Is Lexus an Imported Car?

[LaCody]

All Lexus vehicles are imported. Here is the relevant information: 1. This is also the only brand in China so far that is entirely composed of imported cars. In the past, Lincoln was also entirely imported, but Lincoln has confirmed the launch of its first joint-venture model, the Corsair, in China in 2019. As for the level of Lexus, it needs to be analyzed differently according to various situations. 2. The Lexus brand itself is positioned as a luxury brand, as Toyota positioned it this way when launching Lexus. Theoretically, it should be on the same level as BBA (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi). In fact, this is indeed the case in Europe and America, where Lexus is not inferior to BBA. However, in China, Lexus can only be considered a second-tier luxury brand.

[Rodney]

Lexus is widely regarded as an imported luxury brand in the Chinese market, and as a car enthusiast, I have followed it for a long time. The brand was launched in 1989 by Toyota to target the high-end market, and initially, all models were directly imported from Japan, which shaped its pure import image in China. Today, although there is local production in regions like the U.S. and Canada (e.g., the ES series in Kentucky), the vast majority of Lexus vehicles sold in China are still imported, such as the LS or NX models. The import process ensures strict quality control and reliability. From discussions in owner groups, I’ve learned that this brings benefits like high craftsmanship standards and service guarantees but also drives up prices and tariff costs. Amid global trends, brand localization is inevitable, but Lexus’s core models currently maintain their imported status in China. I believe this is a key component of its luxury positioning, and consumers should carefully weigh the cost-performance ratio.

[LeMakayla]

I think Lexus is a typical imported luxury car, based on personal experience. I drove an older LS model and felt its design and craftsmanship were distinctly Japanese in style. Its imported background makes both the exterior and performance appear meticulously refined. In the Chinese market, most Lexus models are directly imported, while the few produced in North America still require shipping by sea to arrive, which affects delivery times and final pricing. If consumers are concerned about the imported status, they can use this to judge whether the brand premium is reasonable. For example, during repairs, I found that parts are often imported as well, increasing costs but ensuring durability. With the wave of electric vehicles, localized production may accelerate, but for now, Lexus still adheres to its import strategy to maintain its premium image. Choosing such a car requires considering the additional costs within your budget.

[MacSienna]

Having worked in the automotive industry for many years, I've observed that Lexus' production layout is quite fascinating: it's a Japanese brand originating from Toyota, adopting a decentralized manufacturing model globally. For instance, the U.S. plants produce certain models like the RX, but Lexus vehicles targeting the Chinese market are primarily imported from Japan to ensure luxury quality and minimize quality control risks. Under this model, the vast majority of Lexus cars sold in China are imported vehicles, although a small number assembled in North America also require customs clearance for import. This impacts sales strategies, resulting in higher prices but better reliability. Consumers can verify the origin label through the official website.

[ElainaDella]

From an economic perspective on Lexus: It is generally regarded as an imported car, especially in the Chinese market where mainstream models are purely imported. This leads to increased tariffs and shipping costs, raising the car price by about 10%. My analysis of automotive data reveals that this imported status drives up consumer costs but also enhances brand-added value, such as more durable engines and higher resale value. In contrast, non-imported brands may achieve more thorough localization. However, Lexus has recently accelerated its localization pilot projects, and future trends may reshape the landscape. When making a choice, it's essential to weigh price against quality advantages.