Lexus

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The History of Lexus: Since the Lexus nameplate was established in 1987, the luxury division of Toyota has strived to establish itself as a leader in the prestigious automotive market. The achievement of this status is a result of years of research and development, and takes its roots from the tradition established and used more than 50 years ago by its parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation.

The story of how Lexus evolved from an idea proposed at a secret meeting in 1983 to the premier luxury nameplate in the world is an impressive one, with several key milestones and the top of the automotive world.

Aug. 1983 -- Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda, keenly aware of Toyota's long and outstanding history, decides the time had come for the logical next step (i.e the creation of Lexus). At a top-level, top-secret meeting of Toyota management, strategists and engineers, the question is posed, "Can we create a luxury car to challenge the very best?" The answer was not only a resounding "yes," but the conviction that this challenge must be undertaken.

May 1985 -- Lexus conducts its first tests of the American waters. A new study team headed by Jimbo attended focus groups and interviewed dealers in San Francisco, Houston, Miami and New York in an effort to "get to know the American customer." A separate five-person Lexus Design team moved to Laguna Beach, Calif., to study lifestyles and integrate design concepts suited for the American luxury car buyer. This team spent the entire summer in Southern California and worked closely with designers at Calty Design, Toyota's American design studio.

July 1985 -- The first of 450 running prototypes is built. It represents the work of 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, and 220 support workers.