MOVING UP

Lexus Manila Gallery is the new home befitting the country's leading premium auto brand

- By Kap Maceda Aguila

LEXUS in the Philippines recently moved into its new home — a multi-storey facility that’s not just reflective of the auto brand's premium nature but truly befitting its luxury-segment leadership here.

What a difference 16 years can make.

Not too long ago, it seemed that Lexus was more of an experiment than anything — a bold move by Toyota Motor Philippines to bring in the brand, and during a period of global economic uncertainty, no less. Rising on a 4,000-sq.m. lot on the corner of 8^th Avenue and 34^th Street in Bonifacio Global City, Lexus Manila remained the marque’s showroom and facility in the country. Three floors and 10,000 sq.m. of everything Lexus — which at the outset had as its centerpiece an atrium garden with real balete trees and mint plants underneath a skylight — was eventually outgrown by the brand’s success. Underscored Lexus President Masando Hashimoto in a speech at the recent inauguration of the facility, “When we opened our... showroom that year, we sold 172 units.”

This makes its segment dominance — first attained in 2023 and repeated last year (with 53.5% market share to the tune of 2,263 units) — an even more noteworthy achievement. Word has it that Lexus is set to do a “three-peat” by the time 2025 is done and dusted.

With total cumulative sales breaching 12,000 vehicles since its humble beginnings, Lexus Philippines (through Lexus Manila) made an easy choice to pack bags for a more appropriate location. “The decision to move to a bigger and better facility is intended to cater to the enhanced lifestyle of luxury customers,” said Lexus Philippines in release.