Is Lexus an Imported or Joint Venture Car?
2 Answers
Lexus models are all imported. Lexus Brand: Lexus (English: Lexus, Japanese: レクサス) was founded in 1983 and is a globally renowned luxury car brand under the Japanese Toyota Group. In just over a decade, its sales in North America surpassed those of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Since 1999, Lexus has held the top spot in U.S. luxury car sales for 11 consecutive years. Lexus Quality: Lexus has always enjoyed a strong reputation for quality in the industry, which is closely tied to its emphasis on the 'Takumi' (craftsmanship) spirit. The Lexus Kyushu factory, known as the 'Platinum Factory,' imposes extremely stringent requirements on its workers. For example, craftsmen specializing in interior stitching must complete a cat-shaped origami with their non-dominant hand within 90 seconds. Only those who achieve exceptional coordination between both hands are allowed to perform actual operations. What seems like simple training requires craftsmen to undergo prolonged and repeated practice. The decision not to manufacture Lexus domestically is likely largely due to considerations of quality control.
When I was researching car brands, I specifically looked into Lexus. It's a purely imported vehicle brand, with no joint-venture production involved at all. After Toyota established this luxury brand, the vehicles are primarily manufactured in North American and Japanese factories before being imported as complete units for sale in the Chinese market. Unlike Audi or BMW which have localized production through joint ventures in China, Lexus maintains globally unified standards. I think this is great – being imported means original technology and high-quality control. I've test-driven several models, and the driving feel is exceptionally stable. The downside, however, is the relatively higher price due to added tariffs and shipping costs. When buying a car, I advise friends to compare: imported cars offer stronger reliability but slightly higher maintenance costs, while joint-venture cars are more affordable but may sacrifice some authenticity. Overall, Lexus's imported status is part of its premium brand image.