When it comes to high-quality, popular cars, it’s a sin not to remember the expensive Japanese brand Lexus. The Japanese produce the most charged crossovers for businessmen who need not only quality and comfort from a car, but also a premium component. One of these brainchildren of the brand is the model - Lexus NX. This car has undergone restyling four times already, and with each update a more unique and reliable car came out into the world. Russians also prefer Japanese crossovers, in particular, this model. The car is the leader in its segment. Many Russian fans of the brand do not know where Lexus NX is assembled for the domestic market.

The main markets for Japanese crossovers are the United States and Russia. This premium compact car for the Russian market is made in Japan at a facility located in Kyushu. In the American quality assessment rating, the Japanese plant received a gold award for the best car assembly quality. The design and capabilities of this "Japanese" will not leave anyone indifferent. The car is offered to buyers with three power plant options. Thoroughbred "Japanese" is quite popular in the Russian market. Even in spite of its high cost, the car has already surpassed many competitors in sales.

Exterior and interior

The next update of the crossover has made its appearance even brighter and richer. The massive radiator grille bears the brand's trademark. The dynamism of the car is given by the diamond-shaped lighting technology. From the rear, the car looks bold in the good sense of the word. The sportiness and swiftness of the crossover look is given by a traditional spoiler made in Lexus style. The car turned out to be quite compact, its dimensions are: 4630 mm × 1645 mm × 1845 mm.

The interior of the car looks no worse than the exterior. Where the Lexus NX is produced, they took care of the quality and luxury of the car interior. The soundproofing of the Japanese crossover is at a very high level. Therefore, extraneous sounds will not distract the driver from the driving process, and passengers from a pleasant journey. The Japanese have applied some innovative solutions to the interior design. Now the driver will be able to charge gadgets from a distance and control the multimedia system using the touchpad.

The owners have no complaints about the quality of the materials used for finishing. But, there are also disadvantages of the "Japanese", there is a little little space inside, the roof of the car is rather low, therefore, tall passengers are not entirely comfortable in the cabin of the crossover. But the back sofa has a backrest adjustment function and is equipped with an electric drive. The car has an automatic luggage compartment opening system. Its volume is 500 liters, if the rear seats are folded down, it can be increased to 1545 liters.

The technical side

The motor range for Russia is represented by the same units as for the European market. The base is a gasoline 2-liter naturally aspirated unit, producing 151 horsepower. The maximum speed of a crossover with such an engine is 180 kilometers. Where Lexus NX is produced took care of the economy of the car. In the combined cycle, the car consumes 7.5 liters of high-quality Euro-5 gasoline. The second engine is also a 2-liter, but already producing 238 horsepower. The maximum speed of a car with such an engine is two hundred kilometers.

A hundred will require 8.8 liters of fuel. A hybrid power plant is also available to customers - it is a 2.5-liter engine with 155 horsepower. Plus, there are two more electric motors with 143 hp. and 68 hp. Maximum, the driver will be able to accelerate this crossover up to 180 kilometers. The average consumption of a hybrid unit per hundred kilometers is 5.4 liters. The basic version of the car is offered only with front-wheel drive. The car has a traditional MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear. The car is available to buyers in three versions:

• NX 200
• NX 200t
• NX 300h.

The cost of the car varies from 1,448,000 to 2,350,000, depending on the configuration. The Japanese crossover Lexus NX will be an excellent option for urban operating conditions.

The premium car segment is like an elite club that only accepts a select few. In order to become a member, you need an appropriate pedigree, but Lexus managed to enter this club without any titles and regalia.

In 1983, Toyota's management, led by Chairman of the Board of Directors Eiji Toyoda, decided to create a new brand, under which it was planned to produce premium cars for the US market, designed to compete with the products of Cadillac, BMW, Jaguar, Lincoln and Mercedes. Benz (Audi was not one of the "premium" brands at that time). This project was initiated by the development of the brand itself. The task was not easy, since the work had to be done from scratch.

Marketers needed to come up with a word that would be associated with wealth and luxury, easy to remember, and at the same time euphonious. Of all the proposed options, the Toyota Board of Directors approved the "synthetic" name Lexus, which meant nothing, but was consonant with the word "Lux".

The new brand was presented in 1988 at the Los Angeles auto show, and in 1989 at the Detroit Auto Show the world premiere of the first Lexus models - LS 400 and ES 250 (the letters in the names of these cars meant Luxury Sedan and Executive Sedan, and figures - engine displacement: 400 - 4.0 liters, 250 - 2.5 liters). Thanks to their excellent consumer qualities, a wealth of equipment, the highest reliability and an attractive price, Lexus cars quickly gained success in the markets of the USA and Canada, setting off to conquer the rest of the world. Toyota's example proved to be contagious - other Japanese automakers soon followed suit. So in 1989 Nissan got the Infiniti brand, and Honda got the Acura brand.

1989 Lexus ES 250

1989 Lexus LS 400

Having occupied the niche of "premium" sedans, Lexus decided to move on and expand the range. So in 1991, the SC coupe-cabriolet with a rigid folding roof was released. To promote this model, the Japanese used not only the usual advertising resources: in 2003 the block-buster "Terminator-3" was released, where Lexus SC (already of the second generation) "played" one of the roles. The costs paid off with a toric: after the film was in the box office, sales of the coupe-convertible increased significantly. Inspired by the success, the Japanese premium brand continued to collaborate with American cinema, showing in various films not only production models, but also concepts - in particular the Lexus 2054, on which Tom Cruise escaped the pursuit in the fantastic action movie Minority Report.

2001 Lexus SC 430

Lexus 2054

Following the release of the coupe-convertible, the guys from Lexus decided to take on the SUV class cars that were rapidly gaining popularity in America. It was not necessary to reinvent the bicycle - the first sports utility Lexus, which entered the market in 1996 under the LX index, was a slightly modified Toyota Land Cruiser 80 SUV (with a 4.5-liter petrol engine, rich interior trim and an extensive list of options). And just a year later, Lexus debuted in the crossover niche with the RX 300, built on the Toyota Camry chassis. And the Japanese did not rest on this: in 1998, the LX 450 was replaced by the more modern and powerful LX 470, created on the basis of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100. face of Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. By the way, it was SUV models that allowed Lexus to succeed in the Russian market.

1996 Lexus LX 450

1997 Lexus RX 300

1998 Lexus LX 470

2002 Lexus GX 470

Today the Lexus brand is present in all of the most important premium segments, and the lineup will continue to expand in the future. So the company's top-priority plans include the release of a compact crossover, which will rise one step below the Lexus RX. A prototype of such a car was first shown in September 2013 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and it will reach dealer showrooms no earlier than in a couple of years.

Country of origin "Lexus" - Japan (Toyota city). The Lexus division is part of the Japanese Toyota Motors Corporation and is primarily engaged in the production of luxury vehicles for the US and European markets, with Toyota mainly sold in Japan. The main direction of the company is the creation of elite expensive cars with the leading characteristics of comfort for the driver and passenger, reliable engines, transmissions, innovative systems of smooth running.

Brand creation

Japan, as a manufacturing country for Lexus vehicles, is famous for its unique technologies and innovations in the field of mechanical engineering. She had before and now has all the resources to create the best cars in the world. That is why in 1983, at a secret meeting of directors of Toyota, the idea of ​​creating a new brand was proposed, under which the best cars in the world would be produced. To prevent the consumer from associating with Toyota, a new Lexus brand was invented.

Plans and positioning

To create the first car, 1,400 of the best engineers and designers were invited. They were faced with a rather difficult task - to create a truly good luxury car that would outperform the competition and cost less. For this, a survey group was even created, which found out what exactly they want to buy in the United States. And although Japan is a manufacturing country, Lexuses were primarily aimed at the American consumer, since at that time the Japanese market was almost entirely owned by Toyota.

First car

The very first car was created in 1985. It was the Lexus LS400, which was tested in Germany in 1986 and entered the US market in 1989. Sales of the car began in September this year. Outwardly, he had nothing to do with Japanese cars and looked like a typical "American". The designers did their best, as this model was well received by the American public. Even then, consumers began to wonder what kind of manufacturing country it was and whose Lexus brand.

Subsequent models

The second car was "painted" by Giorgetto Giugiaro. We are talking about the Lexus GS300 with a streamlined body. The most successful was the modification of the Lexus GS300 3T with a forced engine, created by the Cologne branch of Motosport, owned by Toyota.

A year after entering the US market, the American press named the Lexus LS400 sedan the best imported car. However, there is nothing to be surprised at here, since the car, with its high power, had low fuel consumption due to its successful aerodynamics.

In May 1991, a new car appeared on the market - the Lexus SC400 Coupe. He very much resembled Toyota Soarer not only in appearance, but also in characteristics. However, after 1998, the differences between these cars disappeared during the restyling.

In 1993, the five-seat Lexus ES300 sedan was also shown, which was a kind of analogue of the Toyota Camry in the US market.

Also in the family of cars from "Lexus" includes a luxury SUV with all-wheel drive LX450. It incorporated the comfort of an executive car and the advantages of the Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ 80 SUV, popular in Japan. A little later, an improved version of the all-wheel drive jeep - Lexus LX470 - appeared.

1998 in the history of the company will be remembered by showing the first car with the IS index. In the spring of next year, the first IS200 model from Lexus appeared on the American market. The body shape and technical characteristics of the car made it a racing model.

In the country of origin, Lexus developed rather quickly due to the high consumer demand for these cars in the United States. At the beginning of 2000, updates were expected. First, the IS300 was shown in Los Angeles, and then in Detroit, everyone saw the successful reincarnation of the LS400 - LS430. In fact, this is the flagship among cars, which had the most innovative technologies, navigation system, expensive leather interior, as well as a powerful V8 engine with a capacity of 280 horsepower. It could accelerate to 100 km / h in just 6.7 seconds. With all this, he had a minimum drag coefficient.

In the same year in New York, Lexus announced the appearance of the SC430 model, and also shared plans for 2003. It was assumed that in 3 years the Lexus RX300 cars will be produced at the Toyota plant in Canada. Note that before that, only Japan was considered the country of manufacture of Lexus cars.

Peak sales

The IS300 went on sale in June, and in August Lexus becomes the first luxury importer in the United States to sell over 20,000 vehicles in a month. At the same time, the improvement of existing brands is in full swing - the GS400 is being replaced by the improved GS430, which has successfully entered the series. 2000 results showed Lexus to increase its sales for the fifth consecutive year, easily outperforming other luxury brands in the United States. At this time, American consumers already know perfectly well who manufactures Lexus, the country of origin is generally trusted, and even other brands of Japanese cars are well received by the buyer.

In 2001, Toyota announces that the suspension and motors for the RX300 will be manufactured at its Buffalo facility. Shortly thereafter, the IS300 SportCross (with steering wheel shift knob), IS300 Manual Transmission (with manual transmission) are on display at the Detroit Auto Show, and production of the new SC430 is preparing to launch. In March, the car was ready, but by the time of the start of sales, orders for this car had already been scheduled.

Coming to other countries

By 2002, this brand was respected all over the world and it was understood whose country was the Lexus manufacturer. The first official dealer in Russia appeared in 2002. It was the Lexus-Business Car company. One year later dealers became two.

In 2003, the famous RX300 and the more dynamic RX330 were presented in Detroit. The latter had luxury options and innovative technological solutions. On the roads of Russia and Europe, this car can be seen quite often. In its class, the RX300 has overtaken all competitors. In the same year, the assembly of cars began at factories in Canada and Germany. And although Lexus cars are being developed in the producing country of Japan, they are being manufactured and assembled in different parts of the world, including Russia.

Plans for the future

The company said it plans to expand its lines of diesel vehicles for Europe, where diesel power plants are more popular due to less harmful emissions to the environment. There are also plans to develop hybrid cars for the US market, where hybrids are gaining popularity. However, such cars already exist even today.

Toyota, whose Lexus brand is not very popular in the producing country of Japan, also plans to occupy most of its home market. However, this is not surprising, because Lexus was primarily focused on other countries, since Japan was already buying Toyota cars with might and main. A new brand was not needed for this at all.

Conclusion

The once unknown brand has become very popular, and today everyone knows where Lexus is produced. The country of origin, thanks to this brand (and not only to it), has created an excellent reputation for itself as a reliable car manufacturer. However, it should be understood that most of the credit for the success of the brand belongs to Toyota, because Lexuses were not created from scratch, but on the basis of existing and advanced technologies at that time. So you need to remember who makes Lexus in the country of origin. This is the Japanese concern "Toyota" - the giant of the automotive industry, which today is one of the industry leaders not only in Japan, but all over the world.

The company produces luxury cars under this brand. Toyota Motors Corporation... Initially, they focused on the US market, which is still the main focus. The idea of ​​expanding the "luxury" market share originated from the management Toyota back in the early 80s. Work began in 1983. However, the Japanese were well aware that their cars are perceived in the West as extremely practical and reliable, but far from being the most prestigious. So creating a new brand was the most optimal solution.

In an atmosphere of the deepest secrecy, the so-called "Project F1" was launched (from the abbreviation "Flagship No. 1" – "Flagship No. 1"). Under it, an exceptionally prestigious rear-wheel drive car was developed, capable of competing in its class with American and European models.

The most original thing is that at that time other Japanese companies began to act in the same direction: Honda in 1986 launches Acura , Nissan was born in 1989 Infiniti... Tried to keep up with them and Mazda working on brands Amati for the USA and Xedos for Europe, which were supposed to be launched in 1993 (for a number of reasons, this did not happen).

The result of the efforts of engineers Toyota in July 1985, the Lexus LS 400 appeared. For several years it was “run-in” on the roads of Europe and America. Mistakes were an unacceptable luxury and the model passed the most rigorous tests, refined and improved. It was presented to the general public only a few years later - on January 2, 1988. At the same time, the new brand itself was presented with its own logo. It was promoted and developed by a famous agency Saatchi & Saatchi... According to common legend, the word "Lexus" Is a modified Latin word "Luxus" ("Luxury, splendor"). According to another, equally reliable information, the brand name was born from the combination of words "Luxury" and "Elegance"... Total, from the side Toyota several thousand people were involved and about a billion dollars was spent.

Lexus LS 400 sales began in September 1989. Outwardly, this car looked much more like its European or American counterparts than the "Japanese". It was originally developed like this, for obvious reasons. Initially, sales were disappointing. They walked quite sluggishly, and technical problems could not be avoided - about 8 thousand already sold cars had to be recalled due to defects in the wiring. But a bad start didn't kill the new brand. In 1989, 16 thousand cars were sold. This model "did not reach" the level of the same Mercedes, but it was more affordable and had excellent handling.

In the future, other models followed, more or less successful. Some of them have received quite prestigious awards. But the most important thing is that the brand has become respected and gained recognition. To date, the company's lineup is already represented by several models, including an SUV. Many half-jokingly, half-seriously call Lexus"Japanese Mercedes". These cars are sold almost everywhere. And since 2005 they have been available in the domestic Japanese market.