WORLD-CLASS LEXUS LC 500 FACTORY IN JAPAN - ENGINEER EXPLAINS HOW LEXUS LC IS BUILT
This is once-in-a-lifetime experience of visiting the legendary Lexus LC 500 factory in Japan from the perspective of an Automotive Engineer David Chao - who has an extensive experience in automotive manufacturing. David just returned from Japan touring this specialized Lexus LC plant where only 18 vehicles are produced per day. No mainstream media has visited this LC factory, which makes this video truly special and unique. David takes each stage step by step, and explains in full detail exactly how the Toyota Production System works in this most coveted and admired plant within the Toyota/Lexus family. Watch the entire video to understand why the LC 500 is so special and why it is one of the best built vehicles in the world.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.
As a 24 LC Owner, this video is so very special for me! I thought some parts were hand built, but virtually everything appears to be hand built (assembled). Incredible. Brings another level of pride in my ownership of my 24 Bespoke Convertible. Love it! Thank you!!!
I also have a 24 LC, but in coupe. I share your thoughts. I've owned mine for 5 months. I hate rattles but I have only one. Surely it can't be Lexus' fault. The rattle is in the magnetic seatbelt holder by my left ear. I'll get it figured out. I've owned Lexus/Toyota every year since 1987. Lexus till I die!
If it were not for the money I would consider changing from the IS500
@@kurtbeck5809 If everyone could afford one, I wouldn't get it. No offence.
@@kurtbeck5809 It's not cheap. I think that's why it's so rare on the road. My 24 bespoke convertible was arond $137K out the door. That's 911 money. Completely different animal. I think for what you're getting, it's a steal!
@asong26 yes I love that vehicle...I like that white convertible with black wheels...maybe I should say wtf and go for it
I am the proud owner of a ‘23 LC500 Convertible. The car is about as perfect as it could be. Quick, smooth, luxurious, beautiful all wrapped up w Lexus quality. Honestly i can’t think a flaw or negative about this car. I enjoy the exclusivity this car possesses 🏖️
Thank you for bringing this experience to life David. Unless one has experienced the Japanese work ethic, it is difficult to compare with other auto makers
Several months ago I saw your video where you compared the 911 to the LC500. I had rented several 911s over the years but never an LC. Well, I had the chance to rent one during New Year week and everything you said in the video is true. The build quality, engine note, and driving dynamics are absolutely phenomenal. As much as I love the 911, (it's my favorite sports car) I'd rather own an LC. The one I rented had over 80k miles on it and it still operated like new. Meanwhile, my 2018 Mercedes E43 AMG has creaks in the interior (at 42k miles...) and cheap plastic materials. I'll be trading it in later this year. Keep up the great work and respect to the engineers at Lexus who built the LC with remarkably good attention to detail.
People complain about the price of these cars Vs the spec. They either dont understand or dont care about what into making them. There is value behind quality engineering and production and is something I will always be willing to pay for. Im glad there is a brand that ks doing it.
It would be impossible to get this level of discipline from American workers 😮
I don’t agree
True. Japan’s greatest strength is their lack of diversity. Diversity = chaos and death, as America is experiencing.
Indeed. The japanese value the quality of their work as a character presentation card of themselves to the world. They don’t want to be perceived as indisciplined in any way or form.
I agree! Just look at the quality of work you get from Boeing, Its shocking.
American cars are essentially built to be recalled. Tesla needs to have Toyota build their cars with Teslas drivetrain and battery.
Each car built by Lexus is a statement, reflecting the culture the history the values and the tradition of this great nation, respect and love from NZ.
I own one, a 2018 model, built in April 2017 in Japan as stated on the sticker at the driver’s side door. It is in infrared with black interior and with the performance package, it puts a smile on my face when I drive it.
THIS is the (Toyota/Lexus) way! Respect! ❤️🇯🇵
Built with care, I’ve said it hundreds of times. The build quality is unmatched.
3 things. 1. No wonder my 96 es300 with 300k I drove in college ran like a top. 2. The LC500 will go down as a classic in 25-30 and will actually still be running and in great condition. 3 you should follow up this video with a tour of Dodge dart production so we can see the two extremes 😅
Your 1996 ES is mass produced. Not comparable to how LC and LFAs are built.
@@FilmScape4KToyota/Lexus quality standards are consistent across car lines and factories though. Only difference here is 18 vehicles per shift vs. probably 100 or so for the ES.
Pick up my new LC500 convertible in two days, so this tour was invaluable. Thank you.
How’s the experience been so far ?
How do you like it so far? Thinking about getting one
I tried to get an appointment in the factory to witness the build of my 23 LC500 back in Fall 2022 but was not successful. Thank you for this video!
I can never get tired looking at this beautiful machine. Goal is to own one soon!
Jeez, I'm just speechless but Toyota is on another level. Insane engineering and process.
Best car in the world built by the best builders. Hmm who would have thought
Lexus is the best. Super nice factory. Amazing attention to detail. Japan is doing it right.
Thank you David for this upload, this makes me want a LC500 even more! We must buy one before they go out of production, Lexus LC will definitely be a timeless and hidden gem in the automotive world
TRULY WORLD CLASS PRODUCTION.
Thank you for sharing such an amazing and rare inside look at the production line of the LC 500. Such incredible attention to detail. You obviously have some extraordinary connections to be allowed in their production facility. The build quality of this vehicle is second to none. I just can’t believe how much of the vehicle is built by hand.
An amazing car and not by accident ❤ it represents a philosophy and an attitude of excellence 😊
I worked at a Toyota factory in Canada for almost 19 years. I then moved to the Southern Hemisphere and got a job in a factory that was so outdated I thought Fred Flintstone was going to be working at the next station. Recently we moved back to Canada and I now work for a very big Warehouse retailer. There are hundreds of people who walk in punch the clock do their job punch out and go home. Suggestions are NOT really welcome because the answer is always “ That’s the way Head Office wants it”. It is absolutely mind blowing that all these people are so disengaged for that reason. How do you build a culture within your company with that way of thinking for a Business Model? Oh wait a tick I think I get it now, Their is No competition so complacency is the norm, ask BlackBerry how that worked out for them 🤔 Toyota runs there business like a well oiled machine. You are engaged within 5 mins of working there. What a difference. Very well done David are you sure that gorgeous Blue 500 you kept following wasn’t yours?
Wow!!! Now I understand why my recently sold 205k miles LS430 Ultra had no squeaks or rattles! Everything worked except for telescopic feature on steering wheel! I was truly Blessed to have owned a World Class Lexus Vehicle built in Japan🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Thanks David for your amazing and insightful videos🙏🏼❣️❣️
I have a LS 500 I purchased brand new in 2020, and the Lexus is second to none. The LC 500 is my dream car and one day I plan on purchasing one. The assembly line is done with such great precision, organization, and perfectionism.
I've had nothing but trouble with German cars (cough Audi). I am very strongly considering a Lexus for my next car!
Audi is the worst
World-class tour, David. Thank you!
Truly astonishing to see the action behind an amazing car. I love my LC even more now!!
I love car plant tours. One of the key factors though is the quality of components used. Some German cars are beautifully designed but let down by cheap low quality components. Thank you.
Thank you, David. 6 months ago I'd never heard of an LC 500. Now I own one. A Convertible Inspiration Series. The outstanding quality of Lexus shines with this car.
That's the best looking vehicle on the road today..I really admire the prestige and elegance that emits from it's sculpture..
So amazing! You are the best David!
My GR Yaris was made in this same factory two years ago. Watching this footage makes me even more proud of owning one! Thank you David.
Interesting. When I bought my 2019 LC I was told the hand-built assembly line was made for the LFA and then was dormant until LC came out. It seems they make many models at that plant but I wonder if that line is now shared by the GR. In 2019 it seems it wasn't shared by any other car model.
@@IR-ry9bi As I understood Motomachi’s factory was originally built to make Lexus models only. Over the years this changed and also made high end performance Toyotas like the GR Yaris/Corolla and the hydrogen powered sedan whose name I don’t remember now. And yes, the LFA gave this factory it’s prestige as well.
The Motomachi plant actually consists of many smaller factories inside a large plant. So the GR section has its own area separate from the LC and other Motomachi products.
@@AutomotivePress Great piece!! Loved Lexus attention to detail. The GS and GSF were said to be built at locations at Motomachi aswell. Would love if you did a piece on the RCF Track or Fuji Editions the rawness of that car interests me more when I test drove them both in terms of Lexus focus on performance carbon fiber and aero design. Lexus make beautiful cars each for their own targets. The new emotion touring Japanese RCFs have a unique hand built engine balancing and also a specifically modified Torsen separate from all models prior that is said to be a great improvement over the prior iterations. Although the LC didnt inspire me as a driver per say; I understand its purpose; My taste finds myself loving the RCFs and the GX OT more than anything currently besides the LFA of course. I white LFA Nurb Package is a car I dream to drive and own one day.
Thank you David for bringing such an awesome experience. I am such a fan of Japanese cars specially Toyota/Lexus. The ethics, professional and reliability of Japanese cars is outstanding and beats every car maker. Thanks for such a great video. Love it
Very nice. Can we see the Lexus ES production line . I’m very curious on what the 2024 ES offers and what the 2025 will be like since it’s rumored to be refreshed
An amazing car, an amazing car factory. Looks like you can literally eat off the floors, it is so clean and organized.
truth! beautiful vehicle, beautifully built!
Torqued down to the tee, impressive! Lexus forever
Nicely done. American’s cars aren’t in the same universe. Thank you for the amazing video. I wish I could afford such a perfect machine. It is so perfect I would not want to drive on the freeways in Houston.😊
Loving these tours David, the quality of the LC500 speaks for itself!
would love to see the LC engine assembly if that is permitted
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!
A huge thanks to the entire Lexus team for building one of the most beautiful cars in the world. :)
That was fantastic! Thank you for showing us around.👍
Thank you. Great tour!
Absolute World Class Ride
Very impressive! Thank you David
Wow, incredible discipline and pride in workmanship!
Thank you David for this really great video - fully explains why this car is so special - amazing...
This is gold footage 😊😊😊thank you for sharing a master piece footage. 😊
Thanks David for this rare look inside! Great video to see the foundations with new tech!
Awesome vid! Thanks for sharing
It is absolutely incredible to see, how much effort, knowledge, experience and craftsmanship is invested into this brilliant car. Thank you for sharing of this excursion and the possibility to see it and to realize, what precision is imputed in the LC construction. Each wrench with precise torque measurement! Unbelievable! Can you imagine the investment into this kind of an equipment??? At this scale??? I cannot comprehend 😅!
You just made appreciate my LC even more! Thank you. An excellent video.
Definitely a huge difference between all the factories in each country. I have had the privilege of owning the Japanese made Lexus vehicles and most recently a Canadian made RX by the grace of God. The North American factories (including Toyota) have a long way to go in terms of Takumi. I have owned a 07 RXh (Japan) and now a 22 RXh and the build quality is much better in the 07. My hope is that Lexus/Toyota management would consider more input from existing owners like they used to. Even the car buying experience surveys are generic compared to what it was before.
Thank you for this video! I LOVE my LC500.
Thank you for sharing your experience!! I love the lc500, and I hope I can get one in the next 2 years.
Such a nice and well informed video. You even had the colors memorized!
Fantastic video David. Lots of great takeaways, and really interesting to see the process that goes into building these amazing cars.
Would love to see that in person myself. Thank you for the enjoyable video.
Excellent presentation.. Absolutely a high-quality product. Thank you.
Tremendous video. Thank you so much for sharing. It is great to learn more about the Toyota Production System and how it is implemented at Toyota and Lexus manufacturing plants.
very appreciate for extreme details to earn respect
What a great episode such an an amazing car
awsome video thanks for giving us a inside look at the way this is made ❤
Amazing dedication to quality.
Great tour of a great product. 19:47
❤❤❤ thank you david! Top knotch quality!
What a beautiful way to put a car together it’s a masterpiece.
This was a great video ..
The art of automaking by Lexus with play-by-play from David!👍
Thanks for doing this.
This is so awesome. 🏁
AWESOME!!!! Got My Gx460 last August, and the LC 500 is on my wish list....🤞
Great video ! Thank you .
Yes thank you David a truly amazing insight into the most amazing car brand in our time the Takumi masters are unique and amazing
Have a 2021 model. Love it! Love this video!
Great tour David, thank you! Amazing to see the quality and care they take on the car.
Great video David. That car factory is a form of art, it is just amazing to see everything working.
Great video, David! Hope you can visit more factories in Japan and soon in Korea.
Excellent video
Thank you for your efforts sir
At my dealer in Toronto noticing LC 500 in bronze , yellow and the LC 500h in that beautiful blue . Lexus on the park . Very glad my wife can’t see these up close . Amazing interaction in the factory
I really hope they are doing a great work of transferring this knowledge to their future generations for continuance.
His English is commendable, good pronunciation and clear!
So interesting, many thanks.
The LC 500 is so nice. They look wicked in real life up close and personal. Certainly on my "next car to buy" shortlist.
excellent video!
Thanks for sharing David. Wonderful to see these highly skilled workers creating these beautiful cars. One of the main reasons why I only buy Japanese.
I’m very excited to buy my dream convertible LC in a few years!
Amazing David! Simply amazing and thank you! I have a 14 gs 350 f sport which was made in the Tahara plant and squeaks are non existent. Even though my GS is nowhere near the price or exclusive as the LC 500, they even made my car with high quality materials.
Big thanks! This is above and beyond! Lexus is art not cars. I love my rc200t.
Soon as one becomes available i am getting this!
Love the video really makes you want the car too
Absolutely amazing craftsman. Love the factory videos keep them going. Love my LX570 wish I could have afforded a LC😂 but I can’t complain still love my LX.
I really enjoyed the video thank you. This is my dream car; LC500 5litre coupe.
For me it's the most beautiful car ever built.❤
It’s an amazing place to visit and Amazing car. Would love to own one of that near future.
Great video, would love to also see the 70 series factory and them being built if you ever get a chance!
Iam seriously considering a LC hardtop, will keep it forever
My dream car .
The pursuit of perfection