Lexus wants to offer “as many options as possible” in the electric era, and a pickup truck could be among them
September 20, 2023 at 17:29
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This story includes a fictional rendering of an electric pickup that is not related to or endorsed by Lexus
Lexus currently has no intentions of producing its own iterations of Toyota’s existing ICE-powered pickup lineup, which includes the Hilux, the Tacoma, and the Tundra. However, the automaker does not rule out the possibility of developing a fully electric truck in the future if that aligns with the desires of its customer base.
During a recent press briefing in Japan, Takashi Watanabe, president of Lexus, confirmed there won’t be any Lexus-branded models based on existing Toyota pickups. Watanabe explained that Toyota is responsible for the development of pickups within the group, leaving Lexus and Gazoo Racing with other responsibilities.
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Nevertheless, those who would love to drive a Lexus-branded truck in the future need not lose hope. Watanabe added that Lexus will be heading the electric vehicle development in the Toyota group, and they “want to be able to offer as many options as possible”.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn for pickup enthusiasts in the next part. According to Drive.com.au, Watanabe stated, “If there is a strong demand from consumers for Lexus to introduce or unveil a pickup, it is a possibility for the future.” However, the head of Lexus played down any speculation that this might occur in the near term, noting that there are currently “no discussions” regarding a pickup.
Reading between the lines, Lexus seems to be closely monitoring market trends and will likely make a decision regarding their entry into the pickup segment at a later time. With the substantial number of electric trucks scheduled for release in the coming years and the increasing popularity of pickups in markets such as North America and Australia, it wouldn’t be surprising if more luxury automakers, including Lexus, decided to join the fray.
After all, pickups have transitioned from basic work vehicles to well-appointed and sophisticated vehicles that offer the comfort of SUVs, premium aesthetics, and the practicality of a rear bed.
