Photo: Lexus
Lexus might be very popular in the US, sometimes synonymous with the American luxury lifestyle, but the cars still mostly come on ships via Japan. Not for long though, since Toyota is trying the "built them where you sell them" strategy and is shifting production of the ES 350 sedan to the US.
Following an investment of $360 million, the ES sedan will be assembled at their factory in Kentucky starting with 2015, also becoming the very first Lexus vehicle to be produced in the United States.
“Lexus was founded in the United States, so it is only fitting that we are bringing the production of luxury sedans for our U.S. customers back to where the brand was born,” said Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation. “Today’s announcement is a major step in our Global Vision to make ever better cars and trucks, give regions greater autonomy to make the products their customers want and achieve sustainable growth globally.”
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) has its assembly facilities in Geoergetown. There, it makes the Camry, Avalon and Venza. The new Lexus ES actually shares its platform with the Avalon and is powered by a the same 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 made there.
“Lexus was founded in the United States, so it is only fitting that we are bringing the production of luxury sedans for our U.S. customers back to where the brand was born,” said Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation. “Today’s announcement is a major step in our Global Vision to make ever better cars and trucks, give regions greater autonomy to make the products their customers want and achieve sustainable growth globally.”
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) has its assembly facilities in Geoergetown. There, it makes the Camry, Avalon and Venza. The new Lexus ES actually shares its platform with the Avalon and is powered by a the same 2GR-FE 3.5-liter V6 made there.
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