynamic considerations lead to the underside of the vehicle having a smooth floorpan and a number of special fairings to direct airflow. This gives the LS 400 class-leading underbody aerodynamics.On the LS 400, aerodynamic considerations lead to the underside of the vehicle having a smooth floorpan and a number of special fairings to direct airflow. This gives the LS 400 class-leading underbody aerodynamics.eering teams, and 220 support workers are engaged on the “F1” project. Every detail was exhaustively thought through – build tolerances were at least twice as accurate as competitors.
1987
CARS
In May 1987, four years of development time and many full-sized clay models later, #Lexus executives sign off on the final LS design.
1988
BRAND
The brand name ‘Lexus’ is chosen to represent luxury and high-end technology. (Early suggestions included Alexis and Lexis.)
1989
BRAND
The #Lexus brand is born.
CARS
The first LS 400 is launched, incorporating hundreds of new patents and setting new standards for quality and value. Almost 3,000 are sold in the first month after launch.
INNOVATIONS
At the #Lexus Tahara plant in Japan, the welding process for the LS 400 is fully automated, making welds 1.5 times stronger than those on conventionally welded vehicles.
1990
BRAND
Lexus is launched in Europe with a single model range: the LS 400.
INNOVATIONS
On the LS 400, aerodynamic considerations lead to the underside of the vehicle having a smooth floorpan and a number of special fairings to direct airflow. This gives the LS 400 class-leading underbody aerodynamics.
1991
BRAND
Lexus starts its dominance in JD Power customer satisfaction surveys in USA, becoming the first brand to win the ‘triple crown’ of sales satisfaction, initial quality and being rated overall top brand for customer satisfaction.
Lexus becomes the USA’s number one luxury import brand, outselling BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
CARS
A new coupé, the SC 400, is launched for the American market. Its design is the work of the CALTY centre in California.
1993
CARS
The new #Lexus GS 300 is launched in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

1995

CARS

The second-generation LS 400 is launched. The philosophy of steady evolution of #Lexus cars was evident in its design.

INNOVATIONS

The second-generation #Lexus LS 400 is also the first production car to feature a collapsible steering column. This patented innovation features a corrugated shaft coupling to absorb primary and secondary impacts in the event of a collision.

1997

INNOVATIONS

A V8 4.0-litre engine with VVT-i is used in the HPS concept car. This intelligent valve technology revolutionises efficient yet high-performance driving.

1998

BRAND

Lexus becomes the USA’s top-selling luxury brand for the first time, outperforming domestic manufacturers Cadillac and Lincoln.

CARS

The RX 300 is launched creating a completely new market segment – the luxury SUV.

INNOVATIONS

The RX 300 4x4 is fitted with a V6 3.0 litre VVT-i engine and an automatic transmission with Power, Normal and Snow modes.

The European-specification LS 400 becomes the first car in the world to have satellite navigation fitted as standard.

1999

CARS

The IS 200 compact sports sedan is introduced; the first #Lexus model to be specifically developed for the European market.

INNOVATIONS 

IS 200 features the best of #Lexus innovation and engineering, including aluminium driving pedals and chronometer-style instruments and the first use of LED rear lights.

2000

CARS

The first generation RX 300 goes on sale in Europe.

INNOVATIONS

Air suspension debuts on the new LS 430, in a system that maintained vehicle ride height regardless of the number of passengers or load level. It can be raised by 20 mm for uneven roads and automatically lowered at high speeds to improve aerodynamics.

2001

BRAND

Lexus receives its first JD Power & Associates gold award in the UK.

CARS

Lexus’ European model range expands to five cars with the launch of the SC 430 coupé-convertible. Its sleek lines and classic styling were created by the #Lexus European Design Centre (ED²) in the South of France.

INNOVATIONS

The SC 430 is equipped with an elegant, all-weather aluminium hardtop that can be retracted in 25 seconds.

2002

BRAND

In Germany, the IS sedan achieves a customer satisfaction index of 86%, the highest score of all cars listed in the JD Power survey.

This year sees Steven Spielberg ask #Lexus to help design a car for Tom Cruise to drive in his blockbuster movie, Minority Report, a film set in 2054.

CARS

Without the support of Akio Toyoda, President and Member of the Board of the Toyota Motor Corporation, the legendary #Lexus LFA supercar may never have been built. Approached for support in 2002 by the vehicle’s creators, Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi and the late master driver Hiromu Naruse, Toyoda-san quickly became the LFA’s primary champion.

2003

CARS

An all-new RX 300 goes on sale in Europe.

By June 2003, Akio Toyoda, Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi and the late master driver Hiromu Naruse, were already test driving LFA prototypes.

INNOVATIONS

Technology highlights on the second-generation RX 300 include air suspension, intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting, an automatic tailgate and Park Assist.

2004

BRAND

Lexus’ L-finesse design direction is unveiled, inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetic values.

CARS

The LF-C concept makes its debut at the New York Motor Show, establishing the hallmarks of the new #Lexus design direction, incisive simplicity and advanced technology.

INNOVATIONS

The RX 400h is launched – the world’s first luxury hybrid SUV. Its #Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain gives it the fuel consumption and emission levels of a much smaller, compact vehicle.

2005

BRAND

This year the #Lexus brand launched in Japan and becomes an instant success. In its home market, #Lexus successfully developed a network of 143 new dealerships and trained2,000 high performing employees, from sales people on the shop floor to engineers.

CARS

Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy is applied to new production vehicles – the second-generation IS and third-generation GS sedans.

INNOVATIONS

The second-generation Lexus IS becomes the world’s first car to be fitted with a twin-chamber front passenger airbag, designed to deliver greater protection to the neck and shoulders in an impact.

2006

CARS

The LS 460, the fourth-generation of the #Lexus flagship sedan, is launched and features the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new RX 350, replacing the RX 300 offers greater fuel economy, acceleration and improved driving dynamics.

INNOVATIONS

The world’s first high-performance luxury hybrid sedan is launched. The GS 450h offers a unique combination of performance, economy and low emissions.

Four world firsts in advanced safety technology are introduced with the new LS: Advanced Obstacle Detection System, Emergency Steering Assist, Rear Pre-Crash Safety system and Driver Monitoring System.

2007

BRAND

The LS 460 is voted “World Car of the Year 2007”.

CARS

The new IS F, the first of Lexus’  ‘F’-marque cars is launched in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show.

INNOVATIONS 

The LS 600h and LS 600h L take V8-powered #Lexus Hybrid Drive technology into the super-premium limousine market.

2009

CARS

Lexus presents its LF-Ch hybrid concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show, signalling its interest in launching its first model to compete in the European C-premium market.

Lexus introduces the third-generation RX 350 and RX 450h, reinventing the vehicle that created the luxury SUV market.

The all-new IS 250C hard-top convertible and the all-new third-generation GS 460 go on sale.

INNOVATIONS

The LFA team takes their V10 supercar prototype to the Nürburgring in Germany and compete in the legendary 24-hour endurance race “to get more feedback on the production car,” as Akio Toyoda says. The LFA, which finishes an impressive 18th in the race, turning heads immediately, and prompting universal acclaim.

2010

CARS

World premiere of the CT 200h hybrid luxury compact at the Geneva Motor Show.

2011

BRAND

A unique #Lexus full hybrid LS 600h L Landaulet featuring a one-piece, transparent polycarbonate roof serves as the official Royal Wedding car on the occasion of the marriage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.
CARS

The first LFA V10-powered production car arrives in Europe, one of only 500 hand-built supercars that are planned for production.

The CT 200h, the world’s first full hybrid luxury compact, becomes #Lexus fifth hybrid to go on sale in Europe.
INNOVATIONS 

Lightweight, balanced, powerful and amazing to drive, the #Lexus LFA supercar features advanced Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction for its chassis and bodywork to deliver a light, incredibly strong and impact-resistant structure.

2012

BRAND

The final #Lexus LFA is completed on December 14, 2012, ending the supercar’s production run of 500 units.

CARS

World premiere of LF-LC concept vehicle in Detroit which is named best concept car in the annual EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International #auto Show in Detroit.

A hallmark of #Lexus design innovation, the sporty mesh of the #Lexus signature grille is a daring visual statement that is now a brand-defining element on every #Lexus. The feature is first introduced on the GS sedan establishing a new, stylish and provocative identity for #Lexus.

2013

BRAND

Located in Tokyo’s fashionable Aoyama district, INTERSECT BY #Lexus opens, looking beyond the traditional car showroom to give visitors a chance to experience the lifestyle around the #Lexus brand without having to get behind the wheel.

CARS

The third-generation IS sedan is launched.

2014

BRAND

Lexus collaborates with the multi-facetted and highly talented will.i.am for the Striking Angles campaign for the new NX crossover. The musician-artist designs a one-off version of the car that is unveiled during Paris Fashion Week.

In the UK, #Lexus is ranked first in the What Car?/ J D Power customer satisfaction for a 12th year.

CARS

The #Lexus NX crossover and RC F high-performance coupé are launched.

At the Geneva Motor Show, #Lexus also showcases the iridescent, rainbow-adorned RC F GT 3 race car.

INNOVATIONS

The #Lexus Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD) is the world’s first torque transfer-type torque-vectoring system to be installed in a front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports coupé. TVD enhances traction and control for extraordinary levels of handling and performance.

2015 

BRAND

Lexus partners with experts in superconductor technology to create one of the most advanced hoverboards ever developed. The project forms part of its ‘Amazing in Motion’ international brand campaign.

Lexus becomes the first vehicle manufacturer to win the "Best Entertaining" honour in the Milano Design Awards for its "Lexus – A Journey of the Senses" exhibit at Milan Design Week.

CARS

The fourth generation RX is launched.

INNOVATIONS

Lexus introduces the #Lexus Safety System + package of advanced active safety features, designed to help prevent accidents happening and lessen the consequences if an impact does occur. Features include a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert and an Adaptive High-beam System.

The visionary #Lexus LF-FC (Lexus Future-Flagship Car/Fuel Cell) Concept offers a glimpse of the design and technology under consideration for a future flagship sedan that could reach the market around the end of the decade.

2016

BRAND

Lexus forms a creative collaboration with the actor Jude Law to launch the “The Life RX”. The international promotional campaign is designed to amplify the qualities and appeal of the new luxury SUV, the 2016 #Lexus RX.

CARS

The production version of the LF-LC, the #Lexus LC, is unveiled.

INNOVATIONS

Lexus develops its Multi Stage Hybrid System for the LC 500h coupé and LS 500h flagship sedan, a next-generation drivetrain technology designed specifically for high-performance vehicles.

2017

BRAND

The #Lexus Sport Yacht concept is launched in Miami Beach, USA, and is followed shortly afterwards by a futuristic #Lexus Skyjet in “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets”, a science fiction film set in the 28th century.

CARS

The all-new #Lexus LS embraces Japanese ‘Takumi’ craft forms such as Kiriko cut glass for interior trim and Origami handwork for the hand-pleated door panels. Exquisite laser-cut marquetry is perfected for the ‘Art Wood’ decoration on the new flagship sedan.

INNOVATIONS

Imaginative new technologies such as the new Multi-Stage Hybrid system and the advanced #Lexus Safety System + A are launched with the all-new #Lexus LS flagship sedan. The safety elements include Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Alert and Active Steering Assist, #Lexus Co-Drive (Lane Tracing Assist with the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control) and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

2018

BRAND

Lexus breaks new ground with its ‘Driven by Intuition’ commercial for the new ES, the world’s first advert written entirely by artificial intelligence (AI).

THE LOFT by #Lexus and Brussels Airliners opens at Brussels Airport, marking the next milestone for the #Lexus luxury lifestyle brand.

CARS 

Inspired by the design of the LS flagship sedan and LC luxury coupé, the provocative yet elegant new ES executive sedan is the first ES to be introduced to Western and Central Europe.

Especially designed for European urbanites, the new UX compact crossover displays a fresh yet dynamic approach to contemporary luxury, while the LF-1 Limitless concept explores the future of #Lexus luxury SUV design and innovation.

INNOVATIONS 

The UX 250h and ES 300h are launched with fourth generation #Lexus Self-Charging Hybrid powertrains. Both hybrids feature an incredibly efficient petrol engine, new hybrid transaxle, new compact battery and new power control unit. Both are also capable of running in zero emissions mode for up to 50% of the time.

2019

BRAND

Marking thirty years of amazing experiences, in February #Lexus announces its 10 millionth vehicle sale. Key to this growth is the world’s widest range of electrified luxury hybrid cars. More than 1.6 million #Lexus Self-Charging Hybrids have been sold since 2005.

CARS

The new RC F Track Edition coupé is 55 kilos lighter than the standard RC –and features exclusive motorsport-inspired carbon fibre styling. It makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show alongside the new LC Convertible Concept.

INNOVATIONS

The pioneering new RX luxury SUV offers segment-leading levels of safety provided by the world’s first BladeScan-type Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) and latest #Lexus Safety System +.