According to a Motoring Australia interview with Lexus product planning manager Makoto Tanaka, the brand is currently evaluating the addition of a truck to the lineup:
“It’s one of the study items so far we’re looking at,” [Tanaka] said via an interpreter.
Tanaka cautioned that the ute was “the least possible” of the vehicles Lexus is currently studying, which include a seven-seat RX and a compact SUV, but his confirmation that a ute is under consideration is significant.
Tanaka-san admits the priority is “very low” for a Lexus ute – at present – but with established European brands such as Renault and Fiat also joining the ute segment, it’s clear the segment is appealing to an increasing number of unlikely car-makers.
Lexus arguably has the most functional SUV lineup of all luxury brands with the GX and LX, and the idea of bringing a truck into the mix is intriguing. Developing a Lexus-level truck would be a tall order, but Mercedes has committed to entering the truck market with the mid-size GLT and it’s a segment ripe for some disruption.
What do you think — should Lexus build a truck?
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