The Lexus marque is marketed in more
than 70 countries across the world. It has gone on to become one of Japan's
largest-selling manufacturers of premium cars. It has also been ranked among
the ten largest Japanese global brands based on its market value. Lexus is
headquartered in Nagoya, Japan while its operational centres are located in
Brussels, Belgium, and Texas, USA.
Lexus division originated from a
corporate project to develop a new premium sedan, code-named the F1. This
project began in 1983 and culminated in the launch of the Lexus LS sedan in
1989. Subsequently, the division also added coupé, convertible, and SUV models
in its line-up.
Lexus did not exist as an independent
brand in its home market until 2005. All Lexus cars marketed internationally as
Lexus from 1989 to 2005 were released in Japan under the Toyota brand name. In
2005, the Lexus Brand name was introduced in Japan with the debut of the hybrid
RX crossover. Later, additional hybrid models joined the division's line-up.
Lexus launched its performance division in 2007, denoted by the ‘F’ marque,
with the debut of the IS F Sport sedan. In 2009, it launched the LFA supercar
in 2009.
Lexus
opened its doors to India in March 2017. It opened its first set of exclusive
dealerships in Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The first round of Lexus
cars launched in India consisted of the LS 300h, the RX 450h, and the LX 450d.
Lexus took a mixed approach to its entry in India by bringing in two hybrid
models and a diesel model.