Lexus Marks 35 Years of Luxury in Canada
TORONTO, March 17, 2025 /CNW/ – Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Canada Inc., is celebrating 35 years of operation in Canada. Since its launch in 1990, the brand has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and a commitment to the Canadian market, evolving into a global luxury lifestyle brand.
Lexus’s journey began in the US in 1989. The original vision involved crafting the finest automobiles, a goal that required significant investment and engineering expertise. After establishing a strong foundation and earning recognition in the USA, Lexus expanded into Canada in September 1990, launching with the ES 250 and LS 400 sedans. This commitment to imaginative technology, pioneering performance, and dynamic styling has shaped the brand’s identity.
Today, Lexus offers a diverse lineup of sedans, coupes, crossovers, and SUVs to Canadian customers. These vehicles feature a variety of powertrains and trim levels. The company’s approach has always been human-centered, aiming to deliver an exceptional ownership experience.
“The past 35 years have been an incredible story of innovation and growth – all defined by an unwavering commitment to our Canadian Guests, our Canadian team members, and our Canadian communities,” noted Martin Gilbert, Director of Lexus Canada. “For more than three decades, Lexus customers have come to appreciate and expect an unforgettable and elevated experience that’s become synonymous with the brand. It’s been a remarkable journey with countless milestones along the way.”
Lexus has sold over 450,000 vehicles in Canada over the past 35 years. Canada is currently the fourth-largest market for Lexus sales worldwide, with over 27,000 vehicles sold in 2024 alone. Lexus’s success has also significantly boosted the reputation of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC), a key manufacturing partner located in southwestern Ontario. TMMC directly employs over 8,500 Canadians and supports tens of thousands more through its supply chain and partners. TMMC also has the distinction of being recognized as one of the world’s best auto plants. It was the first auto plant outside of Japan to build a Lexus vehicle, and currently produces the NX and RX models, which account for 60 percent of all Lexus sales in Canada.
To celebrate this milestone, Lexus is hosting three regional events throughout 2025. Each event will focus on a different aspect of the Lexus story in Canada. The first event was held in Quebec City, focusing on the SUV lineup’s evolution, particularly the original RX. The next event will be held in Ontario this summer, highlighting the importance of Canadian manufacturing to Lexus’s success. The final event will take place in British Columbia this fall, and it will showcase the brand’s lineup, including its electrified products, and its dealer network.
Lexus: A History of Innovation in Canada
Here is a quick look at important dates in Lexus’s history in Canada:
- January 17, 1990: The Lexus Division of Toyota Canada Inc. announced the names of its first 17 dealers.
- September 1990: Lexus launched in Canada with the ES 250 and LS 400 sedans. Sales reached 156 ES and 441 LS by year end.
- 1991: The SC 400 was launched and Canadian sales surpassed 2,600 vehicles.
- 1996: Debut of the LX 450, Lexus’s first luxury SUV.
- 1998: The RX 300 was introduced, creating the luxury crossover segment, and accounted for 45 percent of Canadian sales.
- 2003: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada began building the RX 330, becoming the first plant outside of Japan to manufacture a Lexus vehicle.
- 2005: The RX 400h, the world’s first hybrid luxury vehicle was introduced and annual sales topped 10,000 vehicles.
- 2014: TMMC became the first plant outside Japan to manufacture a Lexus hybrid vehicle, the RX 450h.
- 2023: The RZ 450e, the company’s first global battery electric vehicle (BEV), was launched.
About Lexus Canada
Lexus Canada is dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services. The Lexus RX and RX Hybrid, Lexus NX, and NX Hybrid are manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s award-winning Cambridge plant. Lexus Canada’s focus is on creating exceptional experiences for its customers, offering a comprehensive range of luxury vehicles, with the largest electrified luxury vehicle lineup in the country. Their commitment to bold design, intuitive technology, and peak performance aligns with its goal of delivering the highest quality luxury vehicles.
For more information about Lexus and its products, please visit www.lexus.ca.
SOURCE Toyota Canada Inc.
