Niimi also stated, "Lexus is a success story because there is no compromise in its manufacture, as it always reflects the voice of the customer." This is no news to the automotive media that crowded into the facility to witness the landmark event, nor the many Lexus customers that have helped the brand become a sales and quality leader in North America since its 1990 introduction.
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| "The RX 300 quickly became our best-selling Lexus when introduced five years ago, revolutionizing the way we perceive luxury vehicles." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
It was only two years prior that TMMC opened up shop in Cambridge, producing the Toyota Corolla. "Since 1988, customers have enjoyed the high quality vehicles manufactured here at TMMC," commented Toyota Canada President Kenji Tomikawa. "I know the Lexus luxury brand, now manufactured by Canadians, will be equally well-received. The RX 300 quickly became our best-selling Lexus when introduced five years ago, revolutionizing the way we perceive luxury vehicles."
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| Despite other manufacturer's concerns with sagging auto sales and the prospect of layoffs, TMMC has just hired 700 additional Canadians for the Lexus portion of their plant. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The RX 330 is expected to continue top of the chart sales for the Lexus brand; its predecessor having been Canada's best selling luxury SUV since its inception. Many consider it to be the first car-based 'crossover' luxury sport utility, having been initially based on the Lexus ES 300 sedan. Incidentally, the RX shares its general architecture with the Toyota Highlander and market dominant Camry sedan.
Also important, in a market that seems fraught with concern over sagging auto sales and the resultant looming worker layoffs, TMMC has just hired 700 additional Canadians for the Lexus portion of the plant, a facility that now totals over 3,900. The plant upgrade will also add to total vehicle production, currently running at approximately 250,000 units.