Lexus LS US$1 billion, and premiered with a new V8 engine and numerous luxury features. The Lexus LS was intended from its inception for export markets, and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle internationally. The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales, and was largely responsible for the successful launch of the Lexus marque. Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been manufactured in the Japanese city of Tahara, Aichi. The LS name stands for "Luxury Sedan". Some Lexus importers used the backronymic name, "Luxury Saloon". In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji
Luxury vehicle than . This bracket includes the full lineups of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, as - unlike mainstream luxury brands such as Audi, Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz - these marques do not offer lower-priced, entry-level luxury or mid-luxury cars. As of late 2011, super luxury automakers have been "pledging higher sales and offering ever sexier models" despite the economic uncertainty. In Asia, one vehicle is recognized as being ultra-luxurious and very exclusive; the Toyota Century. First introduced in 1967, it was only available with a V8 engine until 1997 when it was introduced with a V12 engine, the only Japanese built vehicle