Lexus will celebrate its 35th anniversary in Canada this year. To mark the occasion, we’ll look back at 10 highlights of the manufacturer’s history in the country.
1998 Lexus RX 300 | Photo: Lexus1990: The launch of the first two luxury sedans in Canada
One year after its introduction on the American market, the luxury brand established itself in Canada in 1990. Lexus’ adventure in the country began with two luxury sedans: the LS 400 and the ES 250. The manufacturer sold 441 and 156 units in the first model year, respectively. By 1998, Lexus sales totalled more than 4,900 units in the country.
1998: The range is enhanced with the arrival of the Lexus RX
After launching the LX 450 in 1996, Lexus took a new direction and marketed the first RX in 1998. In its first year on the market, this new luxury crossover accounted for no less than 45% of Lexus sales in Canada.
2006 RX 400h | Photo: Lexus2003: The TMMC plant in Canada assembles the Lexus RX
2003 marks a turning point in Lexus’s history in Canada. The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada plant begins assembling the RX 330, and for the first time, a vehicle bearing the Lexus badge is built outside Japan.
2005: The first luxury hybrid vehicle is born
In 2005, Lexus began electrifying its lineup with the launch of the RX 400h. It became the first luxury vehicle to be equipped with hybrid technology. Two decades later, Lexus continues to promote hybrid technology.
2005 Lexus IS 300 | Photo: Lexus2005: Lexus passes the 10,000 sales mark in Canada
2005 was doubly significant for Lexus, which recorded precisely 10,107 sales in the country. This was the first time that the manufacturer had exceeded the milestone of 10,000 units sold in a single year.
2006: The Lexus GS 450h becomes the first sports sedan equipped with hybrid technology
One year after introducing the first luxury vehicle equipped with hybrid technology, Lexus continues its offensive in the field. The manufacturer presents the Lexus GS 450h, the world’s first luxury hybrid sports sedan.
2008: An initial F version is added to the catalogue
For the first time in 2008, Lexus attempted to enter the high-end sports car sector with the IS F. This sports sedan was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine that developed 416 horsepower.
2012 Lexus LFA | Photo: Lexus2011: Lexus markets the LFA, a V10 engine supercar
In 2011, Lexus pushed the envelope even further by introducing its first supercar. The LFA was powered by a V10 engine. Produced in small quantities, this high-performance coupe is still prized by collectors.
2014: The TMMC factory builds the first Lexus hybrid vehicle outside Japan
In 2014, the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada factory again captured the imagination by producing the RX 450 h, the first Lexus hybrid vehicle produced outside Japan. In 2022, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada will begin assembling the second generation of the Lexus NX.
2025 Lexus RZ 450e | Photo: Germain Goyer2023: A first electric vehicle for the global market
After investing heavily in hybrid technology, Lexus entered the world of electric vehicles in 2023. The RZ 450e is the luxury brand’s first 100% electric vehicle. This electric crossover can travel up to 354 kilometres on a single charge.
