WORLD-CLASS LEXUS LC 500 FACTORY IN JAPAN - ENGINEER EXPLAINS HOW LEXUS LC IS BUILT

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  • Опубліковано 17 тра 2024
  • 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.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 326

  • @asong26
    @asong26 3 місяці тому +126

    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!!!

    • @blisguy
      @blisguy 3 місяці тому +9

      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!

    • @kurtbeck5809
      @kurtbeck5809 3 місяці тому +2

      If it were not for the money I would consider changing from the IS500

    • @blisguy
      @blisguy 3 місяці тому +1

      @@kurtbeck5809 If everyone could afford one, I wouldn't get it. No offence.

    • @asong26
      @asong26 3 місяці тому +7

      @@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!

    • @kurtbeck5809
      @kurtbeck5809 3 місяці тому +3

      @asong26 yes I love that vehicle...I like that white convertible with black wheels...maybe I should say wtf and go for it

  • @davidmagen415
    @davidmagen415 3 місяці тому +15

    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 🏖️

  • @JonnyBeoulve
    @JonnyBeoulve 3 місяці тому +95

    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.

  • @dpledoone
    @dpledoone 3 місяці тому +72

    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

  • @CyFi6
    @CyFi6 3 місяці тому +17

    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.

  • @nashaatmahmud9052
    @nashaatmahmud9052 3 місяці тому +11

    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.

  • @nicolasmikah4168
    @nicolasmikah4168 3 місяці тому +12

    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.

  • @2URLex
    @2URLex 3 місяці тому +22

    Built with care, I’ve said it hundreds of times. The build quality is unmatched.

  • @solooverland3666
    @solooverland3666 3 місяці тому +31

    THIS is the (Toyota/Lexus) way! Respect! ❤️🇯🇵

  • @craigglenister8891
    @craigglenister8891 3 місяці тому +21

    Pick up my new LC500 convertible in two days, so this tour was invaluable. Thank you.

    • @kpodudu4501
      @kpodudu4501 3 місяці тому +1

      How’s the experience been so far ?

    • @pedrot1152
      @pedrot1152 7 днів тому

      How do you like it so far? Thinking about getting one

  • @lmphm
    @lmphm 3 місяці тому +2

    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!

  • @rogerthat117
    @rogerthat117 3 місяці тому +5

    Best car in the world built by the best builders. Hmm who would have thought

  • @alaingarcia4756
    @alaingarcia4756 3 місяці тому +253

    It would be impossible to get this level of discipline from American workers 😮

    • @USCfan03
      @USCfan03 3 місяці тому +12

      I don’t agree

    • @JeremiahAlphonsus
      @JeremiahAlphonsus 3 місяці тому

      True. Japan’s greatest strength is their lack of diversity. Diversity = chaos and death, as America is experiencing.

    • @Youtubax
      @Youtubax 3 місяці тому +53

      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.

    • @stevewilson6390
      @stevewilson6390 3 місяці тому +31

      I agree! Just look at the quality of work you get from Boeing, Its shocking.

    • @douglaskaye1395
      @douglaskaye1395 3 місяці тому +23

      American cars are essentially built to be recalled. Tesla needs to have Toyota build their cars with Teslas drivetrain and battery.

  • @TheCyberMantis
    @TheCyberMantis 3 місяці тому +4

    Lexus is the best. Super nice factory. Amazing attention to detail. Japan is doing it right.

  • @Pamsophydee
    @Pamsophydee 3 місяці тому +13

    I can never get tired looking at this beautiful machine. Goal is to own one soon!

  • @Mizt_Sim
    @Mizt_Sim 3 місяці тому +9

    Jeez, I'm just speechless but Toyota is on another level. Insane engineering and process.

  • @user-zj6mv6eg8q
    @user-zj6mv6eg8q 3 місяці тому +16

    TRULY WORLD CLASS PRODUCTION.

  • @A861967
    @A861967 3 місяці тому +3

    An amazing car and not by accident ❤ it represents a philosophy and an attitude of excellence 😊

  • @ronaldbryant7710
    @ronaldbryant7710 3 місяці тому +2

    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.

  • @likunjian1850
    @likunjian1850 3 місяці тому +27

    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

  • @ryanbeck3013
    @ryanbeck3013 3 місяці тому +27

    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.

  • @luisbarraza9709
    @luisbarraza9709 3 місяці тому +16

    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 😅

    • @FilmScape4K
      @FilmScape4K 3 місяці тому +2

      Your 1996 ES is mass produced. Not comparable to how LC and LFAs are built.

    • @chevyfan029
      @chevyfan029 3 місяці тому +4

      @@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.

  • @barrydrexler1323
    @barrydrexler1323 3 місяці тому +12

    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🙏🏼❣️❣️

  • @marklerfald
    @marklerfald 3 місяці тому +22

    World-class tour, David. Thank you!

  • @mrengineerAZ
    @mrengineerAZ 3 місяці тому +8

    Truly astonishing to see the action behind an amazing car. I love my LC even more now!!

  • @markkennedy5335
    @markkennedy5335 3 місяці тому +8

    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?

  • @bmminc3001
    @bmminc3001 3 місяці тому +2

    That's the best looking vehicle on the road today..I really admire the prestige and elegance that emits from it's sculpture..

  • @raycollington4310
    @raycollington4310 3 місяці тому +5

    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.

  • @Louis1059
    @Louis1059 3 місяці тому +15

    So amazing! You are the best David!

  • @JustSomeOldGuy
    @JustSomeOldGuy 24 дні тому

    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.

  • @Youtubax
    @Youtubax 3 місяці тому +10

    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.

    • @IR-ry9bi
      @IR-ry9bi 3 місяці тому

      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.

    • @Youtubax
      @Youtubax 3 місяці тому

      @@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.

    • @AutomotivePress
      @AutomotivePress  3 місяці тому +5

      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.

    • @RandenMontalvo
      @RandenMontalvo 3 місяці тому +1

      @@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.

  • @hawkeshots
    @hawkeshots 3 місяці тому +4

    truth! beautiful vehicle, beautifully built!

  • @70diezel
    @70diezel 3 місяці тому +5

    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

  • @TopJoo7
    @TopJoo7 3 місяці тому +1

    Torqued down to the tee, impressive! Lexus forever

  • @adrianw3985
    @adrianw3985 3 місяці тому +1

    An amazing car, an amazing car factory. Looks like you can literally eat off the floors, it is so clean and organized.

  • @igp808
    @igp808 3 місяці тому +1

    Wow, incredible discipline and pride in workmanship!

  • @eaYVR
    @eaYVR 3 місяці тому +3

    You just made appreciate my LC even more! Thank you. An excellent video.

  • @bryanf853
    @bryanf853 3 місяці тому +6

    Loving these tours David, the quality of the LC500 speaks for itself!

  • @ayawoke9906
    @ayawoke9906 3 місяці тому +1

    Absolute World Class Ride

  • @RideTheTrack
    @RideTheTrack 3 місяці тому +11

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!

  • @douglaskaye1395
    @douglaskaye1395 3 місяці тому +5

    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.😊

  • @EndlessPursuits
    @EndlessPursuits 3 місяці тому +2

    Fantastic video David. Lots of great takeaways, and really interesting to see the process that goes into building these amazing cars.

  • @jamesclapp6940
    @jamesclapp6940 3 місяці тому +6

    would love to see the LC engine assembly if that is permitted

  • @jeromeroyeppen9939
    @jeromeroyeppen9939 3 місяці тому +2

    Yes thank you David a truly amazing insight into the most amazing car brand in our time the Takumi masters are unique and amazing

  • @user-zt6ve8st3z
    @user-zt6ve8st3z 3 місяці тому +2

    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 😅!

  • @E_Rice
    @E_Rice 3 місяці тому +8

    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

  • @karlkrzok4280
    @karlkrzok4280 3 місяці тому +4

    Great tour David, thank you! Amazing to see the quality and care they take on the car.

    • @marekhavel9174
      @marekhavel9174 3 місяці тому +1

      Great video David. That car factory is a form of art, it is just amazing to see everything working.

  • @philipjaffe8788
    @philipjaffe8788 3 місяці тому +3

    I've had nothing but trouble with German cars (cough Audi). I am very strongly considering a Lexus for my next car!

    • @reload.8056
      @reload.8056 Місяць тому

      Audi is the worst

    • @unebonnevie
      @unebonnevie 2 дні тому

      German cars used to be good, until they make them to last only 5 years, e.g., plastic parts all over the BMW engines.

  • @jamesleslie2356
    @jamesleslie2356 27 днів тому

    A huge thanks to the entire Lexus team for building one of the most beautiful cars in the world. :)

  • @You-All-Pokai
    @You-All-Pokai 3 місяці тому +2

    very appreciate for extreme details to earn respect

  • @BOEHHO89
    @BOEHHO89 3 місяці тому +3

    My dream car .

  • @snyper701
    @snyper701 2 місяці тому

    For me it's the most beautiful car ever built.❤

  • @ginobozzi3954
    @ginobozzi3954 3 місяці тому +1

    What a beautiful way to put a car together it’s a masterpiece.

  • @kurtbeck5809
    @kurtbeck5809 3 місяці тому +4

    Would love to see that in person myself. Thank you for the enjoyable video.

  • @bubba4072
    @bubba4072 3 місяці тому +1

    That was fantastic! Thank you for showing us around.👍

  •  3 місяці тому +2

    I would love to go to Japan and see the factories in person

  • @jd2plus2
    @jd2plus2 3 місяці тому +1

    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

  • @theofficialpeterkim
    @theofficialpeterkim 3 місяці тому +2

    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.

  • @nighthawktheflyingspur
    @nighthawktheflyingspur 3 місяці тому +1

    Very impressive! Thank you David

  • @Sleeper47
    @Sleeper47 3 місяці тому

    His English is commendable, good pronunciation and clear!

  • @tcpwiz1
    @tcpwiz1 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you. Great tour!

  • @Magmade_
    @Magmade_ 3 місяці тому +2

    Thank you for this video! I LOVE my LC500.

  • @gembabrad
    @gembabrad 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks David for this rare look inside! Great video to see the foundations with new tech!

  • @rickgeiger4045
    @rickgeiger4045 3 місяці тому +2

    Excellent presentation.. Absolutely a high-quality product.
    Thank you.

  • @CeeJay591
    @CeeJay591 3 місяці тому

    Thank you David for this really great video - fully explains why this car is so special - amazing...

  • @jaythor7123
    @jaythor7123 3 місяці тому +3

    Awesome vid! Thanks for sharing

  • @shaneh734
    @shaneh734 3 місяці тому +4

    Beautiful car!

  • @chrisdakins2010
    @chrisdakins2010 3 місяці тому +1

    This is a great video! If they put a manual transmission in the LC it would be an absolutely perfect car!

  • @precinctplay3142
    @precinctplay3142 3 місяці тому

    This is gold footage 😊😊😊thank you for sharing a master piece footage. 😊

  • @CLJCL
    @CLJCL 3 місяці тому +6

    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.

  • @jonwarren101
    @jonwarren101 3 місяці тому +1

    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.

  • @vpwl
    @vpwl 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your experience!! I love the lc500, and I hope I can get one in the next 2 years.

  • @savagegeese
    @savagegeese 3 місяці тому +1

    Thanks for doing this.

  • @UtahJohnnyL
    @UtahJohnnyL 14 днів тому

    Thank you for the amazing tour, an amazing facility that I have always been curious about since the LFA was produced there. I too am an LC500 owner of four years now. I've owned over 100+ cars so far, and the 2018 LC500 I have is most certainly one special car. It just checks so many boxes for me and is an amazing vehicle. I am not alone in my feelings, automotive journalists from all over sing praise about this car as well. Thanks again!

  • @gahbah274
    @gahbah274 3 місяці тому

    Such a nice and well informed video. You even had the colors memorized!

  • @FreedomLover170
    @FreedomLover170 3 місяці тому +1

    awsome video thanks for giving us a inside look at the way this is made ❤

  • @wallochdm1
    @wallochdm1 Місяць тому

    Amazing dedication to quality.

  • @LCculater
    @LCculater Місяць тому

    Great video ! Thank you .

  • @erickonassis6310
    @erickonassis6310 3 місяці тому +3

    This was a great video ..

  • @fmini8418
    @fmini8418 3 місяці тому +2

    What a great episode such an an amazing car

  • @eddieg6436
    @eddieg6436 3 місяці тому +1

    I’m very excited to buy my dream convertible LC in a few years!

  • @garyclark6747
    @garyclark6747 3 місяці тому +1

    Great tour of a great product. 19:47

  • @montyboy5436
    @montyboy5436 3 місяці тому +1

    Quality is built into The System. Quality begins with transformation of the individual. (Deming)
    I love my RX350, 2010 with 210,000 miles. Perfect, no squeaks, no rattles. Enjoy your work, thank you.

  • @jimtyme
    @jimtyme 3 місяці тому +3

    Excellent video

  • @davidkeenan5989
    @davidkeenan5989 3 місяці тому +1

    So interesting, many thanks.

  • @carloskissoondhan9641
    @carloskissoondhan9641 3 місяці тому

    This is so awesome. 🏁

  • @eftim1932
    @eftim1932 3 місяці тому +1

    Dream car.

  • @gavinj01
    @gavinj01 2 місяці тому

    This is the Grand Seiko of automotive manufacturing.

  • @Sayres434
    @Sayres434 2 місяці тому

    The pursuit of perfection

  • @wongchai807
    @wongchai807 3 місяці тому

    ❤❤❤ thank you david! Top knotch quality!

  • @aalkurdi
    @aalkurdi 3 місяці тому

    Thank you for your efforts sir

  • @phapnguyen7336
    @phapnguyen7336 3 місяці тому +1

    AWESOME!!!! Got My Gx460 last August, and the LC 500 is on my wish list....🤞

  • @kosanmr2
    @kosanmr2 3 місяці тому +2

    excellent video!

  • @user-hx8lt9fk9d
    @user-hx8lt9fk9d 2 місяці тому

    Have a 2021 model. Love it! Love this video!

  • @josephalba978
    @josephalba978 3 місяці тому

    Great video, David! Hope you can visit more factories in Japan and soon in Korea.

  • @esteve72
    @esteve72 3 місяці тому

    The art of automaking by Lexus with play-by-play from David!👍

  • @bonusshaker9260
    @bonusshaker9260 3 місяці тому +2

    Wow didn't realise they were hand assembled. I had 2 x SC400 JDM spec, SC430 and GS450h in the past. I will get a LC500c before we are all force to drive EVs. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Unacceptable.
    @Unacceptable. 2 місяці тому

    A legendary car introduced by the legendary actor Jackie Chan himself... This video is a treat.
    Thank you Toyota
    Thank you Jackie Chan

  • @MrMacka1964
    @MrMacka1964 3 місяці тому +4

    Great video, would love to also see the 70 series factory and them being built if you ever get a chance!

  • @RandenMontalvo
    @RandenMontalvo 3 місяці тому +1

    @automotivepress excellent work love this work by the Lexus family and it showcases their art and attention to detail can you do one on the RCF FUJI/TRACK Edition to see differences of factory and builds. The insane carbon work on the Fuji editions interest me etc. Excellent piece.