It begins with a philosophy—two pillars, to be exact: Continuous Improvement and Respect for People. At Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), these values aren’t just etched into mission statements; they pulse through the welds, glide through the paint booths, and echo down the assembly lines where Lexus vehicles are brought to life.

Nestled in Cambridge, Ontario, TMMC is home to the first Lexus manufacturing facility outside of Japan—a badge of honour earned through decades of quality craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of perfection. While other facilities like Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) now also build Lexus vehicles, including the ES and ES Hybrid, TMMC was the first to assemble both a Lexus vehicle and a Lexus hybrid outside Japan.
A Canadian Commitment to Craftsmanship
Walking through the plant feels like stepping into a symphony of synchronicity. Team Members move with confident efficiency, a result of Toyota’s Global Production Centre training program. New recruits here train in designated “dojos” for everything from welding to quality control—each one a crucible for developing both skill and mindset.

Lexus production at TMMC began in 2003, and today, more than 8,500 employees across two plants in Cambridge and Woodstock work together to produce over half a million vehicles annually. In 2024 alone, 47,740 Lexus NX models were built here, including the hybrid variants. TMMC recently celebrated the production of its 11 millionth vehicle—a 2024 RAV4 Woodland Edition Hybrid. And in June of this year, TMMC secured its 23rd J.D. Power global plant quality award, making it the most awarded automotive manufacturing plant in the world. It’s no wonder the Cambridge facility has become synonymous with excellence.
But it’s not just about the numbers or accolades. It’s the small things—a Team Member stopping the line to correct an abnormality, the seamless transitions from one production stage to the next, and the pride visible in the eyes of everyone on the floor—that define the Lexus mindset.
2025 Lexus RZ 450e Executive: Test Driving Lexus’s Flagship EV

While the RZ 450e isn’t built at TMMC, it shares the same Lexus DNA—precision, innovation, and premium design. The 2025 RZ 450e Executive is Lexus’s first all-electric SUV on a dedicated EV platform, and it’s ready to compete in Canada’s fast-growing luxury electric vehicle segment.
Exterior Design: Finished in Ether Blue with a Black Onyx roof and hood, the RZ 450e Executive is bold yet elegant. Sharp body lines, 20″ gloss black alloy wheels, and a heated, illuminated Lexus badge up front give it a futuristic but approachable look—especially important for EV buyers looking for something distinct but still sophisticated.
Powertrain and Performance: Powered by a 71.4-kWh battery and dual-motor DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system (150 kW front / 80 kW rear), the RZ delivers responsive, balanced handling. Drive modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport, and the eAxle transmission offers smooth acceleration whether you’re cruising the highway or tackling tight corners.

Interior and Features: Inside, the RZ 450e Executive is thoughtfully luxurious. Ultrasuede seats in Thunderstorm, radiant front knee heaters, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic dimming moonroof, and 64-colour ambient lighting elevate the experience. The 7″ digital display and head-up display provide real-time information with minimal distraction.
Tech and Safety Highlights:
- Advanced Park with automatic braking
- Digital Key and Remote Start via key fob
- Lexus Memory System and Wireless Charger
- Premium LED lighting and Adaptive High-Beam Headlamps
- Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist
- Lexus Safety System+ with Blind Spot Monitor and Safe Exit Assist

Canadian MSRP: Starting at $79,020 CAD, with the tested model priced at $82,760.50 CAD including premium paint and freight.
Estimated EV Range: ~354 km (based on NRCan estimates; actual range may vary)
Warranty: 8 years/160,000 km on the EV battery, with standard Lexus bumper-to-bumper coverage.
Why the RZ 450e Executive Matters in Canada
With a growing EV infrastructure and increasing demand for premium electric vehicles, the 2025 Lexus RZ 450e Executive arrives at the right time for Canadian drivers. It blends Lexus craftsmanship with electric performance in a package that feels cutting-edge but familiar—a key advantage for luxury buyers making the switch from gas to electric.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Lexus manufacturing plant in Cambridge was a reminder that world-class vehicles are built right here in Canada. And while the RZ 450e is produced elsewhere, its spirit is unmistakably Lexus—meticulously assembled, deeply refined, and ready for what’s next.
If this is the electric future, Lexus is leading it with quiet confidence and Canadian pride.