Toyota to make Lexus EVs at first independent China plant

Japanese automaker looks to follow Tesla by opening factory without local partner

20241223N lexus china

Lexus vehicles sold in China primarily have been exported from Japan. (Photo by Tomoko Wakasugi)

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Toyota Motor will build its first independently operated plant in China and produce luxury Lexus electric vehicles there, Nikkei has learned, in a move to take greater control of its business in the world's biggest auto market.

The Japanese automaker aims to open the factory in Shanghai around 2027, people familiar with the matter said. The plant mainly will produce Lexus cars for the Chinese market, where the brand sold about 180,000 vehicles in 2023.

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