History
Lexus is a division of Toyota Motor Corporation, first introduced in 1989. The Lexus luxury vehicle has become Japan’s largest-selling make of premium cars. It is ranked among Japan’s 10 largest global brands. The Lexus headquarters are located in Nagoya, Japan with operational centers in Belgium and California.
Lippincott & Margulies were hired to develop prospective names and ‘Alexis’ quickly became a front-runner. The name was based on the Dynasty character, Alexis Carrington. There have been claims that the name is a combination of luxury and elegance.
Major Events
Starting out in Japan, Lexus is now available in over 70 countries and has grown its reputation as one of the most luxurious auto makers in the world. In 1996, Lexus moved production into the SUV environment after feedback from their customers who had loved the LS 400, one of their staple luxury cars in the 90s. In 1996, the LX 450 was introduced with great success, and Lexus has never looked back. In 1998, they introduced their first crossover SUV in the form of the RX 300, and the second generation GS sedans, firming up their international presence of an auto maker that would be here to stay.
Given its brief history, most companies would be hard-pressed to achieve the success that Lexus garnered, but with the backing of Toyota and industry experience, the brand seemed to have excellent timing. However, by 2005, at the ripe age of 16, Lexus was ready to split from its parent Company and go out into the world on its own. Lexus made the split, and reorganised itself in 2005, and also introduced its models in Japan, where previously it only exported vehicles, now they were available for sale. The vehicle quickly spread throughout other areas of Asia, and won top sales awards in South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, and other countries throughout the remainder of the decade. In 2006, Lexus was recognized as the third best in Australian luxury car sales, proving that it would be a contender in the luxury market.
Going Forward
With such a history of success behind it, Lexus has totally raised the bar on future technologies by driving a green initiative, as well as exploring self-driven models including a vehicle that can park itself. Other areas where Lexus continues to push the limits on technology and innovation are with their fleet of quadrotor drone mini helicopters that fly through the cities at night! They have used some of the most innovative sensing technology driven by complex algorithms to makes these little machines monitor, communicate, and fly independently. According to the Lexus International site, “it was about combining this amazing technology with Lexus design principles.” – http://www.lexus-int.com/amazinginmotion/swarm/
Other areas where they are driving new technology and innovation continue are the 3D printing environment, assembly, and design. Not only are they creating new products, they are also reusing and recycling older machinery and by 2015 plan to have a 95% recovery rate of older vehicles. Their commitment starts at the office where the focus is to reuse, reduce, and recycle everything possible.
Other areas where they have driven their resources are in developing Hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions and noise pollution that have been integrated into the LF-NX Hybrid. Take a seat and watch how Lexus redefines the future of transport with their innovative approach to green smart-technology and futuristic assembly and design.
