Lexus LS: The true value of the flagship sedan as seen through sales and production trends

The Lexus LS is the flagship model of Toyota Motor Corporation’s luxury car brand, Lexus, and has established a solid position in luxury car markets around the world since its release in 1989. In this article, we will take a closer look at the trends in sales and production of the Lexus LS to explore how this model has been evaluated in the luxury car market over the years and its presence.

Sales volume trends from the first to fourth generations and what’s behind them

The first-generation LS brought a breath of fresh air to the luxury car market with its quietness, comfort, and reliability. Its success in the North American market was particularly remarkable, driving the growth of the entire Lexus brand. In the second and third generations, the LS continued to evolve, refining the performance and quality required of a luxury car. However, due to the SUV boom in the late 2000s and the effects of the Lehman Shock, the entire luxury sedan market began to shrink. LS sales also temporarily declined for a time.

Fifth-generation LS: A new challenge and its results

The fifth-generation LS, released in 2017, was an ambitious model that overturned the conventional concept of the LS with a bold design and a generous infusion of advanced technology. In particular, the improved driving performance achieved through the adoption of the GA-L platform and the evolution of safety technologies such as the Lexus Safety System + surprised the luxury car market. As a result, the LS has once again attracted attention and sales are showing signs of recovery.

Lexus LS sales figures

Sales of the Lexus LS remained strong from the start of its release, and it was particularly popular in the North American market as a representative luxury sedan. However, in the late 2000s, sales temporarily declined due to the effects of the Lehman Shock and the global economic downturn.

Then, in the 2010s, sales began to increase again, driven by growing demand in China and emerging markets. In particular, the fifth-generation LS, which underwent a full model change in 2017, was well-received for its significant advances in design and driving performance, resulting in a significant increase in sales.

Lexus LS production volume trends

The number of Lexus LS units produced has changed in tandem with sales. The main production base is Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara Plant in Japan, but in recent years, local production has begun in China and North America, strengthening the global supply system.

2022 sales volume

Annual sales of the Lexus LS in 2022 were 1,687 units .

2023 sales volume

The Lexus LS’ annual sales volume for 2023 was 2,087 units .

Sales volume in 2024

The number is likely to be similar to that in 2023.

LS production structure as seen from production volume trends

The LS is produced at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara Plant. During the first generation model, production was at the tens of thousands per year level, but from the second generation onwards, production capacity was increased to meet growing global demand. At its peak, over 100,000 LS units were produced per year. In recent years, production numbers have stabilized due to changes in the luxury car market and the shift towards electrification, but the LS still maintains its unshakable position as Toyota’s flagship model.

A word from the editorial department

The trends in Lexus LS sales and production volumes speak to the car’s challenges and success in the luxury car market. Even now, more than 30 years after the launch of the first model, the LS continues to evolve and offer new customer experiences. The automotive industry is undergoing a period of major change, with advances such as electrification and autonomous driving technology, but the LS will continue to shine as a symbol of the Lexus brand.

Lexus LS

https://lexus.jp/models/ls