Worlds First Lexus Built Outside of Japan Rolls Off Canadian Line

Toyotas Cambridge, Ontario Plant Good Enough for Lexus

Canadians should be proud. The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection people have chosen the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) Cambridge, Ontario plant to build the all-new second-generation RX 330, the first ever Lexus to be built outside of Japan.

On Friday, September 26, 2003, the first RX 330 rolled off the line at the completely updated facility, with all the fanfare of a Detroit auto show unveiling. Dignitaries from both sides of the Pacific were on hand, as well as top company officials, witnessing an event that was many years in the making.

"This is a great day for all of us here in Cambridge," commented TMMC President Ray Tanguay. "We have been working for more than three years to realize this dream."

Toyotas total investment to upgrade the plant came to USD$500 million, money spent on a completely separate manufacturing area for Lexus. The facility, that even features painted floors, is bright and exceptionally clean. Its paint shop uses waterborne cartridge paint technology, while its welding shop is seriously high-tech.

Team members have been traveling back and forth between Cambridge and Kyushu, Japan, the previous RX 300 and current Japanese RX 330 plant, for more than three years, Canadian workers flying west to learn specific skill sets and adopt the high quality standards expected of Lexus employees, and Japanese team leaders crossing the pacific eastward to teach and help implement new methods and philosophies to the Cambridge staff.

"We found that a strong skill set is very important, but the key difference is the mindset," added Tanguay. "A Lexus frame of mind seeks perfection in every process, on every manufacturing line, and in every vehicle. Manufacturing Lexus demands a deep understanding of what customers want, expect and deserve in a luxury vehicle. We call it the relentless pursuit of perfection."

The fact that Toyota chose the Cambridge facility as the first Lexus plant to be built outside of Japan sheds a positive light on the award winning facility. Previously it received seven J.D. Power and Associates plant quality awards, four of which were gold.

On this subject Hiroshi Kawakami, a Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, shared the Japanese companys confidence in its new production plant and team. "Our companys philosophy is to manufacture vehicles where they are sold," said Mr. Kawakami. "Since TMMC is one of the jewels in our crown overseas, beginning Lexus production here is certainly in keeping with that philosophy."

This sentiment was reiterated by Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America President & CEO, Atsushi Niimi (who also wears Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation and TMMC Chairman hats), who stated, "I know TMMC has worked passionately to prepare for this pursuit of automotive perfection."

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.

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."

The RX 330 is expected to continue top of the chart sales for the Lexus brand; its predecessor having been the 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 workers 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.